Devotionals

Memorise: As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:1-2
 
Read: Jonah 3:1-10
1 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,
2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.
3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.
4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 18-19, Hebrews 13

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. Today we will be concluding our reflection on revival by considering the multiple blessings that it brings.
2. After a people have sincerely repented of their sins, turned from their evil ways to the way of righteousness and humbled themselves in prayer, God always responds by showing mercy and sending revival to them.
3. Revival does not only mean the salvation of souls; there are certain other blessings that always accompany it also.
4. When revival comes, not only will people be converted to Christ, the whole quality of life in the immediate community, surrounding environment or even the nation at large will be improved.
5. As a result of revival, ungodly and unfriendly cultural practices are abandoned and idolatrous cultural practices are forsaken.
6. I have often shared this testimony that before the arrival of our church at the site of the Redemption Camp on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, it used to be the den of armed robbers, members of the occult and dangerous animals. The neighboring communities were largely traditionalist and exposed to the little or no Christian influence. The revival that started when we arrived at this site immediately turned the Redemption Camp to a place of refuge for our immediate neighbours and travellers on the expressway. By the grace of God, the Redemption Camp has now gained worldwide recognition as a place of refuge to all nations of the world.
7. When revival comes, heaven comes down to earth and supernatural things begin to happen among men.
8. Brethren, the anger of the Lord pending against unrepentant sinners is not endurable (Psalm 85:4-6, Hebrews 10:31).
9. Only a fool will challenge God to a fight or wait for Him to execute His judgement (Isaiah 45:9).
10. Only revival can restore the genuine joy of salvation that material things of life cannot produce (Revelation 3:17-18).
11. Revival also causes recognition of the need to effect character change for good, a rejection of one’s sinful lifestyle, and a renewed sense of responsibility.
12. A revived soul immediately feels the need to share his or her testimony with others who are still living in sin and are desperately in need of the saving power of the gospel.
13. A truly revived person begins to hunger and thirst for the increased knowledge of God’s word and for fellowship with God in holiness and righteousness (Psalm 42:1-2). True revival is contagious.
14. The new nature of holiness, peace and joy that revival brings spreads from individuals to the family, the Church of God, the community and the nation at large. This automatically leads to a great increase in soul-winning, reduced criminal activities, a peaceful society, abolition of ungodly laws, promotion of ideas that lead to real growth and sustained development.
15. True revival turns the average human society to a model of heaven on earth.

Please check back for this part of the devotional few hours to the due date. God bless.
Prayer Point:
Father, please pour out Your revival on every society that has turned its back on you.
Hymn
(Tune: There shall be showers of blessing)
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.
Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah to our king.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousands.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

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20

Memorise: Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. Ezekiel 3:17
 
Read: Nehemiah 8:1-10
1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 17, Hebrews 12:3-29

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. In the past two days, we have examined what causes the need for revival and the divine template God has established for obtaining revival from heaven.
2. The question we will be considering today is this: Does the Church of the 21st century need revival? I strongly believe the answer to this question is yes.
3. You may wonder why I believe so. When you critically look around you with the eye of the spirit, you will observe several things that have resulted in the Church falling short of the glory of God in this modern generation. You will also observe that it is increasingly becoming difficult to uphold biblical principles in the public arena in many nations of the world, especially in the western world.
4. The mention of the Bible, reading of any portion of Scripture, and the observance of devotional prayers are outlawed in academic institutions at all levels, in offices, and in other public places in some nations that were previously proud to be identified as Christian nations just a few years ago.
5. The Church has consequently toned down the commandments of God and stepped down Bible doctrines in many places whenever it is opposed by the acceptable culture and popular opinion of the people.
6. The Church, including some very big denominations, has clearly departed from biblical doctrine on issues relating to salvation, homosexuality and many more issues.
7. As seen in today’s memory verse, in every generation, God is always seeking for watchmen who will speak His mind to the people, irrespective of the circumstance, warning them against doing things that are contrary to His will.
8. Many Christians, including prominent Christian leaders, have openly abdicated this responsibility in public places because of the fear of losing face.
9. If we will please God, we must stand firm in sound teaching of His word (Ezekiel 3:7-21). This is where the problem lies: many preachers and teachers of the word are no longer warning the Church against apostasy and wickedness because of the fear of losing “valuable” members.
10. Our Lord Jesus Christ sent messages of warning to the seven Churches in Asia, and we also must do the same today (Revelation 2-3). We must stand firm on genuine repentance as demanded and witnessed in Proverbs 28:13, Acts 3:19, 2 Samuel 12:13 and Psalm 51:3-4.
11. Note that repentance is not limited to unbelievers alone; every sincere child of God will always engage in self-examination to avoid the presence of unconfessed sins in their lives (1 John 2:1-11).
12. Finally, warring brethren must be reconciled in line with Matthew 5:21-24 and Psalm 133:1-3. As you seek God’s face for revival today, He will answer you by fire in Jesus’ Name.

