✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Nov-15
🎯TOPIC: FAITH AND WORKS



✝️ TEXT: Hebrew 3:7-4:13(NKJV)
3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice,
3:8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness,
3:9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years.
3:10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, 'They always go astray in [their] heart, And they have not known My ways.'
3:11 So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest.' "
3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;
3:13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,
3:15 while it is said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."
3:16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, [was it] not all who came out of Egypt, [led] by Moses?
3:17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? [Was it] not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness?
3:18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey?
3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
4:1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard [it.]
4:3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: "So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest,' " although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4:4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh [day] in this way: "And God rested on the seventh day from all His works";
4:5 and again in this [place:] "They shall not enter My rest."
4:6 Since therefore it remains that some [must] enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience,
4:7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, "Today," after such a long time, as it has been said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts."
4:8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day.
4:9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.
4:10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God [did] from His.
4:11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
4:12 For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things [are] naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we [must give] account.


✝️🗒️STUDY: STUDY: Our today's reading brings two things to light about our anchor in Christianity (faith and works), as well as the consequences of unbelief. God can give us rest in our family, career or any other path of life. The blessing of God makes rich and adds no sorrow, yet we see some people who have made it in life but still lack some things, like health, children, etc. The word of God is can be depended upon, but we need to act on what we hear from Him in order to see it work in our lives. The word says 'Let us labour to enter into that rest' - this takes work! Faith is not just believing, sitting down and waiting for God to perform but believing God and acting on your beliefs. You cannot believe God for an excellent business and not be diligent. Your belief in God must spur you to act. Faith without works is dead!
The word of God cuts across all things. It is quick, powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword and has the ability to intervene in all situations, spiritual and physical. Depend on the word,speak the word and act according to the word to receive the change that you deserve

✝️🙏PRAYER: lord i believe your word and i receive grace to step out in faith today yo see your promises fulfilled. Amen.

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Nov-16

🎯TOPIC: HE FEELS YOUR PAINS



✝️TEXT:
Hebrews 4:14-5:1-14(NKJV)
4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] confession.
4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all [points] tempted as [we are, yet] without sin.
4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things [pertaining] to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 He can [a]have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. 3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. 4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:

“You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.”

6 As He also says in another place:

“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek”;
7 who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” 11 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the [b]oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are [c]of full age, that is, those who by reason of [d]use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.



✝️🗒️STUDY: So many times, we are misunderstood, misinterpreted and misrepresented. There are even times when after adequate preparation for a task, and result would come out poorly. These situations might have caused us to almost lose hope. There are situations in which we are also disappointed in our selves, because of certain actions we have taken, or omitted taking.
Most people around us are impatient with failures, and some might not hear you out let alone give you a second chance. I introduce to you the man who despite your wrongs and your past will never reject you. The Bible tells us that Christ as our high priest understands our pains, tears and disappointment. So He can bring comfort like no other. It will be hard for someone who has not passed through such an experience you are passing through to come to your aid and bring adequate succour. Jesus came to earth in human nature and passed through every form of pain and struggle, so He can help you cope with all forms of disappointment life presents to you, and above all, grant you access to the Father. Are you rejected, oppressed physically or betrayed? He can handle it all for you because He suffered the same experiences. Your weaknesses should not take you away from Him. They should rather draw you to Him so He can help you in moments of pains. Don't hold back, call on Him today!

✝️🙏PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please get me conscious of your presence and works in my life, Amen.

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

*DATE:* FRIDAY 17TH NOVEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* IMMUTABILITY OF GOD'S WORD

*TEXT:* HEBREWS 6

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

6:1. Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary [principles] of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
6:2. of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
6:3. And this we will do if God permits.
6:4. For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,
6:5. and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,
6:6. if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put [Him] to an open shame.
6:7. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;
6:8. but if it bears thorns and briars, [it is] rejected and near to being cursed, whose end [is] to be burned.
6:9. But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.
6:10. For God [is] not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, [in that] you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
6:11. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,
6:12. that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
6:13. For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,
6:14. saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you."
6:15. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
6:16. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation [is] for them an end of all dispute.
6:17. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath,
6:18. that by two immutable things, in which it [is] impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before [us.]
6:19. This [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence [behind] the veil,
6:20. where the forerunner has entered for us, [even] Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

*MESSAGE:*

The integrity of anyone is measured by how he keeps to his word. So many times, people are sincere and give their word to people, but unfortunately, they are not the controllers of seasons and circumstances in their lives. So many times, a man who has the financial capacity to fulfil a task, makes a promise but dies before keeping his word; even sicknesses or other challenges of life can hinder a man's ability to fulfil his words at a given time. Because man is within eternity, he is controlled by all the instrumentality of the changes and chances of life.

God is the creator of the whole universe; He is outside time and is not affected by times and seasons. He is not a man that He would lie or change His mind (Numb. 23:19). He created all things, so He can move all of His creation to favour His course. Have you discovered any of His promises to you? Relax; He is capable to fulfil it! By two immutable things, God cannot lie: firstly, He made a promise to keep to His covenant; secondly, He swore an oath to keep to His word. He has no capacity to change in character and will not start with you. He is capable!

*PRAYER:*
Lord, I believe Your capacity to take care of me, my family and my future.

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I will comfort you with My everlasting encouragement."_ *2 Thessalonians 2:16-17*

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

*DATE:* SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* TITHING

*TEXT:* HEBREWS 7

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

7:1. For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
7:2. to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace,"
7:3. without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
7:4. Now consider how great this man [was,] to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
7:5. And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;
7:6. but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
7:7. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.
7:8. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he [receives them,] of whom it is witnessed that he lives.
7:9. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,
7:10. for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
7:11. Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need [was there] that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?
7:12. For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.
7:13. For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
7:14. For [it is] evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
7:15. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest
7:16. who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
7:17. For He testifies: "You [are] a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."
7:18. For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,
7:19. for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, [there is the] bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
7:20. And inasmuch as [He was] not [made priest] without an oath
7:21. (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, 'You [are] a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek' ",
7:22. by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
7:23. Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
7:24. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
7:25. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
7:26. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
7:27. who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
7:28. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, [appoints] the Son who has been perfected forever.

*MESSAGE:*

The truth will always be constant in time and space. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 13:8, thus, “You can do nothing against the truth but for the truth.” Our passage today tells us about the place of tithing. We saw our Father, Abraham, give his tithe to Melchizedek, the king of Salem. Every man has a secret for his lifting, and here we see Father Abraham show us the trigger to God's blessings upon his life. God had promised Abraham to bless him but in this passage, He granted him divine wisdom to give his tithe to Melchizedek. God orders life with principles, and will not break those that cause blessings. He only opens our eyes to what we need to do for Him to intervene in our situation. That was what He made Abraham do to King Melchizedek; it is simply God's way of legalising his sworn blessing over Abraham. Again, we ask, who instructed Solomon to sacrifice a thousand bulls? These are inspirations placed in the hearts of men by God, showing them what to do to see His hand at work in their favour. Isaiah 51:1-2 tells us faith of our forebears in the faith. We must learn how they walked with God and do the same to obtain his promises.

Some argue that tithing goes with the law and is an Old Testament system! This is a deceit of the devil to rob people of God's blessing. The scripture today opens many truths about tithing: When Abraham gave his tithe; the law was not yet given. The law came with Moses and Abraham gave his tithe over 500 years before the Law was given. If tithing was a channel of God's blessing over him, it is wisdom to engage in the same truth to provoke the hand of God for blessings in your life. Tithing can never be old school; it is God's system to bring His blessing upon your life. You are not too small to give your tithe, neither are you too poor. Start from where you are now!

