TOPIC: A Vision Of Glory

Monday, March 09, 2015

TEXT: ACTS 7:54-56

Key Verse: “And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).

It is better to incur the world’s hatred by testifying against its wickedness than gain its goodwill by going down the stream with it. We can see here the strength of corruption in the persecutors of Stephen. On this scene, men who became incarnate devils were ready to kill.

Stephen testified boldly of Christ before the Sanhedrin, condemning their crucifixion of Him whom God approves. This led to his becoming the first martyr of the Christian church. Here was an instance of the outrage and fury of the persecutors and of the courage and comfort of the persecuted.

He knew his speech would enrage the council. Since he expected no prospect of justice at their hands, he fixed his eyes intently on heaven and sought justification from God. When they were cut to the heart and gnashed upon him with their teeth, ready to kill him, he received a revelation of the glory of Christ. The heavens opened to give him a view of the happiness ahead. God is always with His people in times of hardship, persecution and danger.

We need to depend upon God always. This will help us to fix our gaze on Him while we give appropriate, Spirit-backed answers to everyone who enquires about the reason of the faith of Jesus Christ that we uphold. Compromise during persecution rob believers of the necessary revelation(s) God would have granted to soothe their pain. When men threaten us, we should learn to fix our eyes on Christ the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Stephen served the same God we serve. And He is unchanging. If He saw Stephen through, He will see us through trials. Understand however that God has not appointed every believer to be a martyr; so, you may not die like Stephen. But the ultimate is to make it to heaven irrespective of the opposition and persecution we may suffer in life. His grace will be sufficient for everyone of us in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 13 - 14

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Heaven is the sure abode of the triumphant.

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TOPIC: Obey God Rather Than Men

Sunday, March 08, 2015

TEXT: EXODUS 1:15-22

Key Verse: “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive” (Exodus 1:17).

Our text clearly shows that Satan can use anybody and anything to frustrate the plan of God. King Pharaoh of Egypt, who became a wiling instrument in Satan’s hands, had a cruel plan to destroy the children of Israel. He was apparently afraid of the growing number of the Israelites and wanted to checkmate them. One day, he called the Hebrew midwives and instructed them to kill all the Hebrew male children at birth. Were these Hebrew midwives not afraid of God, this order would have been obeyed to the letter. God knew this situation would arise and, therefore, positioned these midwives, who feared Him more than they feared Pharaoh.

When the king of Egypt noticed that the midwives did not obey his command, he called and queried them. The midwives probably thought he would put them to death for disobeying him, but they were not disturbed as they had already chosen to obey God, no matter the circumstances. For their obedience, God blessed them. Pharaoh, getting more frustrated, issued another proclamation to all his people that “every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.” He thought this would quickly get rid of the Jews, but God intervened. “Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?”

Satan is always fearful of Christians who make progress in the things of God. He fears that such fervent Christians will snatch many souls from him through evangelism into the kingdom of God. So, he will try to resist by using any means and anybody who is willing to run errand for him against faithful believers. The assurance we have is, God, who positioned the Hebrew midwives to thwart the wicked plot of Pharaoh will definitely position His angels and helpers around His children. So, do not fear those who can only kill the body and not the soul. Fear God who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 10 - 12

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Fear God and obey Him. 

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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: “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: No Room For Enmity

Monday, March 02, 2015

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 1:17-27

Key Verse: “And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son” (2 Samuel 1:17).

King David had his own  shortcomings as a man. But none of them was ingratitude or disloyalty to friends. None still was a tendency to hate his enemy, as would the carnal man. Today’s reading reveals this beloved monarch of ancient Israel at his best, displaying in balanced measure, loyalty to his slain friend Jonathan and honour to the fallen King Saul who even sought to kill him for no just reason.

The contextual presentation of today’s meditation has David mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan. Learning of the tragedy that had befallen Israel, David promptly executed an Amalekite who claimed responsibility for Saul’s death in expectation of a reward for killing David’s enemy. As it turned out, it was bad news for David that Saul who hated him and wanted to kill him was dead. It was not only the death of Jonathan, his great and tenderhearted friend which hurt him, that of Saul also did.

David launches into a memorable dirge that describes Saul and Jonathan as “the beauty of Israel” (verse 19) and “weapons of war” (verse 27), who “were swifter than eagles, (and) stronger than the lions” (verse 23). Verse 24 is a solemn exhortation: “Ye daughters of Israel weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.”

All these for an enemy? Yes, that is what our Lord commands: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44,45). Do you want to be counted among the children of the Almighty in heaven? Then, heed the word of Jesus by loving your enemy as David did. Only a soul that has accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour can do so, however.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CORINTHIANS 5 - 9

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A virtuous soul is at peace with all men, foes and friends alike.

