DATE: Saturday, September 17, 2016

TOPIC: LESSONS FROM THE FLOWERS

READ MATTHEW 6:25-31
MEMORISE: And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow.... Even Solomon... was not dressed like one of these (Matt 6:28,29).

Without any toiling or spinning on their own part, God clothes the flowers in lovely surpassing any adornment that the most skilful human arts can't provide. We are better than flowers that blossom early and fade later. If our Father lavishes so much beauty on perishing plants, shouldn't we rest assured that He will provide raiment for His own?
Of course, it does not imply that, like the lilies, we need neither to work. Yes, lilies just stand still and grow. That is their mission; the way God made them to grow. But He gave us hands, feet, brains, tongue, energy and will; we must put forth our energies to produce the results of comfort.
Jesus wants us to learn from the beautiful things in nature. Here, it is the lesson of contentment we are to learn. Who ever heard a lily complaining about its circumstances? It accepts the conditions in which it finds itself, and makes the best of them. It drinks in heaven's sweet light, air, dew and rain, and unfolds its own loveliness in quietness and peace.
The lily grows from within, so we ought to grow, having within us the Divine life, to be developed in our character and spirit. The lily is an emblem of beauty; our spiritual life should unfold likewise in all lovely ways. It is a picture of perfect peace. Who ever saw wrinkles of anxiety in a lily's face? God wants us to grow in His peace. The lily is fragrant; so should our lives be. The lily sometimes grows in dirty muddy places, but remains unspotted; we should live in this world, keeping ourselves unspotted amidst its evil. Learn from the lily, as you work diligently and depend on Him without reservation.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, forgive every of my complaints and murmurings caused by my unbelief.
2. Help me, Lord, to understand and appreciate the value You place on me.
3. Help me, Lord, to develop in character and spirit according to your divine life that is in me.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 KINGS CHAPTER 11 - CHAPTER 15

The Lord will perfect all that concerns you in Jesus Christ name

Dominionhost:
Friday, September 16, 2016

TEACHABLE AND TRAINABLE?

READ HEBREWS 5:5-11

MEMORISE: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid (Proverbs 12:1).

Little children are very teachable and trainable. They are trained to eat, go to toilet, etc. A child can even learn more than three different languages at the same time. Children learn very fast and can keep things to memory. It is amazing how many things we learnt as little children. The kingdom of God belongs to those who have teachable hearts those who are ever willing to learn and be corrected. Those who are too full of themselves hardly go far in, and with God.

How do you feel whenever you are corrected? What about that coldness that has developed between you and your teacher, leader, spouse, pastor, just because you were corrected? Rebellion is common today because we are no more teachable. We are not willing to learn. A heart that is not teachable cannot be subjected to authority. Do you still have the drive to learn and take instruction from God and men? Some people are now so spiritually mature that they cannot listen to other people anymore. People must listen to them, preachers who cannot be preached to.

God is giving you a loving exhortation. Examine your heart. Wisdom is calling. 'Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning' (Prov. 9:9). We should learn from Jesus' example. The Bible says, 'Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered' (Heb. 5:.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, make me teachable/trainable/malleable in Your able hands.
2. Lord, don't allow Satan to snatch the truth from me, using his lies.
3. Lord, let the spirit of heresy, lies and deceit become powerless in the Church.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 KINGS 6-10

You will never suffer financial setbacks again in the name of Jesus!

Have you studied today?

What is the battery like? I mean duration

ejire042:
Its still here for sale

15k

Friday, September 16, 2016

TEACHABLE AND TRAINABLE?

READ HEBREWS 5:5-11

MEMORISE: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid (Proverbs 12:1).

Little children are very teachable and trainable. They are trained to eat, go to toilet, etc. A child can even learn more than three different languages at the same time. Children learn very fast and can keep things to memory. It is amazing how many things we learnt as little children. The kingdom of God belongs to those who have teachable hearts those who are ever willing to learn and be corrected. Those who are too full of themselves hardly go far in, and with God.

How do you feel whenever you are corrected? What about that coldness that has developed between you and your teacher, leader, spouse, pastor, just because you were corrected? Rebellion is common today because we are no more teachable. We are not willing to learn. A heart that is not teachable cannot be subjected to authority. Do you still have the drive to learn and take instruction from God and men? Some people are now so spiritually mature that they cannot listen to other people anymore. People must listen to them, preachers who cannot be preached to.

God is giving you a loving exhortation. Examine your heart. Wisdom is calling. 'Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning' (Prov. 9:9). We should learn from Jesus' example. The Bible says, 'Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered' (Heb. 5:.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, make me teachable/trainable/malleable in Your able hands.
2. Lord, don't allow Satan to snatch the truth from me, using his lies.
3. Lord, let the spirit of heresy, lies and deceit become powerless in the Church.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 KINGS 6-10

You will never suffer financial setbacks again in the name of Jesus!

DATE: Thursday, September 15, 2016

TOPIC: WHO TOUCHED ME?

READ MARK 5:24-34
MEMORISE: At once Jesus realised that power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and asked. "Who touched my clothes?" (Mark 5:30)

In the midst of a crowd of people, pushing and pressing, the Lord Jesus asked a shocking question, 'Who touched Me?' This story is tucked in between two events a synagogue ruler had requested Jesus to come and heal his daughter. On the way, the crowd pressed on Jesus, but someone reached and touched Him. The interludes thus become the main event; all because one woman was bold enough to reach out, demonstrating great faith and resolution.
Just as the Lord Jesus said, 'Not all who call me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom', not all who came in contact with Jesus received a miracle. This story simply tells us that touching Jesus is based on some principles, not just physical demonstration. The truth is that not all who come to church really come to church. The woman said in her heart, 'if only I can touch Jesus I know I shall be made whole'. What a resolute inward desire and not hypocritical physical demonstration! The 'touch' started in the HEART.
This woman made Jesus her only hope. Is Jesus your only option or route of escape in that challenge? The woman had faith in Jesus; she placed the ultimate value on Jesus' ability to deliver her. Without kneeling down for prayers, virtue was released. Virtue releases virtue. Though multitudes were forcefully pressing on Jesus, none touched Him. A gentle touch of determination and faith at the tip of His garment was recognised by the display of power. Do you also place so much value on Jesus from your heart like this woman? The state of your heart is a major determinant of who you are in God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I want to experience You beyond the crowd; help my faith.
2. You are my only option, o Lord. Let every issues of my life receive divine attention.
3. Dear Lord, help our leaders to look unto you only for solutions to the numerous problems facing our nation.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 KINGS CHAPTER 1 - CHAPTER 5

Every area of your life is receiving Divine touch of the Lord in Jesus Christ name. Remain blessed forever

DATE: Wednesday, September 14, 2016

TOPIC: GOD OR GRAPES?

