TOPIC: A Sober Reflection

Saturday, March 07, 2015

TEXT: HAGGAI 1:1-15

Key Verse: “Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit. And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands” (Haggai 1:10,11).

When something bad happens, we  often look for someone to blame. But when natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tidal waves, mudslides, droughts and lightning strikes occur we shift the blame on God. Incidentally, the insurance companies call them “acts of God.” The question most often asked after a disaster is, if God loves people, why does He wipe them out? Why would God allow famines like the one in our text?

The fault is not God’s; it is entirely ours. Sin prepares the way for disasters to occur. The remnant of the children of Israel that newly returned from Babylon started off with a great corporate vision of building the temple for the glory of God. But as soon as they achieved a little success, they quickly lost their focus. Sixteen years had passed and nothing had happened. Not so much as even a stone had been set for the temple. They had become so focused on their own personal needs and desires that they completely forgot what God required of them. Consequently, the nation experienced mysterious and continuous food shortages. In spite of their efforts in agriculture, they sowed much but brought in little.

For Israel, it was a time of looking back to reconsider their ways. As we reflect on our past, we will discover that we have failed the Almighty; we will discover that we have worked hard to plant our crops and tend our businesses, to be able to provide food, shelter and clothing for our families but have little or nothing to show for it. This is the time for us to arise and do the work of God.

As the Jews were commanded by God through Haggai the prophet, you need to completely give your life over to doing the work of God. And by so doing, you will begin to experience His abundant blessings upon your life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 7 - 9

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Don’t hold God responsible for human catastrophes.

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TOPIC: This is Your Day!

Friday, March 06, 2015

TEXT: LUKE 4:1-22

Key Verse: “And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:22).

Today may have started for you like every other day. There may not be any sign suggesting that you are about to have any promise of Scripture fulfilled in your life today. One truth that will calm your nerves is this, that “God is a Spirit” (John 4:24). You do not see Him but He is working for your good.

For many years, the children of Israel had read the prophecies concerning the advent of the Messiah in the book of Isaiah and many other prophets. Many had eagerly looked forward to witnessing the fulfilment of it. For many, it appeared that the promise existed only on the pages of Scriptures and might not translate into a real experience.

In the text today however, the age-long promise became fulfilled before their very eyes! The Messiah that was long expected suddenly appeared in their temple.

The Scripture cannot be broken! Everything that God has ever spoken will certainly come to pass. Heaven and earth shall pass away but a jot of God’s word will not pass unfulfilled. What is that promise that you have been holding on to? When you read that promise, does it still appear real to you? Do not lose your faith and hope of its fulfilment because God is able to accomplish whatever He has promised to do.

Apart from the unfailing assurance of the fulfilment of God’s promise in your life, we need to be reminded that the prophecy of Christ’s second coming will soon be fulfilled. Whatever is your pursuit, possession and concern in life should not shift your mind from believing and expecting the coming of the Lord.

To be ready for His coming, you need to make personal preparations. Repentance and restitution, holy living and soul-winning, watchfulness and prayer, among others are essential to making rapture when the Lord returns to take His people to His abode in heaven.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 5 - 6

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The Scriptures cannot be broken!

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TOPIC: “If Ye Be Willing …”

Thursday, March 05, 2015

TEXT: ISAIAH 1:16-31

Key Verse: “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19).

There is only one God. Today’s text  reveals this truth. The one and only God who is Almighty says, “if ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the land”. Being a God of justice, he balances it up by declaring that, “if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be destroyed with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it”.

This, along with numerous other statements made by God in the Bible, undermine the doctrine of eternal security. It is false to say that once you are saved, you are saved forever, even if you backslide and live in sin. This statement is not supported by Scripture. The security of the believer is conditional. The words “if” and “but” obviously indicate the condition attached to the sustenance of salvation and the possibility of being lost through disobedience, carelessness and negligence.

The heaven-bound Christian who has been saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ must be on his guard daily so that doctrinal error that would return him to worldly cravings does not creep into his life and service. Only a thin line exists between the two; crossing it can be effortless and imperceptive.

Korah, Dathan, Abiram, the young prophet , Ananias and Sapphira, Judas Iscariot and Demas were all saved at a time, but they were remiss with what they had and lost out of the heavenly race.

