₦airaland Forum

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
TOPIC: GUARDIAN ANGELS
READ: MATTHEW 18:1-10

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

THE MESSAGE:

Today, September 29, is Saint Michael and all Angels Day, a day set aside to celebrate the Ministry of the Angels. On this day, we are reminded of the role of Angel Michael who is known for being in command of many angels to fight the dragon (Revelation 12:7-8; cf Daniel 10:12-13). Angels are created beings but by nature, are spirits meant to assist us. They are not to be worshipped or prayed to (Revelation 22:9; Col. 2:18). They are ministering servants to believers (Hebrews 1:14), and shall be judged by believers (1 Corinthians 6:3). Angels praise the Lord and do His commands (Psalm 103:20; 148:2); rejoice in the salvation of men (Luke 15:10); and minister to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14 cf 1 Kings 19:5-8; Daniel 6:22).

Verse 10 of our text today reveals that believers have guardian angels. Just as we have physical security guards who defend us against physical enemies, so too believers have heavenly security guards—angels who watch over us. If the Lord will open our eyes to see the angels keeping guard over us, we will get to know that the angelic guards on our side are more than the evil forces in our enemy's camp (2 Kings 6:15-17). Let us take the Lord by His word that "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20), and be assured that His guardian angels will continually attend to us to protect us from the evil one.

PRAYER: Father, thank You for the angels You have posted to watch over me. Amen.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
TOPIC: FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE
READ: 1 KINGS 7:38-47

38 Then he made ten lavers of bronze; each laver contained [k]forty baths, and each laver was four cubits. On each of the ten carts was a laver.
39 And he put five carts on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house. He set the Sea on the right side of the house, toward the southeast.
40 Huram[l] made the lavers and the shovels and the bowls. So Huram finished doing all the work that he was to do for King Solomon for the house of the Lord:
41 the two pillars, the two bowl-shaped capitals that were on top of the two pillars; the two networks covering the two bowl-shaped capitals which were on top of the pillars;
42 four hundred pomegranates for the two networks (two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowl-shaped capitals that were on top of the pillars);
43 the ten carts, and ten lavers on the carts; 44 one Sea, and twelve oxen under the Sea; 45 the pots, the shovels, and the bowls.
All these articles which [m]Huram made for King Solomon for the house of the Lord were of burnished bronze.
46 In the plain of Jordan the king had them cast in clay molds, between Succoth and Zaretan.
47 And Solomon did not weigh all the articles, because there were so many; the weight of the bronze was not determined.

THE MESSAGE:

We read in verse 37 that "... Solomon did not weigh all the articles, because there were so many; the weight of the bronze was not determined." Solomon did not think he should be economical or not waste the resources to furnish the house of God, hence we are told he did not bother to count the cost of the many articles and bronze used in furnishing God's temple. Remember that Solomon had asked from God an understanding heart to judge His people, that he may discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9), but God gave him in addition, riches and honour (1 Kings 3:13). So, Solomon was aware that it was God who had made him wealthy, and all he spent in the service of God, he had freely received.

Beloved, what is it that you have that you have not freely received? The psalmist says, “The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness” (Psalm 24:1). The widow gave "her whole livelihood" (Mark 12:41-44); the Macedonians gave "beyond their ability" (2 Corinthians 8:3); and Jesus Christ "gave Himself a ransom for all" (1 Timothy 2:6). Jesus Himself says, “Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:. In Jesus, we have received a new life, a new family of believers; and a new hope. Because God has showered us with these blessings, we should generously give to God and others. Freely we have received, freely should we give.

PRAYER: Father; help me to give as freely as I have received. Amen.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
(Trinity 17)
TOPIC: GOD'S BLESSINGS CALL FOR A RESPONSE
READ: MATTHEW 25:14-30

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

THE MESSAGE:

The Parable of the Talents is about a master and his three servants. The master travelled abroad and gave five, two and one talent(s) respectively to his servants, to trade with. On his return, the first two servants had doubled their talents but the third servant had nothing to present to his master other than the one talent he was given, which he dug the ground and hid. The master praised the first two (verses 21&23), but condemned the third servant for being wicked, lazy and unprofitable (verses 26&27). His one talent was given to the servant with the most talents. The two faithful servants received equal commendation, while the unfaithful servant was cast into outer darkness to be condemned.

God has blessed us with resources and gifts and He expects us to put them to the best possible use. This enables God's work to move forward as efficiently and effectively as possible. The Lord expects His servants to be faithful to the task given to them while waiting for His return. Our right response to these blessings and gifts result in ultimate rewards as we find with the two servants who “Enter into the joy of your lord" (verses 21&23). Of course, the wrong response results in condemnation like we see of the servant who did not put his talent to work and ended up being "cast... into the outer darkness" (verse 30). Don't waste time to put to work God's resources in your care, and you will be blessed for it.

PRAYER: Father, may none of Your resources You've blessed me with lie idle. Amen

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
TOPIC: LET YOUR WORK RECOMMEND YOU
READ: 1 KINGS 7:27-37,(NIV)]

27 He also made ten movable stands of bronze; each was four cubits long, four wide and three high.[r]
28 This is how the stands were made: They had side panels attached to uprights.
29 On the panels between the uprights were lions, bulls and cherubim—and on the uprights as well. Above and below the lions and bulls were wreaths of hammered work.
30 Each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles, and each had a basin resting on four supports, cast with wreaths on each side.
31 On the inside of the stand there was an opening that had a circular frame one cubit[s] deep. This opening was round, and with its basework it measured a cubit and a half.[t] Around its opening there was engraving. The panels of the stands were square, not round.
32 The four wheels were under the panels, and the axles of the wheels were attached to the stand. The diameter of each wheel was a cubit and a half.
33 The wheels were made like chariot wheels; the axles, rims, spokes and hubs were all of cast metal.
34 Each stand had four handles, one on each corner, projecting from the stand.
35 At the top of the stand there was a circular band half a cubit[u] deep. The supports and panels were attached to the top of the stand.
36 He engraved cherubim, lions and palm trees on the surfaces of the supports and on the panels, in every available space, with wreaths all around.
37 This is the way he made the ten stands. They were all cast in the same molds and were identical in size and shape.

THE MESSAGE:

King of Tyre recommended Huram, a man full of wisdom and understanding, to Solomon to carry out the bronze work of the temple (verses 13-14). He constructed ten bronze moveable water carts, each holding a basin for rinsing burnt offerings (verse 27 cf 2 Chronicles 4:6). Each cart had four wheel stands with axles to make them mobile (verse 30). The wheels are made like chariot wheels, and their axle pins, rims, spokes, and hubs, were cast in bronze (verse 33). The carts were identical in size and shape (verse 37) and were decorated with carved lions, oxen, and cherubim, together with wreath decorations above and below (verses 28-29). Also, each of the water carts had four handles, extending out (verse 34), and the top of the carts had ring shapes (verse 35).