READ ISAIAH 3:13-26
MEMORISE: Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica... (2 Tim 4:9-10)

In every situation there is always a choice to make; either to do good or bad; to run away from evil or to stay and do evil. A wise decision is to choose what is good. Satan always paints bad things to look colourfully good. He makes sin so attractive to the point that it becomes irresistible to the unwary, but at the end, it is full of gall and bile for those who swallow his lies.
There are some offers in the world, workplaces, schools, marketplaces, even in the church, that seem to be as sweet as red grapes. They are wrapped with savoury and saliva-eliciting covers. They attract us to themselves. In the midst of this, God wants His children to remember Him. Daniel and his three friends were given the chance of eating the King's delicacies. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the delicacies (Dan 1:.
Pre-marital sex, bribe, sex for grades and promotion (as the case may be), extra-marital affairs for overseas trip, but to the shame of one's glory, or for any other reasons, may present grapes before you. Choosing these grapes can ground your destiny. Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit; she paid dearly. When you choose God, you can become great in life.
Sinful grapes may seem sweet, but God wants you to stay with Him in holiness. Food of deceit may seem sweet but the end is disastrous (Prov. 20:17).

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, I choose You today, and not the sinful grapes of the world.
2. God, when the grapes of this world attract me, hold my hand close to Your side, lest I fall.
3. Our Father in heaven, restore all Your children who have been drunk with the grapes of worldliness, in Jesus' name.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 KINGS CHAPTER 19 - CHAPTER 22

Every issue of sorrow in your life is turned to testimony in the mighty name of Jesus Christ

DATE: Tuesday, September 13, 2016

TOPIC: GOD'S STATURE, OR GRASSHOPPER'S STATURE?

READ COLOSSIANS 2:1-10
MEMORISE: To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col 1:27)

God is great. God is the almighty. He is the omnipotent God. God does not give birth to dwarfs among all His children (cf. Psa 105:24,27).
Every tree bears 'fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds' (Gen 1:11). This is the divine ordinance in nature, and God has kept this covenant with all trees on earth. When we became born again, we were given the divine nature. When we gave our life to Jesus Christ, we received and inherited the divine stature. The gene of God becomes our gene, and we have His Spirit in us. Hallelujah! God is now our Father and we are His children, with His stature in us (cf. 2 Pet 1:2-4).
The Israelites failed to recognise this mystery when they stood before the sons of Anak. They beautified their dead giants while failing to see the divine stature in them, God on their side. 'We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them' (Num 13:33).
'You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world' (1 Jn 4:4). If God is in you, then what is your stature? It should be God's stature. It is not grasshopper's stature. You need not belittle yourself any longer in His presence, much less in the face of any situation, challenges, or enemies. The divine stature has been given to you. That is why there is no sin you cannot conquer. Rise now and walk in holiness with the full stature and strength of God in you.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. My dear Almighty God, I accept Your full stature in me, now.
2. I destroy every force trying to reduce my full statute in You, o Lord, in Jesus' name.
3. Father, open the eyes of all Your children to know their full stature in You.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 KINGS CHAPTER 14 - CHAPTER 18

The Mercy of the Lord will speak for you in Jesus Christ name. Remain Unstoppable

Darryshine1:
Is it possible to get this daily devotions on one's personal email or social media?

Blessings on you and great morning, we have a fan page and whatsapp group for it, you can chat up with me on 08140886925 so I can add you up on whatsapp. Expect the devotional website before the month expires. You will have devotional

Somex10202:
Is it possible for this post to come up earlier? I will really appreciate it.I just added it to part of my daily devotional every morning and am enjoying it.Thanks and God bless u

Blessings on you brother
I will see possibility of posting it before 5:00am
Though am working on developing a website for it where we can have the devotional for a month at a stretch posted. I should be able to do that before the month expires.
Once again. Thanks sir

Monday, September 12, 2016

PEACE IN THE STORM

READ PSALM 46:1-11

MEMORISE: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble in trouble. (Psa 46:1).

When the forecast calls for a storm, ships need a sure anchor; trees, deep roots; persons a firm foundation of faith. Faith in God becomes the antidote to fear. Like the psalmist, we, too, can declare in the middle of life's crisis, therefore we will not fear. Throughout the Bible, thee are 365, "fear not's" or the equivalent, implying that God has given us one for everyday of the year!

A symbol of arrogance was found in the saying carved over a doorway on the Titanic. "Not even God can sink this ship." Its blasphemy still rots at the bottom of the Atlantic. Modern man is infected with the myth of self-sufficiency, of autonomy. The Psalmist reminds us that we are insufficient in our own strength alone, that we need God as our refuge and strength for the trials and testing that surely will come our way.

This 46th Psalm became the major source of comfort and encouragement in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001. The Psalm was read on televised programmes across that country during the days that followed. As described in the Psalm, the things that had once seemed so secure came trembling down upon them. Life could never be the same. More than ever before, we need the assuring Word that God is the ever-present help in trouble, and because He us with us, we need not fear.