To avoid a similar fate, the genuine believer must be prayerful, consistent in holiness, mindful of Scripture warnings, committed in soul-winning efforts, willing to help the saints, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, succour the widow, among others.

Believers must abide in the Lord and continually avail themselves of the means of grace and spiritual renewal to avoid compromise that can lead to loss of salvation.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 3 - 4

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Obedience is the way to God’s heart.

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TOPIC: Peace From God

Wednesday, March 04, 2015

TEXT: PSALM 4:1-8

Key Verse: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

The reign of King Henry IV of England (1367–1413) was an uneasy one. Having usurped the crown, he applied murderous means to consolidate his hold on power. He won his battles but lost his peace. Sweet sleep fled from him. While his poor subjects went to bed in slums, Henry in “Kingly Couch”, was denied repose.

If this King had taken his case to God, he would have learnt the secret of sweet sleep from David, the monarch of Israel. King David was a psalmist who rested in God his Creator each time he was in distress. Trouble seemed to be his companion all his days; his life was always on the line. But he was wise to always run to God for deliverance. He was never disappointed each time he went to God for help. His testimony and confidence was, “I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, LORD, only maketh me dwell in safety.” The Lord did more for him. In verse 7, he says that while his adversaries were feasting on false joy, the God he trusted “put gladness in my heart more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.”

Why did David enjoy such manifold blessings? Why do those who believe in Jesus Christ today have the “peace that passeth all understanding”? It is simply because the God of peace is faithful to His promises.

God’s promises are very clear and understandable. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3,4).

Peace is not free; it comes at a cost. Christ has paid the price for our peace.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 1 - 2

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Worldly peace is elusive; heavenly peace is eternal and attainable

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TOPIC: “It Is Written...”!

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

TEXT: MATTHEW 4:1-11

Key Verse: “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Ahead of His ministry, Christ embarked on a forty-day fast and was afterwards led into the wilderness, “to be tempted of the devil.” Satan wanted to lure Him into disobeying God. He wanted Jesus to resort to self-will, which would satisfy worldly and not spiritual ends.

Our Lord overcame him as He repeatedly depended on the authority of the Word of God rather than yield to the desires of Satan. Thus, Jesus demonstrated that invincibility comes through the power of the Word and the Holy Spirit. Although Satan also quoted the Word out of context to mislead Jesus, he did not succeed.

That Jesus “was led up of the Spirit... to be tempted of the devil” suggests that even believers who are sound in the faith can experience trials and temptations. This would come through juicy enticements to compromise in the pursuit of our daily bread (Matthew 4:3); through offers of worldly fame and influences (Matthew 4:6); and through suggestions for Christians to go into reckless contests with unbelievers for personal recognition that does not honour God (Matthew 4:6). Jesus, the Word personified, wielded the Sword of the Spirit or the Word effectively to defeat Satan (John 1:1,14; Ephesians 6:17).

Since believers engage in perpetual spiritual warfare with the devil, we must arm ourselves with the Word of God to always overcome him. We must allow the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us in the appropriate application of the Word to be able to say “it is written” more forcefully than Satan. Regular intake and internalization of the Word is key to overcoming satanic onslaught in life and ministry. The Word carries eternal power of the Godhead that Satan cannot withstand. Where the word of a king is (in your heart, life, home, church), there is power.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CORINTHIANS 10 - 13

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The Word works!

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TOPIC: Not Your Background

Saturday, February 28, 2015

TEXT: JOHN 1:46-51

Key Verse: “And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see” (John 1:46).

Cynicism has always been the problem of many a man. People pass comments on the basis of experience, history, tradition or philosophy. Thomas Didymus, a disciple of Jesus Christ fell into this problem of cynicism when he felt it was not possible for Jesus, whom he watched crucified and buried, to be alive again. So, when he was told that the Lord, the Master, had not only resurrected, but appeared before the disciples, he thought it was a fairy tale. He did not believe until Jesus reappeared at a meeting where Thomas was present.

Nazareth had been a small city. It was unthinkable that something good could come out from the place, let alone a unique personality of Jesus’ status. So, when he was told that the much-awaited Jesus had been found as was said in the law of Moses and the prophets, Nathanael expressed doubts. But one interesting thing about Nathanael’s kind of doubt is that it was not expressed out of disrespect for prophesy. He spoke out of confusion or mixed feelings of joy and consternation.