Dearly beloved, looking at the way the ten water carts are constructed, you will agree that it took much wisdom and understanding to produce such excellent pieces of furnishings. Huram was recommended to Solomon because he was apparently a very superior craftsman. The secret of his success story rests on the wisdom and understanding he possessed. In Christ, you and I have inexhaustible resources to draw from to excel, like Huram. In Christ, God does "freely gives us all things” (Romans 8:32), including wisdom to excel, if we ask (James 1:5). Ask for wisdom and understanding concerning all you do, that you may excel and so your work will recommend you.

PRAYER: Father; grant me wisdom and understanding to excel in all I do

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
TOPIC: GIVING OUR BEST IN GOD'S SERVICE
READ: 1 KINGS 7:13-26

13 Now King Solomon sent and brought [a]Huram from Tyre.
14 He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a bronze worker; he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill in working with all kinds of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and did all his work.
15 And he [b]cast two pillars of bronze, each one eighteen cubits high, and a line of twelve cubits measured the circumference of each.
16 Then he made two capitals of cast bronze, to set on the tops of the pillars. The height of one capital was five cubits, and the height of the other capital was five cubits.
17 He made a lattice network, with wreaths of chain work, for the capitals which were on top of the pillars: seven chains for one capital and seven for the other capital.
18 So he made the pillars, and two rows of pomegranates above the network all around to cover the capitals that were on top; and thus he did for the other capital.
19 The capitals which were on top of the pillars in the hall were in the shape of lilies, four cubits.
20 The capitals on the two pillars also had pomegranates above, by the convex surface which was next to the network; and there were two hundred such pomegranates in rows on each of the capitals all around.
21 Then he set up the pillars by the vestibule of the temple; he set up the pillar on the right and called its name [c]Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the left and called its name [d]Boaz.
22 The tops of the pillars were in the shape of lilies. So the work of the pillars was finished.
23 And he made the Sea of cast bronze, ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was completely round. Its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference.
24 Below its brim were ornamental buds encircling it all around, ten to a cubit, all the way around the Sea. The ornamental buds were cast in two rows when it was cast.
25 It stood on twelve oxen: three looking toward the north, three looking toward the west, three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; the Sea was set upon them, and all their back parts pointed inward.
26 It was a handbreadth thick; and its brim was shaped like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It contained two thousand baths.

THE MESSAGE:

Our text today focuses on the temple's furnishings. Notice that Solomon had to engage Huram (Hebrew - Hiram), who was an expert craftsman. Solomon chose only the best when we consider the sterling qualities of Huram. We are told, “He was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill in working with all kinds of bronze work" (verse 14). To be “filled with wisdom and understanding" is a sign of a Spirit-controlled life. We have a similar story when the tabernacle was being built in the time of Moses. We read that Bezalel and Oholiab who had Spirit-filled abilities in artistic craftsmanship, were uniquely gifted to design and build a tabernacle befitting a holy and magnificent God (cf Exodus 31:1-11).

Before we can give our best in the service of God, we must be full of the Spirit, manifesting wisdom and understanding (verse 14 cf Isaiah 11:2; Exodus 31:3). You will notice that in the choosing of the seven deacons, the apostles looked for men “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). We cannot be in the flesh and hope to give God our best. The Scripture makes it clear that "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit" (John 3:6). Do you have the power of the Holy Spirit available to you all the time? Are you born again? (John 3:3, 5). In whatever capacity we are serving in the Church, without the Spirit's empowerment, we cannot give our best.

PRAYER: Father; please fill me with Your spirit so I can give You my best.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
TOPIC: IT IS A MATTER OF PRIORITY
READ: 1 KINGS 7:1-12

7 But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.
2 He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.
3 And it was covered with cedar above upon the beams, that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row.
4 And there were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks.
5 And all the doors and posts were square, with the windows: and light was against light in three ranks.
6 And he made a porch of pillars; the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth thereof thirty cubits: and the porch was before them: and the other pillars and the thick beam were before them.
7 Then he made a porch for the throne where he might judge, even the porch of judgment: and it was covered with cedar from one side of the floor to the other.
8 And his house where he dwelt had another court within the porch, which was of the like work. Solomon made also an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken to wife, like unto this porch.
9 All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the outside toward the great court.
10 And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.
11 And above were costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones, and cedars.
12 And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the Lord, and for the porch of the house.

THE MESSAGE:

King Solomon can be described as a master builder when we consider the complex nature of his palace which comprised of the House of the Forest of Lebanon (verses 2-5), the Hall of Pillars (verse 6), the Hall of Judgement (verse 7), a lavish open court containing other buildings, and his own house (verses 8-12). As a master builder, Solomon had to set his priority right by ensuring that he started with the temple project which was a house built for God, before embarking on his palace complex which took him thirteen years to complete (verse 1). Solomon built for God and God had to build for Solomon, so to speak.

Solomon's desire to complete the Lord's house before building his own house is commendable. We have many desires that compete for our attention and we must remember that God's work is priority. The Scripture enjoins us to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, and the basic necessities of life will be ours too (Matthew 6:33). Who knows whether Solomon would have succeeded in building his palace if he had not built God's house first. We read in Haggai 1:2ff how God rebuked His people for building their houses instead of rebuilding His temple. When we put God first, He will provide for our deepest needs (cf Matthew 6:33).

PRAYER: Father, help me to give You first place in every area of my life. Amen.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026
TOPIC: GOD'S PROJECT IS NEVER ABANDONED
READ: 1 KINGS 6:29-38

29 Then he carved all the walls of the temple all around, both the inner and outer sanctuaries, with carved figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers.
30 And the floor of the temple he overlaid with gold, both the inner and outer sanctuaries.
31 For the entrance of the inner sanctuary he made doors of olive wood; the lintel and doorposts were 7one-fifth of the wall.
32 The two doors were of olive wood; and he carved on them figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees.
33 So for the door of the 8sanctuary he also made doorposts of olive wood, 9one-fourth of the wall.
34 And the two doors were of cypress wood; two panels comprised one folding door, and two panels comprised the other folding door. 35 Then he carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers on them, and overlaid them with gold applied evenly on the carved work.
36 And he built the sinner court with three rows of hewn stone and a row of cedar beams.
37 In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, in the month of Ziv. 38 And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished in all its details and according to all its plans. So he was seven years in building it.

