TOPIC: Divine Help And Favour

Monday, August 31, 2015

TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 12:16-22

KEY VERSE: “And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host” (1 Chronicles 12:21).

Most men are tempted to run away in despair when clouds of trials and temptations come their way. If believers would look closely at every situation through the eyes of faith, they would also see God’s angels of mercy coming to their aid to help in times of dire need.

David ran away from civilization as it were, to the strongholds in the jungle to avoid the persecution of King Saul and his repressive army. Ordinarily, men do not associate with failed escapades, but because David’s cause was just and righteous, God sent men to him to encourage and fortify him. Although, King Saul was a Benjamite, hordes of Benjamites trooped out to team up with David in the forest, despite the entreaties and blackmail of the king against them. This is what divine favour is all about.

In moments of trials and challenges, we are tempted to think that God has deserted us and left us to our misery. It is not so, for “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”. When God notices a moral defect in us, which will adversely affect His grand purpose in our lives, He might permit what we term “problems” to purge out such defects. David was called as God’s own General to subdue the Caananites and return dominion to Israel. All the troubles he went through were to toughen and make him combat ready for the job. In the midst of the crisis, God fortified him with men and materials, so that he would not fight alone. Throughout the challenges David faced, God did not forsake him.

In your hour of “trouble”, just believe God that innumerable angels and men are on standby to see you through those challenges. Elisha’s servant’s “eyes” were opened to see that “they that be with us are more than they that be with them”. As it was then, so it is today for everyone who dwells “in the secret place of the “Most High”.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ESTHER 6 - 10

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He who walks with God, will not walk alone.

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TOPIC: Stop Swearing!

Sunday, August 30, 2015

TEXT: MATTHEW 5:33-37

KEY VERSE: “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37).

Traveling on a plane next to a salesman, Billy Graham asked him, “Are you paid anything for all the swearing you do?” “No,” was the startled reply, “I do it for nothing.” “Nothing?” cried the famous preacher. “You work cheap! You throw aside your character as a gentleman, inflict pain on your friends, break the Lord’s commandments, and endanger your own soul - and all for nothing! You certainly work cheap - TOO CHEAP!” Yes, swearing is not only a “cheap” practice in many ways, but also a terrible sin which grieves the heart of God!

Jesus, in our text, lifted all conversation in His Church to the level of sacredness. Everything we say out of our mouths should be a promise of truth that will never be violated under any circumstances. We should have such integrity that’s enough for people to hear our affirmation of yes or no and believe it to be so. Everything we say should be simple, straightforward, honest and true. When we speak the truth in every situation, it will set us apart from the world.

The world’s system is built on lies. The Church must be different. It all dates back to our childhood when we were kids. Telling the truth sometimes demanded that we swear. That kind of swearing and giving oaths is really a device of man based upon his basic dishonesty.

Hear what the venerable George Whitefield has to say about swearing: ”Among the many heinous sins for which this nation is grown infamous, perhaps there is no one more crying, but withal more common, than the abominable custom of profane swearing and cursing. Our streets abound with persons of all degrees and qualities, who are continually provoking the holy one of Israel to anger, by their detestable oaths and blasphemies...” We must put an end to swearing and cursing if we ever wish to be tolerated in His presence.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ESTHER 1 - 5

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The world is a system built on lies.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/

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TOPIC: God’s Immense Love

Saturday, August 29, 2015

TEXT: PSALM 75:1-10

KEY VERSE: “All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted” (Psalm 75:10).

A teenager, Arthur Hinkley, was said to have lifted a 3,000- pound tractor with his bare hands, when a friend of his, Lloyd Bachelder, 18, was pinned under it on a farm near Rome, Maine. Hinkley was not a weight lifter, but because of the love he had for his friend, he could, somehow, lift the tractor well enough for Bachelder to wriggle out.