Sooner or later, stressful situations will beset each life, some striking us as emotional earthquakes. When chattering experiences come into your life, in place of fear, God will give you courage and comfort.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Thank you Jesus for being my ever-present and never-failing refuge in times of storms.
2. I rest assured in your ever-present and comforting presence; may my life never lack divine help.
3. Pray for brethren all over the world going through difficult times, that God should by the unfailing fortress in these times.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 KING 10-13

This week, you shall be supernaturally guided to the realms of blessings in Jesus Christ name. Remain Unstoppable

DATE: Sunday, September 11, 2016 INTERNATIONAL GRAND PARENT'S DAY

TOPIC: FRUITFULNESS IN OLD AGE

READ PSALM 92:12-15
MEMORISE: They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green (Psa 92:14)

According to the Scriptures, one of the plans of God is for man to live a fruitful life even in old age, living to fulfil his days on earth, enjoying life until his full age, renewing his days to live it to the fullest. These and many more are the benefits that God has made available for all believers.
On the contrary, what do we experience today? Young people dying at a very tender age, auto accident that claims many lives, terrorist attacks that destroys lives and properties, ritual killings here and there, and many more are what we experience this day. We live in insecurity; fear has laid hold on us and there is only one thing to do, return to and reconcile with our Maker.
This will therefore, motivate you to have a rethink and ask yourself this personal question; do I want to live a fruitful and fulfilled life? If yes, then return to the Giver of your life, and make His ways your way. Relate with Him intimately, on a regular basis, mediating on His Word, praying according to His will. That is the answer and the surest way to be full of age and yet to be flourishing.
If you live for God and represent Him rightly on earth, your experience will be a pleasure and praise to Him. May you be fruitful and flourishing even in old age.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. May I not die without fulfilling my days on earth, in Jesus' name.
2. Make me fulfil my assignment as Your child, oh Lord.
3. Lord, renew our leaders so that they can still be fruitful and flourishing for You in this old age.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 KINGS CHAPTER 5 - CHAPTER 9

This week, the Lord Jehovah will cause you to recover all that you have lost in Jesus Christ name

DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2016

TOPIC: NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER

READ PSALM 94:14-19
MEMORISE: When I said, "My foot is slipping," Your love, O LORD, supported me. (Psalm 94:18)

There are no doubts that both mundane trials and real tribulations of life can take us to the very brink. Like the Psalmist, many of us may have come to that point, the edge of the cliff, and are about to fall. It wasn't anything that we could manage or bear on our own. It had suddenly turned into a life and death situation, but hear God saying this to you today: no retreat, no surrender!
Elijah, the fearless prophet (1 Kgs 19:4) once came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, 'It is enough, now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.' Just as it was against him, challenges rise so quickly against us, that we don't even have the chance to gain control of ourselves; when ugly things happen so fast that we have no opportunity to settle, but are gripped with fear and worry, and in a flash, our imaginations picture every dire possibility that can happen. Never take a decision to retreat or surrender to the devil's threat. The tempest will soon pass and the cloudy wind will subside. 'If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!' (Prov. 24:10).
The Lord will surely rise up for you against the wicked. He will give you help, lest you dwell in the silence of death. He is more than willing to step in and do all that for you, just call on Him now and have your rest.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: oh God, bring me out of my distresses.
2. Lord Jesus, give me the needed inner strength to face the devil headlong in all his advances to snatch me away from You.
3. Lord God, please strengthen brethren facing persecution for the gospel's sake, all over the world.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 KINGS CHAPTER 1 - CHAPTER 4

You will end well and in praise in Jesus Christ name

Friday, September 9, 2016

CONSEQUENCE
READ ESTHER 4:10-14
MEMORISE: If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him. (Prov 26:27)

This world is governed by principles. There are natural laws that guide every of human endeavour. For instance, what goes around comes around. What you sow, you shall reap. And today's events become history tomorrow. There are laws of gravity, laws of motion and law of cause and effect. The sincere prayer is that we will allow ourselves to be guided by the laws of God.

God's law is a perfect and sure foundation, upon which our lives can be built without regret. Read more about the features of the law of God in Psalm 19:1-7. When you make the Word of God your guiding principle, success is guaranteed (Jos 1:. Abandoning God and his Word has never paid anybody. Be careful! You will have good reward when you have high regard for the Word of God.

God told Abraham that He is his exceeding great reward. Why? Abraham had high regard for God's Word, and was obedient to the will and commandment of God. Instead of reward, do you know that some people's lives are full of regrets because they embark on enterprises not supported and funded by God? What inspires your actions? What are your motives for doing things? Check your attitude to God's Word today. How would you feel if the result of your actions, inactions and reactions are meted to your bosom? Desist from taking steps that are not guided by the Word of God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, I will continue to make use of Your Word in all circumstances of my life.
2. Lord, help me not to transgress Your holy injunctions.
3. Pray that both the leaders and the led in the Church will always remember that there are consequences for whatever we do in life in relation to God's Word.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 SAMUEL 20 - 24

May the presence of the Lord ever abide with you and your family, in Jesus Christ name

DATE: Thursday, September 8, 2016

TOPIC: CASTING OUT THE DEVIL

READ MARK 16:15-20
MEMORISE: And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues (Mark 16:17)

A man was once asked, in an interview, of what he would do if after sometime in his marriage, he finds out that his wife is possessed of familiar spirit. The question was not funny, considering the calibre of people in the panel. Of course, many men have sent their wives parking because they claim to have discovered that such women were possessed, ministers of God inclusive. If you are in that shoe, what will you do?
In Jesus' days, many demon-possessed people were set free (cf. Isa 61:1-4; Acts 10:38), though the O.T. had commanded, 'Do not allow a sorceress to live' (Exo 22:18). Jesus did not come to abolish the law, but to perfect it. He came to show mercy and not judgement (cf. John 8:1-12).
Divorce is never the best option to any marital crises anyone may have. If Jesus had condemned Mary Magdalene for being possessed, what would have been her eternal fate? This is not an attempt to encourage spiritism or wickedness, but to raise case against acting irrationally in situations like the above.
The expectation of the panel of enquire is that the man of God would organise deliverance sessions for the said wife. After all, nothing is impossible with God. You must have working relationship with Jesus to be able to set people free in His name (cf. Acts 19:13-20). This is one of the signs of believing in Jesus (Mark 16:17). Every believer in Jesus Christ should be filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit to the point of acting in His name.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, pour out Holy Spirit and Power on Your church, with the evidences and manifestation of spiritual gifts.
2. Familiar spirits and other demonic manifestations will no longer thrive in our midst, as the Church, in Jesus' name.
3. Oh Lord, help all Christians to understand, appreciate and live by the fact that casting out demons is their right in Christ, and not the exclusive preserve of some Christian 'elite.'