*PRAYER:*
Lord help me accept the truth and start today and remain faithful with my tithes, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"Delight in Me and I will give you the longings of your heart."_ *Psalm 37:4*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Nov-19
(Trinity 24)

🎯TOPIC: THE PRAYER OF AGREEMENT



✝️Matthew 18:18-20(NKJV)
18:18. "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
18:19. "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
18:20. "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

✝️🗒️STUDY: Agreement means to come into or be in harmony regarding a matter or opinion. There is something very powerful about praying in agreement with someone else. The word “again” used in verse 19 means “once more”and it evidently points to a repeat of the truth in verse 18 that every believer can have power to bind and to loose; it is expressed here in another form, that anything asked for by any two in agreement it shall be done (v.19). It also means that if you have been praying for something just by yourself and you have not got an answer, when you find someone to join you in a prayer of agreement, Jesus will certainly answer. When believers come together in one accord to pray, the heaven opens: The devil is put to flight. Problems are shaken from their roots and there will be total restoration, deliverance, breakthrough and healing (Acts 12:5-11, 16:25-28).
The effectiveness of prayer of agreement is found where there is mutual love which bonds everyone involved, either as family members or as the body of Christ. The best way to put the prayer of agreement into action is to pray with your spouse. Since the covenant between you two is stronger than that which you have with anyone else, then your prayers of agreement will avail much.

✝️🙏PRAYER: Heavenly father, let mutual love be evident in my family and church, Amen.

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

*DATE:* MONDAY 20TH NOVEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* A GOOD NAME

*TEXT:* ECCLESIASTES 7

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

7:1. A good name [is] better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth;
7:2. Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting, For that [is] the end of all men; And the living will take [it] to heart.
7:3. Sorrow [is] better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
7:4. The heart of the wise [is] in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools [is] in the house of mirth.
7:5. [It is] better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools.
7:6. For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, So [is] the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.
7:7. Surely oppression destroys a wise [man's] reason, And a bribe debases the heart.
7:8. The end of a thing [is] better than its beginning; The patient in spirit [is] better than the proud in spirit.
7:9. Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
7:10. Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
7:11. Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance, And profitable to those who see the sun.
7:12. For wisdom [is] a defense [as] money [is] a defense, But the excellence of knowledge [is that] wisdom gives life to those who have it.
7:13. Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked?
7:14. In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing [that will come] after him.
7:15. I have seen everything in my days of vanity: There is a just [man] who perishes in his righteousness, And there is a wicked [man] who prolongs [life] in his wickedness.
7:16. Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
7:17. Do not be overly wicked, Nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time?
7:18. [It is] good that you grasp this, And also not remove your hand from the other; For he who fears God will escape them all.
7:19. Wisdom strengthens the wise More than ten rulers of the city.
7:20. For [there is] not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin.
7:21. Also do not take to heart everything people say, Lest you hear your servant cursing you.
7:22. For many times, also, your own heart has known That even you have cursed others.
7:23. All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, "I will be wise"; But it [was] far from me.
7:24. As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep, Who can find it out?
7:25. I applied my heart to know, To search and seek out wisdom and the reason [of things,] To know the wickedness of folly, Even of foolishness [and] madness.
7:26. And I find more bitter than death The woman whose heart [is] snares and nets, Whose hands [are] fetters. He who pleases God shall escape from her, But the sinner shall be trapped by her.
7:27. " Here is what I have found," says the Preacher, "[Adding] one thing to the other to find out the reason,
7:28. Which my soul still seeks but I cannot find: One man among a thousand I have found, But a woman among all these I have not found.
7:29. Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes."

*MESSAGE:*

The word 'name' means _“reputation”_ , _“standing”_ or _“the general estimation and recognition of a person.”_ A good name used in verse one represents influence and reputation; it is evidence of character and is better than precious ointment. The ointment could represent a kind of perfume which covers the ills and scent of body odour. Good character creates a good name; in the Bible, there are various people with good names e. g. Noah (Gen. 7:1); Job (Job 1:1); Ruth (Ruth 2:11-12); Jesus (Luke 2:52); Mary (Luke 1: 26-31), etc. In our country, there are many names we cannot help but mention with deep reverence because of their contributions. Examples include the late Obafemi Awolowo, the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, the late Ahmadu Bello, the late Bishop Ajayi Crowther, etc. There were also those who in their own generation, left names no one would wish even now to bear. This is because their names are associated with dishonour, wickedness, corruption all that is evil in human nature.

Today, it is saddening to see some of our youths destroying their names by involving in ritual killings, advance fee fraud, prostitution, kidnapping and corruption. Proverbs 3:3-4 admonishes us “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man.” A good name in the sight of God and man is more honourable than all the riches in the world (Prov. 22:1; Mat.5:16).

*PRAYER:*
Almighty God, help me to keep my reputation in this generation, in Jesus' _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I look throughout the earth to strengthen those who belong to me."_ *2 Chronicles 16: 9*

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

*DATE:* TUESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* LIFE IS NOT FAIR

*TEXT:* ECCLESIASTES 8

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

8:1. Who [is] like a wise [man?] And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, And the sternness of his face is changed.
8:2. I [say,] "Keep the king's commandment for the sake of your oath to God.
8:3. "Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him."
8:4. Where the word of a king [is, there is] power; And who may say to him, "What are you doing?"
8:5. He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment,
8:6. Because for every matter there is a time and judgment, Though the misery of man increases greatly.
8:7. For he does not know what will happen; So who can tell him when it will occur?
8:8. No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, And no one has power in the day of death. [There is] no release from that war, And wickedness will not deliver those who are given to it.
8:9. All this I have seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: [There is] a time in which one man rules over another to his own hurt.
8:10. Then I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of holiness, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done. This also [is] vanity.
8:11. Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
8:12. Though a sinner does evil a hundred [times,] and his [days] are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him.
8:13. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong [his] days, [which are] as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.
8:14. There is a vanity which occurs on earth, that there are just [men] to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked [men] to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also [is] vanity.
8:15. So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor [all] the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.
8:16. When I applied my heart to know wisdom and to see the business that is done on earth, even though one sees no sleep day or night,
8:17. then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover [it,] yet he will not find [it;] moreover, though a wise [man] attempts to know [it,] he will not be able to find [it.]

*MESSAGE:*

Life is filled with hardship and disappointments as well as blessings and joy. The world is full of all manners of crimes and injustice. The persecution of Christians is rising and godly men and women often go unnoticed. In verse 14, the unrighteous appears to have their ways and prosper, while the just are oppressed and persecuted. This is man's viewpoint and even the righteous are tempted to look at life this way. However, God already set the unrighteous in a slippery place and their destruction is imminent (Psa. 73:18). The wicked will reap their rewards now and hereafter, but the righteous will be blessed and will enjoy the riches of grace. Thus, regardless of what a just man suffers here, he is on the side of profit side and should see everything from this standpoint (v.12).

As Christians, all things work together for our good (Rom. 8:28). This is the comfort of the righteous that God will bring out His purpose for our life and will reward every man according to his deeds (Rev. 22:12).