God, because of the love He had for the Israelites, delivered them from the evil devised against them by their enemies. The text, which was clearly expressed in symbolism, was a deep appreciation for what He did for His people. Their enemies had fought against many nations near Judah and won, but when they came against Jerusalem, the capital city of Judah, God fought for His people and the enemies lost the battle; God kept the temple and His people that lived near it safe. In a moment of ecstasy, the psalmist used symbolic expression to appreciate God’s wonderful help. The victory was an indication that God was still with them.

The psalmist recounted that when the enemies came against Judah, the Israelites felt as if “the earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved.” This, figuratively, indicated that they were terribly afraid. But God assured that even if it was an earthquake, He could stop the ground from moving because He could “bear up the pillars of it.” This symbolic expression equally showed that even in a war, God can stop the fighting. The psalmist further disclosed that their enemies could not use their horns, which symbolised power, because God cut them off, while the righteous became stronger and powerful.

God has placed high premium on believers. Love motivated Him to do it. He sent His only precious Son to the cross so that our sins could be forgiven. As you acknowledge Him in total repentance of sin and accept Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour, God will make you the apple of His eyes and fight for you in every battle of life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PHILEMON

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God is the Defence City of the righteous.

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TOPIC: Brass For Gold

Friday, August 28, 2015

TEXT: 1 KINGS 14:21-31

KEY VERSE: “And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed them unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king’s house” (1 Kings 14:27).

Few things give more sense of fulfillment and pride than to watch your children improve on your attainment in life. Indeed, it is the prayer of every well-meaning parent that their children should conquer more grounds than they did. On the other hand, when children fail to measure up or even squander their parents’ fortunes, it brings disappointment and shame to parents and other concerned people. Such wasted heritage often attracts negative public comment.

One of the most pathetic cases of wasted heritage recorded in the Bible is that of Rehoboam, the son and successor of King Solomon. He had the best opportunities in life, as the grandson of the godly King David and son of Solomon (the wisest and richest man). His formative years coincided with the period when Solomon maintained a robust relationship with God. He had an opportunity of excellent education. Sadly, his seventeen years reign as king of Judah recorded nothing but unimaginable decline. Judah descended into gross idolatry and moral decay as vile as sodomy. Her sins estranged her from God and rendered her vulnerable.

Rehoboam yielded easily when Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem. Shishak carted away the treasures of the temple and of the king’s house, including the shields of gold that Solomon made. To replace the looted golden shields, Rehoboam made shields of brass – pitiable counterfeit! This was a manifest symbol of departed glory.

Many Christians, churches and whole denominations have surrendered the golden shields of the “faith of our fathers” and have shamefully made for themselves shields of brass. It often starts by gradual compromise that morphs into outright backsliding. Did you have the privilege of rich godly heritage? What have you made of it? We can learn from Rehoboam’s case and avoid descending from gold to brass.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: TITUS 1 - 3

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We lose all if we fail to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

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TOPIC: Judgment Against Babylon

Thursday, August 27, 2015

TEXT: REVELATION 17:1-8

KEY VERSE: “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is” (Revelation 17:8).

Much early before the time of Jesus’ revelation to Apostle John, God declared to Isaiah that He would judge Babylon, the whore, for her sin. “Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know... Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them...” (Isaiah 47:11,13,14).

Now, Revelation 17 is announcing the coming of the fulfilment of this prophecy on Babylon. Cast in the figure of a woman well-dressed outside but full of abomination and filth within, sitting upon an equally colourfully-clad beast, the imagery is the story of the evil partnership between apostate religion and the corrupt political system of the world. They will pursue a globally unified religious arrangement wedded to a unified international political system. This is a satanic objective that will seek to repudiate all the basic tenets of the Christian faith. This scheme would wage a mortal war against those who are loyal to Jesus Christ and the word of God.

