MEMORISE:
While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22

READ: 1 Chronicles 12:32-33

32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.

MESSAGE

As children of the Most High, we need a good understanding of the times and seasons we live in as an important part of enjoying our relationship with God, and to make us successful in our endeavors in this world. We must not ignore the Holy Spirit’s teaching in Ecclesiastes 3:1 which says:

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the
heaven:”

It is clear from the verse that our God is a God of plan and purpose who in His infinite wisdom has predetermined the times and season to activate His plan and fulfil His purpose. Today’s memory verse is very insightful in this regard. It is amazing that the words God spoke to Noah so many years ago are still relevant to us in this generation. We understand from the verse that even though we should be heaven-minded, as this word is not our home, we must also be active and productive as long as we remain in this world. As profitable stewards of the resources of God’s kingdom, we must prepare for every season and put in our very best to make the most of every opportunity God gives to us. We must not occupy the back seat in the affairs of this world or accept servitude and poverty as our lot. We must refuse unfavorable circumstances and reject mediocrity disguised as spirituality. I pray that the Almighty God will give you perfect understanding of the times and seasons He makes available to you in Jesus’ Name.

Children of God need to know that the same God who commanded us to be sober, vigilant and to watch carefully for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ also instructed us to occupy till He returns (Luke 19:13). Therefore, as we continue to say “Come, Lord Jesus” and intensify our efforts to take His gospel to every corner of the earth, we must also continue to prosper and multiply in all aspects of life. We must also continue to prosper and multiply in all aspects of life. We must continue in our efforts to dominate our world and subdue it for the Almighty God. Isaiah 49:8 says:

“Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;”

I pray that your understanding will become open to realize that this is the acceptable time and season that our God in His wisdom has set to favor His children. Therefore, to as many as are determined to do exploits for God, I say the Lord will preserve you, and all your efforts to win souls for Christ will be richly rewarded. God will empower you to be established and cause you to inherit the desolate heritages of the earth, in the Name of Jesus.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please awaken me to the opportunities You have set before me in this generation in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ruth 1-2
Ezekiel 28:25-29:9

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 1: THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

• There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
• Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

• There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.

• There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.

• There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

• There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.

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MEMORISE:
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

READ: John 6:66-69

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

MESSAGE

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; John 5:26

Life is an essential gift that God gives to every living entity in His creation. God is the Source and Author of life. This means that life cannot be acquired or possessed independently by any creature in the universe. Don’t be deceived; life is not an incidental product of nature; neither can nature take care of itself without God. Nature cannot produce life on its own because it is God’s special gift, produced and ordered by God himself. Our Lord Jesus Christ was begotten of the Father and not created, and being one with the Father, he has the same life-giving power that the Father possesses; so that just as the Father gave life as a gift at creation, Jesus is also able to give life freely to all those who come to Him through redemption.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7

This scripture describes how the first Adam received life. The breath of God transmitted life into man’s inanimate body and he became a living soul. This process closely mirrors what the Second Adam (Jesus Christ) is saying in today’s memory verse. He is revealing to us that just as the Father gave life through His breath in the beginning, He also gives life through His words today. Therefore, the words of Jesus Christ are literarily the “Word of life”, not only in His own mouth but also in the mouth of those He has committed it to. No wonder John wrote in 1 John 1:1&3:

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

The word of life carries the creative power of God that is able to bring life to any dead situation. This is the same power that framed the universe! If you catch this revelation, you will realize the magnitude of the power at your disposal. You can speak the word of life to any situation in which death reigns and the life of God will come into it. The same word of life that the early disciples used in turning the world “upside down” is what God has committed to your mouth (Acts 5:20, Acts 17:6, Philippians 2:15-16). I therefore decree that beginning from today, the word of God will become like fire in your mouth that will turn the world upside down for Christ in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please let the word of life become effective in my mouth in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 20-21
Ezekiel 28:11-24

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 11: WHEN THE POWER OF GOD DESCENDED

1. When the power of God descended
On the day of Pentecost,
All the day of waiting ended,
They received the Holy Ghost

Refrain:
O Lord, send the power just now,
O Lord send the power just now,
O Lord send the power just now,
And baptize, every one.

2. Tongues of flame came down upon them,
And they preached the word in power,
Listening multitudes awakened
Turned to God that very hour.

3. We are waiting Holy Spirit
We are all of one accord,
Lord fulfill just now the promise
That is given in thy Word.

4. Fill and thrill us with Thy presence,
Grant the blessing that we need
Flood our souls with wondrous glory,
While the prayer of faith we plead.

