Monthly Archives: February 2020

MEMORISE:
And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? Mark 12:24

READ: Hebrews 11:1-13

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 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.

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

MESSAGE

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Having faith means believing something that you are yet to see physically, so much so that you can feel it already. If you are hoping for a baby for example, faith is you hearing him/her cry; carrying and feeding him/her even when the baby has not manifested physically. Faith is the currency of operations in the spiritual realm which controls the physical; it is the greatest currency in the world. With faith, everything is possible (Mark 9:23).

However, there are different categories of faith. Some people have no faith at all. They believe in total impossibility and are consumed by fear. Some have little faith as Jesus pointed out in Matthew 6:30. These ones believe that impossibilities can be possible, but only for certain people like their Pastor or General Overseer. They don’t believe they also can work miracle.

However, there is faith as the grain of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). This faith, though small, can move mountains. It is the starting point for a man of faith. There is also great faith, according to Matthew 15:21-28. It is the kind that does not accept “No” for an answer, it is persistent. Not only does the fellow with great faith believe that all things are possible, he also endures even when manifestations are delayed. Your faith will become great in the mighty name of Jesus.

Faith comes by hearing *and hearing* by the word of God (Romans 10:17). The volume of His word in you determines your level of faith in Him. If your faith will increase, you must be addicted to God’s word. Meditate on it day and night. Season your words with the scriptures at all times (Deuteronomy 6:7-9).

When the word of God dwells richly in you, your faith will be great and nothing will be impossible to you.

KEY POINT:

Get addicted to your Bible and seek to always hear God’s voice.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 25-27

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: BLESSED ASSURANCE, JESUS IS MINE.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
O what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
I’m born of his Spirit and washed in his blood

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy and whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blessed
You know I’m watching and waiting, I’m looking above
Filled with His goodness and I’m lost in his love.

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MEMORISE:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44

READ: Matthew 6:19-21

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

MESSAGE

The problem with some 21st Century Christians is that they do not know the value of heavenly investments, which yield dividends both in this life and eternally. This is unfortunate because they focus more on earthly investments and this is the exact opposite of our Lord’s injunction in our Bible text today. Earthly investments are prone to corruption. Jesus explains in the parable of the rich fool that choosing earthly investments over heavenly ones is not wise.

“…then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21

The Bible also says:

“Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:5

A story was told of a young man who was attacked by hoodlums on his way home, the very night he gave his life to Jesus Christ. They asked him, “Your money or your life: which do you want to surrender?” To their amazement, the young man said “I am sorry; I do not have either of the two things you are asking for!” The gang leader, out of curiosity at the response of the young man asked “What do you mean you do not have life or money to surrender?” The young man replied “I am just coming from church where the pastor persuaded me to give my life to Christ and I did. At the end of the service, I was also asked to give my substance to God’s work and I emptied my pockets for the work of Jesus who saved me without any charge!” The leader said “I see, because you have amused me this evening, I will let you go, but next time, always remember to reserve something for us!” As funny as this story may sound, it carriers an eternal truth: Investing in the Kingdom of God is the best decision you can ever make as it yields both earthly and heavenly rewards.

CALL TO ACTION:

God bless you as you invest in His Kingdom.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 41-42

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 2: ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER.

1. All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

o Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

2. All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow;
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

3. All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

4. All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

5. All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame;
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!

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MEMORISE:
We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:2

READ: James 3:2-13

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

MESSAGE

In Isaiah 40:31, Christians who wait upon the Lord are compared to “an eagle” – often referred to as the “king of birds”. There are many kinds of birds; why did the Lord choose the eagle and not the parrot or some other kind for this illustration? The answer is not far-fetched. Several distinguishing factors set the eagle apart from the parrot and indeed other birds. While an eagle is big, strong and high flyer, parrot is weak and cannot fly as high. While one may enjoy the company of a parrot, when serious issues are to be discussed, it is usually shut out while “an eagle” is invited. Are you a parrot or an eagle?

The eagle does not talk much; it tends to act instead. It doesn’t move with a flock, like many people with gossip cliques today. Perhaps this is why it soars above storms- it has immense ability to use the storms to its advantage. How you use your mouth can determine if you will overcome a storm or be subdued by it. Watch it! Talk only when necessary.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:3

Going by the above, the less likely you are to get into trouble and vice versa. Words are powerful, so be careful with them. You cannot retrieve any utterance. Matthew 12:36 says we shall be held accountable for every idle word we speak, so always think before you speak. You don’t have to response every time you are criticized. You don’t have to always say what’s on your mind. Bridle your tongue before it puts you in trouble.

Ask yourself: why do I talk too much? For some, it’s because they like noise and cannot stay quiet. Some want to impress; others talk to show they are good debaters and yet others, to display how current they are. If you talk too much, control your tongue or excuse yourself whenever you find yourself in such situations and soon enough, you will find yourself talking less and with moderation.

REFLECTION:

Be careful of what you say, when you say it, how you say it, where you say it and to whom you say it.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 19-21

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 20: NEARER, MY GOD TO THEE.

1. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
o Refrain:
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

2. Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee.

3. There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.

4. Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.

5. Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

6. There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee.

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MEMORISE:
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Proverbs 23:2

READ: Proverbs 23:21

21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

MESSAGE

As much as food is necessary for humans to stay alive, it could also be the cause of untimely death for some. This is primarily because such people have refused to exercise moderation and care in their food intake. Today’s memory verse says you should control your appetite, exercise restraint even if it appears you may die by doing so. Don’t be like Esau who, because of hunger, in Genesis 25:32 claimed:

“Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?”

Listen: You will not die by exercising discipline on yourself. It is indiscipline that kills. Sometime ago, some rats were used for an experiment. They were put in two groups “A and B. the ones in the first group “A, were fed very well, thus they grew fresh and robust while the ones in group B were given fewer rations, so they were not as fat as those in the first group. After some time, all the rats were injected with the same measure of a disease. Those in group A died while those in B survived.

The researchers found a strong connection between overfeeding and the failure of the rats in group A to survive the disease. Watch the quantity of food you consume, especially when you are about to go to bed. It may be difficult at the start, but keep at it, your body will adjust.

Avoid junk and genetically modified food. As much as possible, reduce how often you take canned food. In fact, eating too much processed food has been linked with the development of cancer. It is best to eat organic fruits and vegetables as they are healthy. Grow some of your food if you can.

God is interested in your spiritual wellbeing but He is also very interested in your health. That is why He took care of sickness through the stripes on His body (Isaiah 53:5) before His crucifixion for your sins at Calvary. He needs you to take care of your body because the healthier you are, the more effective you will be in His service.

KEY POINT:

It is foolish to eat dangerously and expect to live in divine health.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 16-18

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 27: TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE.

1. Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
*Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

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MEMORISE:
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5

READ: Deuteronomy 4: 23-24

23 Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.

24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

MESSAGE

This generation is generally called the digital age because with a handheld device, you can connect with anyone in the world. This is actually very good but the concern is in such device taking total control of you. These days, many are so preoccupied with their phones that they do not have time for God and what matters to Him. For some, the first thing they pick when they wake in the morning is the phone and not the Bible. Others can spend one hour on social media yet cannot spend same studying God’s word or praying. This shows that such hearts are more drawn to the phone than God. Don’t give the devil the liberty to rob you of God’s blessing.

Are you not already giving a phone the place of God? Have you observed that the position many take when using a phone is such that their heads are bowed? (Exodus 34:14). Exodus 20:2-3 says:

“I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

If you have to delete applications on your phone that you are addicted to, do so. If it will take you to place a Bible over your phone at night so when you reach out for the latter in the morning, it is the former you would pick instead, do so. Put measures in place to ensure you prioritize activities that will make you grow spiritually.

Many Christians now prefer electronic Bibles. However, with the Bible applications on the phones and tablets, there would be distractions from other applications on the device and the Spirit in the word of God cannot minister to a distracted mind. If you must use the electronic Bible, it would be best to go offline to cut off distractions from calls and messages. I play the audio Bible before I go to bed so that all night, God’s word is being read aloud in my room while I am sleeping. You can do so too.

REFLECTION:

Which one takes more of your time daily, you Bible or social media? If it is the later, repent and commit to amending your ways.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 13-15

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMNAL: HYMN 2 – ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER

1. All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
o Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
2. All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow;
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3. All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4. All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5. All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame;
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!

HYMNAL: HYMN 2 – ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER
1. All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

CHORUS:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour,
I surrender all.

2. All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow;
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
CHORUS:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour,
I surrender all.

3. All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
CHORUS:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour,
I surrender all.

4. All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame;
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!
CHORUS:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour,
I surrender all.

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MEMORISE:
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11

READ: Exodus 12:1-13

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying,

2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:

4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’s passover.

12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.

13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

MESSAGE

The Blood of Jesus is a very potent weapon in the hand of a believer; unfortunately, some don’t use it at all while others underutilize it, allowing the devil to take undue advantage.

“… and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.” Exodus 12:23

It is also a marker. In the verse above, God asked the Israelite to mark their door posts with the blood of a pure lamb, so when the angel of death sent to kill the first born of the Egyptians saw it, they would be spared. Jesus is our Lamb and His Blood is purer than that of any other. When it covers your life, the devil cannot touch you. I decree in the mighty name of Jesus: any evil coming your way this year will pass over once it sees the Blood of Jesus.

A couple once complained to me about the quarrels in their home. They lived alone, whenever either spouse kept money anywhere in the house, they would not find it, each time, both would deny ever taking the money. While we were talking, it occurred to me that the situation could be the devil’s manipulation, so I told them to cover their money with the Blood of Jesus when next they wanted to keep any in the house. I knew that when the devil came for the cash and saw the Blood, he would be unable to touch it. They obeyed and the money stopped vanishing in their home. All your possessions that the devil keeps touching are covered with the Blood of Jesus from now on.

Now that you know the power of the Blood, begin to use it effectively. Plead the Blood on everything that belongs to you so the devil will never be able to touch it again.

However, Jesus’ Blood is only potent in the hands of a believer. So, if you are still stained by sin, ask to be washed in it today. Only then can the Blood work mightily for you.

KEY POINT:

The Blood of Jesus is only potent in the hands of a believer.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 7-9

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 15: IN CHRIST ALONE.

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

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