God abhors unholy unity that would desire to subject the Church to the control of the devil, the Antichrist and the false prophet. Unstoppable judgment will break upon them and those who share in their doctrines. God is urging: “Come out of her (the satanic world system), my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). Avoid compromise and shun the path of least resistance in your pilgrim’s journey. The way of holiness is never cheap but grace is always available for those who dare to plod this glorious path.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ZEPHANIAH 1 - 3

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself”

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TOPIC: Giant Rants Of A Bully

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 17:1-11

KEY VERSE: “And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” (1 Samuel 17:10).

There is wisdom in William Scott Downey’s observation: “The dog who barks the loudest is not always the best watcher; neither are braggadocios the most valiant.” This truth notwithstanding, it is customary for people to brag about their strength before any contest. Sports men and women do it in their pre-game speeches. Nations preparing for war spend a lot of money on propaganda. The chief aim of all these is to intimidate and weaken their opponents while boosting their self-image. However, many times, it backfires or ends up as empty rants.

Israel and Philistine pitched camps against each other in what was going to be a decisive battle. Goliath, the champion of the Philistine army stepped forward and did a pre-battle speech that had a crippling effect on the army of Israel and Saul. With bravado, he treated the army of Israel with contempt and demanded for a soldier from them who could dare fight him one-on-one to decide the battle. What else could anyone expect from an egotistic 11 feet 4 inches tall and heavily-built giant reputed for war mastery and armed with deadly weapons?

We have an enemy that employs similar bullying tactics. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil’s aim is to intimidate by barking, and if anyone in the army of the Lord gets terrified, he springs on him to ruin him. His first weapon is fear.

Are you hearing threatening or bragging from Satan’s camp? Are you worried about the roaring of the restless lion? If the Lion of the tribe of Judah lives in you, you will heed neither the giant rants nor intimidating looks of the enemy. Firm up your grip on Christ, fight and resist Satan.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: HABAKKUK 1 - 3

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: When Satan sends you an arrow of fear, respond with a shield of faith.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/

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TOPIC: Watch What You Eat

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

TEXT: LEVITICUS 11:21-28

KEY VERSE: “But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you” (Leviticus 11:23).

Many health challenges can be traced to eating habits. Those who failed to show discretion in the way they eat have had to pay seriously for it with their health. Also, those that have not been able to exercise control over their appetite have been known to have fallen victim of food poisoning and other spiritual attacks, in which the enemy uses food as bait. While as Christians, we have the liberty to eat whatever we like, there is the need for us to be disciplined and show discretion with regards to what we eat, when we eat and how we eat.

In our text today, the Lord specifically cautions the children of Israel on what they are to eat and not to eat. He strictly forbids their eating of certain animals. It is interesting to note that the same God who, at creation, gave man everything to eat (Genesis 1:29,30), had now restricted the children of Israel to certain foods. Those who tend to use their liberty without discretion and control, often suffer irreparable losses and damage. God’s laws and instructions are not without definite reasons which, ultimately, are for the good and well-being of man. Some of the creatures which the Lord considered unclean for the children of Israel were actually unfit for food because they were disease carriers. Besides, some were used for pagan worship and God wanted a clear distinction for His people.

Apart from the wisdom in exercising discretion in what we eat and the way we eat so that our health is not impaired, it is unthinkable for a Christian to, in the name of exercising his liberty in Christ, consume alcohol, tobacco or even eat foods sacrificed to idols. We cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table and the tables of idols. That will be abomination! In everything as well as in eating, Christians must exhibit their distinctiveness.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NAHUM 1 - 3

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It is a contradiction to be a Christian and be gluttonous.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/

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TOPIC: No Preferential Treatment

Monday, August 24, 2015

TEXT: JAMES 2:1-9

KEY VERSE: “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors” (James 2:9).

There is a point to which the common saying that “success has many friends but failure is an orphan” will be wrongly applied. While it is good and desirable to be rich, it will be wrong to use it as the basis of judgment and treatment of people in the church or anywhere else. Discriminating against people on the basis of their affluence and success is a worldly practice which should not be a part of the church.

