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Thursday April 14, 2016

Follow God's Plan

-2 SAMUEL 7:1-6

Key Verse:

"Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?" (2 Samuel 7:5).
Sometimes, we have good intentions and make great plans for what we desire to do for God and humanity. We are so convinced of the rightness of our cause that we expect Him to approve it. And when He declines, or our plans meet with a crashing failure, we are displeased, and therefore, discouraged from trying to do any more great thing for Him. Such attitude seems to betray our hidden selfish motives. David had fought and won great wars with the help of God. And at this time, he had moved into his palace and was enjoying a reign of peace and rest from all his enemies. Recognising that God was with him in war or peace time, he broached the idea of building a temple for Him with Prophet Nathan, who promptly endorsed his plans. That same night, God came to the prophet and gave him a message to David. As noble as his plans were to build a sanctuary for God, he did not have the Lord's permission to do so. By this singular action, God did not reject David but had a greater plan for him and his posterity. He did not want him to build the temple at this time because he had shed so much blood in war. His son and successor, who would be a man of peace, would get the permission to build the temple. God does not see things the way we do. That is what makes Him the Almighty and all-knowing God. Irrespective of our best intentions, He has better plans for us. For a time, it may seem as if He has rejected all we are offering to Him in service. We must not be disappointed or discouraged from continuing to serve Him. In such situations, we must yield to His superior wisdom and knowledge, recognising that in His own time, He will eventually make all things beautiful for His people.

Thought for the day: God's thoughts are always for our good.

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Wednesday April 13, 2016

The Best Address Ever-

PSALM 87:1-7"Key Verse:*"The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there" (Psalm 87:6).*

Your address often says so much about you. It gives an indication of your social standing - your status in the society. An illustrious post code attracts respect and confers recognition. Indeed, it is an honour to be identified with the best in society because of your address. A greater honor awaits those who have an heritage in God's holy mountains, also known as Zion. God Himself loves the city, and considers it incomparable to anything on earth. It is a glorious place. It is enough that you are identified with the city. The earth has had some of the greatest cities and nations. In their own right, they were magnificent; they were an expression of ultimate glamour and power on earth. Such were Babylon, Philistia, Tyre and Ethiopia. In Bible days, they were centers of political power and influence, commerce and enterprise, trade and industry. On their own, they represented the best that man can build. But they were nothing compared to Zion, the new Jerusalem, the heavenly city of God. The almighty God alone will take a head count of those to inhabit that city, write their names in the Book of Life, and grant them the pleasure of a life of joy and bliss all through eternity. You should desire a place in this future community of believers from all ages. However, not everyone who desires it shall be granted residency in this heavenly city. Those to be admitted into the city must first be cleansed from all their sinful characters and conducts by the blood of Jesus Christ. He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Nothing else - good works and deeds, human strength and discipline, mere religious piety - will do. You must turn from your sinful ways, accept the price paid for your sin by Jesus Christ, and be born again. Then you have a post code to envy in all eternity.*Thought for the day: *A place is prepared in heaven for only prepared people.

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Today`s Rate

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Tuesday April 12, 2016

Show Compassion To Suffering Saints

-JOB 6:1-13

Key Verse:

"Can that which is unsavory be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?" (Job 6:6).
Quite often in life, we find people who are going through difficult and harsh experiences. Such people always plead for help. And because it is impossible for a third party to fully appreciate what they are really going through, they tend to jump too quickly to usually wrong conclusions. Job's friends had gathered apparently to commiserate with him for the bad fortune that had befallen him. They didn't understand what he was going through. Their criticism or unwise counsel was like a tasteless food. Indeed, it was like a fresh dagger struck into Job's heart. He too didn't understand why he was suffering so much. He desired that God would show him where he went wrong. Yet, while he waited for an answer to this historic experience, he continued to trust God. But as hope daily ebbed out of him, he started praying that God should destroy him. This he thought would bring an end to his suffering. God did not grant his request, not because he wanted to prolong his suffering, but because he had better plans for him in his latter life. His friends too seemed to make his condition worse by looking for a human explanation for what was evidently beyond normal reasoning. There is nothing wrong in visiting those who are going through terrible times. But we must be careful not to criticize them, as we may never be able to apprehend all the facts surrounding their conditions. We must also realize that they need our sympathy and understanding more than our advice. Therefore, our duty is to keep encouraging them to trust the Lord and assure them of His mercy and compassion.

Thought for the day: A caring word, a soothing touch and a gentle smile often serve as an elixir to those in pains.

