MEMORISE:

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

READ: John 8:31-36

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

MESSAGE

There are two very important characteristics of a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ which we shall be reflecting on today. The first of these is knowledge of the truth. The Truth is no other person than the Lord Jesus Christ. He declared Himself to be The Truth in John 14:6, saying:

“………I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

He further declared that the word of God in truth, thereby indicating that He is the Word of God (John 17:17), John 1:1-12). By implication, whoever rejects the word of God rejects Jesus Christ, and whoever rejects Jesus Christ rejects the Truth. Through this principle, we know those who are genuine disciples of Jesus Christ. Real disciples of Christ accept the infallible word of God as the truth, which no accent or modern philosophy can change. Speaking on the constancy of God’s word, the Lord said in Luke 21:33:

“ Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.”

He further declared in John 6:63b:

“the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

True disciples of Jesus Christ are known by their lifestyles which reflect God’s word. Today, many who call themselves disciples of Jesus Christ pick and choose which of Jesus’ Words they would live by. Some even say that if Jesus had to live in our time, He would reverse many of His teachings! What a lie from the pit of hell! If you want to finish your Christian race in heaven, beware of such people, because they will try to mislead you. Into believing their falsehood.

A second characteristic of genuine disciples of Jesus Christ is that they are free from the bondage of the devil. When I come across some so-called disciples of the Lord complaining of one form of demonic oppression or the other, I often wonder. Jesus Christ said we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. Why then are some disciples not free? They are either ignorant of the truth concerning who they really are, or they are not genuine disciples of the Lord in the first place (Hosea 4:6). Beloved, I counsel you to re-examine your position as a disciple of Christ and find out if there is any missing link between you and the Master, subjecting you to any form of bondage. If this is the case, quickly do something about it today. Freedom from every form of oppression is your inheritance in Christ. Claim it now!

PRAYER POINT:

Father, I lay hold of the freedom that Christ has purchased for me, and I claim total liberty from every form of devilish oppression in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 3-4
Ezekiel 22:23-23:10

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:
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Romans 1:32

READ: Acts 5:1-11

1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

MESSAGE

Today, we will be reflecting on an area of compromise in the Body of Christ which the Lord wants us to repent of. This has to do with partaking in other men’s sin, whether by supporting, celebrating or turning a blind eye to their misdeeds. The reason why The Redeemed Christian Church of God is perceived by some to be rigid on certain matters is because we are conscious of the possibility of being an accomplice to heresies. We prefer to give God the benefit of the doubt rather than take things for granted- after all, it is safer to be overly obedient than to fall prey to sin.

Today’s memory verse is strong food for thought for the Body of Christ. Through it, we understand that God’s wrath is revealed from heaven not only against those who commit acts that He hates, but also against those who have pleasure in in those that do them. Some pastors would say, “what is my business if a man divorces his wife and marries another woman? It is their problem, not mine.” However, such pastors are not just witnesses but accomplices to joining of two spiritually incompatible partners through marriage, thereby approving of those who have gone against the Lord’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. May you not be partaker of sins you did not directly commit in Jesus’ Name.

In times past, we were taught that it was not enough to abstain from alcohol; we were also expected not to serve it to others to drink. Habakkuk 2:15 says:

“Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!”

This was how my old friend knew that a change had occurred in me after I gave my life to Christ. When I started serving them soft drinks instead of whisky and champagne, they thought I had gone crazy. Another are of compromise that makes believers accomplice to sin is when they allow fraud to be perpetrated under their noses and do nothing about it. There is a Yoruba adage which says, “The one who collects the stolen cruse of oil is as guilty as the one who actually stole it from the kitchen rack.” This same principle applies to those who allow their homes to be used for immoral acts. Although some young Christians would not fornicate, they allow their unbelieving friends bring their girlfriends to commit sexual immorality in their houses. In the sight of God, they are as guilty as those committing the act. The giver of the bribe is as guilty as the taker of it. Don’t be an accomplice to corrupt practices. The Lord is watching you, and He is coming back soon.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please give me boldness to resist being an accomplice of evil doers, in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 1-2

Ezekiel 22:6-22

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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MEMORISE:
Seeth thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29

READ: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

MESSAGE

We need a deeper insight into today’s memory verse in order to understand what God is teaching us today. To put it quite simply, God is asking us to be diligent, specifically in our own business. Anyone who is inordinately diligent in someone else’s personal affair is a busybody, and such a person will reap no reward for this. When I was young, my mother was so hard on me whenever I played too much. She would order me to immediately go into the house and read my books. If I protested that I was being singled out for harsh treatment when other children were also playing, she would remind me that she was not called to mind other people’s business. I thank God that my mother diligently minded the business which the Lord committed into her hands. She would say to me, “Enoch, you are my business; I will mind you and not other people’s business.”