*PRAYER:*
Lord, help me to deny ungodliness and worldly lust, so that I may live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world through Jesus Christ our Lord. _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I will be your safe place in difficult times."_ *Nahum 1:7*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Nov-22

🎯TOPIC: CERTAINTY OF DEATH



✝️TEXT: Ecclesiastes 9(NKJV)
9:1. For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works [are] in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred [by] anything [they see] before them.
9:2. All things [come] alike to all: One event [happens] to the righteous and the wicked; To the good, the clean, and the unclean; To him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As is the good, so [is] the sinner; He who takes an oath as [he] who fears an oath.
9:3. This [is] an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing [happens] to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness [is] in their hearts while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead.
9:4. But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
9:5. For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.
9:6. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.
9:7. Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works.
9:8. Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil.
9:9. Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that [is] your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.
9:10. Whatever your hand finds to do, do [it] with your might; for [there is] no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
9:11. I returned and saw under the sun that -- The race [is] not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.
9:12. For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men [are] snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them.
9:13. This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it [seemed] great to me:
9:14. [There was] a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it.
9:15. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man.
9:16. Then I said: "Wisdom [is] better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised, And his words are not heard.
9:17. Words of the wise, [spoken] quietly, [should be] heard Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.
9:18. Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good."

✝️🗒️ STUDY: An old man asked a young boy, “What are you going to do with your life?” The young boy replied, “I am going to university and get a degree.” The old man then asked, “What then?” The boy replied, “I am going to Lagos, get a good job and get married.” The old man asked, “Then what?” The boy replied, “I guess after I grow old, I will die.” The old man looked at the young boy and said, “What then?” The boy had no answer. Verses 2 and 3 reveal what we all know, yet the thing we try to forget and that is, all of us must surely die! For all the frustration that exists in life, there is one equalizer of life: Every person must die! There is nothing a person can do to avoid this reality. People live their lives forgetting that everyone must face the day of death. Our lives will drastically change if we constantly live under the awareness that death can await us at any moment. Humans like to assume they will live long whereas nobody knows what will happen tomorrow (James 4:14).

Many of us would make different decisions in life if we keep in mind that at any moment, we would stand before God’s judgment seat. God created man to have eternal fellowship with Him but the choice to accept His love is in your hands (John 3:16). Your relationship with Jesus here on earth will dictate where you will spend eternity.

✝️🙏PRAYER: Almighty God, grant me the grace to die to sin and live holy living, Amen

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

*DATE:* THURSDAY 23RD NOVEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* BE GRACIOUS IN YOUR SPEECH

*TEXT:* ECCLESIASTES 10

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

10:1. Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; [So does] a little folly to one respected for wisdom [and] honor.
10:2. A wise man's heart [is] at his right hand, But a fool's heart at his left.
10:3. Even when a fool walks along the way, He lacks wisdom, And he shows everyone [that] he [is] a fool.
10:4. If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses.
10:5. There is an evil I have seen under the sun, As an error proceeding from the ruler:
10:6. Folly is set in great dignity, While the rich sit in a lowly place.
10:7. I have seen servants on horses, While princes walk on the ground like servants.
10:8. He who digs a pit will fall into it, And whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.
10:9. He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, [And] he who splits wood may be endangered by it.
10:10. If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.
10:11. A serpent may bite when [it is] not charmed; The babbler is no different.
10:12. The words of a wise man's mouth [are] gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;
10:13. The words of his mouth begin with foolishness, And the end of his talk [is] raving madness.
10:14. A fool also multiplies words. No man knows what is to be; Who can tell him what will be after him?
10:15. The labor of fools wearies them, For they do not even know how to go to the city!
10:16. Woe to you, O land, when your king [is] a child, And your princes feast in the morning!
10:17. Blessed [are] you, O land, when your king [is] the son of nobles, And your princes feast at the proper time -- For strength and not for drunkenness!
10:18. Because of laziness the building decays, And through idleness of hands the house leaks.
10:19. A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; But money answers everything.
10:20. Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a bird in flight may tell the matter.

*MESSAGE:*

In our text today, the preacher points out how fools talk without thinking of the consequences of their words and thereby get trapped by their own words. On the other hand, the words of a wise man are gracious and win him favours but the lips of a fool consume him (v.12). In line with the writer's submission in our text, Apostle Paul admonished Christians in Colossians 4:6, _“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”_ In verse 13, the writer goes further to reveal how fools multiply their words, beginning with foolishness and ending with wicked madness.

Beloved, as a follower of Christ, let the word of God dwell in you richly (Col.3:16). Learn to exercise God's wisdom in your speech and do not forget that you will give account of every careless word you utter. You can either be justified or condemned by your words (Matt. 12:36). As a Christian, let your words express love, joy, endurance, encouragement, hope, tolerance and kindness in all situations. Do not be careless in your words; your words must not bring reproach to the sacred name of the Lord.

*PRAYER:*
Father, let my speech and action bring people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY:*
God says

_"If you love Me with all your heart, I will provide all you need."_ *Deuteronomy 11:13-14*

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

🎯TOPIC: THE BENEFITS OF POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO LIFE



✝️TEXT: Ecclesiastes 11(NKJV)
11:1. Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.
11:2. Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth.
11:3. If the clouds are full of rain, They empty [themselves] upon the earth; And if a tree falls to the south or the north, In the place where the tree falls, there it shall lie.
11:4. He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not reap.
11:5. As you do not know what [is] the way of the wind, [Or] how the bones [grow] in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
11:6. In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand; For you do not know which will prosper, Either this or that, Or whether both alike [will be] good.
11:7. Truly the light is sweet, And [it is] pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;
11:8. But if a man lives many years [And] rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming [is] vanity.
11:9. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.
11:10. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, And put away evil from your flesh, For childhood and youth [are] vanity.

✝️🗒️ STUDY: The opening parts of our text today contain words of wisdom about having a right and positive attitude to life. Life at times may be confusing and uncertain; on many occasions, one may not be too sure of what would be the outcome of his actions. The point here is to know that the uncertainty of life must not in any way be the reason for anyone not to do the right thing and act in positive ways. The passage contains the wisdom on the need to diversify - not to put all income in one project or investment- such that if there is misfortune in one area, another will bring profit. The second aspect deals with the benefits of being kind to other people around us, especially the less privileged in the society.
Brethren, there is need to apply the wisdom of God in confronting the present economic hardship in our nation. God is ever ready to teach you what to do and guide you in the right direction as He did in times past(Gen. 30:37-43; Psa. 23; Isa. 48:17). When you are instructed by the Lord, you cannot end up in unprofitable ventures. When God opens your eyes and heart to ideas and innovation that will enhance your financial status, your case will be like that of Isaac in Gerar (Gen. 26:12) and Joseph in Egypt (Gen. 41:33-40). You need to also show kindness to others regardless of the economic situation. To cast one's bread on the water means to lend helping hands to the needy; to show kindness to people (Prov. 19:19). Show kindness in words and acts today and the same will surely be reciprocated to you.

✝️🙏PRAYER: Lord, give me grace to be kind to people around me. Amen.