As a believer, you must realize that the wrong perception of people about you cannot change the counsel of God concerning your life. If you are of inconsequential pedigree in the eyes of certain people or your self esteem is receding as a result of people’s perception of you, look up to the Maker of all flesh. Do not lose your head over what people think about you. And the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who carefully piloted His dear Son till the successful fulfilment of His ministry here on earth despite His lowly parentage, will also safely lead you to actualize your dreams.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CORINTHIANS 15 - 16

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: What matters is not your origin but God’s counsel for your life.

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TOPIC: Earnest Intercessions

Friday, February 27, 2015

TEXT: DANIEL 9:20-27

Key Verse: “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision” (Daniel 9:23).

The text today reveals a man, Daniel, who had a real burden for his people. He was concerned about the Jews who were in exile serving punishment for their sinful lifestyle.

Usually, the Jews used evening to offer sacrifice in their homeland. Now in Babylon, a strange land, they could not offer sacrifices to God. Daniel would use the period to pray based on the promise of God through Jeremiah that the Jews would return to Jerusalem after 70 years. The time was almost over as the next king would allow the people to return to Jerusalem. While he was praying, angel Gabriel came with the answer.

However, Gabriel told Daniel that God had other plans, which would be for a period of 70 weeks, when the people and their holy city would suffer terrible devastation. A week was regarded as seven years. So, 70 weeks means 70 x 7, which is 490 years. In the first seven weeks, which is 49 years, someone would issue a command to build Jerusalem again. The people would build the city of Jerusalem again, though they would suffer trouble because of some resistance. Within the next 62 weeks, which is 434 years, God would appoint a special ruler, which is Jesus, whom the people would kill at the end of the period. In the last week, which is seven years, a foreign prince, Anti-Christ, would come with his army. Bible scholars believe that this last one week is the period of the great tribulation, which is yet to happen.

Daniel had all the disincentives that could make him not to pray. He was a prisoner, as it were, in a foreign land. He did not have the liberty to pray because of the constrictive laws of the land. Besides, he was a busy official. Yet, he dared the odds by praying to the point that deep revelations came to him. You can act like Daniel by consciously turning adversities to blessings through effectual, fervent praying.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  1 CORINTHIANS 12 - 14

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Prayer brings divine intervention.

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TOPIC: Watch Over That White Linen

Thursday, February 26, 2015

TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 10:1-7

Key Verse: “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

I t is a common saying among atribal people of the West African coast that “he that is arrayed in a white apparel should be careful to avoid walking in miry, dusty roads lest he has mud splashed upon him and his clothe be stained, and spoils his parade.” A little stain of sin could spoil and distort the testimony of good living established over many years.

Our text emphasizes how sin can destroy the testimony of the righteous. It is wisdom on the part of the believer to remain faithful and steadfast in his relationship with God. Backsliding brings reproach, shame and dishonour.

 

The believer has a great deal of reputation to lose. Therefore, those who follow the Lord need to walk carefully to abstain from all appearances of evil so that their testimonies will remain credible and untarnished. The sinner has no testimony which he may lose. Those in dark clothing are not so much liable to apparent stains and spots like those in white, sparkling clothing. The deeper we go in our relationship with God, the greater harm is done to our testimony and conscience by any act of sin or disposition to it. A little sin may cast so great a dark shadow over a previously great and upright living.

As we go out today, we must depend upon Him to help us attain unto the high moral standard which He has set for us in His word. We must be free from lust and never yield ourselves to evil. We must avoid situations that could lead to compromise. In the midst of extreme apathy to the gospel message and immorality that pervades our society today, we must still do our best to preach to every creature. “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spoiled by the flesh (Jude 23).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CORINTHIANS 8 - 11

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Take heed to your life and Christian profession. 

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TOPIC: Divine Anointment

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

TEXT: MATTHEW 3:13-17

Key Verse: “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

There are five lessons we learn from the comportment of our Lord Jesus Christ on His baptism by John the Baptist. To begin with, Jesus humbly submitted to the lesser who thought it strange to baptize his Master. We learn that all brethren should “submit one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:21).

Jesus did not give Himself up for water baptism by immersion because He repented of sin and must comply with the instructions that converts be baptized. He did it to associate with John’s ministry as His forerunner and to show us example to follow on the question of water baptism.

Besides, Jesus did it to “fulfil all righteousness”. In Kingdom work, the believer must leave no stone unturned to ensure that the will of God is done.