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 15 - CHAPTER 19

The Glory of the Lord will be made manifest in your life in Jesus Christ name

DATE: Wednesday, September 7, 2016

TOPIC: ALL MANNERS OF PRAYER

READ EPHESIANS 6:18
MEMORISE: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Eph 6:18a)

The Spirit's bidding is that Christian should imbibe the habit of praying always. Pray so that you don't become a prey. The text today reveals what prayer is, and the various forms of prayer:
1. Christian's Formidable Weapon: Prayer is a major weapon in spiritual warfare. For we wrestle against spiritual forces, evil imagination and all forms of arguments that are anti-God (2 Cor 10:4). The implication is that anyone who does not pray is a prey for the enemy.
2. Christian prayer is not occasional: That is, it is not a makeshift thing. The Bible says, 'And pray ... on all occasions,' meaning you are to pray every time, at all instances, anywhere, in all situations, given an opportunity to do so or not (Daniel 6:1ff), etc. Watch out for the Spirit's promptness in your prayer. He prays for us with an untold eagerness (Rom 8:26). Prayer must be borne out of the Spirit. An unspiritual prayer is no prayer at all, and can't claim any answer.
3. Christians pray all manners of prayer (v. 18a): There are prayers of intercession, petition, help, victory, supplication, deliverance, warfare, breakthrough, success, and lots more. Those who specialise in praying for the heads of their enemies alone, are ignorant of God's Word, and scripturally unbalanced. Part of all manner of prayer is the prayer for the nation, widows, people in authority and the leaders. Prayer for the ministers (v.19) and the Church of God.
Do not always be the receiver in prayer; be a giver by praying prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God, and intercessory prayer for missionaries, ministers and others.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from prayerless spirit and self-centred praying.
2. Lord, rekindle the fire of Pentecostal prayer which is intercessory and evangelical in nature in our churches.
3. Lord, help our church leaders to move mountains and shake the nations for Christ through scripturally balanced prayers.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 10 - CHAPTER 14

No matter those who are gathered against you, I see them scattered by the power of God in Jesus Christ name!

DATE: Tuesday, September 6, 2016

TOPIC: PURSUE THAT DREAM

READ GENESIS 12:1-8
MEMORIZE: His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me." (John 2:17)

The inventors and achievers of this world know quite well that the road to success or achievement is never laced with fine gold. There is one thing that is peculiar to all great people. They are dreamers, and try hard to fulfil their dreams. The dream in this context refers to what you wish to do, be or achieve. It is the good picture developed in our hearts, usually difficult to attain. It is something that someone hopes, longs, or is ambitious for.
When God told Abraham, 'Leave your country, ... and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you' (vv. 1,2), there were some major decisions that came up within him. First, he visualised the message because he understood it and had a workable relationship with the Giver. Two, he believed with an assurance, the possibility of attaining the promise someday. Three, he took immediate step in total obedience. All these brought his dream to fruition.
Fear and doubt are great hurdles to the fulfilment of your dream. The following things will assist you:
1. Develop a realistic dream (i.e. have realistic goal, vision or pursuit). Joseph was first a dreamer before he realised his dream.
2. Do not quit or give up. Situations that will threaten your dreams will definitely arise. Hold on still!
3. Be a risk taker and bearer; no one who ever played safe becomes a saviour. Remember Esther.
4. Be a person of faith. Do believe that everything is possible. With faith, courage, boldness, hope and determination you can be what God wants you to be (Jos 1:6,7; Rom 4:3; Heb 11:.
5. Finally, the greatest pursuit in life is God. When you prioritise Him, every other thing falls into place.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Don't allow me to pursue a course that is at parallel with your will, purpose and plan, o Lord.
2. Lord, give me all of the internal resources and virtues needed to pursue my dream.
3. Lord, let the preaching of the gospel and the desire for You consume Your church.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 5 - CHAPTER 9

You will experience supernatural increase today in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Remain Lifted Forever

DATE: Monday, September 5, 2016 INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY

TOPIC: TODAY'S YOUTH

READ EPHESIANS 6:1-4
MEMORISE: Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4)

Today's youths are leaders, fathers, mothers, and elders of tomorrow. When they are not raised properly, with God's Word, they grow to become terrible and uncontrollable useful instrument for Satan. God is purposively raising and recruiting effective leaders for the proper management of His people and programme. As a result, He is beaming His searchlight to the youth circuit.
All hands must be on deck to invest seriously and profitably in our youths. The Church and the family have vital roles to play in the development and improvement of these youths. Youths are very vital and strategic to God's eternal programme. No wonder God quickly turned to the youthful Samuel when Eli and his household failed.
The youth can be assisted in the following ways:
1. No abandonment: Anything abandoned usually loses its value and usefulness law of use and disuse. There are quite a lot of ungodly groups (terrorists, armed bandits, and militants) that are ready to absorb and indoctrinate the idle hands and turn them to weapons of destruction.
2. Acceptance: Young people have among their need list, the tendency to belong. A warm hand of fellowship with adequate understanding and some level of freehand will communicate to them that they are acceptable. Don't see them as threat.
3. No abuse: Any society where young people are victims of abuse, they will continue to linger with the memory. Help develop the youth for God and the good of the society by showing acceptance, tolerance, motivation, concern, care and love to them. Parents: Where are your children? Pastor: Where are the children and youth in your assembly?