This is the point that Apostle James stresses in our passage today. In fact, he calls it an outright sin to be partial in the church of God. Preferential treatment on the basis of wealth, clothing or position displeases God. Such action is not motivated by love but by the inordinate desire to benefit from the wealth of the rich. While there is nothing wrong to be rich or respect those who are highly placed, it will be wrong to use it as the basis for giving them first place attention. This does not however mean that we cannot, in the process of evangelizing and helping them come to Christ, create a comfortable atmosphere that can help them receive the gospel message. Here, we need to apply the scriptural principle of becoming all things to all men so that we can by every means save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Let’s get this right. The poor does not get to heaven on the basis of his poverty, neither do the rich go to hell because of their wealth. What qualifies anyone for heaven is a life of holiness and righteousness obtained by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As much as it is wrong to look down on the poor because of his poverty; so is it wrong to speak evil against the rich because of their wealth. In Christ Jesus, everyone is equal and so should be treated. We must treat one another with equal honour and respect.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: DANIEL 11 - 12

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: In Christ Jesus, there is no big “I” and small “you”.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/

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TOPIC: Serving Through His Spirit

Sunday, August 23, 2015

TEXT: NUMBERS 11:24-30

KEY VERSION: “And Joshua... answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:28,29).

An American, with an English gentleman, was viewing the Niagara whirlpool rapids, when he said to his friend: “Come, and I’ll show you the greatest unused power in the world”. And taking him to the foot of Niagara falls, “there” he said, “is the greatest unused power in the world!”. “No my brother, not so!” was the reply. The greatest unused power in the world is the Holy Spirit of the living God.

Moses, a great man of God, was instructed to appoint “...seventy men of the elders of Israel,... and officers... and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation,... and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee; and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee...”. The spirit of God in the life of a Christian labourer gives enablement and power for productivity as the work of God cannot be done in the arms of flesh. There is a limit to how far a saint can function in the Lord’s work, without the enduement of the Holy Spirit. It takes unction, inspiration and power from on High to serve the Lord sustainably.

Every believer is born to serve. The only justification for a believer’s continued existence in this sinful world after being born again is to ensure that the work of the kingdom is done to daily win souls to the Lord. We are labourers together with Him. “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1).

The importance and place of the Holy Spirit cannot be relegated in the life of a Christian worker, if he or she wants the work done effectively with evidence of fruits abiding. Wonderfully, the blessed Holy Spirit is readily available for the saved and sanctified soul who is keenly desirous, thirsty and hungry for the experience.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: DANIEL 9 - 10

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It takes the Spirit’s enablement to undertake the work of the Spirit.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/

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TOPIC: Be Grateful Always

Saturday, August 22, 2015

TEXT: EXODUS 17:1-7

KEY VERSE: “Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?” (Exodus 17:2).

If Martin Rinkart were to evaluate the event of the first half of the 17th century in Germany, he would, without mincing words, conclude it was the worst of times, as the country witnessed wars, famine and pestilence. During the thirty-year period that war wrecked terror on the people, Rinkart conducted up to 50 funerals a day, among whom were members of his family. Yet, during those years of darkness and despair, he could write 66 sacred songs and hymns, which demonstrated that thankfulness does not have to wait for moments of prosperity and peace.

Our text pointed out the disturbing and unwholesome character of the Israelites. They regaled in despising God instead of appreciating Him for His merciful acts and deliverance. While in Egypt, Pharaoh and his kinsmen had afflicted them with heavy burden and determined to squeeze life out of them. But God, through Moses, delivered them. By the Red Sea, they saw the wonderful act of God, when He parted a way for them and drowned their enemies.

Yet, they could not control themselves when they were thirsty at Rephidim. They forgot everything that God did for them. They preferred to go back to Egypt, a land of slavery and suffering.