THE MESSAGE:

Verse 38 of our text notes that the period of time spent in building the temple was seven years. Solomon ensured that the project was never abandoned, the greatness of the task notwithstanding, until it was brought to completion. If we follow the story of the temple-building from its foundation to completion, we will discover that it was a vast and elegant project. Hence, Solomon had to engage a labour force numbering thousands of men (1 Kings 5:13- 18), to bring the project to completion. Solomon's seriousness, coupled with the many hands employed to execute the project, ensured the work was completed.

We should learn to give the work of God put in our charge the seriousness it requires. We are assured that every good work God begins in us, He will bring to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). What is your attitude to that ongoing building project in your Parish, Diocese, or National Church? Are you committing your time, energy and resources towards its completion? Again, the various groups we belong to in Church, are God's work (projects) and we must give our attention to them. God's work must never be abandoned. Solomon leaves us an example to follow.

PRAYER: Father, help me to build my life in the faith according to Your pattern.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
TOPIC: REJOICING, A SURE REWARD!
READ: 1 KINGS 6:14-28

So Solomon built the temple and finished it.
15 And he built the inside walls of the temple with cedar boards; from the floor of the temple to the ceiling he paneled the inside with wood; and he covered the floor of the temple with planks of cypress.
16 Then he built the twenty-cubit room at the rear of the temple, from floor to ceiling, with cedar boards; he built it inside as the inner sanctuary, as the Most Holy Place.
17 And in front of it the temple sanctuary was forty cubits long.
18 The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with ornamental buds and open flowers. All was cedar; there was no stone to be seen.
19 And he prepared the [a]inner sanctuary inside the temple, to set the ark of the covenant of the Lord there.
20 The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid it with pure gold, and overlaid the altar of cedar.
21 So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold. He stretched gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, and overlaid it with gold.
22 The whole temple he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the temple; also he overlaid with gold the entire altar that was by the inner sanctuary.
23 Inside the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits high. 24 One wing of the cherub was five cubits, and the other wing of the cherub five cubits: ten cubits from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other.
25 And the other cherub was ten cubits; both cherubim were of the same size and shape.
26 The height of one cherub was ten cubits, and so was the other cherub.
27 Then he set the cherubim inside the inner [b]room; and they stretched out the wings of the cherubim so that the wing of the one touched one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall. And their wings touched each other in the middle of the room. 28 Also he overlaid the cherubim with gold.

THE MESSAGE:

Beautiful things put smiles on people's faces and joy in their hearts. We read that the temple interior had walls that were partitioned with cedar from floor to ceiling so that no exterior stones could be seen. The inner sanctuary was covered with pure gold, all of which made the whole place extremely beautiful. Whenever worshipers gathered in the beautiful inner sanctuary to worship the LORD, they were stirred to rejoice (Psalm 16:11). David, who made many of the plans of the temple building (1 Chronicles 22), captures for us the beauty of the temple that should make someone rejoice: He says, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4).

Like David, your sure reward will be rejoicing, if you desire to behold the beauty of the LORD by being regular in Church service (cf Hebrew 10:25); spending quality time in meditating on the Bible and praying without ceasing (Joshua 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17); being desirous to live a life of holiness (1 Peter 1:16); and determining to keep your body (temple) undefiled (beautiful) like Solomon's beautiful temple (cf 1 Corinthians 3:16).

PRAYER: Father; may I continue to desire to behold Your beauty daily. Amen.

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

*DATE:* MONDAY, 21ST SEPTEMBER, 2026 _*{St. Matthew The Apostle}*_

*THEME:* FOLLOW ME

*TEXT:* NO TEXT

*MESSAGE:*

Saint Matthew is one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ and is remembered on September 21 of every year. The name Matthew comes from the Greek, Mattaioś which means 'gift of Yahweh.' Matthew was a tax collector (Matt. 9:14; 10:3), a profession whose members were hated by the Jews because they cheated a lot and worked for Rome. This was the image of Matthew when Jesus met him and invited him to _"Follow Me"_ (v. 9). Matthew left his profiting career and followed Jesus. From that moment, Matthew followed Jesus who was the Way.

When God calls us to follow or obey Him, we are to do it without delay as Matthew did. Sometimes the decision to follow where He leads requires difficult or painful choices. All the same, we must decide to leave behind the things that would keep us from following Jesus, for we have no one else to whom we can go who has the words of eternal life (cf John 6:68). Again, we should never be tempted to follow any man no matter who he is. Jesus to us today, “Follow me.”

*PRAYER:*
Father; may I ever follow Your Son, never looking back. *Amen.*

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:
_"I carry your burdens every day."_ *Psalm 68:19*

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
(Trinity 16)
TOPIC: LOVE WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION
READ: MATTHEW 22:34-40

34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.
35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him,
and saying,
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

THE MESSAGE:

The Pharisees approached Jesus with the intention to test, trap and defeat Him (verses 34, 35; cf verse 15). Jesus' response to the question: “Which is the great commandment in the law?" (verse 36), was an opportunity for Him to teach how someone can show his love for God and his fellow men - a love that involves the entire person, and from which comes the ability and desire to love God and those who are created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27). To love for fellow men is to love your neighbour as yourself, including a 'fellow Israelite' (Lev. 19:18), anyone in need (Luke 10:29-37) and even one's enemies (Matthew 5:44).

We must learn from Jesus here. Note that the Pharisees came as enemies to test Jesus, to spite Him and to prove Him wrong. But Jesus loved them without discrimination. He practised what He had preached to His disciples: "Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:43). Do we practise what we preach? Have we love for ou enemies? Like the Pharisees, we can become so busy with every day concerns, perhaps chasing what we believe is the right thing, and miss out on the first and great thing that God demands from us.

PRAYER: Father, may the fruit of Your love flow into every life that I encounter.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
TOPIC: GOD KNOWS OUR WORKS
READ: 1 KINGS 6:7-13

. 7 And the temple, when it was being built, was built with stone finished at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.
8 The doorway for the [j]middle story was on the right side of the temple. They went up by stairs to the middle story, and from the middle to the third.
9 So he built the temple and finished it, and he paneled the temple with beams and boards of cedar.
10 And he built side chambers against the entire temple, each five cubits high; they were attached to the temple with cedar beams.
11 Then the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying:
12 “Concerning this temple which you are building, if you walk in My statutes, execute My judgments, keep all My commandments, and walk in them, then I will perform My [m]word with you, which I spoke to your father David.
13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.”

THE MESSAGE:

In our text, we read that the stones used in the construction of the Temple were prepared at the quarry, so that there was no sound of a hammer or any other tool heard at the building site. The noiseless construction of the house of worship, is Solomon's way to show his and the people's care, concern, honour, and respect for God and His sanctuary. The LORD who was taking notice of the work, gave an encouraging message to Solomon, that if he remained faithful to Him, the Temple he was building would become an eternal dwelling place for Him (God) (verses 11-13).