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, enlighten our youth and help them to channel their strength to serving your purpose.
2. Help our church and homes to gain more youths for you by showing godly attitudes of kindness, love, care and concern, etc.
3. Lord, help to raise up people who have concern for the youths of this nation, and place them in places of authority.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 1 - CHAPTER 4

I pray that the Grace to please the Lord and do His WILL always is released into us in Jesus Christ name, today is international Labor Day, my dear reader, you will not labor in vain. You will be heavily favoured in Jesus Christ name

Sunday, September 4, 2016

THE SPIRIT OF DANIEL
READ DANIEL 5:13-17
MEMORISE: Even if these three men- Noah, Daniel and Job- were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD. (Ezekiel 14:14)

When the question, “Are there still Daniels today,” was asked in one of the Sunday School classes, there were various reactions. Some people opined that there are no Daniels any longer in our societies, while some were of the opinion that there are Daniels. Another set of people said that even if there are Daniels, the society would not allow them to perform.
The story of Daniel inspires outstanding spiritual qualities, great and excellent character which a believer must enviably emulate. This was not without his sacrifices, devotion, faith and steadfastness to YAHWEH. His unalloyed love and faith in JEHOVAH set him on high pedestal among his contemporaries. Nothing can be as futile as reading from the first chapter of Daniel to the last chapter, and yet not ignited to be upstanding and outstanding for God.
The first time we would hear about this faith hero was when he distinguished himself and risked his life, by not eating the King’s meal (Dan 1:. If the king should hear about it, how do you think he would respond? Another was when he unveiled and interpreted the King’s dream. Each time Daniel was featuring in the whole of the book, he recorded success. An excellent spirit was in him. Daniels (men and women of integrity) are needed today in every sector—families, society, governmental and non-governmental agencies, churches, etc. Integrity, honesty, sincerity, truth, and accountability are needed for quality service. Imbibe the spirit of Daniel, which is the Spirit of THE LIVING GOD.

PRAYER POINTS
1. I renounce the spirit of corruption and immorality, in Jesus’ name.
2. From today, Lord, let the fruit of the Holy Spirit blossom in me, and let it be evident in the Church.
3. Lord, equip all Christian politicians with Your holiness to subdue corrupt attitudes, so that they can stand for You everywhere.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 SAMUEL 26-31

The Spirit of the Lord will take you to the place of greatness this week in Jesus Christ name

Saturday, September 3, 2016

BE HUMBLED
READ DANIEL 5:22
MEMORISE: But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. (Daniel 5:22)

It is no gain saying that things like achievement, status, position, wealth and endowment (gift and talents) have made some people to stumble. Let us examine the saying of Agur, which some people mistakenly called Solomon’s saying, Otherwise, I may have too much and disown You and say, 'Who is the LORD?' (Prov 30:9a).
It is better not to be wealthy, influential or gifted, than to be and develop “Who is God” attitude. Nebuchadnezzar suffered the consequence of his pride, and his foolish son never learnt from the ordeal of the proud father. No wonder, Daniel told him to his face, But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this (v. 22). Daniel tried to make him realise his foolishness, premised on the fact that he refused to learn from his father’s past mistakes. Just as Paul addressed the Galatians Christians, O foolish Galatians,” he said, O Belshazzar… What does anybody have that is not from God, the Owner and Creator of all things? (Psa 24:1; 1 Cor. 4:7).
Pride is a major pitfall of the leader. To avoid this, the leader must acknowledge God as Sovereign (what is your heart saying about God?); never replace God with any other person/thing (no matter how lofty man has gone, he will not attain God’s status); acknowledge that everything comes from God—position, power, wealth, wisdom, spouse, honour, etc.; acknowledge that pride is an evil spirit (the devil was brought down because of his pride), and acknowledge that God honours the humble. Be humble.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, I refuse to be disgraced from Your presence
2. Lord, don’t let me fall into the pit of pride that the devil fell into.
3. Lord, have mercy on Christians and ministers who have fallen because of pride, but have truly repented. Help them to return to You.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 SAMUEL 21-25

If will not loose your royal position in God's Kingdom in Jesus Christ name

DATE: Friday, September 2, 2016

TOPIC: GOD'S PACIFIER

READ NUMBERS 25:1-13
MEMORISE: In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now. (Numbers 14:19)

It is common today to see people rejoicing, feeling indifferent when evil pervades around them. The percentage of lovers of darkness far surpasses the friends of the Light. The truth of the matter is, God is looking for people to stand in the gap. He is looking for that person who would stand up for the truth. He is searching for ministers of justice. It takes a righteous man to puncture the activities of the wicked. The man who will abhor evil and bring the righteousness of God to bear in our land. Will He find that in you? Today's text and memory scripture present the intervention of Phinehas and Moses respectively.
To pacify is to bring peace, or to calm down an angry person. It is to console and help to reduce the burden that would have remained on somebody because of what people did to wrong him/her. A pacifier is a peacemaker. They are commended in the Bible (Matt 5:9). What Jesus came to do on earth is pacification. He brought peace, unity, and reconciliation between man and God.
Here are some of the peculiarities of pacifiers:
1. They are sin-killers: What Phinehas did was spectacular, in that, his action was not just targeted at destroying Cosbi and Zimri; he was angry at sin. He could not tolerate iniquity, like God doesn't. Destroying two people only is far better than for God to destroy the entire people in His zeal and anger.
2. They are zealous for God.
3. They love God's people.
4. They are lovers of righteousness and usually want the holiness of God to thrive.
You are encouraged today to join the band of God's pacifiers.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. In my words, deeds and action, I will bring Your righteousness and holiness to bear, and justice will prevail in my territory, o Lord.
2. Lord, make me a Phinehas of today, a custodian of Your love, truth and justice.
3. Oh God, give voice, resilience and platforms to the Phinehases in our churches and society. Let them be unstoppable.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 SAMUEL CHAPTER 16 - CHAPTER 20

The blessings of the Lord be with you forever in Jesus Christ name

Thursday, September 1, 2016

THE ORDEAL OF THE UNDISCIPLINED
READ PROVERBS 1:8-19
MEMORISE: Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it (Proverbs 1:19).