Many believers, unfortunately, do not take a careful stock of their lives to see what God has done. God has kept them alive, provided wives, husbands and children for them; given them good jobs and promotion, while destroying the activities of Satan upon their lives. But when a little challenge crops up, they become easily discouraged. Dispassionately count your blessings today and name them one by one to see what God has done.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: DANIEL 6 - 8

THOUGHT FOR TH DAY: It is comely and glorious to show forth ceaseless praise to God.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/

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TOPIC: How To Please God

Friday, August 21, 2015

TEXT: HEBREWS 11:1-3

KEY VERSE: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3).

Thomas, one of our Lord’s apostles, missed the point at a critical time in his relationship with the Master. Jesus had risen from the dead as He said, and had showed Himself to the disciples when Thomas was not present. Thomas doubted when other disciples told him about the risen Christ. He said: “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25b).

So, our merciful Lord showed up again with Thomas present. When Thomas saw Him and declared “My Lord and My God”, Jesus gently rebuked the disciple: “...Be not faithless but believing... Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

That is the crux of faith in God: not seeing Him yet resting on every word He utters, even in the face of overwhelming contradictions. Faith is the currency of all transactions with the Lord. The strength of your faith lies in the grand power of the promises of God.

Our text says that even the world in which we live, with the stars, sun and moon “were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (verse 3).

Indeed, it is a comforting thought to ponder over this and conclude that the genuine believer has the world in his pocket for great exploits in Kingdom work and in his personal life, by wielding the all purpose instrumentality of faith. All that a believer needs to summon the help of heaven in any situation is to please God by having submissive faith in Him and in His Word.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: DANIEL 3 - 5

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Faith is the currency of the true believer’s transaction with God.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/

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TOPIC: Judgment Is Sure

Thursday, August 20, 2015

TEXT: AMOS 1:1-10

KEY VERSE: “But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof” (Amos 1:10).

Prophet Amos’ message announces that God has absolute control over the entire universe. He watches over all the nations, whether it is Israel which He chose as His people or the heathen lands as Moab, Edom or Tyrus. God judges these heathen as well as the backslidden Israel. Amos thus began by denouncing the countries that were neighbours of Israel. After opening with Damascus, Amos attacked Gaza, Tyrus, Edom, Ammon and Moab.

Their transgressions included wickedness, human trafficking, vindictiveness, greed and bitter dislike of other people. These nations assumed that God had no business stepping into the affairs of people outside the confines of Israeli territory. But from the prophecy delivered to Amos and revelation of other parts of the Scriptures, we learn that this is fatal fallacy.

God expects righteous living from every man or woman. When man fell, He made a plan of salvation, a once-and-for-all propitiation according to Hebrews 9:22. Everyone who desires to have pardon and make peace with God is urged to take advantage of that substitutionary death of our Lord Jesus. Only then can one escape the judgment of God.

Amos warns in our text today, that punishment by fire awaits those nations who went about their way without reckoning that God was watching over all the lands He created. God said that as they were fiery in their passion for iniquity, heaven would release a greater fire that would consume them. The same fate awaits unrepentant sinners and backsliders who are as stubborn in wickedness and rebellion. It is a punishment that would also fall upon the careless believer who handles biblical warnings with levity.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: DANIEL 1 - 2

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God’s chastisements await all who scorn His immutable dictates.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/

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TOPIC: The Shadow Of Antichrist

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

TEXT: DANIEL 11:36-45

KEY VERSE: “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done” (Daniel 11:36).

The world is relentlessly preparing the stage for the reign of the Antichrist. Socio-economically, politically, technologically and spiritually, something seems to be speeding the actualization of this prophetic event. The vast majority of the world population is ignorant of the significance of these happenings and simply drifts with the tide. But those who understand God’s timetable, as revealed in the Bible, are not surprised at these goings-on.

The book of Daniel, which dates back to about 2,500 years, contains detailed prophecies that outlines God’s timetable for the present world. Its astonishing accurate prediction of successive world empires, the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian and Roman, has since been fulfilled and become world history. Daniel also prophesied the first coming of Christ (also now history), the manifestation and activities of the Antichrist and the Second Coming of Christ. Today’s text is a prophecy concerning Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Grecian king whose profile in many ways tally with that of the coming Antichrist.