When a person is not mindful of what to do with his or her life, he or she wastes it. Please understand that time wasted is life wasted. The easiest way to waste a life is to not do something meaningful with that life. Paul could boldly say to the Church at Thessalonica that he and his team purposely did not live on other people’s provision. He gave his reason for this in 2 Thessalonica 3:8-9, saying:

“…….. that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.”

Paul went as far as telling the Church that any so-called brother or sister who would not work should not be allowed to eat of the shared provisions of the brethren! Beloved, the needy in our midst would be fed, but they should also be taught how to work with their hands. This has been the tradition of the Church from the very beginning (2 Thessalonica 3:6 & 10). Some people are so selective that they calm there are no job opportunities, whereas there are jobs they can do to earn a living. Their problem is that they are looking for certain “white collar jobs” which may not be available. The truth is, if you are not able to find work in your profession or chosen trade, you can try your hands at other things. Learn from Paul the lawyer who labored as a tent maker to earn a living when the churches he had planted were not strong enough to bear the cost of his missionary work (Acts 22:3, Acts 18:3). One of my sons told the story of a young lady who was feeding from the church. When he tried to get her a cleaning job at the Redemption Camp, she rejected it, saying the job was not dignifying enough. Ironically, cleaners were among those contributing to the purse where her needs were being met. May you never underrate the door of opportunity God opens to you to Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, give me the wisdom, contentment and sincerity of heart needed to mind my business, in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 23-24
Ezekiel 21:24-22:5

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:
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Galatians 6:4

READ: 1 Corinthians 3:9-15

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

MESSAGE

While it’s one thing to build, it is another thing to build something that benefits mankind and glorifies God Almighty. God is therefore asking you today, “What are you building?”. When you consider the construction of the tower of Babel, you will understand the relevance of this question (Genesis 11:1-9). Although those people were indeed building, they were erecting an edifice that symbolized rebellion against God. Their example shows us that anyone building anything worthwhile must build in the pattern that God has established, and whether is being built must not go against His purpose.

Without a doubt, parents are builders of future generations but the question is, what type of generation are they building? In Genesis 18:19, God said of Abraham as a parent:

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

Can God say the same of you? Apart from parents, teachers are also builders. As a teacher, what are you building in your students? A good teacher should be able to say like Paul in Philippians 3:17:

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye
have us for an ensample.”

It is unfortunate that in some places, students dictate to teachers what the standard should be. Wherever this is happening, something is fundamentally wrong. A bad teacher will definitely build a faulty generation. Eventually, every bad will definitely reap the reward of their work. The story was told of a bad teacher who produced a half-baked medical doctor. Years later, this doctor was complicit in the death of the teacher’s child. Ministers of the gospel are also builders. In fact, they are the greatest builders of all because they build the Body of Christ. Paul wrote in today’s Bible reading that by God’s grace, he was a wise master builder who had laid the foundation of faith in people’s lives, warning others to be careful of how they built on the foundation. Why? The answer is found in 1 Corinthians 3:11, which says:

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

From this, we understand that it is possible to build junk upon a golden foundation. Such a building will not stand the test of time. Beloved, what are you building with your life? Remember that every man’s work shall be tested by fire and if it is burnt, it is counted as loss to its owner. This will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please make me a wise and faithful builder in Your vineyard, in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 22
Ezekiel 21:6-23

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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MEMORISE:
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

READ: Acts 12:5-11

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

MESSAGE

Any time I am confronted with a challenge in life, I I take consolation in the fact take consolation in the fact that every challenge has an expiry date. In fact, for those who believe, every challenge expires the very day it emerges. Once the sun sets and I go to bed, the lifespan of any challenge before me is ended. It is so because the Spirit of the Lord says in Psalm 30:5:

“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Since every word of God is pure and He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him, I have confidence in what the scripture says (Proverbs 30:5).

One fellow who experienced joy coming in the morning a Peter. One night, he was in prison awaiting execution, and the next morning he woke up a free man. Our God is marvelous! Peter’s experience becomes even more amazing when you consider that the night before his planned execution he slept between two soldiers, bound with chains. There were also keepers of the prisons watching over the prison gate to ensure that he did not escape, but it was all to no avail. I decree that the Almighty God will recue you from the hands of your captors this very day in Jesus’ Name. One lesson we can learn from this story is that Peter had faith in the Lord. This was why he could sleep in the face of imminent death. Peter seemed to be saying, “Let me sleep tonight because by the time day breaks, my joy will be full.” As he slept, the Lord sent His angel to rescue him in the middle of the night, ushering him into his joyful morning. Acts 12:11 says:

“And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.”