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

*DATE:* SATURDAY 25TH NOVEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* THE END OF THE MATTER

*TEXT:* ECCLESIASTES 12

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

12:1. Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them":
12:2. While the sun and the light, The moon and the stars, Are not darkened, And the clouds do not return after the rain;
12:3. In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, And the strong men bow down; When the grinders cease because they are few, And those that look through the windows grow dim;
12:4. When the doors are shut in the streets, And the sound of grinding is low; When one rises up at the sound of a bird, And all the daughters of music are brought low;
12:5. Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way; When the almond tree blossoms, The grasshopper is a burden, And desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, And the mourners go about the streets.
12:6. [Remember your Creator] before the silver cord is loosed, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the well.
12:7. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.
12:8. "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "All [is] vanity."
12:9. And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out [and] set in order many proverbs.
12:10. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and [what was] written [was] upright -- words of truth.
12:11. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.
12:12. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books [there is] no end, and much study [is] wearisome to the flesh.
12:13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all.
12:14. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

*MESSAGE:*

The writer of Ecclesiastes never twisted the truth- he pointed out in this concluding chapter that too much study could be harmful, especially if it goes beyond the truth taught by God through His words. Concluding his long speech, he unfolded the basic responsibility of everyone to fear God and obey his commandments, for all shall be answerable to God in the end for everything we do. Young people were reminded that the youthful age will not last forever; the time will pass by and old age shall surely come when the desire for earthly pleasures will virtually disappear. God who gave life will take it back; life would have run its course but man will be answerable to God to receive the reward of what he/she has done.

Brethren, when you fear the Lord, you flee from evil and all its appearances. Joseph demonstrated this fear of God in the house of his Egyptian master, Potiphar; he didn't only see sleeping with his master's wife as sin against his master but as a great wickedness against God. Because Joseph feared the Lord, he kept himself away from the sinful act. When you fear the Lord, you keep away from wickedness, unfaithfulness, immorality and injustice. Solomon as an experienced man who had tasted life, touched almost every aspect of life as revealed in this book, submitted that in life, the whole duty of man is to fear the Lord and keep His commandments because God will bring every deed into judgment, and every secret will be revealed. Beloved, let every aspect of your life be guided by the fear of God and let His precepts always be your delight.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, give me a new and contrite heart to fear and obey You in Jesus name. _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I will root your heart in the depths of My love."_ *Ephesians 3:17*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Nov-26
(Sunday before Advent)

🎯TOPIC: ABUNDANT LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST



✝️TEXT: John 10:7-18(NKJV)
10:7. Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
10:8. "All who [ever] came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.
10:9. "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
10:10. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly.
10:11. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
10:12. "But a hireling, [he who is] not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.
10:13. "The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.
10:14. "I am the good shepherd; and I know My [sheep,] and am known by My own.
10:15. "As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
10:16. "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.
10:17. "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.
10:18. "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

✝️🗒️ STUDY: Our text today is the revelation of Jesus Christ as the good shepherd. This was the continuation of the teaching he had begun after the healing of the blind man in chapter 9. Here, Jesus likened Himself to a door through which the sheep could enter. By extension, He is the door through which people could come to God the creator and find life, with freedom and protection. The Scribes and Pharisees who were religious leaders turned themselves to wolves and thieves, oppressing and exploiting the sheep. Jesus Christ, the good shepherd, sacrificed everything for the flock and prepared to die that people might have life and have it in abundance. On the other hand, the aim and mission of the devil as revealed in our text is to steal, kill, and to destroy.
The moment you give your life to Jesus Christ, He brings peace into your life; you begin to live a life with meaning. A life without Christ is clueless and full of crisis. Life in abundance is only in Jesus Christ, that is why Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians says,” Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come” (2Cor. 5:17). Jesus didn't just offer you a new life but life in abundance - life with a right focus. Life in abundance goes beyond being alive and doing something for sustenance; it is to live in fulfilment of what you are created for, living in an abounding fullness of joy and strength in spirit, soul and body. When you come into a new relationship with Christ Jesus, He cleanses you from sin and gives you a new direction for life.

✝️🙏PRAYER:Father, give me the grace life that I may live my life in you. Amen

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

*DATE:* MONDAY 27TH NOVEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* HE WILL NOT DELAY ANY LONGER

*TEXT:* REVELATION 10

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

10:1. I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow [was] on his head, his face [was] like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.
10:2. He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and [his] left [foot] on the land,
10:3. and cried with a loud voice, as [when] a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices.
10:4. Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them."
10:5. The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven
10:6. and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer,
10:7. but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.
10:8. Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth."
10:9. So I went to the angel and said to him, "Give me the little book." And he said to me, "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth."
10:10. Then I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter.
10:11. And he said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings."

*MESSAGE:*

God is not one who says a thing and will not bring it to pass. In our text today, John saw an angel coming down out of heaven with a small open scroll in his hands. The angel, like a roaring lion, gave a shout, and it thundered many times. John wanted to but was not allowed to write down what was thundered. Then the angel declared that God, the Creator of the universe who lives eternally, would no longer delay in bringing to pass all that He has planned for the universe. Everything that God has said through the prophets shall soon be accomplished. He determines the end from the beginning. Any Christian who is a keen observer of the events around the world, will attest to the fact that God is bringing to pass all that He has spoken by the prophets. He is doing this without delay, and yet at His own pace. He is hastening the coming of our Lord Jesus to take over the Kingdoms of this world, to reward the saints and to punish sinners.

Dear reader, if we know that the Lord will not delay in fulfilling that which has been written, let us not sleep like the children of the night, but as sons of light. Let us walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Moreover, as God is bent on bringing to pass His mystery concerning the whole universe, surely He will not delay in his promises to those who love and fear Him. Have you any promises from Him? Let your faith stand firm! His track record has proved him faithful; He will at His pace fulfil His plans for your life without delay.

*PRAYER:*
Dear Lord, I know You never fail. Help me to hold unto You without doubt, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I will bless the poor in spirit with My kingdom."_ *Matthew 5:3*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Nov-28

🎯TOPIC: THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU



✝️TEXT: Revelation 11:1-13(NKJV)
11:1. Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.
11:2. "But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot [for] forty-two months.
11:3. "And I will give [power] to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."
11:4. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.
11:5. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
11:6. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.
11:7. When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.
11:8. And their dead bodies [will lie] in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
11:9. Then [those] from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.
11:10. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
11:11. Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.
11:12. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.
11:13. In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.


✝️🗒️ STUDY: Many interpretations have been given as to what the two witnesses in our text today stand for or mean. However, one thing we know is that they were servants of God. They were very powerful and invincible such that whoever tried to harm them died by fire. But a time came that the beast defeated and killed them. Men who saw them as their enemies rejoiced at their death because the witnesses were so humiliated that even in death, they were not allowed to be buried. Their bodies were displayed for the world to rejoice and mock at. But suddenly, there was a twist! God raised them up not only from death but also caused them to ascend to heaven - to the place where Christ is seated over and above the touch of the beast or any power or dominion - in the sight of all who mocked them! Those who had mocked them died and others were afraid and gave glory to God.
Dear reader, have you been up there, full of life and bubbling in the Lord but suddenly the hour of darkness fell upon you and you fell? Or have you been mightily used of God before but somehow you became defeated by the beast and now it appears as though your body is lying in the public with tongues wagging at you and mocking you saying 'we said it, he will not go far; she will fail soon? Please, listen, there is hope for the living; there is hope for you. If God can bring back from the dead the two witnesses that had been killed, you can still again breathe in the life of God. There is hope for a tree when it is cut down. When it tastes water, it will sprout again. I counsel you now, reconnect you root to the bed of everlasting waters and you shall live again. There is still hope for you!

✝️🙏PRAYER: Dear Lord, I thank you for the hope I have in Christ Jesus. I claim your power of resurrection, in Jesus name.

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

*DATE:* WEDNESDAY 29TH NOVEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* CHRIST'S REIGN IS OUR JOY

*TEXT:* REVELATION 11: 14-19

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

11:14. The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.
11:15. Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become [the kingdoms] of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
11:16. And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,
11:17. saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
11:18. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth."
11:19. Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.

