Devotionals

MEMORISE:

Quench not the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19

READ: Galatians 5:16-26

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

MESSAGE:

What are the things that the flesh usually tells you to do? They are listed in Galatians 5:19-21 as you must have earlier read in today’s Bible text. You think that you can view a few pictures or videos on social media where someone is almost nude and it is okay. You are quenching the Spirit. That little window you give to indulge the flesh will strengthen it such that you would find yourself going back to those pictures/videos after that time. The Bible is very clear- don’t ever do anything that will quench the Spirit. Never!

Do you know that there are some things that are not sins, but can strengthen the flesh to the point of eventually quenching the Spirt? Examples include not fasting (Psalm 35:13), not being able to abstain from sex even with your legally wedded spouse (1 Corinthians 7:5 ), not praying (Ephesians 6:18 ), not studying your Bible (Psalm 119:9-11) and not fellowshipping with the brethren (Hebrews 10:25). From Galatians 5:16, we see that it is necessary to always walk in the Spirit so that you will not fulfil the works of the flesh. If you take a break from spiritual exercises, you will eventually fulfil the works of the flesh; there is no holiday in the spirit realm

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos3:3

I stay far away from sin because I know that God is the only One who can help me to fulfil my destiny and He hates sin. If I offend Him and He turns His back on me, I am finished! Joseph knew this, so he did not indulge his flesh at all and he fulfilled Gods’ plan for his life. My beloved, I am appealing to you from my heart today, walk in the Spirit every day and you will attain God’s plan for your life.

ACTION POINT:
What are those things you do that quench the Spirit of God in you? List them and cut yourself off from them today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Galatians 1-3

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 10: I’M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY.

1. I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

o Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

2. My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

3. I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

4. I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

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MEMORISE:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped f o r , t h e evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11 :1

READ: Hebrews 11:1-1 1

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

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MESSAGE:

The more we trust a person, the more patient become towards them. If they promise to come soon as possible, we will wait for them even more patiently because we know they mean what they say Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing the word of God. Thus, if we would be steadfast in faith, we must constantly fellowship with God’s word so that we know Him for who He is.

Faith without patience produces people who start off well but cannot finish strong. Patience without faith produces people who constantly suffer but have no power to change their situation. When Satan whispers to you that God’s word is not working, faith says “It is a lie” and strengthens your resolve to wait. Faith has no fear; it knows that God’s word has never failed, so it builds patience in you to wait for the word to come to pass. Faith strengthens patience. James 1:3 says:

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

Faith and patience, working together, defend and protect your soul. This is why sometimes; God tries your faith so as to build Your patience. He knows that just like Job, if both your faith and patience are strong, no matter what the devil brings your way, you will not fall. You need both faith and patience to win the heavenly race, because, it is a marathon and not just a sprint. I got born again over forty-five years ago and it was as if Jesus was coming same year. Some of those who started the race with me have backslidden now. They had faith, but not patience. When I started seeing some of these people backsliding, I was worried for my own faith, thus I cried to God to help me so that I would finish strong. One day, I was watching the making of a movie in which the lead actor told the director that he was not sure he would be able to win the horse race that was to be a part of the movie. The director responded, “You just keep riding; I will make “sure you win”. God spoke to me through that: He said “You just remain in the race, I will make sure you finish strong”. Jude 1:24 says He is the only One who can keep you to the end. I believe God and His word, and that is why, today, I am still standing.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please keep me until the end. Don’t let me fall by the way in the course of my race to Heaven.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 49 -50

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 8: OH, MY COMARADES! SEE THE SIGNAL.

1. Ho, my comrades, see the signal, waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.

o Refrain:
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”

2. See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on;
Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!

3. See the glorious banner waving! Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader’s Name we triumph over every foe.

4. Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander, cheer, my comrades, cheer!

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MEMORISE:

I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. Daniel 4:2

READ: Matthew 10:32-33

32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

MESSAGE:

Children are testifiers. If you give a child a gift, he or she would tell everyone about it. Children also boast a lot about their parents and the benefits they get from them. If you have just got a car, it is most likely that your child will want you to take him or her to school in it so as to show off to their friends. If you give a child a gift, if possible, he or she will tell the whole world about it.