Today`s Rate

11/4/2016

we Sell at 314/$

Monday April 11, 2016

Stay Where God Has Put You

-AMOS 1:1-9

Key Verse:

"The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake" (Amos 1:1).
Very often, people trivialize their stations in life. They do not value who and what they are. Some even think that it is an act of spirituality to belittle themselves. Others simply user this as an excuse to avoid getting involved in activities that would otherwise glorify God. But whatever your condition in life, God has put you there for a purpose.The clearest example of this was the Prophet Amos. He was one of the shepherds and peasant farmers in the region of Tekoa in Judah. By all considerations, he did not meet the high standards and qualifications that recommended prophets in Israel. He probably was satisfied with living the very simple life that fate had conferred on him. How surprised he must have been that of all people, God sought him out for enlistment as a prophet. Recognizing the hand of God upon his life, however, Amos took up the assignment and prophesied about the imminent punishment of God upon the heathen nations that were neighbors to Israel. Their hatred, wicked and heartless action against Israel could no longer be condoned by God.Amos warned them that because of their repeated sins, God's judgment was hanging over them. They would be conquered by enemy nations and carried into captivity. The imposing palaces of their kings would be destroyed by fire, and their land left desolate. It was a tough message from a man least expected to be ordained a prophet. Whatever our professional calling, level of education or lack of it, God knows about it. Our condition in life cannot therefore,be an excuse for us not to render service to Him. Whether we feel spiritually or physically successful or inadequate, God expects us to do His will, get involved in the task of winning souls. We must stay where God has placed us. For in so doing, He would work through us to accomplish extraordinary results.

Thought for the day: God is a specialist in using ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things.

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Saturday April 9, 2016

Give God The Glory

-JOSHUA 10:28-37

Key Verse:

"And the LORD delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, which took it on the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein, according to all that he had done to Libnah" (Joshua 10:32).
We prolong our problems and difficulties in life when we seek to solve them ourselves. This is because we are grossly limited both in foresight and necessary resources for achieving lasting breakthroughs. As a result, we complain and grumble about our situations or give up hope that things would ever change. Joshua, as leader of the Israelites, had at this time come up against kingdoms that held sway in the southern part of Canaan. God had promised that all the land was meant for Israel. But now, they had no other way of possessing it than to engage in battles with the present occupants of the land. One after the other, Joshua and his army overran the kingdoms, wiped out all the inhabitants and captured the territories. Some accounts of the battles tended to ascribe the victories to Joshua and his soldiers. But in reality, it was the Lord that gave the land to Israel. He fought for them against stronger and mightier nations. He conquered all so as to fulfill the promise He had made to give Israel the whole land of Canaan. We must never make the mistake of going through life on our own terms, nor be tempted to ascribe our successes to our brilliance and ingenuity. Whatever we have attained in life, we must recognize that it comes from God. He healed us when we were sick, He supplied our need when we were in lack, He fought to keep us alive and well spiritually and physically; He alone delivered us from all our enemies. He deserves all credits for whatever we attain in life.

Thought for the day: All that you are and will ever be, come from God.

Friday April 8, 2016

God Rewards Faithfulness

-ESTHER 8:1-6

Key Verse:

"And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman" (Esther 8:2).
The pursuit of success is often the consuming passion of many today. They seek this accomplishment at all costs. To them, the end justifies the means. They may trample on the rights of others and subvert laws and laid down guidelines. The pity is that after so flagrantly and deliberately pursuing and achieving their selfish agenda, they claim that God has blessed them. But God blesses only those who are faithful to Him.The entire Jewish population were facing a death sentence through the plot of a single man, Haman. Eventually, God intervened after Esther had fasted and prayed at the encouragement of Mordecai. Haman was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Yet, the law that was made for the extermination of all the Jews on a set day was still in force. To change it, Esther brought Mordecai before the king. He had exposed a plot by some assassins to kill the king. He was not rewarded immediately; but as it turned out, God was saving his reward for a better time. The king later remembered Mordecai's good deed, promoted and placed him in the position occupied by Haman, the Jews' enemy. He now had the authority to exercise royal functions. However, a tearful Esther still needed to plead with the king "to put away the mischief of Haman", and spare the lives of the Jews. Her request was granted; the king authorized the Jews to wipe out all their enemies. Spectacular reversal of fortunes occur when we serve God faithfully and please Him in our daily lives. We do not serve Him in expectation of rewards, but "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love". His reward invariably comes in multiples when compared to whatever service we may have rendered to Him. When we are willing to give up everything to please God, He will in return lavish His blessings upon us in greater measure.

Thought for the day: To the faithful, God says: "thy work shall be rewarded".

Thursday April 7, 2016

And Where Is God?