The Father also used the occasion to establish the fact of the existence of the Trinity. God the Father spoke (Matthew 3:17) to approve of God the Son (Jesus). God the Holy Ghost came upon Jesus “like a dove... lighting upon Him” (Matthew 3:16). The three Personalities in the Godhead were at work at the same time to teach that they are united in one Body for one work and ministry.

Moreover, if Jesus needed the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to succeed, how much more do serious believers need the Spirit’s all-conquering enablement to be victorious in evangelism and in daily Christian walk! That is the reason Jesus Christ baptizes us in the Holy Spirit so that we might have the Spirit’s powerful unction.

We need to be serious in seeking the Pentecostal power and anointing of the Holy Ghost. This will make us succeed the way Jesus did when guided by the Spirit the Father bestowed on Him. As we thirst and hunger for the experience, God is ever willing to pour His Spirit on us.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CORINTHIANS 5 - 7

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: The believer can do nothing but by Spirit of God.

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TOPIC: Consequence Of Efforts

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 3:6-22

Key Verse: “And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters. And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain” (Nehemiah 3:12,22).

Commenting on leadership ability to understand the mood of people and be thus propelled to take appropriate and timely action, a Scottish philosopher, Francis Hutcheson said, ‘That action is best which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers’.

Nehemiah which means ‘The Lord comforts’, was the personal cupbearer to the Persian King, Artaxerxes (464-424 BC). About 445 BC, Nehemiah received permission from the king to go to Judah to restore his people’s fortunes. This did not come on a platter of gold. After he had been informed that ‘the remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire’ (1:3); he began fasting and praying for God’s intervention.

Nehemiah mobilized the people in such a way that the rebuilding of Jerusalem walls became a matter, not only of civic responsibility but of national emergency. Everyone was involved. Even women, Shallum’s daughters, were physically involved. They defied cruel mockings and jesting of their detractors.

Today, many places of worship look more like poultry farms than God’s houses. Some are even without walls and gates. There is great need for leaders with vision and concern for the building of befitting places of worship for the Lord. These should be leaders who, like Nehemiah, will mobilize everyone for the attainment of such noble objective. Above all, every believer ought to participate in making God’s house, a beauty to behold.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CORINTHIANS 1 - 4

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It is virtuous to give of your best to the service of the Most High.

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TOPIC: Don’t Start Another War!

Monday, February 23, 2015

TEXT: JUDGES 12:1-6

Key Verse: “And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire” (Judges 12:1).

If we look at what causes most wars that have destroyed so many lives and properties, we will discover that they bothered on some personal and self motivated issues that would have been solved with much diplomacy, patience and care. But man has allowed personal grievances, pride, envy, jealousy, accusations and counter-accusations and so many other very trivial issues to bring about

so many countless and irreparable losses. Many of these were later regretted. If we can be more patient with one another, showing more restraint, forbearance and tolerance, there will not be need for wars and the wanton destruction that they bring.

In the text, we find the unnecessary argument between the men of Ephraim and Jephthah. They accused Jephthah for not having involved them in the battle against the Ammonites. Jephthah however countered that he invited them but they turned down his call for help. The argument later degenerated to ethnic issues resulting into war in which forty two thousand of the Ephraimites died. What a senseless loss!

Envy, jealousy, pride and the wrong use of the tongue have very devastating consequences. So many homes and families have been razed to the ground for these. God desires that we should cultivate the tongue of the learned, knowing how to use the right words in season. There is the need for us to be tolerant and patient with one another as well. Harsh comments and criticisms, judgmental utterances and dispositions which are spurred out of envy and jealousy must be avoided. We will save lives, property, marriages, relationships and careers if we learn to speak right words that will bring encouragement, succour, support and security.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDGES 18 - 21

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Consider the huge costs of reparation.

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TOPIC: Time To Rest

Sunday, February 22, 2015

TEXT: GENESIS 2:1-5

Key Verse: “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made” (Genesis 2:2).

When the Bible says God “rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made” (Genesis 2:2), it must not be construed in the human sense of someone resting from fatigue. This cannot be because “the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not, neither is weary” (Isaiah 40:28). We know also that He will not “slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4).

The term “rested” simply means God ceased from His work on that day. That day assumed a special importance, hence the Bible says God “sanctified” the seventh day. He set it aside for rest, worship and service to the Lord.

