₦airaland Forum

*THE LIVING WATER*
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*

*Tuesday, May 5, 2020*

*TOPIC: DIVINE ASSURANCE*

*Read Acts 18:1-11*
*MEMORISE: _For I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city_ (Acts 18:10)*

*EXPOSITION*
One of the inhibitions to evangelism and soul-winning today is, the fear of being lynched or harmed in the process, by the enemy of the gospel. Even some ministers have refused to report to their places of posting, simply because they heard about the wickedness being perpetrated there. The encouragement today, is that, you are not alone. He that sent you is with you, and will go before you, making crooked ways straight, in Jesus' name.

Had the message of today come earlier, many ministers who have gone on A.W.O.L. would have thought otherwise. Let us pick some lessons from Paul when faced with a similar situation. When he departed Athens and came to Corinth, he had several difficulties in reaching the people, especially, the Jews, with the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, he decided to withdraw to the Gentiles, and many of them (Corinthians) believed and were baptised. With that success, Paul still was sore afraid of the opposition, and of being lynched. He needed more than mere personal courage; he needed God's assurance to continue to stay and preach. He definitely got God's assurance of protection.

Compare the message of Acts 18:9, 10 with Matthew 28:20. The promise of God (...lo, I am with you always) is still standing, today and forever. As a child of God and minister of the gospel, you have the divine assurance of God's backing and security. So, don't be afraid. Just make sure you are at the centre of His will. As God was with Joseph in the prison, Moses before Pharaoh, and the three Hebrews in the Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace, He will be with you. He won't rescind on His Word.

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord, continually avail me enjoyment of Your protection and divine backing as I labour unto Your glory.
2. Lord Jesus, don't allow the enemies of the gospel to prevail in our land.
3. O Lord, help Your ministers/missionaries to continue to enjoy divine backing, so as not to labour loss.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 29 - 31 & Romans 10*

*Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE*
*Remain blessed!*

*CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL*

*Monday, May 4, 2020*

*ENJOYING MARITAL BLISS*

*Read Matthew 19:3-10*

*MEMORISE*
*And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female'?" (Matthew 19:4)*

*EXPOSITION*
Marriage is believed to be one of the most delicate things on earth. It is believed that if one gets it right in marriage, he gets every other thing right, and the chance of making heaven in the end is high. To this end, the rate at which marriages are breaking up today should be of great concern to all and sundry. It is on the increase, and Christian marriage is not in the exception. However, this is not the intention of God for this wonderful and glorious institution. God established marriage as the first institution on earth, and He purposefully did so. There is therefore the need to understand this purpose and partner with God to achieve it.
To understand the purpose of God for marriage and how to make marriage work well, there is the need to consult the Author for leading. When some people consulted Him (our great Rabbi) on whether divorce is appropriate, or not, hear the answer they got: *And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together; let not man separate"* (Matt. 19:4-6). "Have you not read" refers to the scripture. No dictionary or encyclopedia has answers for marriage. The best they can do is define it. The Bible designed it and demonstrated it. So, turn to the Scripture for solution to your marriage, to begin to enjoy marital bliss and breakthrough.

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Commit any Situation in your marriage to the Lord in prayer, now.
2. Lord, bail out families finding it difficult to cope in their marriages, in Jesus’ name.
3. Lord, help Christian spouses to depend and focus more on the Holy Spirit and the Bible for proper understanding and fulfillment of their maritial responsibilities.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 26-28 & Romans 9*

IYANGBALI

this mad man is a pain in the vein, he still active with various weird monikers he is operating.

God help us all this trying time.

*CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL

Sunday, May 3, 2020*

*World Press Freedom Day*

*TALK IS CHEAP, BUT ALSO COSTLY*

*Read Ecclesiastes 5:1-7*

*MEMORISE*
*And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words (Matthew 6:7)*

*EXPOSITION*
All over the world, there is the agitation for freedom of speech, and activists from the different countries are rising against their governments wherever they feel that rights of the citizens are being violated in respect of speech. That sounds right. Isn't it? This is part of what is being advocated on the World Press Freedom Day, being marked today.
It is however worthy of note that many have gone to jail or been dragged to court for talking more than necessary. God also expects that His children enter into His house with all reverence and decorum. Many churches are experiencing chaos due to members' inability to bridle their tongues. Who are you in your group, or department in the church? We must know that multitudes of words lead to vanity. Do you have time for sermons and the Sunday school lessons in your assembly? If that is the time you take yourself two by two for discussions, then, sorry, you are missing it. God desires your total attention. So, boasters and talkative, beware! Do you make a vow without fulfilling it? While you may not be penalized for not making a vow, penalties await you when you vow or pledge but fail to redeem it.
God is more interested in what He wants to give, and make of you, than what you want to give to Him. Remember that the tongue though, a little member, can set the whole city ablaze. Avoid rash promises like Jephthah (Jdg.11:30-34). Samson also broke his Nazarite vow many times (Jdg. 14:19; 16:17-20), which led to his downfall. The law of vow is that it must be fulfilled at all cost (Matt. 5:33-37). Are you a man/woman of integrity? Do you place any worth on yourself? Beware, how you apply your tongue (Jam. 3:1ff).