*MESSAGE:*

Today's text begins with an announcement: “The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.” The seventh angel sounded the trumpet and loud voices were heard in heaven declaring, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever!” It means Christ has conquered and has wrest authority from the prince of the power of the air who had charge of this world's system. God is fulfilling His mystery concerning the world. Satan and His host have been deposed and the Lord Jesus now reigns supreme and the reign will last forever and ever. To this end, the 24 elders rejoiced, proclaiming the greatness of God's power. They also reveal to us that while the reign of Christ will bring terror and destruction to those who had scoffed, mocked and rejected the Saviour, His servants, as well as those who fear His name, small and great, shall be rewarded.

Dear reader, Satan is the prince of the power of the earth - he calls the shot in the world's system and causes affliction and pain for men. However, his reign will soon come to an end; the Lord Jesus will take from him what rightly belongs to Him. Again, it has not been easy for God's servants and all who fear His name across the world to live facing challenges from the prince of the power of the air and his host. Christians are persecuted, defamed, rejected, denied rights and even killed for the sake of the cross of Christ. But nay, we rejoice for Christ presently reigns in us and He will yet reign as King over all the kingdoms of this world. Then, we will be rewarded for our love for Him. At that time, those who persecuted and rejected our Saviour will be brought under divine judgement; terror and destruction will be their lot. While the people of the world shall lament and weep, we will rejoice at Christ's reign. We will reign with Him eternally. Let us thus be encouraged.

*PRAYER:*
Dear Lord, help me to be patient and consistent with You so I might reign with You, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I will be your light and you shall reign with Me forever."_ *Revelation 22:5*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Nov-30

🎯TOPIC: JESUS, MAKING MEN

✝️TEXT: : Matthew 4:18-22(NKJV)
4:18. And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
4:19. Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."
4:20. They immediately left [their] nets and followed Him.
4:21. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them,
4:22. and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.


✝️🗒️ STUDY: Today is the commemoration of St. Andrew who was called by the Lord first to be a disciple and then to be an apostle. He was the first to be called by the Lord to partner with Him as He began His ministry. The Lord said to Him and Peter, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Andrew left all and followed the Lord. Before this call, Andrew as a disciple of John the Baptist, had heard John refer to the Lord Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” This had endeared his heart to the Lord. And when the call came to be made a fisher of men, he left all to follow Jesus who makes men. Before the call, he was just a fisher man - crude, uneducated and confined to the Galilean sea. But his meeting with the Saviour and yielding to him, gave him not only a prominent place in the world's history(He became to patron saint of Scotland and Russia) but also eternal inheritance (Luke 22:28-30).
Dear reader, Jesus makes men; He alone has the power to make an otherwise ordinary life to a beauty to behold, with eternal relevance. He has the capability to turn marriages on the verge of collapse handed over to him into heaven on earth. He is able to pick up the pieces of a life ravaged by sin and make it whole. He can do with anyone such great things that will marvel the individual. Jesus calls you too to follow Him; yielding to His call in whatever field of endeavours you are will leave you no regrets but testimonies of his faithfulness. So, do not hesitate; heed his call and follow Him now! Those who have done so have evidence of His goodness.

✝️🙏PRAYER:Lord, I yield to your call to follow you for I know you will make my life beautiful.

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

*DATE:* SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS

*TEXT:* REVELATION 13: 11-18

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

13:11. Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.
13:12. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13:13. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
13:14. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.
13:15. He was granted [power] to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
13:16. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,
13:17. and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
13:18. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number [is] .

*MESSAGE:*

The second beast works together with the dragon and the Antichrist to do evil and share a common destiny. It receives authority from, and carries out the wishes of the Antichrist. It symbolises those who directly apply the political, religious and economic pressure on the people of God to abandon the true worship of God. They do this by imitating Christ and performing signs and wonders. The second beast's programmes look good on the surface but all are aimed at deceiving the elect into worshipping the beast which in this case is the false prophet! Where people refuse to abandon the true worship of God, he persecutes them physically and economically, requiring everyone to receive a mark on the forehead or right hand, indicating ownership and allegiance to the Antichrist.

This false prophet has been active through false prophets, miracle workers and many economic-empowerment programmes and even employment opportunities - all of which are subtle means of getting people to bow to the Antichrist and receive the mark of the beast. But you must beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's' clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves, performing great signs and wonders and leading people astray. Avoid this mark by receiving the mark or seal of God purchased by the blood of the Lamb which secures you for life in eternity with Christ.

*PRAYER:*
Dear Lord, give me a discerning spirit to know the genuine from the fake, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"Every word of every promise that I have made will come to pass."_ *1 Kings 8:56*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
(Advent Sunday)

Date: 2023-Dec-3

🎯TOPIC: BE WATCHFUL AND READY



✝️TEXT: BE WATCHFUL AND READY

TEXT: Matthew 24:36-44(NKJV)
24:36. " But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
24:37. "But as the days of Noah [were,] so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
24:38. "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
24:39. "and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
24:40. "Then two [men] will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.
24:41. "Two [women will be] grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
24:42. "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
24:43. "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
24:44. "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

✝️🗒️ STUDY: The state of insecurity in our nation has made many communities to sleep with one eye open while watching out for attackers. By so doing, some have been able to repel disasters on their communities. Here in this passage, we are called upon to be watchful for the second return of Jesus Christ, which shall be a day of judgment. Instead of engaging in speculations about the timing of His return, we are to be awake and ready at all times. Jesus tells us why it is necessary to be watchful. The first is that the actual day is a secret(v.36). No prediction will ever get it right. Second, the day will come as a surprise(vv. 37-39), just as the flood of Noah's day. Third, it will be a day of separation (vv. 40-41), when Jesus will separate His people from the wicked forever. Therefore, we are to be watchful and ready, especially as await the second coming of Christ(vv. 42-44).
Beloved, you don't need to know when He is coming; you only need to know that you are ready. And readiness consists of having the right relationship with God! You must be born again. Then get to work; be about your Master's business. Remember, the day is closer now than it was when you woke up today. Whether you get ready and are watchful or not, Jesus will come back!

✝️🙏PRAYER: Lord, help me to be ready and to be found watchful of Your return, Amen.

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

*DATE:* MONDAY 4TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* GOD CARES FOR HIS OWN

*TEXT:* ISAIAH 42: 1-9

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

42:1. "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One [in whom] My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
42:2. He will not cry out, nor raise [His voice,] Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
42:3. A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.
42:4. He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands shall wait for His law."
42:5. Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it:
42:6. "I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles,
42:7. To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
42:8. I [am] the LORD, that [is] My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.
42:9. Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them."

*MESSAGE:*

The Babylonians attacked and thoroughly defeated Israel, destroying the temple and plundering her treasure. They completely destroyed the political, social, economic and religious life of God's people and took them to Babylon on exile. While in exile, many concluded that God had withdrawn His favour from them and was punishing them for their disobedience. Here, Isaiah reminded them that God had not abandoned them but was working to restore them to be a blessing. He spoke of the Servant God was sending to bring justice to all. Jesus Christ is God's chosen Servant in whom God takes delight and has empowered to carry out this task. He will bring forth justice and transformation to the nations. He will restore the full image of God in man.

Brethren, God's people are never denied no matter what they face or pass through in life. God does not forget His own. He cares for them even in times of difficulty. He sent His trusted Servant to earth with a mission to grant salvation to all mankind and He will not stop until this is accomplished. Rather than God's people dying due to disobedience, Jesus redeems us. He makes all things new, restoring God's image in God's people.