Do you tell everyone what God has done for you or are you ashamed to talk about Him in public? Do you share testimonies of His wondrous works that will make others want to serve your God? I tell stories because I cannot help but brag about the things my God has done. These testimonies have encouraged people; some say “If God can do this, then I will serve Him too”.

There was a couple who fought every night, so much so that they became a subject of mockery to their neighbors. This went on until someone invited them to The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Both of them gave their lives to Christ and the fighting stopped. That night, their neighbors did not sleep because they were waiting for them to fight as usual; however, they were disappointed. The neighbors watched for some more days until one of them summoned the courage to ask the couple why they had not been fighting. They told him that they had met Jesus at a Church; the neighbor said “Really? I must follow you to that Church”. Before long, they introduced all their neighbors to Christ.

Your testimony is powerful enough to win souls for Christ. The people of the world brag about their witchdoctors, saying things like “There is no problem this Baba cannot solve, he solved this and that problem” and they end up winning their friends over. Your God is greater than any witchdoctor; indeed,
He created all things, including the witchdoctors. ln Jeremiah32:27, He says:

“•••I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?

Why then can’t you brag about Him too and use your testimonies to win souls for Him? Why not tell someone going through a difficult time that your God can solve that problem? Don’t keep quiet about the things God has done for you; use them to win souls to His kingdom.

Action Point:

Make sure you share a testimony of something God did for you recently with an unbeliever today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 46-48

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 17: OH WHAT A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL DAY.

Oh What A Wonderful Wonderful Day
Day I Will Never Forget
After I’d Wandered In Darkness Away
Jesus My Savior I Met
Oh What A Tender Compassionate Friend
He Met The Need Of My Heart
Shadows Dispelling With Joy I Am Telling
He Made All The Darkness Depart

Chorus
Heaven Came Down And Glory Filled My Soul
When At The Cross The Savior Made Me Whole
My Sins Were Washed Away
And My Night Was Turned To Day
Heaven Came Down And Glory Filled My Soul

Born Of The Spirit With Life From Above
Into God’s Fam’ly Divine
Justified Fully Thru Calvary’s Love
Oh What A Standing Is Mine
And The Transaction So Quickly Was Made
When As A Sinner I Came
Took Of The Offer Of Grace
He Did Proffer He Saved Me
Oh Praise His Dear Name

Now I’ve A Hope That Will Surely Endure
After The Passing Of Time
I Have A Future In Heaven For Sure
There In Those Mansions Sublime
And It’s Because Of That Wonderful Day
When At The Cross I Believed
Riches Eternal And Blessings Supernal
From His Precious Hand I Received

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MEMORISE:

*For I know the* *thoughts that I think* *toward you, saith the* *Lord , thoughts of peace,* *and not of* *evil, to give* *you an expected end.* *Jeremiah 29:11*

READ: Psalm 126:1-6

1. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.

3. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

4. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.

5. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

MESSAGE:

You may have tried many things, and none seems to be succeeding; I want to encourage you not to give up. Don’t forget your dreams. Don’t forget the prophecies that have come forth concerning your glorious destiny. God has a special purpose for your life. It may not look like it now, but if you don’t give up, you will soon see it coming to pass in your life, in Jesus’ name.

I had an uncle who was very poor, so poor that he could not afford decent clothing. One day, he asked his wife to use her wrapper to sew buba and soro for him. He had made up his mind to commit suicide, but he wanted to do it in style. He wore the clothes his wife had made for him and went to Church. He sang and danced so well that everyone noticed him. He wanted it to be that when they heard of his death, they would say “Oh, we didn’t know he was celebrating his departure”. However, God had other plans. The man of God came up and preached about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He said despite the fact that it looked like there was no hope for these three Hebrew children, God’s glory shone through their hopeless situation.

The message hit my uncle and he said, “I don’t know how God will bring me out of this storm, but I refuse to die”. On saying that, the Prince of Peace spoke peace to his storm. The day he was sharing the testimony, he had just purchased fourteen cars for his company. Imagine if he had given up; he would have missed out on what God had in store for him. God knows the way out of that situation you are going through. Hold on to Him and He will bring you out. He says to you in lsaiah 43:2:
*“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 shalI the flame* *kindle upon thee.”*

*I speak peace into* *whatever storm you are* *going through. I replace* *every source of* *shame in your life* *with glory now. Whatever* *the devil is* *using to steal your joy is* *turned around for* *your favour. No more* *depression in your life in* *the mighty name of* *Jesus. Raise your head* *up high, God loves you* *and He will make all* *things beautiful in His* *time.*

KEY POINT:

Don’t give up; God is going to bring glory out of that hopeless situation. Hold on to Him.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 32-34

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 18: PASS ME NOT O GENTLE SAVIOUR

1. Pass me not, O gentle saviour, Hear my humble cry; While on others thou art calling, Do not pass me by.

Refrain:
Saviour, Saviour
Hear my humble cry;
While on others thou art calling, Do not pass me by.

