Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry : May 2022

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

WHEN GOD’S GRACE IS TAKEN FOR GRANTED

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE of WEDNESDAY, 1ST JUNE, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: WHEN GOD’S GRACE IS TAKEN FOR GRANTED

MEMORIZE: “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. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.” Judges 16:20-21.

SCRIPTURE READING: Numbers 6:5-9.

“All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head. All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD. And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.”

EXPOSITION:

Consecration brings us into demonstration of God’s power beyond human comprehension. It is the link between divine and human. It is the power that transforms the mortal to operate like Immortal. It makes a man to be accepted, useful and honored in the kingdom service. Samson carried this consecration and he became an unusual man. No enemy can withstand him because he became the carrier of God’s power, presence and authority. As long as you carry this consecration, you become the favourite of the Father (God) and eventually becomes the sought-after among men. It is sometimes referred to as “anointing”.

But Samson, at a time, began to mess up this consecration upon his life and was still enjoy doing unusual exploits for God in defending the people of God. At this time, I want to call the attention of the men/women of God (clergy/workers) to be very careful because the fact that God is still honoring Himself in your life may not necessarily mean your life is correct before Him or that you are pleasing Him. He may chose to do those wonders in order just to honor His word. Watch your inner life, your personal relationship with God.

Samson broke all the rules guiding his being a Nazarite and was still performing wonders until the last was violated – his locks of hair were shaven. Then he became ordinary immediately and an object of amusement. Whenever the grace of God taken for granted, it usually has deadly and regretful end. Don’t be a victim. Samson could not come out of its consequence alive. He was ridiculed and made jest of, because he lost his consecration. Remember you are seal with Holy Spirit of promise. Eph 1:13 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”. Therefore, do not grieve Him, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Eph 4:30.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help me not take your grace upon my for granted as to lose my consecration in you in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Psalm 19-22

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Monday, May 30, 2022

GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU IS PERSONAL, DETAILED AND IN-DEPTH

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

TUESDAY, 31ST MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU IS PERSONAL, DETAILED AND IN-DEPTH

MEMORIZE: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6–7

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 5:8-11

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

EXPOSITION:

There are many believers today who don’t cast their cares upon the Lord. I believe that it is because they don’t have a revelation that He cares for them. Look at what His Word says: "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." Unless you have absolute confidence that Jesus cares for you, you will not cast your cares upon Him. Just think, would you call upon the help of a relative or friend in your time of need if you were not confident that the person would respond to your call? Jesus cares for you. When you call upon Him, know that you have His fullest attention with all of heaven’s resources backing you up!

Maybe you are thinking right now, “Well, I am sure that Jesus has more important things to do than to bother with my problem.” Hang on. By saying that, you have just shown that you don’t really believe that Jesus cares for you. Now, let's see what the Bible says: “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7). But do you know that your heavenly Father numbers the hairs on your head? I really hope that you are beginning to catch the heart of Jesus and not generalize His love for you. His love for you is all-encompassing. If He cares enough to keep track of the hairs on your head, is there anything too small for Him that you cannot talk to Him about? God's love for you is infinitely detailed. Jesus said that not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father's will (Matt. 10:29). Are you not of more value than a sparrow?

Is God a God who winds the clock and leaves it alone to tick until Jesus comes back? Is He only involved with major events in the world? Is He only involved in significant events in our lives like our salvation, or is He vitally and intensely involved in the day-to-day minute details of your life? What do you think? The Bible says that He calls His own sheep by name (John 10:3, 14). My friend, His love for you is personal, detailed, and in-depth! Your heavenly Father wants you to involve Him even in the smallest, most mundane matters of your life, and see His unmerited favor surround you, protect you, and lead you to good success.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, I put my trust in you for my victory against all my enemies – known and unknown, in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Psalm 16-18.

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CHANGE THE BATTLE STRATEGY

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

MONDAY, 30TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

CHANGE THE BATTLE STRATEGY

MEMORIZE: “Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.” 2 Chronicles 20:22.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Chronicles 20:20-24.

“So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper." And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever." Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.”

EXPOSITION:

Strategy is the technique we use in handling a matter. Battle needs functional strategy for anyone to experience and retain victory. Let us learn from eagle when it is to fight against a snake. It does not fight the snake on the ground. It picks it up into the sky and changes the battleground, and then it releases the snake into the sky. The snake has no stamina, no power, and no balance in the air. It is useless, weak, and vulnerable unlike on the ground where it is powerful wise and deadly. Take your fight into the spiritual realm by praying and when you are in the spiritual realm God takes over your battles. Don't fight the enemy in his comfort zone, change the battlegrounds like the Eagle and let God take charge through your praise and earnest prayer. You'll be assured of clean victory.