*PRAYER:*
Father, thank You for Your plans towards me even in difficult times, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"My family in heaven and on earth is named after Me."_ *Ephesians 3:14-15*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Dec-5

🎯TOPIC: SONGS OF PRAISE


✝️TEXT: Isaiah 42:10-17(NKJV)
42:10. Sing to the LORD a new song, [And] His praise from the ends of the earth, You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, You coastlands and you inhabitants of them!
42:11. Let the wilderness and its cities lift up [their voice,] The villages [that] Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing, Let them shout from the top of the mountains.
42:12. Let them give glory to the LORD, And declare His praise in the coastlands.
42:13. The LORD shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up [His] zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies.
42:14. " I have held My peace a long time, I have been still and restrained Myself. [Now] I will cry like a woman in labor, I will pant and gasp at once.
42:15. I will lay waste the mountains and hills, And dry up all their vegetation; I will make the rivers coastlands, And I will dry up the pools.
42:16. I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.
42:17. They shall be turned back, They shall be greatly ashamed, Who trust in carved images, Who say to the molded images, 'You [are] our gods.'


✝️🗒️ STUDY: Yesterday, we learnt of the Servant of God whom He sent to bring justice, redemption and righteousness. The personality of the Servant and the work He came to do are such that they evoke a new song of praise. This song of praise is to be sung by all (including the gentiles and the coastlines) who have been touched by the work of the Servant! Thus, today you can sing and praise the Lord (God's Servant) for the victory over the flesh, the world and Satan. The Lord shall prevail against His enemies and is committed to bringing justice with energy. He isn't passive or dispassionate in His judgment. When He sets things right on the earth, He does it with zeal. His first coming was meek and lowly; the second coming will be loud and demonstrative!
Jesus is working and no obstacle can get in the way of His work. Mountains and hills can't get in His way; rivers and seas will not stop Him. Even the blindness of others will not prevent His plan! In the end, those who trusted in idols shall be greatly ashamed at His second coming. Whatever injustice and evil we see today, Jesus shall deal with them at His second coming. This calls for songs of praise and faithful worship to God Almighty.

✝️🙏PRAYER: Lord, receive all honour;, glory and praise for all Your wonderful works in my life, Amen.

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

*DATE:* THURSDAY 7TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* JESUS-OUR SOVEREIGN REDEEMER

*TEXT:* ISAIAH 43: 1-13

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

43:1. But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called [you] by your name; You [are] Mine.
43:2. When you pass through the waters, I [will be] with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
43:3. For I [am] the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
43:4. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.
43:5. Fear not, for I [am] with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west;
43:6. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' And to the south, 'Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth --
43:7. Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."
43:8. Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears.
43:9. Let all the nations be gathered together, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, "[It is] truth."
43:10. "You [are] My witnesses," says the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I [am] He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.
43:11. I, [even] I, [am] the LORD, And besides Me [there is] no savior.
43:12. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And [there was] no foreign [god] among you; Therefore you [are] My witnesses," Says the LORD, "that I [am] God.
43:13. Indeed before the day [was,] I [am] He; And [there is] no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?"

*MESSAGE:*

The passage opens with an affirmation that Israel belongs to God and has no need to fear because they are precious to Him. God will re-gather them from all over the world. He will not let the sins of the people rob Him of His name and steal His glory. In verses 10-13, God affirms that He alone is the Lord-the only true God. He has always been and always will be. And He is completely sovereign. No one can deliver out of His hands, and no one can make Him change His plans. Both deliverance and judgment come from Him. He alone can save and no one can save from His hands. He challenged other nations to say anything if they or their gods were able to do what the Lord could do.

The lesson here is that we should not fear the circumstances of life because the Lord Jesus has redeemed us and shall deliver us from all evil at His second return. He is fully able to do this because He is the sovereign Lord. His promises include our ultimate redemption from the bondage of this world and transition to His Father's House. Therefore, we should not fear because He has overcome the world. Be strong in the faith and look forward in expectation to the great deliverance.

*PRAYER:*
Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son to redeem us from sin, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I am your God and you are the sheep of My pasture."_ *Psalm 100:3*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Dec-8

🎯TOPIC: REDEMPTION BY GOD'S GRACE


✝️TEXT: Isaiah 43:14-28(NKJV)
43:14. Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "For your sake I will send to Babylon, And bring them all down as fugitives -- The Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships.
43:15. I [am] the LORD, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King."
43:16. Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters,
43:17. Who brings forth the chariot and horse, The army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick):
43:18. "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.
43:19. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness [And] rivers in the desert.
43:20. The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness [And] rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen.
43:21. This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.
43:22. " But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob; And you have been weary of Me, O Israel.
43:23. You have not brought Me the sheep for your burnt offerings, Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not caused you to serve with grain offerings, Nor wearied you with incense.
43:24. You have bought Me no sweet cane with money, Nor have you satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices; But you have burdened Me with your sins, You have wearied Me with your iniquities.
43:25. " I, [even] I, [am] He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
43:26. Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your [case,] that you may be acquitted.
43:27. Your first father sinned, And your mediators have transgressed against Me.
43:28. Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; I will give Jacob to the curse, And Israel to reproaches.

✝️🗒️ STUDY: Today's passage stresses the deliverance of God's people from bondage and from world powers, so as to prosper them. They are to forget the former things and not dwell on the past, because God was going to do something new and wonderful. And the people shall declare the praise of God with great joy. The people are, however, undeserving of this deliverance as their indifference to sin shows unworthiness (vv. 22-28). They wearied God by their sins, offered no sacrifices and made no plea to Him. God will however, do it by bestowing His unmerited favour (grace) upon them and forgiving their sins for His own sake. He will remember their sins no more. This deliverance was completely by grace.
Many Christians today live in the past. This is fine, but we all need to prepare and look forward to the future of our faith-the Second Coming of Christ! The events of Christ's first coming laid the foundation for what He will do at the second. We have the sure promise of God that He will honour His covenant promises and complete the redemption He began by grace. Let us not remain in sin but faithfully respond to His grace.

✝️🙏PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for saving me by grace. Make me faithful to the end by the same grace, Amen.

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Dec-10
(Second Sunday in Advent)

✝️🔎TOPIC: STILL WAITING FOR MORE WITNESSES?


✝️📖TEXT: John 5:36-47(NKJV)

5:36. "But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish -- the very works that I do -- bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.
5:37. "And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form.
5:38. "But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.
5:39. "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
5:40. "But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
5:41. "I do not receive honor from men.
5:42. "But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.
5:43. "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.
5:44. "How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that [comes] from the only God?
5:45. "Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is [one] who accuses you -- Moses, in whom you trust.
5:46. "For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.
5:47. "But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

✝️📜STUDY: Jesus continues the discourse on His deity and relationship with the Father by presenting three witnesses. First is the witness of John the Baptist - a credible witness sent by God to point to Jesus as the True Light, the Lamb of God and the Messiah. Next is the witness of Jesus about Himself, evidenced by the works He did among the people.

The third witness is that of God the Father in the Old Testament Scriptures that reveals and speaks concerning His Son. In spite of all these, they rejected all the witnesses about Christ and refused to believe in him - all because they were spiritually blind due to their personal grudges against Christ.

Today, we have many more witnesses that testify about Christ than at that time. His birth, death and resurrection all of which took place as foretold by the prophets and Jesus Himself, are witnesses to His being the Son of God and the Saviour. Have you believed and received Him as the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world? Or are you being deliberately blind and waiting for more witnesses? Remember, no other witnesses shall be given.