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord, control my passions and emotions not to be hurting.
2. O Lord, bring our youths back to the Church, who though are in churches, but not in Christ.
3. Father rebuke and reduce anger and vendetta among our church leaders, so it doesn’t tear the church apart, any further.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 24-25 & Romans 8*

This too shall come to pass...... Stay Safe.

How old is the baby now

*Saturday, May 2, 2020*

*WAITING FOR THE TIME*

*Read Psalms 27:1-14*

*MEMORISE*
*Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalms 27:14)*

*EXPOSITION*
A particular bus terminal carries the inscription, "WAIT OR WASTE!" That seemingly dreadful signal was to simply warn passengers against crossing to the other side of the road, because of the "death” that was then associated with it, that time! One of the Sterling qualities God must have seen in David, to have called him a man after His heart, was the latter's total dependence on, and trust in Him. God cherishes His children, who have the understanding of His work and timing (Eccl. 3:1ff; cf. 1 Chro. 12:32).
God works '24/7' Never let anyone think He is inactive at any given point in time. That you continue stagnantly, toiling and labouring in that particular situation doesn't mean God is oblivious of it, or is inactive (Hab. 2:3). Times and seasons, no matter how they linger, can never frustrate God's plan. (Hab. 2:2). Man may miss the times and target, but God is always timely (Eccl. 3:1).
The missing link is that, man is not there when God steps in to act! He asked Abraham to stay on His covenant. The latter stumble along the way, and that brought the avoidable Ishmael that brought avoidable crisis into Abraham's marital experience (Gen.16:11-12). Yahweh who was faithful to His covenant with Abraham, in line with His timing, brought Isaac.
Dear devout, today's dose of the Living Water is challenging you to keep waiting for the time God has ordained in His eternal programme for you, and that would never fail (cf. Num. 23:19; Psa. 27:14). If God is asking you to wait on Him for something, don't be carried away by the situation of things for now. They are just or the time being; not forever. Rest assured; He will make good His promise, in due season. Your expectation will not be cut off (Prov. 10:24b). Stay abundantly blessed as you keep on wailing.

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. O Lord, enable me with Your divine power to wait for Your time.
2. Lord, deliver me from the destructive spirit of impatience.
3. O God of Heaven, assist believers experiencing delays in an aspect or the other of their lives, to wait diligently for Your never-late intervention.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 21-23 & Romans 7*

*Friday, May 1, 2020*

*Labour Day (Nigeria)*

*BEHOLD THE MIGHTY MEN OF DAVID*

*Read 2 Samuel 23:1-39*

*MEMORISE*
For even Christ did not please Himself: but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me". (Romans 15:3)

*EXPOSITION*
Disloyalty, rebellion, betrayal, mistrust, and all sorts of conspiracies are rife in our world today, most especially, in work places, between employers and employees, bosses and servants. They are equally common among friends, brethren in the church, and spouses. What led to the folding up of some businesses is the backstabbing attitudes/actions of some of those employed and relied upon to be true agents and representatives (image-makers) of such organisations. Are you sure you are not the selfish type, majorly concerned with their own well being, even at the expense of others?
Many labourers do not prioritise the health and growth of what is put in their care. They are only interested in what goes into their pockets. Nations are also groaning under this sabotage tendencies. The "national cake" is almost exhausted, by the selfish disposition and activities of some selected few. They think less, if any at all, of what becomes of unborn and upcoming generations.
The Bible tells of the mighty men of David. Who were they? Men of honour, who loyally fought alongside David. Characteristically, they were reliable, dependable, committed and supportive men. David s success story wouldn't have been complete without a mention of these faithful nationalists. Some of them put their lives on the line to defend the king.
Why do we have few faithful and loyal servants, today? Are there still the likes of Eliezer of Damascus to Abraham? How trustworthy or faithful are you (1 Cor. 4:2)? No wonder many people usually fall flat, because they have no mighty men. After all, they had never been mighty men to others. Whose mighty man/woman are you?

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. I refuse to be an unreliable, irresponsible, undependable and unsupportive man or woman, in Jesus' name.
2. Lord, forgive me and deliver me from every unwholesome character that has led me to betraying and disappointing people who look up to me.
3. Lord, heal the wounds of those Christians who are emotional or psychologically broken-down because they have been betrayed or disappointed.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 19-20 & Romans 6*

*THE LIVING WATER*
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*

*Thursday, April 30, 2020*

*TOPIC: THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE*

*Read Daniel 1:1-9*
*MEMORISE: _Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation_ (Daniel 5:12)*

*EXPOSITION*
Excellence is a complex subject that has comprehensive meanings. It is the quality of being outstanding. It means extremely good. It is to do a common thing in an uncommon way, i.e. doing common things uncommonly well. It is doing things with distinction, meritoriously, with an aura of fineness and brilliance, and is the opposite of mediocrity. It is to put the uncommon effort into the common task, making it large by doing it in a great way. You may not be able to do big or great things, but no matter what you do, do it in a great way. This is what is called Excellence. The tone of Proverbs 22:29, for instance, connotes the desire of God for excellence among His people.