God knows our works. He is taking notice of all we do. We are not alone as we work for Him, for He will, every now and then, reach out to us to ensure that we finish well and strong. Never must we give up, but keep trusting until every work we begin for the LORD, is completed. God expects us to remain faithful so that in due course, He will reward us. The phrase, 'I know your works', appears in each letter to the seven churches in the province of Asia in the book of Revelation, demonstrating that the omniscient and omnipresent Judge is watching to reward us according to our works.

PRAYER: Father, help us to remain faithful to You so that in due course, our good works may be rewarded. Amen.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
TOPIC: BUILD WITH CARE
READ: 1 KINGS 6:1-6

And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the Lord.
2 And the house which king Solomon built for the Lord, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.
3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
4 And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.
5 And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:
6 The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house.

THE MESSAGE:

.We read here that 480 years after the Israelites left Egypt, Solomon began to “build the house of the LORD" (verse 1; NKJV). The writer of 1 Kings carefully recorded details of the construction of the house of the Lord (temple; NIV). It was 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet high. The room at the front measured 30 feet wide, projecting outward, 15 feet. There are narrow recessed windows; a complex of rooms which is 3-storeys high, of which the rooms were connected to the walls of the Temple by beams resting on ledges built out from the wall; and the beams were not inserted into the walls themselves.

The house of the LORD or Temple, being Israel's most important building, was erected to glorify God, hence the writer of 1 Kings had to carefully record its details.
The Holy Spirit, the architect of the plan or pattern of the Temple, gave the plan to David who in turn, handed it over to Solomon for execution (1 Chronicles 28:11-12). And Solomon was careful to build according to the plan given to him. Similarly, Paul enjoins us to build with care because we are God's building - God's temple in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:9-17). The Scripture is our God-given plan to build His temple today. Let's faithfully use it.

PRAYER: Father, help me to build my life in the faith according to Your pattern.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
TOPIC: WORKERS' WELFARE
READ: 1 KINGS 5: 13-18 (NKJV)

13 Then King Solomon raised up a labor force out of all Israel; and the labor force was thirty thousand men.
14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month in shifts: they were one month in Lebanon and two months at home; Adoniram was in charge of the labor force.
15 Solomon had seventy thousand who carried burdens, and eighty thousand who quarried stone in the mountains,
16 besides three thousand three hundred from the chiefs of Solomon’s deputies, who supervised the people who labored in the work.
17 And the king commanded them to quarry large stones, costly stones, and hewn stones, to lay the foundation of the temple.
18 So Solomon’s builders, Hiram’s builders, and the Gebalites quarried them; and they prepared timber and stones to build the [i]temple.

THE MESSAGE:

In today's text, we read about the work strategies employed by Solomon in building the temple. A task force of thirty thousand Israelite labourers went in shifts to work for one month, out of three, in Lebanon (verses 13-14). They spent one month working in Lebanon and two months at home. Another group was simultaneously working in the hills cutting and collecting the stone for the foundation (verses 15-17). Notice too that other than the craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram, the Gebalites or men of Byblos (verse 18), were also employed for this project. They were Phoenicians probably skilled as shipbuilders.

Planning is critical for success. This is the reason for the saying: 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.' Solomon's work strategies for the temple project involved good planning to ensure that the labourers' were not away from home for long periods of time. This was perfected through having the 30,000 workers come “from all Israel” (verse 13). Also, most other workers, including the labourers and quarry workers, were non-Israelites (verses 15-17). This wise planning demonstrates Solomon's special concern for the welfare of his Israelite workers and their families. Let's learn to treat those who work under us well so that the work they do should not be a burden but a blessing to them.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to take seriously the welfare of my workers. Amen.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
TOPIC: BUILD WITH WISDOM
READ: 1 KINGS 5:7-12

7 When Hiram heard Solomon’s message, he was greatly pleased and said, “Praise be to the Lord today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation.”
8 So Hiram sent word to Solomon:
“I have received the message you sent me and will do all you want in providing the cedar and juniper logs.
9 My men will haul them down from Lebanon to the Mediterranean Sea, and I will float them as rafts by sea to the place you specify. There I will separate them and you can take them away. And you are to grant my wish by providing food for my royal household.”
10 In this way Hiram kept Solomon supplied with all the cedar and juniper logs he wanted, 11 and Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand cors[b] of wheat as food for his household, in addition to twenty thousand baths[c][d] of pressed olive oil. Solomon continued to do this for Hiram year after year.
12 The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

THE MESSAGE:

King Solomon's request to Hiram king of Tyre to supply raw materials for him to use to build the temple of the Lord was eagerly responded to by Hiram. Why? It is because Hiram saw in Solomon a man who was wise (verse 7). As a result, Solomon's heart's desire was met in getting materials for the temple (verses 8, 10). Similarly, Hiram had his wish met (verse 9). We read in verse 12 that this happy arrangement, sealed by a treaty between the two kings, testifies to the wisdom God gave to Solomon. Solomon's God-given wisdom therefore played a role in ensuring that the house of the Lord was built.

The Bible speaks so much about wisdom, that the entire book of Proverbs is devoted to it. If we are to successfully go through life, we need the wisdom of God to effectively carry out God's given assignments, like Solomon did. Wisdom is needed to apply God's truth to daily relationships and situations. When we have the wisdom of God, we operate not with what we know but 'who' we know, that is, Jesus Christ, who is wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:30). God promises to give wisdom to anyone who asks (James 1:5). Wisdom helps us to build everything concerning our lives on a firm foundation, with positive outcomes (Matthew 7:24).

PRAYER: Father; help me to build my life on Your Son who is wisdom from You.

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

*DATE:* TUESDAY, 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

*THEME:* FOR GOD, ONLY THE BEST IS GOOD

*TEXT:* 1 KINGS 5: 1-6 _*(NKJV)*_

1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, because he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram had always loved David.
2 Then Solomon sent to Hiram, saying:
3 You know how my father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars which were fought against him on every side, until the Lord put his foes under the soles of his feet.
4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor evil occurrence.
5 And behold, I propose to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke to my father David, saying, “Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he shall build the house for My name.”
6 Now therefore, command that they cut down cedars for me from Lebanon; and my servants will be with your servants, and I will pay you wages for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know there is none among us who has skill to cut timber like the Sidonians.