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MEMORISE:
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:6

READ: Matthew 14:25-32

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

MESSAGE

Since the Bible declares that man was created in God’s image, to any objective person, a look at man’s creative works should reflect how creative God is (Genesis 1:26). Just as there can be no house without a builder or a car without a manufacturer, so also is it impossible to have a universe so organized without a creator. God is indeed the Creator of all things in heaven and on earth. Colossians 1:16 says:

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”

A consideration of the intelligent design of everything in creation should convince anyone that the Creator of it all must be a great and mighty God. No wonder Psalm 19:1 says:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

Indeed, the signature of the Almighty God is seen in the firmament and everywhere throughout creation: from the perfectly organized, precision-driven cosmos to the wonders of the human body. The spectacles of God’s creative power are on display in various plants, insects, animals, mountains, rock formations, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes all over the world. All of these are meant to leave us without an iota of doubt that there is nothing impossible with the Almighty God, who is all-knowing and all-powerful. Speaking on this, the Holy Spirit says in Romans 1:20:

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

Having revealed Himself throughout the observable universe in diverse ways, those who still doubt God’s existence or His ability to do all things only rob themselves of partaking in His miraculous works. They are like the government official in 2 Kings 7:2 who doubted the word of God declared by Elisha. Although His eyes saw the fulfilment of God’s word, he did not live to partake of it. Similarly, the Israelites who doubted God in Numbers 13:26-33 also denied themselves the pleasure of entering the Promised Land, as they all perished in the wilderness. That is what doubt does in the life of a person. I encourage you therefore not to doubt God. Your doubt will not diminish Him in any way; it will only rob you of His purpose and provision for your life. May the Lord completely destroy the root of doubt in your life and family today in Jesus’ Name.

KEY PRAYER POINT:

Doubt is an arrow of the devil designed to steal God’s purpose and provisions for your life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 19
Ezekiel 27:26-28:10

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 8: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

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MEMORISE:
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

READ: Acts 4:15-20

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

MESSAGE
One of the most important responsibilities of leaders is to make the people they lead happy by providing an enabling environment for peace and prosperity. A leader who listens to the yearnings and aspirations of his people and tries to provide solutions to their problems is usually loved, while any leader who fails to satisfy the common interest of the people, even for the best reasons, is generally condemned. Therefore, leaders at every level of human endeavor have perfected the art of pleasing the people they lead in order to continually earn their approval and to keep enjoying the power, wealth and influence made available by their office. However, the Bible admonishes Christians in general and those in position of authority in particular to reject the temptation of becoming pleasers of men. 1 Thessalonian 2:4 says:

“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”

We see from this scripture that God expects all Christians to view every opportunity to influence others as a divine responsibility that has a divine purpose. Therefore, we are to do all thing to the glory of God with the consciousness that we owe our allegiance to Him and not to any human being. For this reason, the Holy Spirit says in Psalm 75:6-7:
“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

Pleasing people involves making every effort to do whatever they want in order to win their approval, even when such actions are contrary to God’s commandments. Pleasing people requires eye service, insecurity, self-centeredness and godliness. Men pleasers have an insatiable appetite for money and power, and they can mortgage the future of the people they lead to achieve their selfish ambitions. Anyone who is obsessed with pleasing people will unconsciously begin to work against god’s purpose until he or she becomes an enemy of God. Paul came to this conclusion in Galatians 1:10, saying:
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

Arron, King Saul and Herod are examples of leaders who were committed to pleasing people in order to win their approval, without much consideration for the will and commandments of God (Exodus 32, 1 Samuel 15, Acts 12:20-22). Unfortunately, they all got punished for their evil actions. I pray that every tendency to be a people-pleasers will be completely removed from your life today in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please let my focus be centered to pleasing You in all things in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 17-18
Ezekiel 27:1-25

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 10: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

• I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

• The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

• Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though- none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

• My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

• Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

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MEMORISE:
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. John 2:5

READ: John 2:1-11

1And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

MESSAGE

Miracles are simply God’s supernatural interventions in the natural word, which suspends the laws of nature. God performs miracles to show His sovereignty over His created world in other words, through miracles, He shows that none of His creations can stand in his way whenever He decided to do anything. For example, contrary to the laws of nature. Sarah got pregnant and had a child after she had passed the age of child bearing (Genesis 21:1-8). Unfortunately, many people who desire miracles are not ready to fulfil the requirements that bring about their manifestation, and so their desire remains a mirage. How do we unlock the door to the miraculous? The topic of today’s devotional gives insights into this. Firstly, we must live a life that is pleasing to God if we want His supernatural interventions in our lives, and we please God when we live by faith. The Bible categorically says in Hebrews 11:6a:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him:”

The word “faith” has a deeper meaning than many people imagine. For example, it is a lack of faith in the One who placed them in the Garden of Eden and told them what to eat and what not to eat. They doubted God’s integrity and believed the lie of the devil, thereby falling straight into sin. Due to the presence of sin, God’s supernatural intervention, which hitherto made things happen easily for them, departed from their lives. Beloved, Jesus says to you today, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22).