For Christians, achieving excellence starts with possessing an excellent spirit. An excellent spirit is an extraordinary spirit, an exceptional and unusual ability to do things to the best God so desires for us *(Dan. 5:12; 6:3)*. According to Numbers 14:24, excellent spirit is that spirit positively different from others who most likely celebrate mediocrity or complacency. People with excellent spirit hold to a higher moral standard of living than the people of the world *(Psa. 119:99-100).*

It is the Holy Spirit who empowers one to do what ordinary people cannot do *(Jn. 6:63; Acts 1:8-9).* With Him, it is easy for you to achieve excellence. In addition, you must strive to be filled with Him constantly *(Eph. 5:18)*. Above all, there are prerequisites to living a life of excellence, including, discovering your purpose for living, having a clearly defined vision, understanding and maximizing your potentials; being hard working and resolute, going the extra mile, making the most of every opportunity, and being willing to do things positively and differently.

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. As you gave it to Daniel, Lord, give me an excellent spirit.
2. Lord, strengthen me to take the necessary hard steps to achieve excellence in life.
3. Pray for our students in higher institutions of learning, that God should help them to pursue academic excellence with all diligence.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 17 - 18 & Romans 5*

*Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE*
*Remain blessed!*

*THE LIVING WATER*
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*

*Wednesday, April 29, 2020 - _International Dance Day_*

*TOPIC: GLOWING FOR CHRIST*

*Read Matthew 5:14-16*
*MEMORISE: _You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden_ (Matthew 5:14)*

*EXPOSITION*
As Christians, our life should be an example to the world. As a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden, but its light at night can be seen from miles. We should glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like. Just as the disciples of Christ were first called Christians at Antioch because the community saw that they identified themselves with the teaching and behaviour of Christ, God expects us to live such a life before others that it would lead them to glorify Him. The followers of Christ were called Christians, because they functioned as a group who separated themselves from the commonly accepted religious groups of the community, and followed Christ.

A story was told of a young minister that was being escorted through a coal mine. At the entrance of one of the dim passageways, he spied a beautiful white flower growing out of the black earth. 'How can it blossom in such purity and radiance in this dirty mine?' the preacher asked. 'Throw some coal dust on it and see for yourself,' his guide replied. When he did, he was surprised that the fine, sooty particles slid right off the snowy petals, leaving the plant just a lovely and unstained as before. Its surface was so smooth that the grit and grime could not adhere to it.

This depicts the life of a Christian. He is empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as pure a life in this sinful, corrupt, immoral, vile, evil and wicked world, just as the flower could "blossom in such purity and radiance in that dirty mine."

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord Jesus, give me the grace to live a life that glows like lights showing others what Christ is like.
2. Holy Spirit, empower me to live as pure a life in this sinful world, just as that flower at the entrance of the coal mine could blossom in such a purity and radiance in that dirty mine.
3. Pray for people, most especially ladies, who are languishing under the trauma of rape and fear of reporting such in any way.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 16 & Roman 4*

*Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE*
*Remain blessed!*

It was cheering news over the weekend as Polaris Bank Limited released its first Audited IFRS 2019 compliant financial result posting a profit before tax of N27.8billion. The result which posits a compelling narrative in the history of Nigeria’s banking industry followed from the turn-around initiatives undertaken by the leadership of the Bank led by the MD/CEO Mr. Adetokunbo Abiru.

According to the Bank’s first full year financial result released during the weekend, Polaris Bank Limited posted a gross earnings figure of ₦150.8bilion and a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N27.8billion within the first full year of operations. The remarkable achievements coming in the first year of operations of the institution is a clear validation of regulatory induced interventions in the nation’s history.

The Bank also closed the 2019 financial year with Total Assets of N1.1trillion and Shareholders Funds of N83billion. The result shows that Polaris Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (14%) and liquidity ratio (81%) are well above regulatory requirements demonstrating strong prudential compliance and strong capital buffer, careful liquidity management and resilience.

This result is coming amidst the highly challenging business environment which forced many businesses to cut down on their operating expenses.

The Bank’s customer deposits stood at N857.9billion even as the Bank continues to focus on stable, low-cost deposits and well-diversified portfolio devoid of high concentration. Likewise, the loan book stood at N261billion providing the Bank with the desired headroom to accommodate required growth in risk assets to support the nation’s economic growth.

The Bank equally recorded a Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA) of 33.0% and 2.4% respectively for the year ended December 31st 2019.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Polaris Bank Limited, Mr. Adetokunbo Abiru said that: “the emergence of Polaris Bank on September 21, 2018, has heralded a new dawn as it laid the foundation for institutional competitiveness and service innovation in the nation’s challenging banking space.”