As predicted by Daniel, Antiochus (215 – 154 B.C.) like the coming Antichrist, was merciless, crafty (usurped power by deceit), extremely proud (because of his conquests), hated and massacred the Jews and profaned God. He was so ambitious as to seek worship. He would compel people to worship his “strange god”. History recorded the fulfillment of the minutest detail of this prophecy and how Antiochus died suddenly at age 52 as prophesied – “he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.”

The only way to escape the tyranny of the Antichrist is to repent of sin, accept Christ as Saviour and Lord and continue in the resultant righteousness from God. That way, you will book a space in the imminent rapture of the saints.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 39 - 42

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Whose coming are you preparing for – Christ or the Antichrist?

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TOPIC: No Pretentious Love

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

TEXT: ROMANS 12:9-21

KEY VERSE: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9).

There are so much insincerity and deception in the world today. Many professions of love are not true because they have hidden motives. Many people have feigned love only to have deceived, defrauded, swindled and jilted those they claimed to love? Many love for what they stand to gain and not what they are in to give. This is the kind of love most practiced in the world.

God’s word calls Christians to unpretentious love. This is one area in which the believer is not to be conformed to the world. The Christian life and love is real and not plastic or fake. Love is a deliberate act of the will. As such, this love is not as a result of what we hope to get but what we desire to give. One of the characteristics of this love is that it is not blind to evil. It does not encourage evil; neither does it close its eyes to evil in the life of the one it loves. Love is practical and expressive. It manifests itself in true and sincere feeling of affection for others. It is not hard, callous and indifferent to the plight and feelings of others. It is practical, fervent, joyful, kind, patient, enduring, forgiving, winsome and not vengeful.

It is clear that the carnal mind does not have the capacity to have and express this kind of love. You can’t give what you don’t have. The Bible reveals man’s heart to be intrinsically evil and selfish (Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 17:9). So, to be able to have this love and express it, there must be a transforming and renewing of the mind. In other words, there must be a change of heart made only possible when one becomes born again by faith in the saving power of the Lord Jesus.

As Christians, we must daily strive to express this love everywhere we go. It is the mark that identifies us with Christ and makes us His worthy ambassadors. The world is hurting and hurtful; let us soothe it with love.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 35 - 38

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Love is a deliberate act of the will.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/

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TOPIC: Nothing Else, But God

Monday, August 17, 2015

TEXT: JEREMIAH 10:1-16

KEY VERSE: “The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name” (Jeremiah 10:16).

A preacher was counseling a member, who sought help because his spiritual life was going downhill. He said: “Being a Christian is not being religious. A lot of people were very religious in Jesus time and He called them whitewashed graves with dead men’s bones inside”.

The world is full of fake products and counterfeits. Those who are not observant are easily deceived and hoodwinked. Prophet Jeremiah, moved by the Spirit of God, warned Israel against carnal imitation of the customs of the world. He particularly warned against idolatry - the worship of man made gods. He said it was vain to engage in such, seeing that the gods are the works of men fastened with nails and hammer. He reminded Israel that those wooden gods cannot do anyone good or harm because they do not speak, and must be carried about as they cannot move.

He also warned that gods made from silver and gold by the work of men are also as powerless as the one made of wood. He emphasized that the Lord is the only true God, the living and everlasting King, at whose wrath the earth trembles.

Today, the worship of idols is as widespread as they were in the days gone by. In different continents, nation-states, communities, cities and villages, people daily involve themselves in various forms of idol worshiping. While some worship graven images, money, fellow men, women and other material things, others are addicted to games. Today, it is usual to see believers who forgo church services because of a football match. By this, they give honour meant for God to sports to the detriment of their souls. Nothing else must take the place of God in our lives. Those who have replaced the service of God in their hearts with other mundane things must repent now before it is too late.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 31 - 34

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Whatever is esteemed above God is idolatrous and sinful. Beware!