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TOPIC: You Can’t Change God

Sunday, March 01, 2015

TEXT: GENESIS 2:16-25

Key Verse: “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17).

God created Adam and Eve perfect human beings. He provided everything man would need before making man in His own image and after His likeness. It was an act of love for God to reproduce Himself in man. Man was free to eat of every tree except one located in the midst of the garden.

Aside giving man freedom, God also gave him overwhelming control of his habitat; He delegated Adam with authority to name all His creatures. God approved the names Adam gave to other creatures and said in Genesis 9:2 that “the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered”.

Though man did not complain being alone among numerous animals and trees, God thought he would be happier having “an help meet”, for “it is not good that the man should be alone”. Without consulting man, “the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman and brought her unto the man.” God is good; He always does good.

From the foregoing, God instituted marriage to be monogamous, comprising one man and one wife. Polygamy and homosexuality are godless ideals and arrangements of the figment of man’s sinful imaginations. God will not swap position with man to take orders from any of His creatures on what marriage should be.

Abandoning God’s good order on marriage and other areas in life is a grievous act of ingratitude. Besides, confusion, sorrow and misfortune will always accompany man’s alternative arrangement that runs parallel to God’s. He will punish those who do not repent of contempt for His laws.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CORINTHIANS 1 - 4

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God will not swap position with man to take orders from His creatures.

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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: Choose Your Influence

Saturday, February 21, 2015

TEXT: GALATIANS 4:8-23

Key Verse: “But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:18).

God has created us to interact with other people and not to live in isolation. As a result, we are greatly influenced by the people we interact and relate with. In the formative stages of our lives, we hardly had any choice about the kind of influence we should have. But as we grew older, we accepted responsibility for whatever and whoever we allowed to exert influence on us.

The Apostle Paul in our text was worried about the kind of influence the Galatian believers were allowing in their lives, particularly as it affected their faith in the gospel. He wondered why they allowed the influence of the Judaizers to make them to mix-up their faith in Christ with the observance of the mosaic laws as necessary for salvation. These teachings were weakening the faith of believers whom Paul had laboured so much to bring to the gospel. They were being brought again into the bondage of the law which they had not been able to keep in all their generations. Paul blamed these believers for opening up themselves to such negative influences.

Our spiritual growth and health will be largely affected by the types of influences we allow in our lives. Many people have had unstable and stagnant Christian lives because of who they interact and relate with. If you care about your spiritual life, then you will be careful as to the kind of people you associate with. To live a victorious life and grow consistently, be sure you have the right kind of influence.

Once we have been brought into the faith like new born babes, our personal growth and spiritual welfare become our sacred responsibilities. If we fail to do the right things about this, it is certain that we can lose our liberty and slip back into Satan’s captivity. So, we must guard against being lured back into bondage by those who seek to influence us.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDGES 11 - 13

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Be on the lookout for poachers on your soul.

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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!

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

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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.

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

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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: Ungodly Ambition

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

TEXT: 1 KINGS 1:1-13

Key Verse: “Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him” (1 Kings 1:5).

Dwight Lyman Moody, an  American evangelist, in one of his sermons, stated: “Satan rules all men that are in his kingdom. Some he rules through lust. Some he rules through covetousness. Some he rules through appetite. Some he rules by their temper, but he rules them. And none will ever seek to be delivered until they get their eyes open and see that they have been taken captive.”

From our text, Adonijah, the fourth son of David, after Amnon, Chileab and Absalom, was caught in the web of ungodly ambition. Amnon, the first son, who had an unholy affair with his sister, Tamar, had already been killed, while Absalom, the third son, who staged a coup against his father, was also killed. Nothing was known of Chileab, David’s second son, born to him by Abigail, widow of Nabal the Carmelite. Adonijah who wanted to become king instead of Solomon was the oldest son still alive.

Therefore, Adonijah thought he would be the next king, after his father, David, who was very old. He made plans towards achieving his course. He knew his father would soon die and he got the support of Joab, David’s military commander, and Abiathar the priest to make him king. But Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah and David’s bodyguards refused to support him. Adonijah still went ahead with his selfish ambition, planning a ceremony where he would declare himself the new king.

Nobody can run faster than God. Adonijah’s inordinate ambition led to his premature death. Solomon did not even fight for the fulfilment of God’s promise that he would succeed his father. Whatever God has ordained for you must come to pass, the machinations of enemies notwithstanding. He knows how to thwart the conspiracy of darkness against your job, business, promotion and family. Pray and trust God.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOSHUA 22 - 24

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Ungodly ambition is a gilded misery.

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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.

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