Please check back for this part of the devotional few hours to the due date. God bless.
Prayer Point:
Father, please help me to be a faithful watchman in this generation in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Chorus:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
In that old rugged cross, I stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where his glory forever I’ll share.

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20

Memorise: If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
 
Read: Daniel 9:1-9
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;
5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:
6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.
9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 15-16, Hebrews 11:23-12:2

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. In yesterday’s devotional, we considered the signs through which the need for revival can be identified. Today, we will be reflecting on how to experience revival.
2. In today’s memory verse, the benevolent God clearly spells out the actions that are required to bring down revival from heaven.
3. We must first acknowledge God’s love and His willingness to ignite the fire of revival conveyed through this verse of Scripture. The expression “my people, who are called by my name” was beautifully used by God to reveal His faithfulness and determination to identify with His children in all circumstances even though He hates sin, He loves His people so much that He cannot deny them, even in their fallen and backslidden state.
4. Because He paid the ultimate price of shedding His precious Blood to purchase and redeem us from destruction, He will stand by us, whatever it takes. All He requires of us when we err is repentance and a commitment to live holy.
5. He is always willing to ignite His fresh fire in our hearts. What a loving Father we have!
6. God’s willingness to ignite the fire of revival as soon as we fulfil the necessary conditions is a wonderful blessing to His children. This makes bringing down revival easy.
7. To complete the process of obtaining revival, those who have been chosen to be God’s people must cease from living a life of sin, turn away from their proud self-centeredness, pray to the Lord, and yield their desires in life to His word. Only then will He grant revival from heaven.
8. The specific phrases and words used in 2 Chronicles 7:14, such as “humble themselves”, “pray”, seek His face”, “turn from their wicked ways”, all clearly describe the different aspects of heartfelt repentance and prayer required to bring down revival. The Lord said He would send revival (healing their land) only after the two steps of repentance and prayer have been observed. This healing includes physical and spiritual healing, deliverance from drought and pestilence, as well as the return of captives and exiles to their rightful place of rest.
9. Note that revival is not complete without the restoration of God’s people to their true place of fellowship and relationship with God.
10. You can bring down revival when you engage in prayers of penitence as Daniel did in Daniel 9:4-6. Revival comes when instead of blaming God for your own errors, you admit your mistakes and wrongdoings, and express a willingness to change (Daniel 9:7-8, James 1:13-15).
11. Revival will only come when we persist in the place of prayer, asking God for mercy. He will always honour His word and send His revival.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

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Please check back for this part of the devotional few hours to the due date. God bless.
Prayer Point:
Heavenly Father, please turn the hearts of Your children who are asleep or backslidden to genuinely seek Your face for revival in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus:
Oh! Precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my cleansing this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
For my pardon this my pleas
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Nothing can my sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

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20

Memorise: wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Psalm 85:6
 
Read: Judges 6:1-6
1 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
3 And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 14, Hebrews 11:4-22

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. From God’s perspective, revival is a state of restoration of spiritual interest which has suffered setback or has been abandoned by God’s people. It connotes renewal or the return to original status from a state of coma or disuse.
2. Based on the use of this term in some portions of Scripture, it is evident that it also means to literally bring back to life from the dead (1 Kings 17:22, 2 Kings 13:21). I therefore speak the word of authority to everything that is in a state of coma, and everything that is partially or completely dead in your life: receive complete revival by the power of resurrection in Jesus’ Name.
3. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, the description of the spiritual state of most of the seven churches in Asia is indicative of spiritual conditions that caIl for revival. May the Good Lord heal and completely revive everyone reading this that may be in a backslidden state in Jesus’ Name.
4. The backsliding of a Christian does not just happen in one day. Rather, it is a gradual process that involves progressive character erosion. The end result is what people see, and then they begin to ask, when did this fellow become like this? This will not be your story in Jesus’ name.
5. For that not to be your story, you need to be familiar with and sensitive to the conditions and circumstances that call for revival, in order to kick-start one whenever necessary.
6. There are many overt signs that make revival necessary in person’s life. A child of God needs revival whenever he or she begins to experience spiritual dryness, as we see in the life of Samson in Judges 16:20-21.
7. When a child of God can no longer recognize the presence or absence of God in his or her life, this is indicative of spiritual dryness.
8. Whenever a child of God finds himself or herself in physical or spiritual servitude, as it happened to the Israelites in Judges 3:12-14, it is time for revival.
9. When a sinful acts and wickedness such as those recorded in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 become part of the daily lifestyle of a Christian, he or she urgently needs revival.
10. Whenever you discover that you have lost your peace, joy and divine provision, just as it happened to the Israelites in today’s Bible reading, revival is desperately needed.
11. Also, whenever a child of God falls into a state of self-doubt or uncertainty and he or she begins to feel insecure, as seen in Numbers 13:26-33, this is an obvious sign that revival is needed.
12. Revival is always preceded by sober reflection and a repentant heart, followed by earnest prayers to God for revival. Do you need revival today? Reach out to God, and He will send His fresh fire into your heart.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