*MESSAGE:*

The challenge with the church today is that we lack fear and respect for God. We see this in many areas of our lives, including the offering we bring before God. The reason for this may be our inability to comprehend God appropriately. For instance, today, we see a man who wants to work for God, but who wants to do it with the left-over part of his life. When he wants to encourage his son to enrol in the seminary, he will choose the 'leftover' - the one who has failed his university admission examination (JAMB) or his Senior School Certificate. When he wants to give an offering, he will give the worst and rejected notes.

In our text, we can see the attitude of men who really honour God; they knew that God deserves the first and only the best. Solomon went an extra mile to seek out the best for his God. He got cedar trees and skilled labourers from Lebanon - materials known for their quality and durability. Any wood was just not enough to build something for divine worship! 1Kings 5:1-6 show how serving God demands giving our best, in respect of His holiness and majesty. The best of our time and resources belong to the Lord alone.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, I desire to honour You above all else. This is my desire!

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:
_"Before you even call out to Me, I will answer you."_ *Isaiah 65:24*

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
TOPIC: IF I BE LIFTED UP
READ: JOHN 12:31-36

Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.
36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

THE MESSAGE:

In John 12:32, Jesus reveals the striking significance of His sacrifice on the cross. This verse reminds us of the centrality of the cross in human history. The phrase "lifted up" refers to His crucifixion; and also carries a spiritual relevance in relation to His exaltation and glorification. The result of His 'lifting' was to be a 'drawing'; a powerful, irresistible attraction of a universal scope. When Jesus prayed in verse 28 saying, “Father, glorify your name", the Father responded through a voice from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." When Jesus was lifted out of the water of Baptism in the Jordan (Luke 3:21-22), men followed Him (Luke 5:1-11). When He was lifted on the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:1ff), the disciples had more reasons to follow Him. Now, He was to be lifted on the cross, and the barriers and chains everywhere had to break so that the whole world could follow Him.

Whenever there is a lifting of Jesus, there is a drawing of men; it is a drawing for salvation, for deliverance, for redemption and for sanctification. These are the undeniable outcomes whenever and wherever Jesus Christ is lifted. Today, there are many who are lifting themselves by their actions and trying hard to draw Jesus with their lips. As Christians, It is high time we retraced our steps and returned to the fundamental pattern of lifting up Jesus Christ so He can draw men to Himself.

PRAYER: Lord, help me draw men to You, and not to me in any form. Amen.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
(Trinity 15)
TOPIC: WHEN PRAYERS ARE NO LONGER ANSWERED
READ: LUKE 16:19-31

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.
20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores
21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family,
28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

THE MESSAGE:

Our reading today shows a situation where prayers seemingly go unanswered as shown in two contrasting lives - one marked by wealth and indifference (the rich man), and another by suffering and the yearning for relief (Lazarus). While Lazarus made his prayers on earth while alive, the rich man made his only when he was dead. Lazarus' prayer (desire) was in line with the pattern taught by Christ. His desire was that the Lord would provide him his daily bread (Matthew 6:9-13). It appeared Lazarus' prayer was not answered but at the end, he saw that God was working out His purposes for him. In contrast, the rich man apparently made no prayers while on earth because he lacked nothing except that he had no connection with God. His only prayers were after death, and the timing and content of his prayers were wrong. He was praying about salvation and relief from hell in eternity, a matter he should have settled earlier. He received an instant response, yet it was an unfavourable answer.

Beloved, we must remember that effective prayer is built first on our relationship with God, as “our Father." Second, it is only in time (our earthly life) that we need to pray and settle the issues of salvation and eternity. The best liturgical prayers at a funeral, cannot change the destiny of the deceased. All prayers after death are like the prayers of the rich man. They fail in content and in time.

PRAYER: Lord, while I yet live, help me to pray; and may I pray according to Your will.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
TOPIC: GOD OUR SUFFICIENCY
READ: 1 KINGS 4:20-34

20 Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea; they ate and drank and were happy. 21 [a] Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphra′tes to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
22 Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour, and sixty cors of meal,
23 ten fat oxen, and twenty pasture-fed cattle, a hundred sheep, besides harts, gazelles, roebucks, and fatted fowl.
24 For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphra′tes from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphra′tes; and he had peace on all sides round about him.
25 And Judah and Israel dwelt in safety, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon.
26 Solomon also had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
27 And those officers supplied provisions for King Solomon, and for all who came to King Solomon’s table, each one in his month; they let nothing be lacking.
28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds they brought to the place where it was required, each according to his charge.
29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and largeness of mind like the sand on the seashore,
30 so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
31 For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ez′rahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations round about.
32 He also uttered three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five.
33 He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall; he spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish.
34 And men came from all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

THE MESSAGE:

This passage shows the sufficiency of God as a Provider and a Protector. Verse 20b says "they (Judah and Israel) were very contented, with plenty to eat and drink" (NLT). God provided an insurance for Solomon's supplies, partly, by a lifetime contribution from the conquered territories. Verse 27 tells us that the officers Solomon appointed were faithful in their provisions to the point that nothing was lacking. In verses 24 & 25, we are told that there was peace in the land and everyone dwelt safely in their domains. Solomon's needs were much, but God was more than able to provide.
God is always dependable and much more reliable. Apostle Paul wrote about the certainty of God's supplies, according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Indeed, the earth and its fullness are the Lord's (Psalm 24:1)

Our text carefully details the size of the needs or demands of Solomon's palace, because of the large number of the workforce. The daily requirements appeared frightening (1 Kings 4:22, 23). However, we have learnt that God's resources cannot be exhausted. Just like His compassions, they are renewed and replenished always (Lamentations 3:22, 23). If it is a need, then the Lord shall meet it. The God who worked through the raven and the widow for Elijah, is the same God who worked through the kings of nations for Solomon. Beloved, no matter your needs, God can be trusted.

PRAYER: Lord, in all of my life's journey, help me to trust and experience Your sufficiency. Amen.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
TOPIC: DO WHAT YOU CAN: PLAY YOUR ROLE
READ 1 KINGS 4:1-19

So King Solomon ruled over all Israel. 2 And these were his chief officials:
Azariah son of Zadok – the priest;
3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha – secretaries;
Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud – recorder;
4 Benaiah son of Jehoiada – commander-in-chief;
Zadok and Abiathar – priests;
5 Azariah son of Nathan – in charge of the district governors;
Zabud son of Nathan – a priest and advisor to the king;
6 Ahishar – palace administrator;
Adoniram son of Abda – in charge of forced labour.
7 Solomon had twelve district governors over all Israel, who supplied provisions for the king and the royal household. Each one had to provide supplies for one month in the year.
8 These are their names:
Ben-Hur – in the hill country of Ephraim;
9 Ben-Deker – in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh and Elon Bethhanan;
10 Ben-Hesed – in Arubboth (Sokoh and all the land of Hepher were his);
11 Ben-Abinadab – in Naphoth Dor (he was married to Taphath daughter of Solomon);
12 Baana son of Ahilud – in Taanach and Megiddo, and in all of Beth Shan next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth Shan to Abel Meholah across to Jokmeam;
13 Ben-Geber – in Ramoth Gilead (the settlements of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead were his, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan and its sixty large walled cities with bronze gate bars);
14 Ahinadab son of Iddo – in Mahanaim;
15 Ahimaaz – in Naphtali (he had married Basemath daughter of Solomon);
16 Baana son of Hushai – in Asher and in Aloth;
17 Jehoshaphat son of Paruah – in Issachar;
18 Shimei son of Ela – in Benjamin;
19 Geber son of Uri – in Gilead (the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and the country of Og king of Bashan). He was the only governor over the district.