Although the brethren of the early Church entered into that fateful night with agony for Peter, they rejoiced at daybreak with Peter standing at the door of the place where they met to pray. God’s word in Psalm 126:1 literarily came to pass in their lives, and it says:

“ When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.”

I decree that your morning of Joy is here, and the expectation of your enemies shall be cut short in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, I receive my morning of joy today, in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 20-21

Ezekiel 20:40-21:5

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! We

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MEMORISE:
What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. Nahum 1:9

READ: Isaiah 43:1-2
1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

MESSAGE
One great promise God has given His children is victory over enemies. When enemies come with determination to crush a child of God, the Lord promises that He will drive them back. In Isaiah 59:19, He says:

“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

If you desire this promise to be fulfilled in your life, there are some steps you need to take. The first of these is that you must have the fear of God in your heart. This fear keeps you away from sin. Through the fear of God, Joseph said to his master’s wife in Genesis 39:9:
“……….how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

It was the fear of God that kept Joseph away from sexual immorality and not the law. This reverence for God accounts for his victories over all enemies, beginning from his father’s house to the foreign land of Egypt.

Furthermore, Isaiah 43:1-2 reveals some more reasons why you cannot be defeated as a child of God. For one thing, you cannot be crushed because the Lord God Almighty is your Creator. Because you are not a product of chance or an accident, nothing can happen by chance to destroy you. The Almighty formed you and so you cannot be deformed by any evil (Psalm 91:1-4). Another reason why you can’t be crushed is that you are not cheap. You were redeemed at the cost of the priceless Blood of Jesus Christ. You are so valuable that you have a name peculiar to you alone (Revelation 2:17). Speaking about your worth, the Lord said in Luke 12:7:
“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

God’s promise in today’s Bible reading is part of the benefits of believers in Christ who have made peace with their Marker through repentance and regeneration. Are you one of them? If you are, what are you waiting for? Beloved, you must believe that God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is your Creator. Believe in the redemptive power of the work Jesus Christ did at Calvary and repeat. As you return to God, He will give you a name that is indestructible. You will be victorious here on earth, and in the hereafter, you will overcome everlasting death. Believe this, and you will see the glory of God.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, in accordance with Your promise, please let Your Spirit drive back all enemies that have risen against me like a raging flood, in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 18-19
Ezekiel 20:27-39

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 13: I AM A VICTOR

• Yes, I know I am a victor
For the Bible tells me so
God made me more than a conqueror
Much stronger than all my foes

CHORUS
Jesus loves me and I love Him
Together we rule the world
Christ with me I will overcome
By His Blood, His Name, His Word

• Yes, I know I am a victor
Stronger than demons I am
To Satan I am a terror
I am free, o yes, I am

• Yes, I know I am a victor
Stronger than lack, poverty
All my needs Jesus provides for
I have life abundantly

• Yes, I know I am a victor
Barrenness no more indeed
Fruitful is the God I live for
All my dreams shall be fulfilled

• Yes, I know I am a victor
By His strength I shall succeed
No more loss and no more failure
Glory to glory proceed

• Yes, I know I am a victor
No more sorrow, no despair
Jesus Christ is my own Succour
Tomorrow is joy and cheer

• Yes, I know I am a victor
Very soon I’ll reign with Him
His promise is my sure anchor
He’s coming to take me home

• Jesus loves me and I love Him
We rule this world together
As He is so right now I am
Hear me shout Halleluyah

• Jesus loves me Halleluyah
Hear me shout Halleluyah
Halleluyah, Halleluyah
Glory be to God on high

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MEMORISE:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8

READ: James 1:22-25

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

MESSAGE

Yesterday, we reflected on the blessedness of having a teachable heart. The Holy Spirit taught us that when an individual is instructed in God’s word, he becomes wise, and if he was already wise, he will become even wiser. Today, we want to consider the link between God’s word and divine prosperity. What the Lord says concerning walking in prosperity in whatever we do in life is clear from today’s memory verse. The link between God’s word and divine prosperity is that God’s word makes a person wise, and wisdom is all a person needs to prosper in life. God specifically told Joshua that he must be a friend of His word if he would prosper in his God-given assignment. This instruction applies to everyone, irrespective of vocation and age. Doctors, teachers, engineers, pastors, artisans and even soldiers need the wisdom of God’s word to break through into divine prosperity. David, a great commander of an outstanding army, needed to hear from God before he could succeed in his bid to recover all that the enemies had stolen from his camp (1 Samuel 30:8-19).