-PSALM 88:10-18

Key Verse:

"LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?" (Psalm 88:14).
There are times and epochs in believers' lives and walk with God when they seem to be passing through the valley of the shadow of death. It would seem at such a time that God is hiding His face from them. When what they seemed to be going through cannot be traced to any known sin or any act of deliberate disobedience, presumption or self management, they become even more confused. After they must have prayed, fasted and exercised all faith on the promises of God, and there seems to be no voice and sign whatsoever, what should they do at such a time? This was the experience of the psalmist in our text today. His was a cry of lamentation and distress. He seemed to have been having a long-standing affliction since his youthful days. Friends and associates appeared to have become fed up with his situation while many have abandoned him. He seemed not to be getting any attention from God either. He wondered when his deliverance would come. With so many questions begging for answers, the psalmist still resolved to keep praying to God and not give up. Don't give up when it seems you do not understand the reason for your present predicament. Just keep on trusting the Lord. Surely, the devil will come with a lot of suggestions, offering alternative so called solutions. Thoughts may arise to "curse God and die". But you must keep your faith in God strong. Your resolve must be like that of Job who said: "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain my own ways before him" (Job 13:15). Whatever the situation, we must be assured of the fact that our heavenly Father has a better thought and plan for us. Don't give up.

Thought for the day: When we think to be walking alone, God is actually bearing us in His arms.

Wednesday April 6, 2016

Money Fails Afterall

-EZEKIEL 7:16-27

Key Verse:

"They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling block of their iniquity" (Ezekiel 7:19).
It is generally assumed that there is nothing money cannot do. Once you have money, it is believed that you have the power to control and do whatever comes to your mind. It is often common to see people who consider themselves to be very rich brag about what their wealth can accomplish. In some places, these people consider themselves to be above the law. The worst of these is that many of them disregard God and turn themselves to gods expected to be worshiped. But a time will come when their money and power shall fail them. In fact, their wealth will become the reason for their doom! This is the truth being echoed by Prophet Ezekiel in our text today. The children of Israel had become so materialistic. The reign of King Solomon had ushered in so much wealth and prosperity in the land. Unfortunately for them, this wealth turned out to become a snare. This was because they had ignored God's earlier warning not to set their hearts on their riches when it increased (Psalm 62:10). Their wealth made them to become so abominable that they turned their gold and silver into molten images and worshiped them. Because of their sins and abominations, judgment and great calamities befall them. The riches and wealth they had trusted so much could not save them from God's judgment. If they escaped the human judicial system because of their wealth and affluence, they would not be able to escape God's judgment. We ought to soberly reflect on this truth. Money is good and it is the answer to many needs of man. But it has its limits. It cannot provide you peace and rest of mind, joy, happiness, security, etc.; and it cannot hold back the chilling hands of death when it comes. Be wise!

Thought for the day: Let your grip be on God, not on gold.

Tuesday April 5, 2016

A Paradox Of Healing

-JOB 5:17-27

Key Verse:

"For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole" (Job 5:18).
When we understand the purpose of God in many of the seemingly unpleasant things we experience in life, we will better appreciate Him and be more rightly disposed to those things. There are quite a number of things that look negative and contradictory on the surface, but we ultimately note God's providence and purpose in them. Take for instance, the painful surgery an ailing patient had to be subjected to in order to be made whole. Usually, surgery is not a pleasurable experience, yet the pain is necessary to make for the eventual healing and health of the person. The same is true when it comes to chastisement. Nobody really enjoys it but it serves to make us better. Eliphaz may have gotten it wrong with regards to Job in our text, but the underlying truth in the principle he revealed here is universal. God corrects to make us better and this is because of His love for us. When we stray as His children, He does not leave us to wander away unchecked. As the Good Shepherd, He makes use of His chastening rod to bring us back. Chastisement is different from punishment. Punishment only looks back at past offences and makes one pay for wrongs done. Chastisement, on the other hand, looks to the future. What it aims at is making us better. When God wounds us with His rod of correction, it is to heal us. This is why our attitude to chastisement should be that of gratitude. The ultimate goal is heaven. Whatever God needs to cut off from our lives so that we can be fit for heaven will be necessary. We should therefore, take to the counsel of the Scripture to count it joy when God corrects us. Though He may seem to wound us when we stray, it is to heal and make us better vessels.

Thought for the day: When God chastens, it is for our ultimate good.

Sunday April 3, 2016

United In Praise

-2 CHRONICLES 5:11-14

Key Verse:

"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD. . . that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 5:13).
Nothing brings down the power of God more than when His people are united, lifting up holy hands in praise unto Him. He delights in the praises of His people and He reveals Himself in the midst of people who forget entirely about themselves and focus on Him in true worship and adoration. What brings down the power of God really is not the instruments of music employed in the praise session, or the number and classes of people involved, but the hearts of the people and sincerity of their devotion. As the children of Israel dedicated the temple which Solomon had built for the Lord, they employed all they had to show their worship and adoration of the Almighty. Though different musical instruments were employed, there was not a single note of discordance. They were very sincere and united in their praise. God saw through their hearts and was moved by their worship. The cloud that filled the house signified the presence of the Lord and His acceptance of their worship. Modern worship today has taken different dimensions. Very sophisticated musical instruments aided by technology are employed. Great advancement has been made in area of voice training, projections and synchronization. Different musical genres are used in so-called praise and worship sessions. But we wonder how many of them still produce the same effect as observed in our passage today. As you praise and worship God during your family devotion or church worship, is your heart truly pure and united with others? Let's sincerely examine ourselves and blend our hearts and voices with others in unison to praise God. This for sure, will bring down His glory.