THE MESSAGE:

Our text today presents a glimpse into the administrative structures of King Solomon's kingdom, highlighting how he organised his reign and delegated responsibilities. It was a system in which every individual had a role to play, for the collective success of the community. Each member served a unique purpose that contributed to the overall harmony and functioning of society (1 Corinthians 12:14-25). The king did not operate alone but relied heavily on skilled advisors who understood their respective areas of operation. They provided support to go through the issues arising from the governance of a big territory. Sometimes, in large organisations, leaders think so highly of themselves and take credit for all achievements while the lowest followers think that they have nothing to offer in the organisation's success.

We are reminded one more time that in the scheme of God, no one is useless and no one is an island. We need each other to succeed, and we should not allow our positions to make us look down on others. There is a reason why both the ant and elephant are members of the same community. While we pray to God to do the miraculous, let us first endeavour to do the ordinary as it is required of us.

PRAYER: Lord, wherever You put me, help me to be a good team player and to value the contributions of others in Jesus' Name. Amen.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
TOPIC: A CUTTING-EDGE WISDOM
READ: 1 KINGS 3:16-28

16 Now two women who were harlots came to the king, and stood before him. 17 And one woman said, “O my lord, this woman and I dwell in the same house; and I gave birth while she was in the house.
18 Then it happened, the third day after I had given birth, that this woman also gave birth. And we were together; no one was with us in the house, except the two of us in the house.
19 And this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him.
20 So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from my side, while your maidservant slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
21 And when I rose in the morning to nurse my son, there he was, dead. But when I had examined him in the morning, indeed, he was not my son whom I had borne.”
22 Then the other woman said, “No! But the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son.”
And the first woman said, “No! But the dead one is your son, and the living one is my son.”
Thus they spoke before the king.
23 And the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son, who lives, and your son is the dead one’; and the other says, ‘No! But your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.’ ”
24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword before the king.
25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to one, and half to the other.”
26 Then the woman whose son was living spoke to the king, for she yearned with compassion for her son; and she said, “O my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him!”
But the other said, “Let him be neither mine nor yours, but divide him.”
27 So the king answered and said, “Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him; she is his mother.”
28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

THE MESSAGE:

According to the Scriptures, wisdom, which is the right application of knowledge, is the principal thing. In Proverbs 4:3-7, Solomon, who is said to be the author of the book, makes it clear that his quest for wisdom was because of his father's advice. So, knowing the importance of wisdom himself, he was in a better position to counsel. Wisdom is more effective than the sword of the mighty and the riches of the wealthy. In our text, we come across one of the most famous stories highlighting King Solomon's extraordinary wisdom. The story involves two women who each claim to be the mother of the same baby. Solomon's unusual approach in solving the dispute demonstrated what it meant to possess deep wisdom - an insight that goes beyond mere intelligence or knowledge.

Solomon proposed to divide the child since he knew that only one mother would be willing to sacrifice her claim out of genuine love for her child. This moment shows that cutting-edge wisdom goes beyond the normal. This kind of wisdom guarantees justice, fairness and equity in a community. This story makes us understand human emotional nature and see beyond physical appearance. A generation is blessed when in it, wisdom is preserved.

PRAYER: Lord, grant me that wisdom to live my life and take right decisions.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2026
TOPIC: A PRAYER THAT PLEASED HEAVEN
READ: 1 KINGS 3:10-15

10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,
12 xbehold, I have done according to your words; ysee, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.
13 And I have also zgiven you what you have not asked: both ariches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. 14 So bif you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, cas your father David walked, then I will dlengthen 3your days.”
15 Then Solomon eawoke; and indeed it had been a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and fmade a feast for all his servants.

THE MESSAGE:

In our text, we see that Solomon's request pleased the Lord (1 Kings 3:10). This verse has always taught me that certainly there are prayers or requests that do not please God (James 4:3). God gave Solomon an open cheque to ask whatever he desired, and God was pleased at the priority of Solomon which centered on what he needed to succeed in the task that God, in His providence, had put on him. It showed the state of Solomon's heart towards God and His work. We must learn here from Solomon who chose the way of virtue rather than that of pleasure - "An understanding heart to judge." The virtue here is that he chose a moral, rather than any other gift. And God was pleased with the noble, unselfish request.

The challenge for us today is to examine the nature of our prayers before God. Are our requests noble or selfish? Many are praying for promotion, comfort and prestige. It is about their personal status, and we cover this by claiming we want to be kingdom financiers. We cunningly add spiritual dimensions to our carnal requests and think we can fool others. God saw the intent of Solomon's heart and the Bible recorded that God was pleased. All hearts are open to God and He sees our motives. We must repent today from our selfish ambitions and prayers and let our desires align with divine purpose.

PRAYER: Lord, may the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2026
TOPIC: MARY'S SONG OF PRAISE (THE MAGNIFICAT)
READ: LUKE 1:39-55

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,
40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”

THE MESSAGE:

The words of this hymn of praise were first uttered by Mary, the mother of Jesus, after she learnt that she would conceive the Son of God, is one of the most profound and poetic passages in the New Testament. The text reflects both Mary's personal experience, and God's justice and mercy. The Magnificat occurred in the course of Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, who was also pregnant. Giving her personal testimony, Mary praised God for the honour bestowed upon her (verses 46-49). She was indeed humbled and never considered herself deserving, though she was a virgin. Acknowledging her humble status, she said, "For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant." In the 2nd part, she highlighted God's commitment to the course of the humble and His faithfulness to the covenant He made with Israel. Mary's song revealed her knowledge of God's promises about the Messiah as well as His relationship with Israel.

It is important for us, as believers, to have knowledge of all scriptural prophecies and the message of the Gospel; so that we can fully appreciate God's timing and manifestations. It is also critical that we understand that we are not always deserving of God's visitations; and that we have received grace because His mercies found us (Romans 9:16). This truth takes away ingratitude.