Another key which unlocks the miraculous is obedience to the word of God. As a matter of fact, disobedience is the by-product of having no faith. When a person lacks faith in God, the tendency is for the fellow to disobey God with impunity. You can hardly obey the fellow you do not have faith in. It is therefore ironic that the miracle-working God is being disobeyed by those seeking His miracles. From experience, Jesus’ mother knew the link between obedience and walking in the miraculous, and so she said in John 2:5b:

“Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”

When the servants did what Jesus Christ instructed them to do, they experienced the miraculous. Other examples abound in the Bible which show the connection between obedience and miracles on the other. The story of Naaman is another good example in this regard (2 Kings 5:1-14). Beloved, if you desire to open the door t the miraculous in your life, have faith in the God of miracles and obey Him completely.

ACTION POINT:

Exercise your faith in God today to obtain your desired miracle from Him

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 12-14
Ezekiel 25:8-26:6

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 3: TRUST AND OBEY.

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

o Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

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MEMORISE:
And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Genesis 18:17

READ: Acts 27:21-24

21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

MESSAGE

Some information is deemed classified meaning that it is top-secret. The Almighty God has a lot of such information at His disposal. Thankfully, He releases classified information to His elect from time to time. As seen in today’s memory verse, Abraham was one who had access to such information to such information. Are you one of God’s favorites? Are you qualified to receive Heaven’s classified information? There are prerequisites that must be met before anyone can have access to heaven’s secrets. Speaking on this, the Bible says in Psalm 25:14:

“The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.”

So, the fear of God is one of the criteria for accessing God’s classified information. When we look into the lives of those who enjoyed this rare privilege, we will see that they feared God. For example, Joseph was given access to classified information because he feared the Lord. It was this fear that prevented him from sleeping with his mater’s wife (Exodus 20:14).

Another prerequisite is the ability to guard a secret into your heart without divulging it. I believe one reason why Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was chosen and given classified information about the Messiah that would come through her was that she knew how to keep secrets. From the time the angel of the Lord appeared to her announcing the immaculate conception to the time the angels announced the arrival of the arrival of the Holy Child, many secret things were revealed to her, and the Bible says in Luke 2:19:

“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

Beloved, you can be one who receives God’s classified information if only you can refrain from being a talebearer and revealer of secrets. God has the prerogative of revealing secrets and showing unknown things to His prophets, according to Daniel 2:22 which says:

“He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”

Paul is another example of someone who had access to God’s classified information in today’s Bible reading, while all the crew and passengers of the ship he was travelling in were in great turmoil, he had peace because he knew what would happen. Paul had credit in his account with God, and so he was privilege to know God’s mind concerning his voyage. Beloved, you can also qualify to have access to heaven’s secrets if only you can pay the price.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, as Your child, let there be a clear difference between me and those who don’t know You. Please don’t let me operate in the dark on things concerning my life and family, in Jesus Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 10-11
Ezekiel 24:15-25:7

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 12: DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

• Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
• Refrain:
Oh, deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.

• Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.

• Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.

• Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.

• Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow’r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue.

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MEMORISE:
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 1 Corinthians 3:3

READ: Philippians 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

MESSAGE

The topic of today’s devotional is not a piece of advice but an express command from the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:6 reveals that it is a dangerous thing to remain carnal after experiencing the new birth, which is why the Holy Spirit is speaking to us on it today. unfortunately, many carnal Christians either don’t know their carnal state or refuse to admit it. For this reason, Paul had to directly inform the brethren at Corinth that they were carnal (1 Corinthians 33:3). How do we know a carnal Christian? There are many signs which indicate a Christian is still carnal, and today’s memory verse mentions some, one of which is envy. Envy opens the door to strife, and when strife is fully grown, it brings about divisions and schisms in the Body of Christ. Even fornication was found there!

In 1 Corinthians 3:1, Christians who are carnal are declared to be babes who need to grow into maturity. For this reason, the Holy Spirit encourages us in today’s Bible reading to grow in Christians virtues by meditating on things that are truthful, honest, just, pure and lovely. We are also called to live a praiseworthy life of good report. How do we attain all these virtues? It is through purposeful training in discipleship. Christian virtues do not come automatically; they are learnt. This is made clear through Paul’s words in Philippians 4:9, saying:

“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ is still calling believers to come and learn of Him (Matthew 11:28-30). Growing in faith requires conscious and concerned efforts in learning God’s ways in order to know His mind on all things. Philippians 3:10-11 says:

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

Beloved, please give heed to the Holy Spirit’s admonition in 2 Peter 3:18a, which says:

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

By doing this, you will become a heaven-bound Christian who is mature and not carnal.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please help me to grow to maturity in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 9
Ezekiel 23:46-24:14

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 12: DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

• Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
• Refrain:
Oh, deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.

• Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.

• Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.

• Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.

• Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow’r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue.

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MEMORISE:
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
2 Corinthians 3:2

READ: Acts 4:13-16

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

MESSAGE
Who is an ambassador? An ambassador is simply an official who lives in a foreign country as the representative of his or her own country. Two things are striking in this definition. The first is that an ambassador in an official and a representative of his or her country’s government. In order words, there is a relationship between the ambassador and the country he or she represents. Secondly, an ambassador lives in a foreign country. From these points, it is obvious that Christ’s ambassadors must have a relationship with Him. There are many people today who claim to be representatives of Jesus Christ. Concerning such people, Jesus says in Luke 13:26-27:
“ Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”

Furthermore, Christ ambassadors must see themselves as strangers living in a foreign land called earth. Unless you live your life as a pilgrim with temporary stay on earth, you cannot be Christ’s ambassador indeed. Learn from those who have gone ahead of us, of whom Hebrews 11:13 says:

“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.”

The early apostles are great examples of how to live our lives as Christ’s ambassadors. Although most of the were ignorant and illiterate men, they were also something else, which supersede every other thing: they were clones of the Lord Jesus Christ, reflecting the life and principles. He brought from heaven. It is therefore not surprising that they did the same feats the Lord did while in the flesh- thus fulfilling the prophecy Jesus made that we would do the works He did, and even greater works than He did (John 14:12). Even the Jewish leaders who persecuted the disciples admitted that they resembled their Master.

Beloved, to be Christ’s ambassador indeed requires learning of Him (Matthew 11:28-30). Are you ready to learn of Him? Do you see yourself as Christ’s ambassador in all that you do? The disciples of old lived their lives as Christ’s ambassadors and did not regret it. In fact, Jesus promised them a hundredfold return on their commitment, and this promise is yours also (Mark 10:29-30).

PRAYER POINT:
Father, grant me grace to live my life as Your worthy ambassador in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 7-8
Ezekiel 23:28-45

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

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MEMORISE:
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. Proverbs 28:8

READ: Proverbs 11:1-4

1A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

MESSAGE

Today, the Spirit of the Lord is warning us to beware of excessive profiteering in business. This is something people do in order to enrich themselves with worldly materials and possessions procured through huge profits. God says it is an act of wickedness when we unduly profit from essential goods and services. You may not know the pain you are inflicting by doing unless God opens your eyes to see that some who need the goods or services for survival are suffering because they cannot afford to pay what you are charging them. People who do this either do not know or have forgotten the words of wisdom in Proverbs 13:11, which says:

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”

It is even worse when some rich employers of labor deny their workers their due wages, all in a bid to live large on what does not belong to them. It is equivalent to slavery when people work for you and you either don’t pay them or you tactically delay their payday. If you are involved in this, the Holy Spirit says to you in James 5:3-4:

“Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.”

A close look at the misfortune of those practicing such wickedness will make any wise person to heed God’s warning in this scripture. Those who loot the public treasury in order to leave something behind for their children have proved themselves foolish in this regard. Even in their lifetime, their children begin to mismanage their ill-gotten properties. We have heard stories of laborer’s children buying the properties of their fathers’ masters after the Lord of Sabaoth caused wealth to change hands. Only the riches gotten through just means can stand the test of time. No wonder Proverbs 22:22-23 says:

“Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.”

Beloved, remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and be wise: He warned us that the value of a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of the things he has (Luke 12:15). May the Lord grant you the great gain that comes from godly commitment in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, grant me grace to live my life as Your worthy ambassador in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 7-8
Ezekiel 23:28-45

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 5: LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU.

1.While passing thro’ this world of sin,
and others your life shall view,
Be clean and pure without, within;
Let others see Jesus in you.

Refrain:
Let others see Jesus in you,
Let others see Jesus in you.
Keep telling the story, be faithful and true;
Let others see Jesus in you.

2. Your life’s a book before their eyes,
They’re reading it thro’ and thro’
Say, does it point them to the skis,
Do others see Jesus in you?

Refrain

3. Then live for Christ both day and night,
Be faithful, be brave and true,
and lead the lost to life and Christ.
Let others see Jesus in you.

Refrain

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