Thought for the day: True worship begets God's glory

Friday April 1, 2016

Simply Beyond Man

- JEREMIAH 10:17-25

Key Verse:

"O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23).
To the modern man, nothing seems impossible. Considering all the breakthroughs that he has been able to make through science and technology, man has been able to display great ingenuity. His ability to conquer nature, defy gravity, reduce space and turn the whole world to a global village is truly astonishing. These great feats simply confirm the mandate that God gave man at creation (Genesis 1:28). With all these notwithstanding, there are still some things that are beyond man. For instance, why has he not been able to conquer and subdue his environment, conquer and master himself? This is the simple truth that the prophet admits and acknowledges in our text for meditation. Looking at the calamities befalling Judah as a result of her moral and spiritual failures, the prophet acknowledges man's most fatal weakness. It is for this reason that he prays to God to temper justice with mercy as He corrects them. Man's inability to control and direct himself is what is responsible for the woes and troubles he suffers. It is this same weakness that makes him to turn his skills and resourcefulness to weapons of self destruction. Man can control things around him but he cannot control his temper, lusts, desires, appetites, greed, tongue, etc. This truth ought to make every man humble himself and acknowledge God in his life. God has made us in such a way that we cannot truly live without Him. Any attempt to get along in life without Him will amount to an effort in futility. We need God to help us know and master ourselves. We need Him to help us conquer those personal weaknesses that are bent on destroying us. We need Him to tell us the next step of our lives and show us what moves to make. Our learn ing, acquisitions, technologies, etc. , cannot do; we need God.

Thought for the day: A false move without God is a failed move.

Monday March 28, 2016

Delay No More

-PSALM 80:1-7

Key Verse:

"Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face torn shine; and we shall bern saved" (Psalm 80:3).
In his book "I Surrender", Patrick Morley writes that the church's integrity problem is in the misconception "that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behaviour. " He goes on to say, "It is revival without reformation, without repentance. " From our text, we find the psalmist praying for the restoration of Israel. In his plea for restoration, he mentioned the blessing of God's divine presence in the good old days. God, as Israel's Shepherd, protected her under the security of His presence with the pillar of fire and cloud. The psalmist observed that God was very displeased with Israel because of her sins - resulting in her being exposed to the ridicule and oppression of their neighbours. He pleaded for God to stir up His strength and save Israel from her depraved condition. The realization that we have gone astray from God is a significant first step in the process of restoration. Those who are indifferent and oblivious to their spiritual condition cannot obtain His mercy and forgiveness. Repentance is very important in the process of restoration. There is hope for the sinner if he or she can still cry out to God with a penitent heart. Those who are satisfied with their condition and find no need to urgently call upon God are still far from restoration. Take a few moments to reflect on today's passage, and not put off salvation till a more convenient time. That time may never come.

Thought for the day: Procrastinating over eternal salvation is courting a tragedy waiting in the wings.

Tuesday March 22, 2016

Overcomer Of The Crafty

-JOB 5:1-16

Key Verse:

"He disappointed the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise" (Job 5:12).
The intriguing story of Joseph best illustrates God's providence in neutralizing the devilish intentions and acts of the wicked. His elder brothers sold him into slavery, not expecting him to survive for long in the hands of Egyptian human traffickers. He would be chained in the 30-day trip to Egypt and be treated as a piece of merchandise. But God overruled this cruel act and motive. Genesis 50:20 declares: "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive". God is ever watchful over the affairs of men to halt them from the path of evil. He sees them in their minds and in their closets where no one else notices them or perceives their malice. God is there, observing their moves, meant to afflict the righteous. He knows all their stratagems are incapable of outwitting heaven, even if they outsmart seemingly full-proof rules and regulations of the law enforcement agencies in society. At the right time, God will move in to thwart and frustrate the mischief of all Satan-inspired machinations. The text under consideration depicts God as the unchanging God Who has the capacity to save to the uttermost. The author therefore, chooses to cast his lot with this Unique Being. Verses 8 and 9 states in part: "I would seek unto God. . . which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number. . . ". Verse 12 states, ". . . He disappointed the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. . . ". Surely, only God truly delivers from every trouble. This is the reason the followers of Christ ought not to fret at temporary setbacks and seeming disappointments or failures. God is at work on such occasions, hastening the fulfillment of His lofty promises

Thought for the day: With God, all things work together for good.