If God did not rest on account of exhaustion from work, it follows that He modelled the seventh day as a Sabbath rest day for His people. It is a principle to enable us renew our spiritual, physical, mental and emotional faculties. If we violate it, we risk spiritual, physical, mental and emotional breakdown. It is, in a word, sin and a breach of God’s law.

Like His Father, our Lord, Jesus Christ clearly understood the role of rest and renewal of strength in human beings. In Mark 6:31, he encourages His disciples to “come apart... into a desert place to rest a while”.

In the dispensation of grace, the first day of the week is the Lord’s day; it is our Sabbath, which New Testament believers set aside for special worship. It is a day of rest when we stay away from work. It is a day for solemn worship of God. On that day, He renews our physical strength as well as teaches us precious Kingdom lessons in preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ as required of those called out to serve.

God put it as part of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8) to emphasize its superlative importance and its inviolability. Consequently, we must observe the Lord’s day as the day of rest, even as we set time apart each day for rest, meditation and introspection.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDGES 14 - 17

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Keep the Lord’s day. 

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TOPIC: When God Marvels

Friday, February 20, 2015

TEXT: JEREMIAH 8:1-12

Key Verse: “Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return” (Jeremiah 8:5).

How would a world where nobody gives or takes instructions look like? Will it be peaceful or chaotic? God is amazed by the attitude of the Israelites who have chosen to act contrary to the knowledge and instructions they have received. He is surprised that they want to continue to pursue a lifestyle that they knew had ruined other people.

In the text today, God expressed wonder at the people of Jerusalem. In spite of the much they knew about God; the love and mercies He had showered on them; the teachings and warnings He had given to them through His holy prophets; the punishments and ruins they had seen Him bring upon others who had lived such sinful and rebellious life; they continued in the act of deliberate rebellion and rejection of His word. It baffled God that lesser creatures like the stork, turtle, crane and swallow are able to observe their time but His people whom He made with higher level of intelligence are not able to read the signs! The people of God, together with their leaders and priests, have deliberately turned their backs on God and have chosen to live an unashamed life of uncontrolled sinfulness. Since they chose to deliberately ignore God, spurn His love and reject His entreaties, God had no option left other than to visit them with judgment.

Is it not a wonder today that there are still many who in spite of what they know about God and His love still walk deliberately away from Him? They go to church, hear God’s word but walk away to continue in their sin. If you choose to take God’s love and grace for granted and continue with a life of deliberate rebellion and rejection of God’s word, you need to be reminded that you will not be spared of God’s judgment.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDGES 8 - 10

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Let your life please God and not baffle Him!

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TOPIC: God Is Ever Present

Thursday, February 19, 2015

TEXT: PSALM 3:1-8

Key Verse: “I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah” (Psalm 3:4).

One of the most moving  testimonies about the unfailing help of God in time of need for a believer is that of the widow whose home was invaded by enemy soldiers.

The troops had overrun the territory where she lived. They stormed her residence and, in military fashion, demanded food. Being an unwavering believer in Christ’s promise (I am with you always Matthew 28:20) she did not panic, but went ahead to prepare what the soldiers wanted and set the table.

Inviting them to feast, she told the military men that it was her tradition to pray and read the Bible before meals. She read from Psalm 27 and closed her eyes for prayer. While she communicated with God, she heard footsteps of heavy boots. Opening her eyes after praying, the woman found herself alone in the hall. The threatening soldiers had left!

It is obvious the word of God in 1 Corinthians 1:27,28 that “...God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty and base things of the world and things which are despised hath God chosen, yea and things which are not; to bring to nought things that are” have been perfectly fulfilled.

When King David found himself in a big trouble following Absalom’s rebellion, he cried to God for deliverance. The Lord did not fail him in order to prove He answers the prayer of faith of believers who trust in Him.

God wants His children to call upon Him in times of trouble so that He can destabilize the enemy by His mighty power and fulfil His promises in our lives. It is the demonstration of such divine authority that will cause the unbeliever to know that we serve a God who can be trusted unlike idols that cannot save.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDGES 5 - 7

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The flesh is helpless in times of grave challenges.

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TOPIC: Wanted: A Pure Heart

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

TEXT: MARK 7:14-23

Key Verse: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders” (Mark 7:21).