Expressing satisfaction with the Bank’s new corporate governance regime, the Chief Executive Officer noted that “We shall continue to run an ethically governed Bank, upholding sound risk management practices and proactively taking measures to mitigate the impact of the adverse business environment while the Board and Management continue to guide the Bank towards a path of sustainable growth.

Polaris Bank’s performance has assured a strong positive outlook for earnings, margins, and profitability improvement in its cautious pursuit of loan growth, a sustained strategy for operational efficiency, funding cost optimization, and efficient deposit mix. The headroom for loan creation no doubt presents an opportunity for improved margins.

Going into the year 2020 and despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, The Bank says it is poised to reap the benefits of its investment in both the capacity of its employees to improve service experience as well as in critical infrastructures that will support the digitization of its operations.

Polaris Bank is a future-determining Bank committed to the delivery of industry-defining products, services, and digital platforms across all the sectors of the Nigerian economy. The Bank is a member of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), which seeks to engage the private sector and the global financial sector to help create a financial sector that serves people and the planet while delivering positive impact.

Source:
https://amiloaded.com/2020/04/polaris-bank-celebrates-first-year-of-operation-declares-%e2%82%a627-8billion-profit.html

*CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL*

*Tuesday, April 28, 2020*

*World Day for Safety and Health at Work*

*ENJOYING TOP SECURITY (II)*

*Read Psalms 46:1-11*

*MEMORISE*
*He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire (Psalms 46:9)*

*EXPOSITION*
The Psalmist understood what it meant to enjoy divine security, hence Psalms 46, projecting God's protection and peace. Peace is not the absence of threats, but the calmness, despite the intensity of the trials. It is to have the peace of God and confidence that it is well, no matter the situation.
The kind of security and protection God provides His children is the kind that cannot be breached. No matter the tightness of any man made security, there is always the possibility of someone trying to break in. We have seen situations where leaders of nations were assassinated amidst sophisticated security. How did Ehud kill the supposedly secure Eglon? (Jdg. 3:16ff) Even the most secured prison in the world can experience prison break. Only God's security cannot be penetrated.
When Lucifer tried to tamper with God's internal security in heaven, his rebellion was nipped in the bud. Right away, he was arrested and hauled down on earth (Isa. 14:12ff; Ezek. 28:1 ff; Rev. 12:7ff). Psalms 46:9 unequivocally expresses God's control over threatening situations: He has the power authority to terminate such situations, and clearly does, as He puts to shame all weapons the enemies trust in (cf. Isa. 54:17). Only those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High can enjoy such impeccable security under the shadow of the Almighty (Psa. 91:1). You want to be fortified like Elisha was (2 Kgs. 6:8-23)? Run to Jesus, now. If you are not saved, you are not safe!

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord, I entrust You with my life; fight my battles for me, and let me enjoy true peace in You.
2. Lord, render every Sennacherib threatening the spread of Your gospel in this nation useless and impotent, in Jesus' name.
3. Pray God to grant the immediate release those in the net and nests of terrorists, kidnappers, ritual killers, etc., like He did Peter.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 14-15 & Romans 3*

*THE LIVING WATER*
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*

*Monday, April 27, 2020*

*TOPIC: ENJOYING TOP SECURITY (I)*

*Read 2 Kings 6:8-23*
*MEMORISE: _So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are are with them"_ (2 Kings 6:16)*

*EXPOSITION*
Almost all the nations of the earth are facing one security challenge or the other. United Nations are out seeking measures to put an end to the various security threats to the peace, unity and integration of all nations under their watch. They are on the necks of countries that are in possession of nuclear weapons to give up such, to maintain international peace and order. Governments of nations will stop at nothing until their citizens are adequately protected, from both external and internal aggressions. In fact, the largest chunk of their annual budget is given to security and defence. How can a person or group of persons enjoy divine protection, in spite of all these security hitches?

The king of Israel, in our text today, was divinely defended against external aggression from a neighbouring nation. His loyalty and obedience to God through the ministry of the man of God, Elisha, prevented him from running into the ambush laid by the Syrian troop. As long as the king of Israel heeded the instruction of God, through His servant, he was safe. Disobedience and self-will have really cost many their lives. Hear what the Bible says about you: 'For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone' *(Psa. 91:11, 12).* To enjoy the fulfilment of this divine assurance of security, you must be totally aligned with the God of Peace *(cf. Rom. 16:20).*

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord, help me to stay within the confines of Your holy injunctions, to continually enjoy Your unabridged security.
2. Lord, deliver me, my family members, and those that are identified with me, from the attacks of the devil and his wicked agents.
3. Pray for our Church leaders that God should grant them impeccable security, spiritually, physically, and otherwise.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 12 - 13 & Romans 2*

*Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE*
*Remain blessed!*

*CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL*

*Sunday, April 26, 2020*

*World Intellectual Property Day*

*BENEFITS OF WISDOM*

*Read Proverbs 2:10-14*

*MEMORISE*
*When wisdom enter your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you (Proverbs 2:10-11)*