God raised a man and decided to use him for some glorious purposes in His vineyard. He anointed him for miracle, signs and wonders. He became so powerful that even familiar spirits bow under the auspices of his unction. With all these endowments and grace, he was expected to lead a life of holiness and purity, but lo and behold, contrary was the case. He was such a loose fellow. He was anointed, but foolish. His immoral life was second to none. His lack of discipline eventually ruined him; he died in the house of a concubine. What a pity!
Gehazi and Achan’s own problem is the uncontrollable love for material gains. These materialistic tendencies abruptly ruined their careers. What about your character deficiency? Some people are so rude, while some uncontrollably use abusive words on people. Indiscipline has never paid anyone. No wonder the father in today’s reading was warning his son to take to his instruction and never to forsake sound teaching. When you are disciplined you will eat the good reward. It is indiscipline to listen to wicked advice from any quarters, and demonic suggestion from within. Don’t allow the devil to play you. Learn from Adam and Eve, Ananias and Sapphira, they never survived it. They paid dearly for their indiscipline (Acts 5:1).
Imbibe the virtue of self-discipline, self-control, and integrity in all that you do, to guarantee your success.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me and don’t allow me to ruin my life and destiny by my uncontrollable tendencies for ill-gotten gains.
2. Lord, make a way of escape for all your children who are already in the custody of the devil because of their craving for power, wealth and popularity.
3. Lord, deliver all our Christian leaders from the cankerworm of indiscipline.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 SAMUEL 11-15

Your glory will not be wasted in Jesus Christ name

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

GOD’S WILL AND WAY (II)
READ ROMANS 12:1-3
MEMORISE: The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. (Rom 8:6)

We are in a period in which people find it very difficult to do God’s will, that is if they know it at all. Majority claim, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” However, Apostle Paul, puts it straight to us in today’s scriptural reading, the possibility of discerning the perfect will of God. He mentioned the perfect will of God, because there is the permissive will.
Permissive, personal, parents and preachers’ will are what many people settle down for today, because they are easy and convenient at short run, whereas, the will of God is good, comforting and peaceable. It brings joy and the effect lasts long.
According to Paul the followings will assist us to know the perfect Will of God: 1. Sacrificial life: …to offer your bodies as living sacrifices (v. 1b). There are dead sacrifices. Jesus is a living sacrifice offered once for all for sin. He did this for God’s will (Heb 10:10). 2. Holiness: holy living and purity will give the believer assess to the mind of God. Be perfect therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matt 5:48). Holiness helps to discover whether we are in the will of God or not. 3. Pleasing God: Jesus confessed the support He continually enjoyed from the Father because He continued to please Him (John 8:29). Why are some people fond of pleasing man than God? 4. Non-conformity with the worldly standard: No one who has joined himself with the world can ever be a friend of God (1 John 2:15-17). 5. Transformed life: a total change of heart is needed for God to communicate His will and way to us. Regret, conflict, confusion, chaos, etc., characterised act of disobedience to the will of God.

PRAYER POINTS
1.Spirit of disobedience, depart from my life, in Jesus’ name.
2.Lord, continue to teach me Your way according to Your Word. I receive the grace to search Your Scriptures.
3.Lord, help our church leaders to hunger and thirst for Your will in all their decision-making.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 SAMUEL 6-10

Where ever your enemies are expecting your downfall and failure, the Lord Jehovah will step into your situation and give you Victory in Jesus Christ name.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

GOD’S WILL AND WAY (I)
READ LEVITICUS 24:10-23
MEMORISE: They put him in custody until the will of the LORD should be made clear to them. (Leviticus 24:12)

A Christian writer came up with seven different guiding lights which are keys to helping us know and understand the will of God, so that we do not run aground. They are, an inward conviction, confirmation in the Scripture, prophetic confirmation, godly counsel, circumstantial evidence, the peace of God and God’s provision.
It is important to discover what the will of God is about the various ventures you are embarking upon. God is not presumptuous and does not expect that we live our lives on trial by error permutation. He is a God of plans. He acts objectively and cannot be faulted or queried. He does what pleases Him according to His eternal mandate and programme. Man is obliged to key into His schedule and timetable. Moses and the entire Israel taught us the importance of patiently waiting to ascertain the will and mind of God before embarking on anything. They put him in custody until the will of the LORD should be made clear to them (Lev 24:12).
‘Him’, here, refers to the blasphemer in the passage. In spite of his experience with God over the years, Moses did not presumptuously declare the judgement; He waited on God (Heb 11:23). Knowing God’s will takes deliberate efforts. It requires time, patience and waiting. It helps to avoid unnecessary errors—omission and commissions, accidents, neglects and regrets.
Do not act until you know what God is saying. Meanwhile, you cannot force or stimulate God to speak. At His own time, He will open up even when He appears to be silent: He is speaking. It is yours to be calm and silently wait for Him. God is speaking to us through the Scripture on regular basis. Is the Bible your final authority? Don’t be presumptuous.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, I reject the devil and his confusing voice.
2. Lord, give me more grace to search the Scripture and make it my authority and anchor.
3. Lord, give every member of the judiciary the fear of Your, majesty, so that they will be fair and right in their judgements.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 SAMUEL 1-5

God's WILL, Will come to pass in your life in Jesus Christ name

DATE: Monday, August 29, 2016

TOPIC: PRIDE COMES BEFORE FALL

READ PSALM 131:1-3
MEMORISE: My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me (Psalm 131:1)

What did David mean when he wrote those words? Since the indisputable authority and inspiration of God's Word confirms that he is telling the truth, we are seeing a quality of humility that is very rare. What a contrast to the spirit of today? We are living in an age in which we must catch the eye of other people. The key to success today has mainly to do with pride and self-esteem. So many Christians there are, today, whose real problem is pride. They want to be greater and live larger than others. This is in contrast to what Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 23:11-12.
Our pride will cause us to do stupid things. It will delay us coming to terms with the most important thing in the world: our relationship with God Himself. Pride generates self-sufficiency, inflates one's ideas and makes one inaccessible (Prov 29:1).
As you are starting today, ponder on this message, and battle against your pride, in order to enjoy what God has for you all day. Learn to be humble and thereby positioning yourself for God's exaltation.
Something will happen to you today, if you resign from the rat race, and realise that the only thing that matters is for God to have you for Himself. You will get to know Him the more, and will be amazed. Remember, the key to success in the world is to grow in the things of the Spirit (Gal 5:17).