In many ways, the heart serves as the engine room of the human body. From biological perspective, it is the organ that pumps oxygen and blood to different parts of the body. It is this activity of the heart that sustains life. On the other hand, the heart is the stream out of which flow “the issues of life.” It is the chamber where thoughts are incubated before they transform into action. Your heart’s condition is a most critical determinant of the quality of life you live.

This is the truth Christ teaches in the text. The teaching came as part of His response to the hypocritical posture of the Pharisees who faulted His disciples for eating with unwashed hands. The Pharisees practised a religion of forms and rituals with little or no morality. In their pretence to adhere strictly to the Mosaic laws, they added traditions that made them to neglect the weightier matters of the law. Soon, “the tradition of the elders” became their cardinal doctrine and standard. Ceremonial hand-washing before meal was one of such traditions. Their faultfinding penchant could not bear to see Christ’s disciples flout this tradition.

Christ’s message here is clear: defilement does not come from eating with unwashed hands or from what we eat. This does not excuse the evil of consuming hurtful substances. It simply implies that defilement and wickedness come “from within, out of the heart of man.” The list of sins mentioned in verses 21 and 22 are just a fraction of the soul-damning evils that man’s depraved heart can produce.

Your natural heart needs regeneration or spiritual rebirth. This happens when you approach God penitently, acknowledging, confessing and forsaking your sins with faith in Christ as your Saviour and Lord. After this experience, you must keep your heart with all diligence to avoid polluting that precious fountain.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDGES 1 - 4

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Is your heart right with God?

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

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TOPIC: A Better Atonement

Monday, February 16, 2015

TEXT: LEVITICUS 9:1-14

Key Verse: “And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded” (Leviticus 9:7).

In the Mosaic ordinances, it was the  exclusive responsibility of the high priest to make atonement for the sins of the people. Aaron and his sons occupied the offices of the priesthood and therefore were charged with the responsibility of offering the different sacrifices for the sins of Israel. Having just been through a seven-day consecration, they were to start their ministration on the 8th day. Moses, as directed by God, instructed them as to what offerings to be observed – sin offering, burnt offering, peace offering and meat offering – with their respective sacrifices.

One important aspect of this ordinance was that the high priest had to first make atonement for himself before making for the people. This was an acknowledgment of his personal imperfection. Indeed, the whole process was imperfect and only served as a pointer to the ultimate atonement.

The ultimate atonement was accomplished by Jesus, the perfect High Priest. Unlike Aaron, Christ was sinless and did not have to atone for Himself. Previously, the blood of animal was used for atonement. But Christ shed His blood when He died a vicarious death at Calvary. The Mosaic atonement needed to be done every year though it could not really cleanse sins; Christ’s atonement was once and for all and has universal application for removal of all sins.

The implication of this is that, if you appropriate the atonement effected by Christ through repentance from sin and faith in Christ Jesus, your sins will be cleansed. No matter how terrible your sins are, no other sacrifice is necessary for your cleansing and reconciliation with God. Being thus reconciled with God, you will become a child of God and have access to the unsearchable riches of Christ in this world and beyond.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOSHUA 19 - 21

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Christ’s death and blood is sufficient for your salvation.

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

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TOPIC: You Must Continue

Sunday, February 15, 2015

TEXT: ROMANS 11:11-24

Key Verse: “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off” (Roman 11:22).

A was running a 300 metres race story was told of an athlete who with a strong determination to win. He was leading the race until he suddenly and inexplicably began to slow down. The spectators at the amphitheatre began to shout “Continue! Continue!! Continue!!! Spurred on by this, he made it to the end and won. The foregoing, illustrates the words of our Lord Jesus to the Jews who believed in Him. “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31,32).

Paul, in the text, was talking to Gentile believers to be careful lest they become puffed-up and hardened against the Jews. The spiritual blindness of the Jews had given light to the Gentiles. Yet, it was not the will of God for the hardened Jews to be lost; neither did He predestine them to be hardened. Curiously, the hardness of heart through unbelief by the Jews led to the speedy expansion of the gospel to the idolatrous Gentiles, who became partakers of the gospel of peace. The Jews were cast off momentarily because they rejected the gospel while the Gentiles were grafted in to provoke the Jews to godly living. Paul admonished that the Gentiles must continue in the grace of God and not boast, lest they also should be cut off.