2. Let me at thy throne of mercy. Find a sweet relief; Kneeling there in deep contrition, Help my unbelief.

3. Trusting only in thy merit. Would I seek thy face; Heal my wounded, broken spirit. Save me by thy grace.

4. Thou the spring of all my comfort, More than life to me. Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in heaven but Thee?

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MEMORISE:

“Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours : f r o m the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be” Deuteronomony 1:24

READ: Deuteronomony1:22-25

22 For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

23 Then will the Lord drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.

24 Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.

25 There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the Lord your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.

MESSAGE:

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me… Daniel 10:13

In the kingdom of darkness, territories are allocated to princes – also called principalities. Regardless of this, God commands us to dominate the earth (Genesis 1:28). Thus, as Christians, we are to take charge of any territory we find ourselves in. It is sad however, that many live in bondage and fear of the devil within their territories. This should not be. Some have not been succeeding since they moved into a new environment. Don’t be ignorant of the devices of the devil. Once a demon sees that you are ignorant, it will exploit that loophole and launch continuous attacks.

One of my sons who moved to a new apartment was once confronted by a wizard after his usual praise and prayers. The wizard threatened to kill him. My son ran to me and I followed him to his house. I asked for the direction of the wizard’s house and he pointed it to me. I stretched my hand towards that direction and decreed a quit notice on the wizard in the name of Jesus. When I turned to leave, my son asked” Daddy, is that all?” I said ” Yes, I have done what I came to do”. Within seven days, a huge tree in the wizard’s compound dried up and seven days after that, the wizard died.

Ephesians 1 :21 says you are seated at the right hand of Christ far above principalities and powers. If you do not exercise your power in Christ, the devil will make you tremble at his presence. You don’t beg the devil, you issue decrees. I must warn you however about what happened to the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-16. If you are not standing strong in Christ and decide to face demons saying “As Adeboye taught us in the Open Heavens Devotional, I decree your quit notice in the name of Jesus”, the demon will say” Jesus I know, Adeboye I know, who are you?” God forbid that the devil uses you for food. Therefore, make sure that there is no sin in your Iife, ensure that you are a fervent Christian, filled with the Holy Ghost before you face any demon. You will be victorious, in the mighty name of Jesus.

KEY POINT:

Don’t be ignorant of the devices of the devil in your neighborhood.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 28

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 23: STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST MY KING.

1. Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

o Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

3. Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

4. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

5. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

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MEMORISE:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13 :1

READ: Romans 13 :1-3

1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

MESSAGE:

‘RA’ in our equation for Resistance in the Mathematics of Christ in You” (MCV) series which we started on January 11, stands for Rebellion against Authority. Some ‘Christians’ feel they are too big to do God’s work because they are educated· Some refuse to obey their Father-in-the-Lord and still expect to get the best from him. Listen, nothing can flow from him until you submit to his authority. There is a difference between submission and cooperation. You cooperate when the instruction is convenient but submit whether it is convenient or not. Some ‘believers’ resist the authority of the government, their supervisors or spouses. Christ cannot dwell in rebellious souls. Rebellion is as witchcraft. 1 Samuel 15 :23 says:

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…”

It is better not to make any sacrifices to God than to do so in disobedience. You should not pay your tithe and refuse to pay your tax. For example, when you knowingly break traffic laws because you want to get to
Church early, God will not accept that kind of sacrifice. No matter how big you are, you have a leader. If you are the General Overseer of your Church, the President of the association of Christian leaders to which you belong is your leader.

If you are the president of the Christian Association in your country; there is a president of the land who 1 Peter 2:17 says you must honor. If you are the president of your country, there is a union of Presidents in your continent and that union has a leader you are expected to obey. On the other hand, a President can have a Father-in- the-Lord he is to submit to, just like the King of Israel who called Elisha My father’ in 2 Kings 6:21-23. The Father-in-the-Lord too could have leaders he must continue to honor, no matter how great he has become. If you look very closely, you would see that there is an authority figure you are to submit to even if you are a ‘big man’ in your own right.