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the most needed grace to humble myself always.
2. Holy Spirit, help me to fight and win the battle against haughtiness.
3. Lord endow me with the grace to concern myself with the things that always matter of heaven.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: RUTH CHAPTER 1 - CHAPTER 4

The Lord Jehovah will guide your steps and shield you from all evil all through this week in Jesus Christ name

Sunday, August 28, 2016

A PLACE FOR YOU
READ JOHN 14:1-3
MEMORISE: Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

Whenever people want to travel to other countries of their choice, they make reservations ahead, for their accommodations. That is wisdom in all respect. Have you made reservations for your eternal home? Or, are you not yet thinking about it? When will you start?
The Scripture says, Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you [they] did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert, where your fathers tested and tried me [God] and for forty years saw what I did. That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.' So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.' (Heb 3:7-11)
Holiness, without which no one will see the Lord or be awarded a room/accommodation in the heavenly mansions, is a non-compromising stand of God. Jesus knew about its weightiness and declared it somewhere again as, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven (Matt 7:21), and you cannot afford to joke with that or wave it off as if it’s inconsequential. God never asks His children to do what He has not programmed them to be. You can be holy and get your eternal home secured if you will (1 Pet 1:14-17). Begin your walk with Him NOW! Enoch did. You can do it by grace, faith and determination.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. My Lord and God, help me not to miss my place in Your eternal Kingdom.
2. Lord, give me the right attitude towards the study of Your Word, so that I will not miss the way to Your eternal Kingdom.
3. Ask God to help close the spiritual backdoors of our churches to stop the devil from inflicting backsliding on Christians.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: JUDGES 17-21

You will not be stranded this week in Jesus Christ name

DATE: Saturday, August 27, 2016

TOPIC: HOLINESS: PATHWAY, NOT PLACE

READ GENESIS 20:9-11
MEMORISE: When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless." (Gen 17:1)

In our day, we seem to magnify the love of God almost to the exclusion of the fear of Him. Here, the concept of the fear of God refers to a sense of awe and profound reverence of the Divine. Ponder on what father Abraham said before heathen king: "Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place..." Honestly, this is how many so-called Christians behave all over the world today. We have zoned holiness to be practiced only at a particular place (within the church premises), rather than walking the pathway everywhere.
So, never be judgmental on Abraham, the patriarch of faith, for we are not better than he. For 'if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.' (1 John 1:8-10)
Holiness of life is not a denominational theory. It is the explicit standard of God for us all in Christ Jesus. We live in a godless generation today, but don't be an environmental believer whose faith is feasible only where it is seemly safe; make holiness your pathway. Holiness (if it is of God must work in your family, place of work, in government circles, in private and in the public.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. O Lord, let me not deny Your Presence in my walk in the world, every day.
2. Lord, make Your holiness an inseparable part and parcel of my entire system.
3. Ask God to consume youths in our churches with the spirit of uncompromising holy living.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: JUDGES CHAPTER 12 - CHAPTER 16

Every area of your life shall experience divine supply in Jesus Christ name

DATE: Friday, August 26, 2016

TOPIC: DANGERS OF ABANDONING GOD

READ 1 KINGS 11:1-26
MEMORISE: See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. (Hebrews 3:12)

A man of God lost his love for God. His appetite for the things of God just dropped. When his daughter tried to know why he has suddenly grown cold about God, he said, "I can't just love Him anymore." The calamity that rocked him later claimed his family.
One of the menaces of the end-time is backsliding and spiritual draining. Most Christians are fast forgetting the faithfulness and love of God. Have they quickly forgotten that Jesus died for them? Solomon was a victim of backsliding and apostasy. He allowed his retinue of wives to pitch him against God. His heart was estranged from the Almighty YAHWEH who had chosen him above all his brethren. Consequently, God quashed the long reign of peace that he enjoyed. He raised enemies against him and split the kingdom.
When you are tempted to call it quits with God, consider the followings, perhaps you can get a rethink and retrace of your steps: God is a jealous God... Going away from Him is a grave sin with untold consequences. He wouldn't hesitate to visit the sin. Worship no other gods with Him. He passionately hates sharing you with other gods. His glory he can share with no one. Those gods you are abandoning Him for, are not really worth it. Where is your former joy and zeal? (Gal 4:15)
Do you know why you can't serve other gods with God? He made only one heart for you. He is not ready to share it with anything money, position, fame, etc. To leave God out of the show is to invite the devil to resume full operation. People who have forsaken God have actually become mere history (2 Chr 21:1-20; Heb 10:39).

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, don't allow me to call it quits with You, so that I won't invite Your wrath upon my life.
2. Lord, heal all wounds that backsliding has brought on me, as I return to You wholly.
3. Lord rejuvenate and bring to life, Christian brethren who have gone down into spiritual deadness and comatose.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: JUDGES CHAPTER 7 - CHAPTER 11

No more wasted labour; no more dry season in the name of Jesus Christ

Thursday, August 25, 2016

STOP HYPOCRITICAL FASTING
READ ISAIAH 58:1-5
MEMORISE: If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. (Proverbs 21:13)