PRAYER: Lord, at all times in my life, help me to raise a song of gratitude to You, for Your mercies and grace. Amen.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2026
TOPIC: APPRECIATING AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
READ: 1 KINGS 3:6-9

6.Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.
8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.
9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

THE MESSAGE:

In life, many people misunderstand their responsibilities or tasks, and as such, fail to acquire relevant skills to help them execute such assignments. For us not to handle our life's assignment with lack of seriousness, it is important that we understand our roles in God's design. Solomon considered his office a privilege from God and saw it as a great kindness shown his father. He didn't consider it a right or what he deserved. This was why he prayed to God, “Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child" (verss 7). He also said that he did not know what to do; and on account of that, he sought the face of God. Solomon made this prayer when he realised that he was set over God's chosen people; a great people that could not be numbered or counted for multitude.

We cannot afford to take lightly our responsibilities in life, particularly divine assignments and those relating to leadership. We need to see divine tasks with the eyes of the Lord; and that they demand our soul, our life and our all. This understanding will help us to treat men (even those we lead) with honour, and in the spirit of meekness. There is no assignment from the Lord that we can do on our own. We must draw grace and grace from Him. Anything short of this is a complete misunderstanding of that which we are called to do.

PRAYER: Lord, grant me understanding of my life's responsibility and give me all it takes to succeed.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 05, 2026
TOPIC: 'THE WEAKNESS OF AN OATH'
READ: 1 KINGS 2:36-46

36 Next the king summoned[a] Shimei and told him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but you may not leave there to go anywhere.[b]
37 If you ever do leave and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will certainly die. You will be responsible for your own death.”[c]
38 Shimei said to the king, “My master the king’s proposal is acceptable.[d] Your servant will do as you say.”[e] So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.[f]
39 Three years later two of Shimei’s servants ran away to King Achish son of Maacah of Gath. Shimei was told, “Look, your servants are in Gath.”
40 So Shimei got up, saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at Gath to find his servants; Shimei went and brought back his servants from Gath.
41 When Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had then returned,
42 the king summoned[g] Shimei and said to him, “You will recall[h] that I made you take an oath by the Lord, and I solemnly warned you, ‘If you ever leave and go anywhere,[i] know for sure that you will certainly die.’ You said to me, ‘The proposal is acceptable; I agree to it.’[j]
43 Why then have you broken the oath you made before the Lord and disobeyed the order I gave you?”[k]
44 Then the king said to Shimei, “You are well aware of the way you mistreated my father David.[l] The Lord will punish you for what you did.[m]
45 But King Solomon will be empowered,[n] and David’s dynasty[o] will endure permanently before the Lord.”
46 The king then gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada who went and executed Shimei.[p]
So Solomon took firm control of the kingdom.[q]

THE MESSAGE:

An oath typically signifies a promise or commitment made in earnest - a bond meant to ensure honesty toward others or God. When Solomon became king, he gave a directive to Shimei - 'Stay in Jerusalem or face death' - a command that allowed Shimei to redeem himself while keeping him under watch. Shimei was initially a supporter of King Saul but turned against David during his flight from Absalom (2 Kings 16:5-14). Shimei's decision to pursue his fleeing servants shows how easily one can succumb to personal desire over loyalty, and how individuals fail under pressure.

The concern here is how that Shimei did not remember the consequence of his action, which was a death penalty. The reason for this may be natural or divine; however, we have lessons to learn. First, we need to know that while we may have resolutions or plans, we do not have the power to execute them (Proverbs 16:9; 19:21). The power belongs to God. Second, we always need to meditate before we act. We should learn to hold back ourselves and wait on the Lord so that we do not react without thinking. We must be slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19-20). Finally, it may appear that Shimei was divinely set up to die, as a result of past deeds. Let us know that the arm of justice is long enough to catch up with every evildoer, regardless of the time.

PRAYER: Lord, show me mercy and give me power to keep the promises I make in Your name.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 2026
TOPIC: "NAY... I WILL DIE HERE"
READ: 1 KINGS 2:28-35

28 This news came to Joab; for Joab had followed Adonijah, although he didn’t follow Absalom. Joab fled to Yahweh’s Tent, and held onto the horns of the altar.
29 King Solomon was told, “Joab has fled to Yahweh’s Tent; and behold, he is by the altar.” Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall on him.”
30 Benaiah came to Yahweh’s Tent, and said to him, “The king says, ‘Come out!’”
He said, “No; but I will die here.”
Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, “This is what Joab said, and this is how he answered me.”
31 The king said to him, “Do as he has said, and fall on him, and bury him, that you may take away the blood, which Joab shed without cause, from me and from my father’s house.
32 Yahweh will return his blood on his own head, because he fell on two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword, and my father David didn’t know it: Abner the son of Ner, captain of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the army of Judah.
33 So their blood will return on the head of Joab and on the head of his offspring[a] forever. But for David, for his offspring, for his house, and for his throne, there will be peace forever from Yahweh.”
34 Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up and fell on him, and killed him; and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.
35 The king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his place over the army; and the king put Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar.

THE MESSAGE:

When news reached Joab that Solomon has executed Adonijah, he perceived danger for himself because of his past loyalties and actions against David's wishes (1 Kings 2:5-6). So, he fled to the altar seeking refuge, as his last hope for survival. However, this moment demonstrates that we cannot escape the consequences of our action simply because we seek physical refuge through sacred objects. Past choices will ultimately attract results, regardless of where we seek shelter. A life that is not governed by the testimonies (the two tablets of commandment) on the altar, cannot hope to hide under the shadow of the altar for safety.

2 Samuel 3:29 records that on hearing that Joab murdered Abner, David said: “Let it (the blood of Abner) rest on the head of Joab and on all his father's house; and let there never fail to be in the house of Joab one who has a discharge or is a leper, who leans on a staff or falls by the sword, or who lacks bread." David was so pained about the ruthless activities of Joab that he placed a curse on him and his generation.
The story of Joab is similar to those of us who always shout 'Jesus' in the day of trouble. Yes, the name of the Lord is a strong tower, but it is only the righteous that run into it to find safety (Proverbs 18:10). Let us also be careful not to incur the wrath of men whom the Lord is determined to honour.