If you rebel against those God has in authority over you, then Christ cannot dwell and operate in you as He would want to.

PRAYER POINT:

Pray that everything that can limit the measure of Christ in you should become zero. Later in the year, we will dedicate a whole day to pray for the full measure of Christ.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 24-27

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 1: ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS NAME.

1. All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

2. Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all!

3. Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!

4. Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!

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MEMORISE:

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26

READ: Matthew 10:35-38

35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

MESSAGE:

The ‘F’ in our equation for Resistance in the “Mathematics of Christ in You” (MCY) series that we started on January 11, stands for Family Ties. As difficult as it sounds, if Christ is going to operate freely in you, some family ties would have to suffer, as we see in todays’ memory verse. What Jesus was saying is that your love for Him, relative to what you feel for your family, should be incomparable. When God told Abraham to sacrifice his son who he loved, Abraham wasted no time in trying to do so. Of course, God only wanted to find out what Abraham’s choice would be if he had to choose between Him and his son.

I once had a similar experience. As the youngest and only male child of my mother, I had a close relationship with her. Before I met Christ, I would always spend Christmas with her. However, after joining the Redeemed Christian Church of God and becoming a Pastor, I had to spend my Christmas instead at the Christ The Redeemer’s Congress. One particular year, we were going to have the programme at ljebu lgbo, Nigeria. Since I would not be around during Christmas, I decided to visit my mother on December 23rd to tell her I would see her after the programme. On getting there, l found that she was dying. I was in a dilemma; the programme had to start in two days. I was one of the organizers yet no one in the Church knew where I had gone, and there were no mobile phones in those days. It was a difficult choice, but I said to my mother “You know I love you and would love to stay by your side, but I have to go because Jesus is calling”. Thank God for good mothers, she made it easy for me. She said My son, I understand. I can already see your involvement with Jesus Christ”. She then prayed for me. I thought it was going to be our last conversation; it turned out to be a test by God because she lived for another eleven years.

From the report I received, even before I got to ljebu lgbo, she had recovered. God wanted to find out who I would choose if I had to make a decision between Him and my mother who I loved so much.

Nothing, not even family ties should come between you and God.

KEY POINT:

God must come first in every aspect of your life. Nothing, not even Family ties should be placed before Him.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 21-23

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 12: IN CHRIST ALONE.

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

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

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

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

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MEMORISE:

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: Matthew 6:14

READ: Mark 11:23-26

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

MESSAGE:

We have been treating the “Mathematics of Christ in You” (MCY) since January 11. The ‘B’ in our equation for Resistance stands for Bitterness. If you refuse to forgive those who have offended you, you are only multiplying your suffering because the fellow who offended you, is going on with his or her life yet you are suffering spiritually. It is like stopping to rant at someone who sped past your car at a traffic light you are only delaying yourself further. I quickly forgive those who offend me because I don’t want to get myself into trouble. I cannot allow bitterness to disconnect me from God. Hebrews 12:15 says:

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”

Unforgiveness can defile you and lead to some very serious sicknesses too. There was a man who was bloating. The doctors could not find anything wrong, so he came to the Church. God revealed that the man had some restitutio even evenn to make. We eventually found that this man chose not to forgive his son- in-law.
When he was going to give out his daughter in marriage, he made the young man promise to take good care of her. Unfortunately, the boy started beating the wife. Her father pleaded with him, but things only got worse. One day, the husband fired a gun at his wife but missed narrowly. That was when the man asked his daughter to leave finally; however, he swore to never forgive the boy and to deal with him.

The man was told that he had to forgive, and in fact. according to Matthew 18:15 he had to be the one to go to the son-in-Iaw. The man went because he wanted to be healed. As he reached his son-in-law’s house, the young man tried to escape. The man however said I have not come to fight I have come to beg you. I have forgiven you and I want you to do the same”. As they hugged and wept, the man who had been bloat suddenly reduced in size to such an extent that his wedding ring dropped from his finger to the ground. He was healed.

Forgive, so you can be free.

KEY POINT:

Stop punishing yourself; forgive everyone who has offended you.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 17-20

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 28: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

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MEMORISE:

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

READ: Judges 16: 4-20
4 And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.