Our text today is a whole description of those who profess to delight to know the ways of God but manifest the character of formalists and hypocrites. Why have we fasted, the Israelites queried, and You (God) have not seen it or noticed it? They had fasted much, evidently, with the expectation of delivering themselves from impending calamities, and securing the divine favour. But God had not intervened as they had expected. Annoyed and humiliated, they complained that he had not noticed them or given tokens of the expected divine consent. Hypocrites depend on their fasting and prayers as laying God under obligation to save them.
The prophet here stated three-point reasons why their fasting was an effort in a junk. First, they gave full indulgence to their depraved appetites and lusts while fasting [you do as you please]. Secondly, they were at that time oppressive in demanding all that was due to them; they remitted nothing and forgave nothing [you exploit all your workers]. And thirdly (v. 4), they were divided into parties and factions: probably made their fasting an occasion of amplified conflict and strife and of personal combats.
How often have you noticed this in contending denominations of Christian’s fast or contending factions in the church, fasting in order to strengthen their party with the solemn sanctions of religion with no subdued passions, and giving vent to disgraceful personal encounters? Never turn your eye away to correct this gross error in yourself as God’s ambassador. God cannot be manipulated by our emotional prayers. Pray right and get the results.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, let the lost virtues of true Christian faith be found in me.
2. Lord, help me to always follow the right path in doing those things You want me to do in, with and for You.
3. Lord, let there be the revival of the right attitude towards fasting in our churches, in Jesus’ name.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: JUDGES 1-6

The delay is over and your testimony has arrived in the name of Jesus Christ

Oya guys, what are you waiting for?

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

NO SHORTCUTS
READ ACTS 8:18-21
MEMORISE: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Beverly Sills said, “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” Had Simon the sorcerer forgotten so soon what it costs him (not on monetary terms anyway) to acquire his witchcraft status? How mean to think that the way to Holy Spirit empowerment could be so cheap to offer the Apostle money? Jude v. 11 calls it – the error of Balaam! He (Balaam also) wanted a raise by all means, but ended up in ruins (Num 24:11). The way to the top is neither swift nor easy. Nothing worthwhile ever happens in a hurry, so be patient. No shortcuts, dear friend, lest you cut short your life and cut off your graces.
Simon the sorcerer forgot that you can’t warm your hands by burning your fingers. True success has less to do with speed, but more to do with timing and direction. Lord Chesterfield said, “Whoever is in hurry shows that the thing he is about is too big for him.” Building contractors know that a skyscraper is never built in a hurry. What exactly are you eager to accomplish so quick (spiritual, new business, marriage acquaintance, etc.) that is causing your ‘BP’ to flounder (have difficulty)? Give time, time, friend.
The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end too soon. Haste makes waste. Are you already facing the right direction, doing the right thing at the right time, not engaged with shortcuts? Just keep walking. Soon, you will get there too. Amen.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Baptise me, Jesus Christ, with Your Spirit, lest I cut off Your graces in me.
2. O Lord, deliver me from the spirit of ‘quick fixes’ that make people to cut corners, looking for shortcuts against Your will.
3. Pray for youths in our churches, that God should help them overcome the “hurry-hurry” attitudes that lead youths into unholy acts for wealth and fame.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: JOSHUA 21-24

You will not lack results from today in Jesus Christ name

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

PERSISTENCE PAYS
READ 2 KINGS 13:14-19
MEMORISE: Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecclesiastes 11:6)

We live in an instant era. People want things NOW! Our generation doesn’t really want to take the “seeds;” we want the flowers – an overnight success. But beloved, never give up on what you really know you should do, even when your patience seems burnt out. Every “man of the hour” has spent many days and nights getting there. This is what Prophet Elisha rebuked Joash the king of Israel for, The man of God was angry with him and said, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times." (v. 19)
When you are persistent, it is the proof that you have not been defeated. Mike Murdock says, “You have no right to anything you have not pursued. For the proof of desire is in the pursuit.” Dear friend, know that life holds no greater wealth than that of steadfast commitment. The secret of success is to start from scratch and keep on scratching. People are evaluated by what they finish, not by what they start. Till you end up succeeding physically, and even get to heaven, you mustn’t quit trying. What good have you started doing and now you have quit? Pick up yourself and persist. Diligence and persistence pay a lot.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. I recover, today, from my waning/failing spirit, in Jesus’ name.
2. I receive the divine grace to keep persistently pushing forward to accomplishing my God-ordained successes, in Jesus’ name.
3. Lord, deliver Your Church from complacency and discouragement, as the case may be, in relation to the Great Commission.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: JOSHUA 16-20

From today, all your efforts towards greatness will yielding great results because Jehovah will cause you to end AUGUST well in Jesus Christ name

Monday, August 22, 2016

GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE
READ MATTHEW 19:1-12
MEMORISE: I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery. (Matt 19:9)

The incident that rocked the family of Mr Adam is serious enough to pull the couple apart. In fact, not too many families today would survive such. It was a real storm. Apart from the loss of fellowship with God, another thing that the incident was designed for was to bring division and dissension into the first family. Thank God, devil failed woefully in that regard. He will continue to fail in our lives, marriages, businesses, and churches, etc., in Jesus’ name.
The man held on to his wife and knew her intimately and that is what true love and companionship can do in a marriage. There was a man, who was hinted about his wife’s infidelity. Someone would have expected him to flare up. No, he did not do such thing. Instead, he silenced the evil reporter and loved the wife the more. Later on, it was revealed that the report was cooked up to break the relationship. What makes you feel that putting away is the best solution to that problem between you and your spouse? God hates divorce and this needs no debate (Mal 2:16).
It was Eve that got a correct assessment of the problem. She realised that they had been deceived. Couples should guide against any form of lies. Communication, heart-to-heart communication, is more than necessary, if your marriage must thrive. There are couples who are under the same roof, but are not on talking terms. Geographical separation is what has brought communication gap to some family. Also, financial issues impact on marriage. More than 70% of marriages break up because of money. The spouses need to be transparent to one another in all things, finance inclusive. Where is your spouse? Where is the wife/husband of your youth?

PRAYER POINTS
1. The evil spirit of divorce, pack your load and go away from our homes and churches, in Jesus’ name.
2. Lord, deliver spouses from infidelity and unforgiving spirit.
3. Pray to God to help stop the storm of divorce that is gradually gathering momentum against marriages of God’s children and ministers.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: JOSHUA 11-15

All that you have being longing to achieve but your power and wisdom has has failed you, Jehovah Almighty will release them to you effortlessly from today in Jesus Christ name.