*EXPOSITION*
Discretion is the quality of being careful about what you do and say, so that people will not be embarrassed or offended, while understanding is the knowledge and ability to judge a particular situation or subject, so defines, the Merriam Webster Dictionary. Discretion, which wisdom of the Gospel gives, makes a man wise and discreet in the business of salvation and in his conduct and
deportment; and will put him upon his guard, and direct him to watch against every error and
false way. Discretion is the ability to tell right from wrong. It enables the believer to detect evil motives in men and women (Prov. 2:12; 16). With practice, it helps us evaluate courses of action and consequences.
As we open ourselves up to God for Him to do His work in our lives, we will begin to watch two very helpful things that will begin to happen in our thinking. The first is that we will begin to have biblical discernment. When God's wisdom comes into our lives, we begin to live with prudence. This means that we begin to look things over before doing them. We are prudent in that we think about the end of the matter before doing something.
Understanding refers to someone with insight. Such persons receive the information God gives them from His Word and Spirit, and begins to comprehend all things from that perspective. They see things from God's perspective, and having seen that, they avoid danger and stupidity like the plague. We can get this wisdom by being Christ and being indwelled by His spirit. Has that happened to, and in you?

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord Jesus, grant me the wisdom to be discreet in the business of salvation, and in my conduct.
2. Holy Spirit, give me the ability to tell right from wrong, and detect evil motives in men and women.
3. Lord Jesus, grant all Christians, and especially, our Christian leaders, the prudence to think about the end of the matter before doing anything.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 9 -10 & Romans 1*

This is serious

jared007:
If he was alive many idiots here will call him fake. They are only praising him because he's no more.

You are not far from the truth, most people wouldn't believe him because reading and hearing of his works an ordinary human can't do it, but he was so endowed with the Holy Spirit and Power. What a Great Man

Great Man of God, one of the greatest revivalists of the Church.

God of Apostle Joseph Ayobabalola will Bless is all.

Jarus:
Every single death in Nigeria?

25 people have been said to die from coronavirus in Nigeria.

You mean only 25 people have died in Nigeria in the last 2 months?

I’m amazed at the level of reasoning here.

I don't know if most of them just say all these just to catch fun or it's the way they reasons.


Some of them are waiting for videos and images of people in ICU before they can believe ncdc whereas 90% of cases recorded persons in Nigeria have moderate to mild symptoms. God will help us

bobo65:
The cartoon make sense o

Could you believe The Willoughbys is the only movie I downloaded, I need to free up some space to accommodate it on my phone self

*THE LIVING WATER*
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*

*Saturday, April 25, 2020 - _World Malaria Day_*

*TOPIC: JESUS’ POWER OVER TIME*

*Read John 5:1-8*
*MEMORISE: _When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”_ (John 5:6)*

*EXPOSITION*
The Lord Jesus is the Lord over all things, including time. He revealed His power over time as He healed the sick man of thirty eight years–38 whole years! According to this man, he had no person to help him into the pool, when the water was being divinely stirred. Everybody had run away from him, because he had been in that problem for a very long time. Just imagine what the baby born around the time he entered into that problem would have become. Was he not probably thinking that his problem was even older than Jesus who was trying to proffer solution to it? After all, Jesus was just a little over thirty. All his relatives had done all they could to help him out of the problem, but their best could not help him. When they did not see positive result in time, they had left him alone. He was indeed without anyone to help, hence his lament, when Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed *(Jn. 5:7).*

This man himself had lost hope of recovering from his sickness, judging by the way he responded to the question Jesus asked him, whether he would like to be made whole again. He was trying to give the proven reasons why it was difficult for him to get healed. Having known that he had been in the condition for a long time, Jesus had compassion on him. Since the length of time is no barrier to whatever He wants do, He commanded this man to rise and walk. After all, He is the ancient of days with all power in heaven and on earth. He created man, and knows the best way to tackle even the worst of his problems *(Jn. 1:1ff; Heb. 4:15).*

Are you a person who has lost hope in recovering from your long time problems? Do not look at how long you have been in that condition, but begin to look unto Jesus who has power over time. *(Mk. 11:22,23)*. No matter the height of the mountain in your life, it will surely move, regardless of how long it has been there. Your own miracle is coming on the way as you look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith *(Heb. 12:2).*

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord, increase my faith to believe in You for the best, in all situations, time notwithstanding.
2. Let us pray that God should help us stem the tides of the scourge, called Malaria, in our nation and the world over.
3. Lord, remember those who have long-time delay concerning the fruit of the womb, and give them their own babies, in Jesus’ name.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 6 – 8 & Acts 28*

*Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE*
*Remain blessed!*

So this masquerade still Dey, I remember when we were still young back then at Iyalode street anyway or time this masquerade comes out we are made to s5ay indoor because of the fear Dey instil in us back then.

*THE LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*

*Friday, April 24, 2020*

*_THEME: MAKE HIM YOUR CONFIDANT_*

*Read: Isaiah 45:21-25*

21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me.

22 Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

23 I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to Him shall men come; and all that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed.