Monday March 21, 2016

Our Eternal Fortress

-PSALM 9:1-13

Key Verse:

"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble" (Psalm 9:9).
On 14 April, 1912, the ship called Titanic set out on its maiden trip from Southampton, England to New York City in the United States. Touted as the fortress of an ocean liner which was "unsinkable", it had 2, 227 happy-go-lucky passengers and crew. Late in the evening of April 14, the "impregnable" vessel hit an iceberg; it rapidly took in massive water and sank in the early hours of April 15. Only 705 persons survived the ship's collision with the icy rock. The Titanic could not fulfill the responsibility of its appellation as a fortress, where the perishing could seek refuge or help. It failed its passengers most woefully when they needed deliverance most. On the contrary, the psalmist knew God, the Invincible Fortress, the Unfailing Refuge, where the oppressed and tormented can receive succour and safety. David got his victory in his battle with the Philistines by trusting in this God of all gods. He is the God that cannot be defeated or toppled by the storms of life. He does not ignore the cry of those who genuinely seek Him in penitence and meekness through Jesus Christ. When you serve and rely on Him, He can wield His power to tame the raging tempests of life. David's experience is a proof that God is a faithful Witness. Indeed, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10). He is in the company of all those "who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope (Jesus) set before us" (Hebrews 6:18). The tragic fate of the Titanic challenges the unbelieving to forsake their hold on worldly fortresses that come in the form of political and economic philosophies, religion and science without the totality of biblical guidance. Let them abandon these erroneous doctrines to avoid a fatal shipwreck in the whirlwind of life.

Thought for the day: May your adversities lead you to the eternal fortress of God.

Saturday March 19, 2016

Walking With Christ

-PROVERBS 13:18-25

Key Verse:

"Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed" (Proverbs 13:21).
As it is with every line of inspired Scripture, the book of Proverbs delivers wisdom-laden instructions, designed to uplift man both on the spiritual and physical levels. One ignores them to one's peril. But because God desires that we live and not perish through ignorance, he packaged life-saving instructions; firstly, for the sinner to appropriate and be saved. Secondly, for the backslider to consider and retrace his steps and lastly, for the redeemed to read and stay on course in the narrow path leading to heaven. Verse 18 of today's text speaks of the dire consequences of rejecting the discipline of God's instruction. But those who heed correction are honoured. How about the sinner whose manual is the article of conduct produced in the devil's workshop? Verse 21 says misfortune will pursue him. The righteous will take over his wealth eventually. Prosperity, however, is the reward of the righteous. There is a word for the child-pampering parent. Unknown to a mother or father, they hate their child if they refuse to apply the rod of correction when the child errs. You show a right balance of training and discipline when you reveal the tough side of chastisement. That is the work of true love according to the Lord: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19).Above all, the Scripture makes it clear that one can only be wise when he walks with wise men. The scriptural application is that we can only receive great nuggets of wisdom brewed in heaven when we walk with Jesus Who is Wisdom personified. Why not strive for the fulness of God which is embodied in our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ?

Thought for the day: Knowing God and accepting Jesus as Lord is the pathway to abundant life.

Friday March 18, 2016

On Whose Side Art Thou?

-JEREMIAH 9:12-26

Key Verse:

"But let him that glorieth glory in this, that her understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 9:24).
Israel, in the days of Jeremiah,thought and acted in ways completely opposite the principles of Jehovah God. For instance, dating back to the time of Abraham, circumcision stood as a symbol of Israel's covenant relationship with God (Genesis 17:9-14). But at the time of Jeremiah, they had forgotten the spiritual significance of circumcision, even as they continued to perform the physical ritual. The practice became as superficial as that of the pagan nations whose act was at variance with God's command. This led God to put "circumcised" Israel and uncircumcised heathen nations like Egypt, Edom, Moab and Ammon in the same bracket of uncircumcised nations. Israel was "uncircumcised in the heart" (verse 26). As a result of this spiritually defective heart condition, the people had wrong priorities in serving Him. They admired fallible man and his so-called virtues. They honoured human wisdom, power (strength), kindness and riches. These were short-lived carnal considerations. So, the Lord admonished Jeremiah to urge the people to get their priorities right. God puts higher premium on knowing Him personally and living a life that reflects His love,righteousness, justice and mercy. "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight. . . " (Jeremiah 9:23, 24). We must examine ourselves to ensure that we are circumcised in the heart. When we have such a purified heart, it will be impossible to operate at cross-purposes with the heavenly vision

Thought for the day: Right priorities are those patterned after the similitude of the Saviour's.