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Prayer Point:
Father, please revive a desire for righteousness and heal every form of regression in Your church today in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus:
Oh! Precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my cleansing this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
For my pardon this my pleas
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Nothing can my sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

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20

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 5:19-29
19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 12-13, Hebrews 10:19-11:3

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

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Action Point:
Banish the dear of death from your heart, and thank God for liberating you from its power
Hymn
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus:
Oh! Precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my cleansing this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
For my pardon this my pleas
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Nothing can my sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

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20

Memorise: The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:14
 
Read: Daniel 9:1-3, Daniel 9:20-22
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Daniel 9:20-22
20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 10-11, Hebrews 10:1-18

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. Our Heavenly Father has access to all the secret things of life, and He may choose to share some of these secrets with any of His children.
2. One reason why He does this is to provide information that will help in the fulfillment of our destinies. He also reveals secrets to help us avert pending calamity.
3. Daniel’s experience in today’s Bible reading reveals some of the God-ordained means of accessing hidden secrets that are vital to success in life. In the place of prayer and studying God’s word, Daniel gained access to secrets vital to the liberation of his people, may you receive access to hidden secrets that will accelerate the fulfillment of your destiny today in Jesus’ Name.
4. A lady once visited me in the office to complain about her inability to attract a suitor in marriage, and she was advancing in age. The Lord immediately revealed the source of her problem to me, and I told her to go and announce to her family members including her mother that anyone behind her problem would die within seven days, if the person refused to repent. A few days later, this lady came back to see me with her mother, who angrily demanded to know why I sent her daughter to pass a death sentence on her. I answered her that I did not pass a death sentence on her or anyone else for that matter, but that my Daddy clearly said that anyone behind her daughter’s inability to marry would die within seven days unless he or she chose to repent. This elderly woman then asked her daughter to excuse us for a private discussion. She asked me if what I said was the truth, and I told her in clear terms that this person would surely die within seven days unless he or she put an end to the wickedness against this lady. She then confessed to me that her daughter was the only one taking care of her, and so she was afraid that she would be abandoned if her daughter were to get married, which is why she did not want to let her go. I assured her that she would not be abandoned and that she would in fact enjoy better care and treatment after her daughter got married. She then immediately promised to let her go. A few weeks later, this lady met a suitor and got married thereafter. I decree that God will release hidden secrets that will accelerate the fulfillment of your destiny today in Jesus’ Name.
5. There are two main sources of knowledge: sense and revelation.
6. Many people operate at the level of sensual knowledge and are ignorant of the other. Sensual knowledge is available through formal or informal learning.
7. While sensual knowledge is earthly, revelation knowledge is supernatural and comes only from God.
8. Sensual knowledge is limited, sometimes inaccurate and often leads to uncertainty, but revelation knowledge brings assurance, confidence and peace.
9. Do you have access to revelation knowledge?

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

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The knowledge of Christ gives us the grace to know His ability a well as enjoy constant fellowship with Him. We need to constantly study His word so as to know the hidden secrets of God. And this hidden truth shall be made know unto us through the Holy Spirit. We are grateful to God for blessing us with Pastor E.A Adeboye. May God renew his strength in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please open my eyes to the secret things that will make a difference in my life, and help me make a difference in my community.
Hymn
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,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
Though, like a wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that Thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
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,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

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20

Memorise: Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. Matthew 25:28
Read: Matthew 25:14-28
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 8-9, Hebrews 9:11-28