The security of a believer, whether Jew or Gentile, is conditional. The final salvation of believers who are heaven-bound is conditioned on his continuous obedience to the word of God. It was unbelief that cut short the relationship between God and Israel. Christians must be careful not to allow unbelief and hardness of heart to sever them from God.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOSHUA 15 - 18

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Dear believer, continue in His word.

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

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TOPIC: Telling It As It Is

Saturday, February 14, 2015

TEXT: ISAIAH 1:1-15

Key Verse: “And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:15).

In allowing prophet Isaiah to preface his messianic book of hope within the grim details of Israel’s sin along with the promise of judgment and mercy, God is passing on an instructive method of reaching out to lost souls. The Lord looked upon the action of Israel and concluded that they were “a people laden with iniquity ... who had forsaken the Lord … they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they have gone away backward.”

The result? “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores … your country is desolate.”

In spite of this spiritual filth, the people of Israel still offered a semblance of service to God! They sacrificed “burnt offerings” of animals. These gifts were unacceptable, according to God, because the bearers had not first cleansed themselves from sin. A person’s sins would stain his sacrifice.

A sinner needs to avail himself of cleansing by the precious blood of Jesus and receive pardon. Thereafter, he can serve God acceptably and enjoy additional blessings as he continues to abide in the Lord.

This is precisely what Isaiah did. He preached the priceless message of the coming Messiah who would be born of a virgin, One who would be the everlasting Father (Isaiah 9) and who would die for our sin (Isaiah 53). But the sinner must first be told the great implication of his lost state for him to be able to appreciate the price paid to redeem him.

The import of today’s exposition is, the sinner will not be on God’s radar of mercies for true worshipers until he forsakes his iniquity and becomes clean through salvation.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOSHUA 11 - 14

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Without Jesus, you are lost.

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

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TOPIC: Unchangeable Son of God

Friday, February 13, 2015

TEXT: PSALM 2:4-12

Key Verse: “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession” (Psalm 2:8).

The salvation of God is for all people of all nations of the world. This is clear from Revelation 7:9,10 where “a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindred, and peoples, and tongues stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes and palms in their hands. And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lord.” God the Father will definitely fulfil His promise to harvest hundreds of millions of souls for His Son as His rightful inheritance.

Christ, the Son of God, is the Lord of all (Acts 10:36). His glory and dominion was revealed to Daniel in a vision. “I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and come to the Ancient of Days and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13,14).

Christ has an indestructible kingdom. Kings and their followers on earth need to be wise and stop their contempt for Him to avoid divine judgment. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself: but the simple pass on and are punished.” If they persist, Christ will “break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel”.

God’s warnings about the wrath to come are all over the pages of the Bible. So, everyone should take heed, repent of sin and receive Jesus to be part of the redeemed of all nations that will enter heaven.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOSHUA 8 - 10

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Hide in Christ to escape the wrath to come.

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

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TOPIC: Nothing But Repentance

Thursday, February 12, 2015

TEXT: MATTHEW 3:1-5

Key Verse: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:1,2).

John the Baptist was a fiery preacher of repentance and righteous living. The gospels also record that when our Lord started His ministry, He preached that people should repent of their sins and become citizens of the kingdom of God which was near (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 4:8; John 1:43).

Repentance on the part of every sinner is crucial to obtaining the forgiveness of God. It is the basic message every child of God must preach to friends, relations and neighbours. Repentance, the condition for salvation, is a radical break with sin which separates man from his Creator.

On sighting the Pharisees and Sadducees who trooped to him at Jordan where he was conducting water baptism exercise for converts, John pointedly told them that the requirement for entry into the Kingdom was repentance from all sin. He did not feel intimidated or shy to soft-pedal on the truth he was commissioned to preach.

The two groups that came to John hold different opinions contrary to Scriptures. The Pharisees believed salvation would come only from obeying the law of Moses, and not by the grace of God through Jesus. The Sadducees were theological liberals who did not believe in resurrection, miracles, angels or end-time judgment. Both persecuted our Lord and contemned His doctrine. But John was undeterred; he warned them of “the wrath to come.” He told them they would be “cast into the fire” if they didn’t repent.

The attitude of John the Baptist challenges us as believers to be courageous in preaching the truth of the gospel, even in the face of opposition from erroneous teachers of our generation.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOSHUA 5 - 7

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The Kingdom is the centre-piece of the good news.

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

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