Thursday March 17, 2016

Serving On His Terms Only

-NUMBERS 8:5-19

Key Verse:

"Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them" (Numbers 8:6).
Serving the Lord is a very unique and privileged opportunity. It is not a service into which every Tom, Dick and Harry can enter. Those who are selected to serve here are specially qualified though, not by their own merit and making but by the gracious provision of God to which they have appropriated. There are however, many who wish to enter into this service. They do many things to make themselves qualified. They get actively involved in religious attendance and activities; some even get enrolled in seminaries and theological schools to receive formal trainings, not realising that these in themselves do not qualify them to enter into this great service. To get qualified to serve in the courts of God's kingdom, one needs to be cleansed. This is the main thrust of the text for meditation today. The Levites have been specially selected to carry out divine service for God. But before they can be truly fit for that service, God instructed Moses to cleanse them. This is a form of purification which they must observe. It is to make them realize that the service to which they are about to enter is a sacred and holy one. Hence, they were to be holy. They cannot give room to any form of defilement if they hope to render acceptable service to God who will bring the expected blessings on the people they serve and on themselves as well. The service of God today requires no less condition. Many people desecrate the service of God and make it of no effect. Many have turned it into a venture through which they can pursue their personal desires and ambitions. Of course, God does not recognize such people as serving Him. If you wish to truly render your service to the Lord, understand that this is a good desire. However, you must first get cleansed. God's service is a holy service and requires nothing but holy servants.

Thought for the day: God's service requires nothing but holy servants.

Tuesday March 15, 2016

Rewards Beyond Imagination

-REVELATION 14:1-5

Key Verse:

"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and torn the Lamb" (Revelation 14:4).
King David was a wise man who did not allow the culture of pomp and power of the throne to befuddle his mind. He did not permit the magnificence of office to prevent him from thinking about the eternal future. He offered precious time to deliberate on weighty questions about eternity and where he would spend it. The king desired to be on God's side, after earnestly concluding that earthly glory and wealth would not be of any value after death. So, he posed the all-time questions: "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?" (Psalm 15:1; 24:3). In both cases, the answer is that only "he that walketh uprightly", "that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully… He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation". In Revelation 14:1-5, the Bible presents some of those that "hath clean hands and a pure heart", who would abide in heaven. They were not "defiled with women… for they are virgins. " It simply means those who shun sin and refuse to be part of the corrupt world system. They are fully consecrated to holiness and love God. They do not subscribe to the spirit of the Antichrist, but daily look up to the coming of Christ, their Lord. God is preparing to reward righteous people with eternal habitation in His Kingdom. The redeemed will sing a new song with angels around the throne of God where Christ is seated on His right hand in heaven. The name of the heavenly Father will be written on their foreheads. What a glorious experience. Will you be there?

Thought for the day: Heaven is reserved for holy people.

Monday March 14, 2016

Ingratitude As Poverty

-PSALM 78:54-62

Key Verse:

"Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies: But turn ed back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turn ed aside like a deceitful bow" (Psalm 78:56, 57).
A grateful heart is rich in praise for he remembers at all times, He who is the Giver of all good gifts. The unthankful is not so. Hern cries to God for help in trouble, and if there is a little delay, he forgets past providence, turn s around and bites the hand that fed him. His ingratitude is evidence of great spiritual poverty. This picture aptly depicts the unfaithful and repeated attitude of the nation of Israel in their chequered history and relationship with God. The psalmist, in the passage under consideration, recollects the impending judgment of God upon Israel for relapsing yet again into sin after God had dealt kindly with them in many ways and at various instances since they left Egypt. The problem of Israel was their serial disobedience to God's word by refusing to separate from the idolatrous people of the land. They chose the children of Canaan in marriage, were attracted to their heathen festivals and ways of life and longed after their abominations. The believer who hopes to see the Lord must not walk in the way of sinners. He must separate from the world and its allurement and cling to Christ only. He must take his stand against inordinate earthly pursuits and unmitigated ease of life which make many to trust in themselves and neglect God and His service, thereby increasing their exposure to sin and the hardening of the hearts. For a Christian to go back to living in sin after all that Christ had done at Calvary is the most despicable form of ingratitude. It exposes a culprit to a most fearful retribution.

Thought for the day: Ingratitude to God is the mother of unfaithfulness.

Saturday March 12, 2016

Home-Grown Saints In Demand

-PROVERBS 13:1-6

Key Verse:

"A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke" (Proverbs 13:1).
Godly parents are a storehouse of good advice to their children. If such advice comes by the help of the Holy Spirit, they are of immeasurable blessing to the recipient. Even so, the children must be properly nurtured to profit thereby. The nurturing starts in the home where children are shown tender love, good examples, good prayer life and discipline. Children who find it difficult to obey instructions either at school or in the church must have been indulged at home. Such children grow up being delinquents and a pain to their parents. Dutiful Christian parents can help correct such anomalies. Our text talks about the wise and the foolish sons, the secret of life and some contrasting classes of men. Genuine Christian parents are the most effective teachers of morals and religion in any community. The influence of parents surpasses that of the teacher in church, school or any other person for that matter. Some parents foul up what the children are taught in the church by their bad examples at home. When their children begin to scoff at morals and doctrines of God's word, they play the innocent. One wonders why the stream is bitter when we ourselves have poisoned the fountain. It is great to train a child in the way he should go, but it is greater still, if we walk that way ourselves. We must grow up the children right from home. We must share with them the excitement of our relationship with God. We must establish in every home, the tradition of passing the joy of the Lord from father to child from generation to generation. Pray that every child from your home will be wise unto salvation and become the man or woman God uses.