Your duty is to believe Him and bring the testimony of Jesus Christ to others so that they may believe in Him and be saved while looking to His return.

✝️🙏 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive my unbelief and enable me believe in Your Son Jesus Christ, Amen.

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

*DATE:* MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* MERCY, NOT ENTITLEMENT

*TEXT:* MATTHEW 15: 21-28

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

15:21. Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
15:22. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed."
15:23. But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us."
15:24. But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
15:25. Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!"
15:26. But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw [it] to the little dogs."
15:27. And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."
15:28. Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great [is] your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

*MESSAGE:*

We sometimes approach God with a sense of entitlement as if we truly and in ourselves deserve whatever we seek from Him. While our adoption through Christ gives us the privilege of approaching God as His children, grace brought us to salvation. Ultimately, therefore, we are truly blessed by Him only by mercy. This Canaanite woman came to Jesus knowing she was not 'qualified'; she came seeking mercy because of her daughter: _“Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David”_ (v.22). Although Jesus did not initially answer, her persistence paid off eventually.

There are few lessons we can learn here
(i) Even when we are unqualified, mercy triumphs over judgment. Has sin disqualified you from approaching Him? Plead for His mercy in genuine repentance.
(ii) The intercessor possesses the power to stand in the gap for someone else (v.22). You can intercede today for someone under the oppression of the enemy.
(iii) Persistence in prayers pays off eventually. Even when it looks like Heaven is silent over your case/request, persist! Your desperate need will be met.
(iv) Have faith in Christ's ability. Christ is able to handle all that concerns you. Be encouraged!

*THOUGHT AND ACTION:*
Whom might you intercede for today?

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"My tender mercies never fail, for they are new every morning."_ *Lamentations 3:22-23*

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

*DATE:* TUESDAY 12TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* TRUE LAMENESS, TRUE BLINDNESS

*TEXT:* MATTHEW 15: 29-39

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

15:29. Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there.
15:30. Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them [the] lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus' feet, and He healed them.
15:31. So the multitude marveled when they saw [the] mute speaking, [the] maimed made whole, [the] lame walking, and [the] blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.
15:32. Now Jesus called His disciples to [Himself] and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way."
15:33. Then His disciples said to Him, "Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?"
15:34. Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven, and a few little fish."
15:35. So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
15:36. And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke [them] and gave [them] to His disciples; and the disciples [gave] to the multitude.
15:37. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left.
15:38. Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.
15:39. And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.

*MESSAGE:*

Great crowds came to Him bringing the lame, the bind, the crippled, the mute and many others with diverse challenging situations. Jesus healed them (vv. 29-31). Do we have this situation in the church of Christ today? Yes, we have the lame. A lame man is not just someone who cannot walk. Although a two-month old baby cannot walk, we cannot regard such as being lame because by reason of age, he/she is not expected yet to walk. But if after two years and that child cannot walk, we may consider him or her lame. They are many spiritually lame people in our churches today- those who by reason of spiritual age should be more mature in serving Christ, but are yet babes needing milk. Are you where you should be in your walk with God considering your 'age in the Lord'? Are you still lame, sitting and doing nothing while souls are heading to Hell?

The same thing applies to blindness. A one-day-old baby may not yet see clearly, but cannot be said to be blind. But with time, he/she is expected to see or be labelled blind. Can you see the word of God clearly? Are you still arguing about what is clearly called sin in the Bible? Are you blind to your foul temper while blaming everybody else? Notice that all those in these conditions were brought to Christ for healing. In prayer, let us arise today bringing people in these conditions to Jesus for healing.

*PRAYER:*
Heal us, O Lord!

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I lavish My great love on My children."_ *1 John 3:1*

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

*DATE:* WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* SIGNS OF THE TIME

*TEXT:* MATTHEW 16: 1-12

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

16:1. Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.
16:2. He answered and said to them, "When it is evening you say, '[It will be] fair weather, for the sky is red';
16:3. "and in the morning, '[It will be] foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot [discern] the signs of the times.
16:4. "A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." And He left them and departed.
16:5. Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
16:6. Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees."
16:7. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "[It is] because we have taken no bread."
16:8. But Jesus, being aware of [it,] said to them, "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread?
16:9. "Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?
16:10. "Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up?
16:11. "How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? -- [but] to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
16:12. Then they understood that He did not tell [them] to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

*MESSAGE:*

_“Mum is sick and has been diagnosed with cancer.”_ Those words from my sister cut through to my heart. As I prayed, it dawned on me that she must be in her 'last days'; being in her eighties, I knew the end was near. My wife and I caught the next available flight to Lagos with one thing uppermost in our hearts: Go and ensure her salvation. We were able to pray with her. Thank God we did; she went home soon afterwards. The Pharisees and Sadducees knew how to interpret “the appearance of the sky”, but could not interpret the sings of the times (v.3). In a sense, Jesus was disappointed that they could not correctly interpret the Scriptures concerning Him and the time of the visitation of Israel.

We are expected to be like the sons of Issachar who understood the signs of the times and knew what Israel ought to do. A proper understanding of the times we are living in should tell us that we are in the last days. This should come with a sense of responsibility in relation to the gospel. For one, there should be a higher sense of urgency in proclaiming the gospel and seeking to reach the unsaved. Second, we should be more careful with our own lives, knowing that in the last days, iniquity shall abound and the love of many shall wax cold. Are you getting cold?

*PRAYER:*
Lord, help me to live with the consciousness of eternity in view. _*Amen*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I have made an everlasting covenant to only do good things for you."_ *Jeremiah 32:40*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Dec-14

🎯TOPIC: THE SETTING OF YOUR MIND

✝️TEXT: Matthew 16:13-28(NKJV)
16:13. When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"
16:14. So they said, "Some [say] John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
16:15. He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16:16. Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
16:17. Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed [this] to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
16:18. "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
16:19. "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
16:20. Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.
16:21. From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
16:22. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!"
16:23. But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
16:24. Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
16:25. "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
16:26. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
16:27. "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
16:28. "Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."

✝️🗒️ STUDY: For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (v.23). From Peter's human perspective, the Messiah's mission did not, and indeed should not include death. How could Jesus, the Messiah die? In Peter's human reasoning, that would be defeat; that would be failure. In this, Satan was trying to hinder the salvation of humankind. And as far as Jesus was concerned, Peter, in doing this, had become a hindrance to Jesus' mission on earth.
It is interesting to me that the reason Peter was seen as hindrance to the purpose of God for Christ was that he was 'setting' his mind on the things of man. Certainly, the way God reasons is different from the way man reasons. Except we see things from Heaven's perspective, we would hinder God's purpose by our 'earthly' reasoning. How do you view life? What is your view about the challenges you are presently going through? What is your view of beauty? What is your mind about wealth? Is your mind set on the things of God or man? If your mind is on the things of man, you will be an offence to God; you will hinder His purpose. But if your mind is set on the things of God, you will achieve God's purpose.

✝️🙏PRAYER: May the mind of Christ, my Saviour rule my heart in everything.