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TOPIC: Maturity Through Christ

Sunday, August 16, 2015

TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 10:16-20

KEY VERSE: “Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!” (Ecclesiastes 10:16).

Leadership, whether spiritual or secular, has a divine origin. It is not always the preserve of the novice or the ignorant; if not, anarchy and confusion would reign. Societies governed and led by nitwits and “children”, as it were, hardly progress. Others with sufficiently prepared leaderships make profound marks in the comity of nations.

Woe betides a nation, whose president (king) is a “child” and the governors, senators and

parliamentarians “eat in the morning”. When leaders of a nation are physically, mentally and spiritually immature and incapable, problems and challenges will pile up to a point where they appear insurmountable. When leaders are being led by the people they are supposed to be leading and guiding, the stage is set for social and political disorder.

Also, when church administration is left in the hands of “children” and “those that eat in the morning”, only God can save that church from implosion. When mediocres and upstarts find their way to positions of authority in the church, through favouritism, the stage is set for the infiltration of devil’s agents and activities.

When the father in the home is cowered and intimidated by his wife and children, such that he is unable to exercise minimal correction and discipline in his family, the members of that family will turn out as delinquents in the long run. When a businessman decides to place “children” and “those that eat in the morning”, in his management team, he will soon be filing for bankruptcy. The blessedness of a nation, society, church, family and business emanates from mature, capable, effective, and efficient leadership, controlled by the Spirit of God. Take advantage of the fulness of God in Christ to be whom God wants you to be.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 26 - 30

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A society governed by a tiny thought is primed for failure.

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TOPIC: Doggedness In Service

Saturday, August 15, 2015

TEXT: ACTS 8:1-8

KEY VERSE: “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them” (Acts 8:4,5).

Satan’s aversion for the kingdom of God and all that pertains to it is a long established fact. Therefore, he thrives in devising different methods (subtle and violent) targeted towards destabilizing, disrupting or even stopping the work of the Kingdom. However, discerning believers need to know that his crafty and evil antics, no matter how vicious, cannot stop God from fulfilling His programme.

The work of God had been going on successfully in Jerusalem since the disciples of Jesus Christ were baptized in the Holy Ghost. This record of achievement was intimidating to the devil, hence he determined to stop the work.

Having failed in his earlier efforts, he intensified his efforts by ensuring that Stephen, a disciple who was “full of faith and power” was arrested, accused falsely before the Jewish council of blasphemy against Moses and God, and finally killed.

Contrary to the command by Jesus that the disciples should extend the gospel beyond Jerusalem (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8), they confined themselves to Jerusalem, hence the persecution. It was this intense persecution that scattered them to other cities outside. Once he escaped to the city of Samaria, Philip did not allow the persecution to stop him from preaching the gospel. It then means the scattering actually led to the spreading of the gospel beyond Jerusalem.

As believers, we should not panic when faced with persecution, either on account of our faith in the work of the ministry or even in our secular engagements, realizing that “even hereunto were [we] called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that [we] should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 22 - 25

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It takes unswerving endurance to clinch the victory.

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TOPIC: Repentance Attracts Forgiveness

Friday, August 14, 2015

TEXT: ISAIAH 19:11-19

KEY VERSE: “In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD” (Isaiah 19:19).

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, an English Baptist pastor and writer, stated: “Another proof of the conquest of a soul for Christ will be found in a real change of life. If the man does not live differently from what he did before, both at home and abroad, his repentance needs to be repented of and his conversion, is a fiction.”

Isaiah, the prophet, points out that God is absolutely in control of everything on earth, a fact the king of Egypt and his officials tried to underrate. They could impress upon the king that they came from a family of wise princes, but they would not be able to inform him of God’s plan against Egypt. All they did only ended up misleading the Egyptians towards the wrong direction, making them to walk like drunks.