Thought for the day: The child that is constantly instructed in the Word increases in wisdom.

Friday March 11, 2016

Degraded By Envy

-ACTS 7:9-16

Key Verse:

"And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him govern or overEgypt and all his house" (Acts7:9, 10).
John Mason, in his insightful book, "The Impossible Is Possible", observed that "when you make your mark in life, you will always attract erasers". This truth will remain applicable for as long as the fallen nature of man continues to reflect. Stephen had been spitefully accused by the Jews of blasphemy in speaking against Moses and the temple held as sacred among them. In his defence before the great council of the Jews, he showed his in-depth knowledge of the history of God's dealings with them, starting from Abraham to the gospel era. By this, he not only aligned with the divine origin of Mosaic religion, but also brought to the foreground the meanness of their fore fathers which his present persecutors were re-enacting against Christ andHis disciples. In today's text, Stephen reminded his audience of the envy and hatred meted out by the patriarchs to Joseph, their favoured brother, who ended up as a slave in Egypt. Apart from the special favour Joseph enjoyed, he had a dream of being the greatest in the family. The dream was the main object of his brothers' hatred. In spite of their malicious treatment, Joseph prospered and eventually became a Prime Minister in Egypt. He also became a saviour to both Egypt and Israel, as a type of Christ. Envy is such a mean feeling that leaves a terribly bitter taste. It made Cain the first murderer and fugitive in history. It led Korah, Dathan and Abiram into rebellion and sent all their families to a nearly grave. It turn ed Haman into a frustrated man and hauled him to the gallows. It made the Jewish leaders reject their Saviour. In all cases, the envied ones triumphed. Pretence and religious activities cannot relieve anyone of this heart affliction. Sincerely pray for the love of God to saturate your heart this day.

Thought for the day: Envy kills its host before its target.

Sunday February 14, 2016

When "Better Than" Is Not Enough

-2 KINGS 3:1-10

Key Verse:

"And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made"(2 Kings 3:2).
An athlete desirous of winning in a race will rather focus on the finishing line than on fellow competitors. Even so, winning athletes do glance at their competitors' progress to determine their performance. In life also, there is an irresistible tendency to measure our performance by comparing ourselves with our peers. In the Christian race, it is not so. Our eventual rating is not relative to other people's performance. It is measured on God's standard only. Jehoram fared better than his parents, Ahab and Jezebel because he,at least, put away the image of Baal set up by them. He also performed more impressively than Ahaziah, his predecessor. Ahaziah was a devoteer of Baalzebub and also lacked the courage to confront the Moabites who rebelled against Israel as soon as Ahab died. Unlike his parents and brother, Jehoram subscribed to the worship of the God of Israel.When Moab withdrew their annual tribute to Israel, Jehoram rose to the occasion. He arranged a confederacy to subdue Moab to compliance.Verse 2 of our text, however, opens with a verdict that summarizes the performance of Jehoram: "...he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD". One major area where he failed was the sustenance of the worship of the golden calves set up by king Jeroboam in his bid torn cut Israel clear from Judah where true worship was domiciled. Jehoram's comparative goodness was not enough to earn him a place in the hall of fame of godly leaders. Neither was his half-measure of piety enough to stave off the judgment of God earlier pronounced on his family which was fulfilled in his days.We cannot serve God half-heartedly and expect to be approved of Him. Compromise weakens the will and renders one unsuitable.God demands whole-hearted devotion from all.It is only when we give it that we will enjoyHis presence, preservation and power.

Thought for the day: Nothing but absolute devotion is good enough for God.

Saturday February 13, 2016

Between The Heart And The Tongue

-PROVERBS 10:11-21

Key Verse:

"The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth" (Proverbs 10:20).
It was the English non-conformist,Puritan preacher and author,Thomas Brooks, who observed thus:"We know metals by their tinkling,and men by their talking". This truth remains real today as it was in the seventeenth century when Brooks made the assertion. It serves torn highlight the close connection between the tongue and the heart.The book of Proverbs is full of contrasts between good and evil or virtues and vices. Today's text has a lot to say in relation to the tongue of the righteous set in contrast with that of the unrighteous. The mouth(or tongue) of the righteous is associated with positive influences and outcomes. First, it is "a well of life" - a spring that constantly issues forth refreshing words that edifies people. It is seasoned with wisdom. It is properly bridled. It is choice silver (precious) and,therefore "feed many" (useful and impactful). On the contrary, the mouth of the unrighteous is marked by violence, hatred, foolishness, destruction, malice, flattery and talkativeness.Observe that verse 20 contrasts the outcome of the tongue of the righteous, not with the tongue but with the heart of the wicked. This only goes to show that the tongue does not act independently of the heart (Matthew 12:34). The tongue is the key outlet of the heart. Incidentally, the heart of man is so depraved that education, exposure and civility are not enough to fix it. It takes a heart regeneration that comes through spiritual rebirth to fix the problem of the heart. You may, today, use what sincerely comes out of your mouth and their effects on people to measure the state of your heart. If they do not match the characteristics associated with the righteous, you will do well to penitently take your heart to God for a spiritual heart transplant. Managing it not only makes you less useful to others, but will eventually land you in eternal damnation.