25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

*MEMORISE:* For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring' *_(Acts 17:28)._*

*EXPOSITION*
*_Getting along in life is unthinkable without an intimate relationship with God. Man's whole existence here becomes worthless and empty without God, through our Lord Jesus Christ._* Yet, not everyone can boast of a meaningful, thriving relationship with Him. Only those who have had personal encounters with His Son, Jesus Christ, the Saviour, can make such claim.

*_To relate with God grants you the privilege of a blessed relationship. You stand to gain more than the whole world when you make Him your confidant._* God is not like human friends who often disappoint or betray (cf. Num. 23:19; Prov. 18:24). Human friendship has limitations, but not the divine-human relationship. *_God will never fail you or let you down. You can rest assured when you have Him as your confidant._*

Take advantage of this as you personally tap from His unlimited resources to meet all your needs. You can confidently share your burdens with Him. Let your fears be known to Him, as well as all your needs - spiritual, physical or material. All your cares and concern will be adequately sorted out. *_You need no intermediary. Just develop the habit of talking things over with Him, whether great or small matters. What a friend we have in Jesus!_*

See to it, therefore, that you nurture your friendship with Him with wholehearted obedience to His Word and daily submission to His will. *_It is the most wonderful relationship you can ever enjoy._*

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Father, help me to make You my confidant everyday of my life.

2. O Lord, deliver me from every entanglement of the devil that is drawing me away from You.

3. Father, give the doubting Thomases in our churches divine encounters that will regularly help them to be closer the more in relationship with You, daily.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:* 1 Samuel 3 - 5 & Acts 27.

*_AUTHOR: C. A. C. Worldwide._*

*Remain blessed.*

*_#SpreadtheWord (Matthew 28:19 - 20)._*

*CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL*

*Thursday, April 23, 2020*

*World Book and Copyright Day*

*WISDOM: GREATER THAN WEALTH*

*Read Ecclesiastes 4:13-14*

*MEMORISE*
*Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed its clothing, and came to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14)*

*EXPOSITION*
What would be your request from God, if you were given an open cheque, like King Solomon (1Kgs. 3:5)?Many who got rich in life were first considered great in wisdom for it is wisdom that tells you what to do and how best do them. Many world inventors were once poor and some abandoned and 'drop outs'. Wealth is only good and sustainable, if it is managed by wise people. That is why some children could not manage their parents estates after their demise. But the best wisdom is found in God. That is why Solomon, after derailing from the path of God and his godly parent, got off track and regretted his life afterwards. If you find Jesus, you have found wealth and all that makes life fulfilling. Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24); get Jesus into your life and be all that God wants you to be. Abraham left his idolatrous country and became lord and king in the land of Canaan. Joseph, though poor, his wisdom brought him to the palace, causing him to reign over his people. Wisdom promotes.
Wisdom is not about age, class or position, it is given by God to those who will use it for the benefit of God and humanity. The preacher, in Ecclesiastes chapter 9 verse 14-15, talks about a poor wise man who delivered a whole City by his wisdom. Let believers in Christ also learn some lessons from young David who saved his country from the terrible and terrifying oppression from God's enemies (1 Sam. 17:45-50). Let us learn to seek God through Jesus Christ and rely completely on Him. Note that the wise will always rule their world. So seek wisdom; seek Jesus (1 Cor. 1:30).

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord Jesus, You are the true Wisdom of God; give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
2. Father, give me the ability to manage my God-given wealth in ways that glorify You and benefit humanity.
3. Lord, please give our political and church leaders the wisdom to manage the church’s nation's affairs for Your glory.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 1 - 2 & Acts 26*

*CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL*

*Wednesday, April 22, 2020*

*International Mother Earth Day*

*DEATH DAY VERSUS BIRTHDAY*

*Read Ecclesiastes 7:1-4*

*MEMORISE*
*A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth (Ecclesiastes 7:1)*

*EXPOSITION*
The day of birth and the day of death are very important in man’s life, but death day supersedes birthday (Eccl. 7:1). One question that bothers the minds of many of us is, 'why the day of death does supersede the day of birth?' The answer is not far-fetched. Literally, the Memory Scripture simply means that your death day tells more about you than your birthday. A new born baby has never made history in life, and people have little or nothing to say about him or her.
You began to write history for your life since the day of your birth, till the day your spirit would have to be taken from you by the cold hands of death, in line with God’s purpose arrangement (cf. Heb. 9:27). The moment one dies, many hidden things will be revealed about him or her A true picture of man is displayed in the day of his death. It is therefore advisable for us to write good history for ourselves, when we are still alive, so that people will have good history to tell about us, when we are no longer alive.
You indirectly write history for yourself through your character and contribution to your generation. The elders of the jews testified to an army captain before Jesus, on one particular occasion: For he loves our nation, and has built as a synagogue (Lk. 7:5). That was a Roman centurion-a gentile. He wrote a positive, enviable history for himself, when he was still living. He loved God’s people (character) and built them a synagogue (contribution). Watch your character today, for it will outlive you. Also, be determined to contribute something good to your generation. Life is not about duration; it is all about donation, your impact. *Determine to make your life impactful henceforth, God helping you*.