PRAYER: Lord, deliver me from the company of the wicked. Amen.

robosky02:
Don't get it twisted

A man does not tolerate a loud disrespectful woman


But if he see a calm composed woman he can do anything for her and leave the loud woman

Absolutely on point

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 03, 2026
TOPIC: WHAT DO YOU WANT: ABISHAG OR THE KINGDOM?
READ: 1 KINGS 2:19-27

19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
20 Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.
21 And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.
22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.
23 Then king Solomon sware by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
24 Now therefore, as the Lord liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.
25 And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.
26 And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord God before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.
27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord; that he might fulfil the word of the Lord, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

THE MESSAGE:

Abishag was the young woman who cared for and ministered to David in his old age, like a companion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, marrying a king's concubine was not simply about love. It was an assertion of one's claim to power and status (2 Samuel 16:21-22). It was one of the customs of that culture that the concubines of a sovereign descended to his successor. Adonijah's request for Abishag was beyond mere romantic interest; it was an appeal to legitimacy and authority. Solomon's sharp and yet decisive response to Adonijah's request (verse 22) shows his awareness that this was manipulative; Adonijah was seeking to utilise this means to reclaim power. Solomon therefore pronounced a death sentence on Adonijah.

We have lessons to learn here from Adonijah, Bathsheba and Solomon. Having received pardon for his initial action of setting himself up for the throne (1 Kings 1:50-52), Adonijah needed not to have had an eye on the throne again. His death came from the desire for something temporal. Bathsheba, who was highly respected by her son, was used by the conspirators against the kingdom, thereby 'misusing' her position to facilitate an 'unholy' request. And for Solomon, he was discerning enough to see through the pretence of Adonijah and to know what he was aiming at. He was not naive in his assessment. We must be watchful.

PRAYER: Lord, may I not be an instrument in the hands of conspirators. Help me to see through the pretenses of men.

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2026
TOPIC: MAN'S ELECTION VERSUS GOD'S APPOINTMENT
READ: 1 KINGS 2:10-18.

10. So David rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David.
11 The period that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years.
12 Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.
13 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. So she said, "Do you come peaceably?" And he said, "Peaceably."
14 Moreover he said, "I have something to say to you." And she said, "Say it."
15 Then he said, "You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel had set their expectations on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom has been turned over, and has become my brother's; for it was his from the Lord.
16 Now I ask one petition of you; do not deny me." And she said to him, "Say it."
17 Then he said, "Please speak to King Solomon, for he will not refuse you, that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife."
18 So Bathsheba said, "Very well, I will speak for you to the king."

THE MESSAGE:

Then he said, "You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel had set their expectations on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom has been turned over; and has become my brother's; for it was his from the Lord.”

From our text, it appears that by custom, kingship was the right of the speaker, the expectation of the people, and the consent of the high priest. And without clearance from his father and confirmation from God, Adonijah went ahead to declare himself king. This certainly was not in line with the covenant David made with Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:17), which in every sense, had God's support. Here, we see the tension between human ambition and divine sovereignty; or man's election versus God's appointment.

Again, we are reminded of God's sovereignty in the choices of life; particularly as it relates to leadership. At every level, we should appreciate that the choice of a man is not the business of men but that of God. The process should not be determined by human ambition or popularity, but according to God's divine will and eternal purpose (Psalm 75:6-7). He chose David over Saul despite societal expectations (1 Samuel 16:7). Let us not make leaders by human calculations or expectations. Let us accept those whom God has chosen by divine appointment and revelations. We must be careful not to assume positions which God has chosen us for.

PRAYER: Lord, deliver me from presumption and grant me grace to accept Your choice

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2026
TOPIC: THE KING'S STAFF OF OFFICE
READ: 1 KINGS 2:1-9

When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.
2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man,
3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go
4 and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’
5 “Now you yourself know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to the two commanders of Israel’s armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if in battle, and with that blood he stained the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet.
6 Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace.
7 “But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.
8 “And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord: ‘I will not put you to death by the sword.’
9 But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood.”

THE MESSAGE:

The concern David had for the kingdom of Israel was remarkable; so much that even in the face of death, he did not lose focus of the Lord's charge to him, concerning the kingdom and her governance. This same charge, like a 'staff of office', was what he transmitted to Solomon just before his passing. He passed it down to his son obviously because it worked for him. David knew that no amount of inheritance would be enough if Solomon missed this charge. He began by saying "be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man." In verse 3, he advised him to keep the charge of the Lord and walk in His ways, so he could prosper. The success of Solomon would be dependent on his keeping the charge. All the strategies for governance and administration were founded on this.

Like David, we all must strive to hand over 'divine charges' to those coming after us, especially, our children. They must get to see that life will be meaningless and possessions useless without upholding the statutes of the Lord in their endeavours. It is not enough to write a will; we must pass on the Commandment of the Lord.

PRAYER: Lord, in the success story of life, help me to know the place of Your commandments and give me grace to uphold them.

Happy New Month, Welcome to September

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026
TOPIC: NO DESIRABLE PROGRESS IN DISUNITY
READ: LUKE 11:14-28

14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. 15 But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” 16 Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.
17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.
18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.
22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.
23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
24 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’
25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.
26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”
27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”
28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

THE MESSAGE:

There is this saying that “United we stand but divided we fall." Jesus finished casting out the dumb spirit and some persons accused Him of casting out the demon by the power of Beelzebub, the chief of the demons. Jesus made it known that you cannot cast out demons by the power of Satan because a house divided against itself cannot stand. He told His accusers that what He had done was done by the power of God.

How many times have we doubted the manifestation of God and attributed it to the devil? How often have we been in opposition with each other? Can two walk together, except they be agreed? When we fight and backbite each other, we can only achieve very little as Christians. We will not be able to enforce the will of God on earth and His presence will not be with us. Beware! Disunity is the devil's weapon to weaken the unity of the Church.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, unite us again so that through Your power, we will destroy the works of darkness and advance the kingdom of God

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2026
(Trinity 13)
TOPIC: THE POWER OF PERSISTENT PRAYER
READ: LUKE 11:1-13

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“‘Father,[a]
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.[b]
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.[c]
And lead us not into temptation.[d]’”
5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread;
6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’
7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’
8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity[e] he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead?
12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

THE MESSAGE:

Prayer, as a force that enforces results, has several dimensions. It is a tool for transformation, legislation, warfare and making requests. For it to serve as a means of relating and communicating with God (Luke 18:1), faith is vital (Mark 12:24). Aware of the fact that a prayer-less Christian is a powerless Christian, the disciples saw the need to request that Christ teach them to pray. James 5:16b says that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.

To achieve results in prayer, it must capture the supremacy of God (verse 2a), the enforcement of God's will on earth (verse 2b), confession of our weaknesses (verse 4), supplication (verse 3) and warfare (verse 4b). In our text, Jesus told the story of a man in need and who came to his friend's house at midnight. Though the man's friend never wanted to be troubled, claiming that the door was shut and his children were already in bed and he could not rise from bed, but because of their relationship and his friend's persistence, he attended to him. So, as God's children, we must bring our request to Him in faith and He will answer us.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please answer me as I pray to You in faith and let my joy be full in You.