6 And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.

7 And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.

8 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.

9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.

10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.

11 And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.

12 Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread.

13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.

14 And she fastened it with the pin, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web.

15 And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.

16 And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;

17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

18 And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand.

19 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.

20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.

MESSAGE:

A hungry and thirsty fellow is one who is desperate for food and water. Have you ever seen someone who has been stranded on a desert for a whole month? If he sees water anywhere, he would do anything, and I mean anything, to drink it. The same applies to a person who has been deprived of food for many
days. In the same vein, God expects us to hunger and thirst for righteousness. He expects us to desperately pursue righteousness. Jesus gave a parable in Matthew 13:44-46 that the kingdom of God is like a man who found treasure in a field and went to sell all that he had so he could buy that field and
own the treasure. Psalm 63:1 says:

“… My soul thirsts for you, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

You should be willing to give up anything just to remain righteous. The reverse is the case these days; people are very quick to sacrifice their righteousness in order to gain some pleasures of this world.

Don’t deceive yourself with contemporary Christianity. If you are not desperately hungry to live a holy life, you become easy meat for the devil. You need to be desperate enough to cut off your right hand if that hand is going to cause you to sin (Matthew 5:30). In other words, if social media is the means through which immoral thoughts get into your mind, then you must be ready to delete those social media apps from your phone. If you are lusting after your secretary, then you must be ready to let go of such a person. If being a staff in that organization causes you to stain your garment of holiness, then resign! Only the violent can take the kingdom of God and they must take it by force. Don’t be afraid to be asked why you pursue this Jesus so much. Fear of what people may say will make many lose their righteousness and consequently, the kingdom of God. You must hunger and thirst for righteousness at all times.

KEY POINT:

Flee every appearance of the lust of the flesh!

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 34-36

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 29: WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY STAIN?

1 What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain:
O precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow;
no other fount I know;
nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2 For my pardon this I see:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my cleansing this my plea:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.

3 Nothing can for sin atone:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Naught of good that I have done:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.

4 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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Remember: ‘There Is No Problem Without Solution; Jesus Is The Solution To All Problems.
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MEMORISE:

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. John 2:15

READ: 1 John 2:15-17

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

MESSAGE:

The fifth element in our equation for Resistance in the Mathematics of Christ in You” (MCY) series is ‘L’
and it stands for Lust. For today however, we Will only focus on the lust of the eyes. Our Bible reading for today says the world and all that is in it will pass away. When you have a strong desire for material things, Christ cannot dwell and operate mightily in you. Many people will miss Heaven because of their love for this world. Some people cut corners just because they also want to buy a new car like their colleagues. Thank God for cars, but a car can be a moving coffin if gotten through sinful means.

I had been preaching to a friend since the 1980s. I got the opportunity to talk to him about Christ again in 2014. As soon as I started, he said ” Hold on Pastor, you don’t need to worry anymore. When you were talking to me some thirty years ago, I wasn’t listening because of my ambitions, but now I have seen it all and I know it is vanity”. He also added “Whenever I want to drink alcohol or do some things I enjoy, you will say it is not allowed. Now, even if someone gives me a hundred million dollars, it will have no value before me. I am ready to give my life to Christ so my life can have real value. I didn’t have to preach anymore to win that soul for Christ.

If you keep lusting after the material things of this world, you will soon discover that they are not worth the stress. The only thing worth having is the Joy of knowing that you are serving the Lord. The fact that you are a Christian however, doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy life. Rather, it means you will enjoy life to the fullest, only that you have to prioritize spiritual things. 3 John 2 says:
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

God wants you to prosper, but it must be even as your soul prospers. Any prosperity that will cost you your soul will destroy you (Matthew 16:26). You must first seek the kingdom of God and live a righteous life, then you will never lack any good thing (Matthew 6:33). This has been my experience with Christ. I focus on pleasing Him every day, and He supplies all my needs. I remove every resistance to Him dwelling and operating in me, and He removes every hinderance to me accessing all-round prosperity.

KEY POINT:

Focus on the prosperity of your soul, leave the rest to Jesus to handle.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 31-33

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 7: HAVE YOU BEEN TO JESUS.

1. Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

o Refrain:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

2. Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

3. When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

4. Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
Oh, be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

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