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. God Almighty has called all of mankind to a life of diligence. After He created Adam, He charged him to keep and diligently dress the beautiful garden He bequeathed to him (Genesis 2:15). The Almighty indeed rewards diligence. In Proverbs 10:4, He enlightens us on the reward that await diligent people:
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
2. The Lord Jesus Christ further drove home this point with the story of a diligent servant to whom his master had entrusted five talents to trade with. He was so diligent that these talents yielded five more talents. When his master returned to take stock of his activities, he was commended and handsomely rewarded. Matthew 25:21 says:
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
3. In this same parable, we also see the direct opposite of diligence and its consequences. The servant with one talent mischievously kept the talent and refused to trade with it. His reward was the loss of his talent and outright rejection from the joy of his lord. On the other hand, the diligent servant who started with five talents gained the talent that was taken away from the indolent servant, and ended up with eleven talents in all.
4. Beloved, laziness, in whatever guise it may come, is not a Christian virtue. Every child of God must be diligent. In Proverbs 6:6-8, the Lord instructs the lazy to learn from the ants, saying:
”Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
5. As a matter of fact, from Proverbs 6:10-11, we understand that penury is the outcome of laziness:
“Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”
6. Proverbs 27:23-27 further highlights the rewards of diligence. The Lord promised to bless the work of your hands, not your idleness. Know for sure that faithful is He who has promised you this, and He will fulfill all He has said if you diligently play your own part (Deuteronomy 28:1-5, Hebrews 10:23).

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

One of the bible references from today’s devotional is enough evidence of the rewards of idleness and diligence respectively. “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” Proverbs 10:4. We have treated diligence severally from daily devotionals from Pastor E.A Adeboye, today is a reminder to us not to be carried away by the things of this world. God still rewards diligence. Are you diligent in your service to God? examine yourself and if guilty, please adjust your ways. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Prayer Point:
Father, please bless the works o my hands and cause me to prosper in the land of the living.
Hymn
TRUST AND OBEY
1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word,
What a glory He shed on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
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 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 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 man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: Genesis 26:13
 
Read: Genesis 26:1-14
1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
2 And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
6 And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:
7 And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.
8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife; and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.
10 And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.
11 And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.
12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.
13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:
14 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 6-7, Hebrews 8:1-9:10
 

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. When the Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, it means that we should study the successful heroes of faith who have gone ahead of us and learn their ways (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 10:11).
2. A very good example of someone who experienced steady and progressive prosperity is Isaac. If you want to have steady and progressive prosperity like Isaac did, wisdom demands that you learn his ways.
3. How did Isaac manage to become so prosperous in the time of famine, so much so that the king and natives of the land in which he sojourned envied him?
4. The first thing Isaac did to experience steady and progressive prosperity was to enquire of the Lord on where to go during an austere time. Genesis 26:2-6 reveals the outcome of Isaac enquiry. The Lord told him not to move an inch from Gerar. This is a great lesson to all those who plan to prosper by the hand of the Lord. Some people would say to you, “Follow your heart”, but based on God’s command, that is folly. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
5. Isaac did not follow his heart; rather he followed God’s command. He stayed in Gerar. Proverbs 3:5-7 also says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
6. What else did Isaac do that earned him steady and progressive prosperity? He sowed in the land (Genesis 26:12).
7. If you don’t engage your hands in something the Lord can multiply, your expectation of steady and progressive prosperity will end in disappointment.
8. The Almighty God knows the appropriate time for whatever a man puts forth his hand to do.
9. It is counterintuitive to sow in the time of famine, but God knew this was the best time for Isaac to cash in on the demand created by scarcity. This is the reason why God is telling you to seek His face before you embark on that project at hand.
10. Isaac prospered progressively because God was in his business. Have you invited God into your business as the Senior Partner? Does God call the shots in your business transactions or you don’t even involve him at all? Do you pay your tithes? Do you give offerings? Do you honour God with your first fruits? Learn from the life of Isaac today.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Progressive prosperity is of God and it works  for His obedient children who diligently  pay attention to whatever He is saying. The Bible says ““The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22. God be praised for blessing us with Pastor E.A Adeboye. May he wax stronger in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please open my eyes to the opportunities around me, and teach my heart to yeild to the wisdom of Your own timing in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word,
What a glory He shed on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
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 tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
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.
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.
Then in fellowship 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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20

Memorise: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:22
 
Read: 1 Peter 1:1-9
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 3-5, Hebrews 7
 