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

*DATE:* FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* DIVINE APPROVAL

*TEXT:* MATTHEW 17: 1-13

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

17:1. Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;
17:2. and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
17:3. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.
17:4. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
17:5. While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
17:6. And when the disciples heard [it,] they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.
17:7. But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid."
17:8. When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
17:9. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead."
17:10. And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
17:11. Jesus answered and said to them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things.
17:12. "But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands."
17:13. Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

*MESSAGE:*

The experience of Peter, James and John with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration was very unique. For one, none of the other disciples had this opportunity. However, the words they heard God speak have set me thinking and praying about my own life. How did Jesus live that God was very bold to declare that He was well pleased with Him? I believe it was Jesus' commitment in doing the will of the Father that brought this about. After all, the Bible clearly states that He (Jesus) loved righteousness and hated wickedness. It is this reason that made God to anoint Him with the oil of gladness above His fellows. Should I not also live in such a way as to please God by my life? If He sees this in me, will He not be bold to introduce me to my generation?

This becomes even more attractive as I recall that God also gave testimony about Moses. He 'boldly' declared that His servant, Moses was different; he (Moses) was faithful in God's house. Note that God could not say these exact words concerning Aaron and Miriam, who ministered alongside Moses. It means that what will mark me out among my fellows is my faithfulness to God in the way I live. Brother, sister, can God boldly introduce you to men? Sir, can Heaven recommend you as someone that others can do business with without being cheated?

*PRAYER:*
O Lord, give me the heart that will please You. *Amen.*

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I will keep you safe from trouble for I am your hiding place."_ *Psalm 32:7*

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

*DATE:* SATURDAY 16TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* TAKE THE MATTER TO JESUS

*TEXT:* MATTHEW 17: 14-21

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

17:14. And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying,
17:15. "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water.
17:16. "So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him."
17:17. Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me."
17:18. And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
17:19. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"
17:20. So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
17:21. "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

*MESSAGE:*

Today, a mother has a son with a difficult health situation. She makes weekly trips to the Teaching Hospital for the son's medical care. She goes to great lengths to deny herself many pleasures in order to save up funds for his medical bills and to buy special foods that he needs. My conclusion is that the love of a parent for his or her child is great. They hurt when the child hurts; they cry sometimes when a child is in trouble. We can therefore understand the predicament of this father when he came to Jesus.

What was the condition of the son? He was an epileptic and had suffered terribly. He often fell into the fire and water. All these would certainly put him in danger of death constantly. This was not an enviable position for a father to be. Are you a parent with a child in a rather difficult situation? Does your child or relation or friend fall often into the moral, health, financial, psychological or spiritual 'fire'? Take the situation to Jesus.
Note the steps this father took.
(i) He came 'kneeling.' This is a position of humility. Come to Jesus, not with a sense of arrogance; come humbly.
(ii) He told Jesus all about his son. Confess the situation as it is; do not embellish it.
(iii) He pleaded for mercy. Do not come with a sense of merit; ask for mercy. Jesus will answer.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, have mercy on me as I come unto You for divine healing! _*Amen*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I am your rock and your salvation, a fortress that cannot be shaken."_ *Psalm 62:2*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Dec-17
(Third Sunday in Advent)

🎯TOPIC: BE THE VOICE IN THIS GENERATION



✝️TEXT:John 1:19-28(NKJV)
1:19. Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"
1:20. He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."
1:21. And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."
1:22. Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?"
1:23. He said: "I [am] 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the LORD," ' as the prophet Isaiah said."
1:24. Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.
1:25. And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
1:26. John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know.
1:27. "It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."
1:28. These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

✝️🗒️ STUDY: The Jews sent priests and Levites form Jerusalem to ask John one question: 'Who are you?' Notice that they were not first and foremost interested in Jesus; they were not asking John to speak about Jesus. However, John was a voice in the wilderness, sent to proclaim the coming of the Messiah. He insists that the way of the Lord be made straight. For John, it was an opportunity to bear testimony of Christ in his own time.
If you're doing spectacular things, people will ask about you. What you do and say will always lead people to want to know who you are. Sometimes, we are asked to introduce ourselves. When that happens, what do you normally say and do? Are you aware that the way God wants men to handle things have been perverted in today's world? Do you see the way marriage is being re-defined, in our generation? Do you notice that the world is already introducing confusion into gender? We now have men and women who are now transgender. We have 'cross dressers' today(men who dress like women, for example). Are you a voice for Heaven in this 'wilderness' of life? Are you silent when our Father's inheritance is being swallowed up? Are you a voice for godliness today? John was a voice in his generation; what about you?. Be a voice for the Lord, who proclaims the coming of the Lord in this generation.

✝️🙏PRAYER:Dear Lord, make me a voice in this generation that I may proclaim your salvation.

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

*DATE:* MONDAY 18TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* FLEE IDOLATRY

*TEXT:* ISAIAH 44: 9-23

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

44:9. Those who make an image, all of them [are] useless, And their precious things shall not profit; They [are] their own witnesses; They neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed.
44:10. Who would form a god or mold an image [That] profits him nothing?
44:11. Surely all his companions would be ashamed; And the workmen, they [are] mere men. Let them all be gathered together, Let them stand up; Yet they shall fear, They shall be ashamed together.
44:12. The blacksmith with the tongs works one in the coals, Fashions it with hammers, And works it with the strength of his arms. Even so, he is hungry, and his strength fails; He drinks no water and is faint.
44:13. The craftsman stretches out [his] rule, He marks one out with chalk; He fashions it with a plane, He marks it out with the compass, And makes it like the figure of a man, According to the beauty of a man, that it may remain in the house.
44:14. He cuts down cedars for himself, And takes the cypress and the oak; He secures [it] for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants a pine, and the rain nourishes [it.]
44:15. Then it shall be for a man to burn, For he will take some of it and warm himself; Yes, he kindles [it] and bakes bread; Indeed he makes a god and worships [it;] He makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.
44:16. He burns half of it in the fire; With this half he eats meat; He roasts a roast, and is satisfied. He even warms [himself] and says, "Ah! I am warm, I have seen the fire."
44:17. And the rest of it he makes into a god, His carved image. He falls down before it and worships [it,] Prays to it and says, "Deliver me, for you [are] my god!"
44:18. They do not know nor understand; For He has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, [And] their hearts, so that they cannot understand.
44:19. And no one considers in his heart, Nor [is there] knowledge nor understanding to say, "I have burned half of it in the fire, Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten [it;] And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?"
44:20. He feeds on ashes; A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, "[Is there] not a lie in my right hand?"
44:21. " Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you [are] My servant; I have formed you, you [are] My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me!
44:22. I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you."
44:23. Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done [it!] Shout, you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, And glorified Himself in Israel.

*MESSAGE:*

The futility of idols is properly highlighted for us today. It seems strange that a man can cut a tree by himself, burn part of it to warm himself, cook with some, roast meat to eat with some, and yet fashion some into an idol and bow down to worship it, claiming it to be some god! As strange and senseless as it is for any spiritually reasonable person, it is not just so for others who are not spiritually discerning. But that is just the way of sin. It is deceptive and enslaving; it does not allow its victim to think straight. Sin blinds the sinner!

We need not think that idols are limited to wood or stone. A senseless addiction to the pursuit of money is equally so. Money can become an idol, and indeed it has become so for many Christians, regrettably. Anything that competes with God in our lives is an idol. It could be money, fame, husband, wife, or position. All idols have the same characteristics: They deceive and take our attention away from God. What has become an idol in your life? Is God still retaining first position in your heart? Do you continuously miss fellowshipping with Him because you claim something or someone else is important and taking your time? Then that person or thing is an idol. Discard him, her or it. _“Remember these, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant”_ (v.21).

*PRAYER:*
May my life be consecrated, Lord, to You. _*Amen.*_


*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I am very close to those who have a broken heart."_ *Psalm 34:18*