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Father, help me to live my life serving You and people around me, to whom You have sent me.
2. Help me, O Lord, to take care of my character for Your own glory.
3. Help, O Lord, everyone of Your children to number their days, and keep wisdom in their hearts, in Jesus’ name.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Ruth 2-4 & Acts 25*

*CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL*

*Tuesday, April 21, 2020*

*LOVE WITHOUT HYPOCRISY*

*Read 1 John 3:16-18*

*MEMORISE*
*Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another (Romans 12:9-10)*

*EXPOSITION*
We are in the age where hypocrisy is the order of the day, among family members, in the political arena, and most painfully, within Christendom. We put forward what looks like a loving behaviour that does not really signify what we feel inside (2 Tim. 3:5). Merriam Webster dictionary defines hypocrisy as the behaviour of people who do things that they tell other people not to do. Real love is in action. It produces selfless and sacrificial giving. How clearly do your actions show you really love others? Are you as generous as you should be with your money, possessions and time? Most people today know how to pretend to love others; how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes beyond pretence.
Apostle John gave us a very practical illustration in 1 John 3:16-18: *By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but indeed and in truth*.
How can I say to my brother, "I love you," if when I see him in need. I walk away without helping him? I can tell him, "I love you" all day long, but not until I prove it by action and measure it by sacrifice, have I demonstrated the love God has for me. That is why Paul says, Let love be without hypocrisy.

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord, grant me the grace to love sincerely without hypocrisy
2. Lord, give a heart of real love with selfless and sacrificial giving to our religious and political leaders.
3. Father, return the love as in the early Church to our churches and nation.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Judges 21, Ruth 1 & Acts 24*

*THE LIVING WATER*
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*

*Monday, April 20, 2020*

*TOPIC: SEE HIM CLEARLY*

*Read Numbers 21:6-9*
*MEMORISE: _I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears_ (Psalms 34:4)*

*EXPOSITION*
When the Israelites sinned against God by complaining of lack of food and water, God sent a venomous snake in their midst and many of them died *(Num. 21:6-9).* They sought the Lord in repentance of their sins, and in a bid to save them, God commanded Moses to make a bronze snake for them to look and live. And for as many that looked at and saw the bronze snake, were guaranteed deliverance from the death occasioned by the venom of the snakes. When we are not faithful to God (disobeying His commandments) and we choose to forget His miraculous deeds, we are sinning against Him. We should be careful lest He sends the poisonous snake to afflict us.

As Christians, God wants us to concentrate our attention on Him. He wants us to really focus on Him, our Deliverer. He expects us not to sit on the fence on the issue of dependency. He wants us to completely depend on His power and ability in all areas of our lives. Partial dependency is no dependency, at all. To God, obedience is non-negotiable. We can’t partly depend on Him. His glory will He not share with any other *(Isa. 42:.* All believers today can be saved from the disease called sin, by looking to Jesus’ perfect work on the Cross, once and for all.

Change of name, religion, city and church attendance is not enough; He wants our heart. God told those Israelites to look, see and be saved. It is the same instruction today, because all have sinned *(Rom. 3:23).* Sin separates man from God, but God frees us from the penalty of sin through Christ Jesus. Whoever is ready to escape the eternal death must look unto Jesus *(Rom. 10:13).*

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Every covering (veil) of the devil that has been preventing me from seeing God clearly, be removed by the Power of God, in Jesus’ name.
2. Lord, help me to see Your miracles in all situations, and not failure, henceforth.
3. Lord Jesus, save our land from doom, and cause our generation to serve You, wholeheartedly.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Judges 20 & Acts 23*

*Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE*
*Remain blessed!*

*THE LIVING WATER*
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*

*Sunday, April 19, 2020*

*TOPIC: BIG CATCH, BIG CHALLENCE*

*Read Luke 5:1-7*
*MEMORISE: _And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking_ (Luke 5:6)*

*EXPOSITION*
Most times, God deliberately allows certain things to happen, so that we can prepare to become challenged. He brings big successes, breakthroughs and victories to His own *(Psa. 23:5)*. However, along with these comes big challenge of managing them! It is he who is able to do justice to this that really succeeds. Peter had released his boat to Jesus Christ for the Master’s use. He was not going to do that in vain, for God rewards people who obey and honour Him with their resources *(Deut. 28:1; Prov. 3:9, 10).* As directed, Peter launched deep his net and it made a great and astonishing catch (v. 3).