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. There is a phrase commonly used throughout the whole Bible which should serve as comfort to all Christian pilgrims, particularly when they are passing through situations that are not so pleasant. That phrase it the title of today’s devotional – “it came to pass”. To someone using this devotional today, all your challenges shall pass in Jesus’ Name.
2. The Lord Jesus Christ did not promise us that the Christian walk would be a walk in the park. He actually promised us persecutions and trials as part of the Christians experience (John 16:33, Mark 10:30). He even said in Matthew 10:22 that a time will come when we will be hated of all men. Be aware that this time is fast approaching. As God would have it, longsuffering is part of the fruit of the Spirit, which is made manifest in our lives as we daily walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
3. Know for sure that from the inception of the Christian faith, believers in Christ have always faced trials of cruel mockings, scourging, imprisonment and even death. Nevertheless, be encouraged by the words of Apostle Peter to some brethren who were also going through trials and persecutions: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: ” 1 Peter 1:6-7
4. Just as the trying periods of the heroes of faith who have gone ahead of you “came to pass”, yours also will come to pass.
5. Let your gaze be set on the reward that is ahead of you, which the Holy Spirit spoke in James 1:12, saying: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: foe when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
6. In Revelation 22:12-14, the Lord spoke of the reward we will receive, having endured unpleasant situations in this world.
7. Beloved, the Lover of your soul, Jesus, will soon appear; be of good cheer therefore because all your trials of faith will soon be over, Just make sure you do not deny the faith. Don’t be like Demas who loved this present world and forsook the Lord (2 Timothy 4:10).
8. May the Lord keep you holy till His appearing in Jesus’ Name.

If you ignore everything in today’s devotional, don’t ignore the prayer from Pastor E.A. Adeboye, as he prayed “ To someone using this devotional today, all your challenges shall pass in Jesus’ Name”. Challenges and problems should strengthen the faith of every believer and bring glory to God. Just as the disciples were worried and Jesus said “ “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” Luke 21:12-13. Why not consider the promises of God before giving up. May God continually increase and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please let me not lose sight of the rewards that await me at Your appearing. Please grant unto me the grace to endure to the very end.
HYMN
My faith look 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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20

Memorise: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22
 
Read: Luke 17:11-19
11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 1-2, Hebrews 5:11-6:20
 

1. The faith of the ten lepers in today’s Bible text can best be described as practical faith. They cried to Jesus for healing and He told them to go and show themselves to the priests to certify their cleansing. These lepers immediately proceeded as Jesus directed, even though the physical manifestation of their cleansing was not apparent. This is a classical demonstration of faith. Whether they came back to say “thank you” to Jesus or not is another subject of discussion.
2. For you to better understand the practical faith demonstrated by these lepers, you need to read Leviticus chapter 14 which describes the painstaking process of certifying the cleansing of lepers.
3. There are other examples of practical faith which can teach us some vital lessons on faith that works. Take for instance the servants at the wedding in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-9). These servants were commanded by Jesus Christ to take the water they had put in water pots by themselves to the master of ceremony as wine to be served to guests. The fact that they knew all about the water that was poured into the water pots should have denied them the faith that was needed to receive this miracle of supernatural provision. However, they obeyed because they remembered the instruction of Jesus’ mother when she said to them in John 2:5b: “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”
4. Beloved, do you desire a miracle? You need to demonstrate the practical faith that exalts the Almighty God. The lepers in today’s story went ahead to show themselves to the priests because the Great Healer told them to do so. What is the Lord telling you to do so that you can have your financial breakthrough? Are you doing it? Are you paying your tithes and offering? Are you honouring God with your first fruits and engaging in other forms of continuous giving (Luke 6:38)?
5. The Bible also says that we should pray without ceasing because it is when we ask that we will receive. Obeying such divine instructions as these demonstrated our faith in the God who gave these instructions, and He honours our faith by doing what only He can do in our lives.
6. There are many times the Almighty God would ask me to do things that are very ridiculous by human standards, but I have learnt that unless I keep on doing the ridiculous, there is no way I can experience the miraculous which my knowledge of mathematics can never do for me. This is why I have been living a miraculous life daily, and it shall continue to be so till I see my Master in glory. My prayer is that the practical faith that you need to experience the miraculous will be given to you today in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Faith is  practical and therefore must be demonstrated by whoever desire miracles from the Almighty God. The Bible says “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.”Hebrews 11:6 . We can’t get anything from the Almighty without demonstrating our faith regardless of how little it is. You don’t have to see to believe, in the case of the ten lepers, the miracles was not apparent but they acted as instructed by faith. May God bless and equip Pastor E.A Adeboye for greater works in Jesus name.

Key Point:
Doing the ridiculous in obedience to the Lord’s instructions will always yield the miraculous.
Hymn
My faith look 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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20