The word of God further reveals the true source of wealth, saying in Deuteronomy 8:18:

“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”

From this scripture, we know that the true wealth devoid of sorrow comes only from the Almighty God. We can therefore spare ourselves the many troubles that come with looking elsewhere for wealth if we allow God’s word to dwell richly in us (1 Timothy 6:10). Beloved, do you desire to prosper? All you need is to get properly acquainted with the word of God. Don’t be among those who see God’s word as outdated, to their own frustration and life-time agony. However, if you have not given your life to Christ, it means you have not known the Word at all, because Jesus is the eternal Word of God. So, give your life to Jesus today and learn of Him (Matthew 11:28-30). God will bless you richly as you learn His principles on wealth and apply them to your daily life. Take note of the words used by the Holy Spirit in James 1:25: it’s the doer of the work that is blessed in his or her deeds. May God prosper the works of your hands in Jesus’ Name.

ACTION POINT:
Implement an effective and regular study plan of God’s word and begin to do the work. It teaches in your daily life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 15-17
Ezekiel 20:14-26

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:
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Psalm 25:4

READ: Proverbs 9:7-9

7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

MESSAGE

Teaching becomes a herculean task when a teacher is confronted with stubborn students. To be unteachable in the things of God is a very dangerous state for anyone to be in. Proverbs 29:1 says:

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

Pharaoh found himself in this state and he did not end well. God warned him several times with at least ten plagues, yet he hardened his heart until he met his waterloo at the Red Sea. We also see a similar scenario in the case of Haman, who was warned by his wife and friends to desist from persecuting Mordecai, but he would not listen until he was executed on the same gallows he had built for Mordecai (Esther 6-7). I decree over someone using this devotional today: the pit which your enemies dug for you shall swallow them up in Jesus’ Name.

Unlike Pharaoh and Haman, a teachable fellow is a pleasant student to have. A receptive heart is blessed for many reasons, some of which are indicated in today’s Bible reading. The Bible says wisdom is the principal thing and so we should go out to get wisdom and understanding, even if it costs us all we have (Proverbs 4:7). In other words, it is no use if a man possesses the whole world but lacks wisdom and understanding. The question now is, how can we get wisdom and understanding? Proverbs 9:9 says:

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”

This verse is saying that a wise man acquires wisdom by receiving instructions, and the understanding of an upright man is increased through teaching. Of course, the one being taught must have a teachable heart, as I is rightly said “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t force it to drink.” Therefore, the first blessing of a teachable heart is that it increases in wisdom. This wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, which is manifested as deep reverence for God’s word (Proverbs 1:7). When someone who fears God is taught God’s word, it will restrain him or her from doing things against God’s will. For a heart to be teachable in God’s word, it must be meek. The Spirit of God makes this clear in Psalm 25:9, which says:

“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

This trait, clearly demonstrated in today’s memory verse, made David a man after God’s heart. Anyone who desires to have a special place in God’s heart must also develop a teachable heart through meekness. Do you have a teachable heart?

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please give me a teachable heart today and save me from the destruction that comes from a hardened heart.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 12-14
Ezekiel 20:1-13

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:
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 2 Timothy 2:20

READ: 2 Timothy 3:1-7

1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

MESSAGE

In today’s memory verse, the Holy Spirit makes it clear that there are different categories of vessels, all of which God uses. In other words, there is no one who comes into the world without serving one divine purpose or the other. The question is, what material are you made of, and what category of vessels do you belong to? There are vessels made of gold, silver, wood and clay. However, more sobering is the classification of vessels into those for honor and those for dishonor. I pray that you will be a vessel unto honor in Jesus Name. pharaoh was a vessel unto dishonor. In Romans 9:17, the Bible says concerning him:

“For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.”

A deep secret in the above scripture is that man is give the freewill to choose what type of vessel he wants to be. Pharaoh was given ample opportunity to write a beautiful history concerning himself as a king who feared God and save his people the agony of catastrophic destruction. What did he do with that opportunity? He bungled it and perished in the Red Sea. Unlike him, Abimelech who took Abraham’s wife listened to God, did exactly what God instructed him to do, and he was blessed (Genesis 20:2-18). His barren wife and maidservant became fruitful. The king of Nineveh also was a vessel unto honor. He led his city to repentance, and they obtained God’s mercy because they chose to obey His instructions.

Today’s Bible text gives clue on how to become a vessel unto honor. In it the Holy Spirit emphatically says that whoever choose to be a vessel unto honor, such as a minister of the gospel, must be blameless, among other requirements. The reason for this high standard is not far-fetched: honorable assignments are meant for honorable people. Sinners are not honorable in the sight of God. No wonder 2 Timothy 2:21 says:

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

This is the higher ground to which the Lord is calling us. We can be vessels of honor if we choose to be. All that is required of us is to do what the Holy Spirit specified in 2 2 Timothy 2:21. Cleanse yourself of the dishonorable works of the flesh, be sanctified by grace and let the Holy Spirit dwell in you. God bless you.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please make me a vessel unto honor in Your hands, in Jesus Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 10-11
Ezekiel 18: 30-19:14

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: 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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

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