Among the catch would be Salmon, Tilapia, Prawns and other diverse sea foods. They were so much that he had to call for assistance to lift the fish-laden net. The net was almost tearing for the big and unprecedented catch! When evangelism is rightly done, the big net of the gospel catches various people: the religious but sinful, half-baked church attendants, soothsayers, moralists, fornicators, adulterers, idolaters, and very many others who have come to see Christ as the solution to their sinfulness and sorrows, through the right division of the Word in evangelism *(cf. Gal. 5:19).* They are caught and brought to the church for restructuring, rehabilitation and rejuvenation *(Acts 2:40-43)*. There comes a big challenge for church teachers, elders, pastors and other administrators *(Eph. 4:11-12; cf. Acts 6:1ff).*

Managing the sinners just turned saints is not an easy task. The stakeholders in the church must be calm, patient and loving to be able to tutor them well. Our churches can only record the desirable growth and development if we are able to manage effectively the additions to the saints *(Acts 6:2-3).* Dear reader, you can be an agent of your church revival, God helping you.

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord, help me to be relevant in making the Church a safe haven for new converts and existing members, in Jesus’ name.
2. O Lord, help our churches to be more equipped to properly manage the sheep You are adding to the fold.
3. Pray for the leadership of our churches to be more up and doing in the administration and ministration for the edification of our churches and the glory of God.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Judges 16 – 18 & Acts 22*

*Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE*
*Remain blessed!*

*CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL*

*Saturday, April 18, 2020*

*International Day for Monuments and Sites*

*RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME, AND RIGHT ACTION*

*Read Ecclesiastes 9:11-18*

*MEMORISE*
*Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6)*

*EXPOSITION*
Success, most of the time, is decided by being in the right place, and at the right time. Your location determines your allocation. Your physical and spiritual allocation depend on location, time and attitude, or approach to issues. God wants us to come [place] and listen [action] to Him when [time] He could be found.
The Victory of the Israelites over Goliath depended on the time David arrived at the camp and his attitude towards the challenge of Goliath. God moved his father, Jesse, to send him to the battle field to meet the need of his brothers for food, at the right time. Thank God he didn't disobey. An indictment on children who disobey their parents in the Lord at will. God brought him to the field at the right time, more so, he was ready and available, in the right place, to do the right assignment. He acted at the right time, using the right tools (1 Sam. 17:26-37). Our right tool to any issue of life, today, is the name of Jesus.
David got the life-saving information from the abandoned dying warrior of the Amalekites. He provided for the need of the dying soldier, who in turn, gave him the best and most important information needed at that crucial moment of his life, when he was facing devastation from the attack of the enemies (1 Sam.30:11-16).
Lot coveted the fertile land, yet Abraham succeeded more in the supposed less fertile one. Why? It was the right place for Abraham. Allow God to place you where He has ordained for you. He knows where He designs for on. Your right location is wherever He has placed the right tools or you to succeed. Cooperate with Him to be there, and utilise those tools He has made ready for you-the right action. Eschew slothfulness and be duty-bound today, and always.

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. God, rightly position me for the manifestation of Your glory in my life.
2. I know there is a place for me to carry out the assignment You have given unto me; help me, Lord, to locate it and do accordingly, in Jesus name.
3. Pray that God should help the Church to have the right attitude towards His work.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Judges 13-15 & Acts 21*

Dande55:
This man would have gone far had it been he's from the north.

What you are saying is not far from the truth

*CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL*

*Friday, April 17, 2020*

*REMORSEFULNESS IS NOT REPENTANCE*

*Read Luke 15:11-22*

*MEMORISE*
*For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10)*

*EXPOSITION*
To be remorseful is to be extremely sorry for something wrong or bad that you have done, according to the Advanced Learners Dictionary Repentance, however, in the Bible, which is the Christian dictionary of all things, is more than being sorry or feeling of guilt within. It is being sorry and as well making determination (resolution) not to do such again (Acts 2:38). It is turning away totally from sin to God. It is conversion-changing from the ungodly path to the path of God and holiness, with the determination never to return to one’s filth, God helping.
It is discovered that several people, today, feel remorseful for their sins, but the needed repentance to salvation is not there. This is why many use and fall; born again for a moment (Matt. 13:20-21). Remorsefulness is caused by coming face to face with the consequences (shame, losses, punishment) of the of the offence, it does not lead to repentance. True repentance can be seen in our text for today. The younger son who had wasted his father's wealth came to himself, felt very guilty for what he had done. But that process never stopped there! He went further by resolving to go to his father for forgiveness, and he indeed returned home to the waiting arms of the father.
The fact that you are truly deeply sorry for your sins is not equal to repentance that brings forgiveness. You must proceed by turning away from those sins and asking for God's forgiveness. He will surely show mercy (Prov.28:13; 1 Jn. 1:8-10). When you have godly sorrow, it yields repentance, which in turn, courts God's mercy, grace and forgiveness. Be lifted, in Jesus' name.

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Genuinely go to God regarding those things you have done in the past that do not glorify Him, but that you have only been remorseful (not repentant) for.
2. Lord, fill me with your passionate hatred for sin and ungodliness, so that I can represent You well in this corrupt generation, in Jesus name.
3. Lord, restore to Your Church the true spirit of repentance, in Jesus name.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Judges 11 -12 & Acts 20*

Dyt:
Rice without stew and meat abi?

Yes. Yes. Yes.