According to Isaiah, there was nothing anybody in Egypt could do because of God’s overwhelming power to unleash terror on the Egyptians. On the day He would act, the inhabitants of Egypt would be like weak women, trembling with fear. The name, Judah, would equally put great fear upon them. For this, the people of Judah would be foolish to seek any help from the Egyptians, who had already been subjected to fear at the mere mention of the name, ‘Judah.’

God is all-powerful and He has given believers a powerful weapon, that at the mention of the name of Jesus, every knee must bow and all tongues must confess that Jesus is the Lord. As God’s genuine son or daughter, who is washed in the efficacious blood of Jesus, you need to cash in on this special privilege. It would be foolish to rely on native herbalists, soothsayers and necromancers, among others, for protection, prosperity, childbearing, promotion, provision and others, making the heathen to ask, “where is your God?”

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 19 - 21

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Lip service to repentance will endanger the soul.

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TOPIC: Answerable Prayer

Thursday, August 13, 2015

TEXT: PSALM 74:1-23

KEY VERSE: “O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?” (Psalm 74:1).

Eli Stanley Jones, a 20th-century missionary and theologian, once said: “Prayer is surrender to the will of God and cooperation with that will. If I throw out a hook from a boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God.”

From our text, the psalmist complained about the desolations of the temple, which would not have been possible if God had intervened on behalf of His people. The psalmist prayed to God to act for them as He had done for their fathers, whom, by His miraculous power, He saved. He begged God to arise and vindicate His honour against His enemies, and the enemies of His people. But the psalmist’s prayer suggested that God’s people, when they are in sore afflictions, are apt to have misgivings about God, as if He did cast off His people without a cause.

The psalmist never mentioned any national or personal sin, which they needed to repent of, nor did he justify the Lord’s righteous dealing in their punishment. There was no supplication for pardon and forgiveness. This showed that some people who are under divine chastisement, might humbly protest against God about their cause. The Israelites were sorry because their enemies destroyed the temple. But they were not sorry that they had disobeyed God.

As it was then, so it is today. Many in affliction might be in such condition because of their misdeeds. Instead of looking inwards to discover their sin, they look outwards, sometimes holding God responsible for their plight. Are you in such a situation? Be contrite and meek to return to the Lord in penitence and repentance instead of making silly excuses.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 16 - 18

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: True prayer is measured by weight, not by length.

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TOPIC: His Superstardom

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

TEXT: JOHN 3:22-28

KEY VERSE: “Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him” (John 3:28).

Greatness is measured on the basis of comparison. No man can be adjudged great if there are no lowly men to compare with. There cannot be a king without the subjects; there cannot be a master without servants. To compare Christ with men, living or dead, is to reduce His exalted status. He is above all.

Our text reminds us of the early ministry of Jesus in Judea and how it prospered: “all men come to Him”. The disciples of John and the Jews wondered who Jesus was, that many were turning to Him. John reminded them that he was the forerunner and a faithful witness of Christ, the Son of God Who is from above and greater than all.

As believers, we are to witness to what Christ has done in our lives and point people to Him. We are not to attract men to ourselves. Our service must be with humility, with the glory of God in view. However successful in ministry we may be, our focus must be on the expansion of His kingdom and not on our popularity. Our understanding of who Christ is should make us believe His words.

He gives eternal life to those who believe in Him. Jesus is calling you to put your faith in Him, accept His words and turn to Him from your evil ways today. To reject Him is to reject God and accept eternal damnation. Choose Christ and live. John was a great man as the Lord so described him. He was a forerunner to let the world know that a greater One was coming. He did not define and determine His stature; instead, He remained in the confines which God had configured for him. Do not allow titles or superlative adulations to obscure the vision of who God wants you to be. Serve the Master in all humility and righteousness.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 13 - 15

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: In Christ lies the fullness of the godhead bodily.

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