Thought for the day: The problem of a faulty tongue is in the heart.

Thursday February 11, 2016

He Who Is Unique

-PSALM 86:1-10
Key Verse:

"Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works" (Psalm 86:8 ) .
In his book, Tough Times Never Last,But Tough People Do!, Robert H. Schuller encourages believers torn name their problem, and then "your possibility!" He shows believers how to build a positive self-image,regardless of what their problem is.No matter how tough times get, those who know their God have the potential to achieve the best of life.In our text, David poured out his heart because he was in despair. He realised that the source of his economic poverty was his poor spiritual state and that he needed help from God. And because he had wholly given his life to the Lord, he called on Him to intervene in other areas of his life. David also pointed out why believers must hope only in God. He confessed, "Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works" (Psalm 86:8 ) . The passage reminds believers of the awesome power of God,noting that God is able to respond to prayers from sincere hearts.The Almighty never fails. Therefore, believers need to pray and commit their life challenges to Him on a daily basis.Although David was wholly committed to God, there were yet certain areas of his life in which he needed divine intervention. Being a child of God does not immune one from challenges. In fact,experience has shown that the more committed a person is to God,the more the individual is likely to face the arrows of the wicked one. But the good news is that He never sleeps that keeps His own.If you have any burden today, lay it down for Jesus; He is our BurdenBearer.There is no need to weep and groan in pain.Bow your knees in prayer and pour out your heart to God. He will either lift the challenge immediately or provide you with the needed grace to contend with the situation.

Thought for the day: Weeping only endures for a season.

Wednesday February 10, 2016

A Consuming Fire

-LAMENTATIONS 2:1-10"Key Verse:*"How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!"� (Lamentations 2:1).*"
Most times, people complain of their calamities and wonder why such fate should befall them. But they rarely beam their searchlight on their iniquities that may have attracted God's displeasure. Many times also, circumstances that are blamed on the devil are direct consequences of man's actions and inactions. Prophet Jeremiah saw the poor spiritual state of the children of Israel. Their calamities came suddenly and such afflictions were allowed by God Himself. The prophet reminds us that it is just with God to cast down those who debase themselves by sin. With the special favours God bestowed upon Israel, they still dishonoured Him. They even misused His prophets. These sinful acts became painful to the almighty God, and He decided to visit them with miseries. In the text, God is identified as the One who has worked against Jacob (Israel) and Judah in the time of their apostasy. He was the One who poured out judgment upon the people. Because they had rebelled against the will of God, they fell into His hands, and thus experienced His wrath. The temple was torn down by the Babylonians. The religious symbol in which they had so much pride was taken away. God brought the strength of Israel to a close. The glorious temple of stones and glamour was swept away. The civil head of state and the religious leaders were terminated. The identity of the nation was taken away; thus, Israel could no longer be identified as an independent state. Like Israel of old that bragged about their beauty, many people today go against the law of God because of their beauty, thinking that they will not pay for their acts of indiscretion. Please, do not play games with God anymore. Whatsoever you sow, yournwill surely reap. Beware!*Thought for the day: *You can't do wrong and get by.

Tuesday February 9, 2016

A Changed Vesture

- MICAH 5:1-8

Key Verse:

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou bern little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2).
Life is not static. Stories abound of people who moved from rags to riches. Early in their lives,nobody gave them an opportunity to succeed by virtue of their poor parentage. But they managed torn break the yoke of poverty and become sought-after in their communities and countries. They changed their stories.According to our text, Israel would eventually be redeemed out of the nations to which they would be sent in captivity. Before the redemption however, the people were exhorted to prepare for battle against the invading Assyrian army.In the travail of their captivity, Israel would eventually give birth to the incarnate Son of God, the One who had given the rebellious Israelites over to those nations in the first instance.Now, the emphasis in the context is on the One who is brought forth in Bethlehem, whose coming would result in the birth of the Church of Christ and thus the spiritual remnant that would be born out of physical Israel.Jesus is in perfect control of all things and God, through Him,is working out His perfect will in His children. Through Israel,God was working all things for the salvation of all men. Israel was the avenue through which God brought the Saviour of the world. He worked through the prophets in order to preserve Israel for the redemption of all nations. How wonderful will it be for you and for humanity if you allow God to work through you also for the fulfillment of His divine purpose.

Thought for the day: With God, all things work together for good.