In our Scripture reading today, every battle is fought with weapons of war – swords, arrows, javelins, slings, etc, - but Jehoshaphat confronted his battle with praise and experienced the victory in an unusual way – 2 Chronicles 20:20-24. Prophet Samuel cried unto God when the Philistines rose against Israel to destroy them and God answered him – “So the children of Israel said to Samuel, "Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines." And Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. Then Samuel cried out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him. Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the LORD thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day, and so confused them that they were overcome before Israel.” 1 Samuel 7:8-10.

King Abijah was confronted by King Jeroboam to utterly destroy him, but he trusted in the Lord. He cried to God and the priests blew the trumpet for divine intervention, God intervened by bringing confusion to the camp of the enemies and subdued them before him – “So Jeroboam did not recover strength again in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him, and he died.” 2 Chronicles 13:20. Stop relying on men and their human strength. Trust God for victory. God still answer prayers. All you need is to change the battle strategy – hand it over to God! Pray without ceasing.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, I put my trust in you for my victory against all my enemies – known and unknown, in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Psalm 13-15.

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GOD OF ALL GRACE

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

SUNDAY, 29TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

GOD OF ALL GRACE

MEMORIZE: “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Samuel 2:7–8

“The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory. "For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, And He has set the world upon them.”

EXPOSITION:

Grace is an unmerited favour given to undeserving men. We have lost our relationship with God through sin in the garden of Eden. Since then, sin had destroyed our inner beauty and it takes only God to restore us back to Himself. He holds the key that controls the heavens and the earth in His hand. As God, He does whatever He wills at any time without anyone to challenge Him. Hannah in her payer of thanksgiving to God said, “"The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory. "For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, And He has set the world upon them.” 1 Samuel 2:6-8.

The strong are soon weakened, and the weak are soon strengthened, when God pleases. Are we poor? God made us poor, which is a good reason why we should be content, and make up our minds to our condition. Are we rich? God made us rich, which is a good reason why we should be thankful, and serve him cheerfully, and do good with the abundance he gives us. He respects not man's wisdom or fancied excellences, but chooses those whom the world accounts foolish, teaching them to feel their guilt, and to value his free and precious salvation. This prophecy looks to the kingdom of Christ, that kingdom of grace, of which Hannah speaks, after having spoken largely of the kingdom of providence.

In conclusion, apostle Peter prays “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10. Peter prayed to God for the believers, as the God of all grace. The word "Perfect" implies their progress towards perfection."Stablish" imports the curing of our natural lightness and inconstancy. "Strengthen" has respect to the growth of graces, especially where weakest and lowest implies. "Settle" signifies to fix upon a sure foundation, and may refer to Him who is the Foundation and Strength of believers. These expressions show that perseverance and progress in grace are first to be sought after by every Christian. The power of these doctrines on the hearts, and the fruits in the lives, showed who are partakers of the grace of God. The cherishing and increase of Christian love, and of affection one to another, is no matter of empty compliment, but the stamp and badge of Jesus Christ on his followers. Others may have a false peace for a time, and wicked men may wish for it to themselves and to one another; but theirs is a vain hope, and will come to nought. All solid peace is founded on Christ, and flows from him. God is truly God of All Grace.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, open the eye of my heart to understand and grow in your grace in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Psalm 10-12.

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THE BLESSINGS OF THOSE WHO FEAR GOD.

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

SATURDAY, 28TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: THE BLESSINGS OF THOSE WHO FEAR GOD.

MEMORIZE: " Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways." – Psalm 128:1

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 128:1-6.

" Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!”

EXPOSITION:

Only those who are truly holy, are truly happy. In vain do we pretend to be of those that fear God, if we do not make conscience of keeping stedfastly to his ways. Blessed is every one that fears the Lord; whether he be high or low, rich or poor in the world. If thou fear him and walk in his ways, all shall be well with thee while thou livest, better when thou diest, best of all in eternity. By the blessing of God, the godly shall get an honest livelihood. Here is a double promise; they shall have something to do, for an idle life is a miserable, uncomfortable life, and shall have health and strength, and power of mind to do it. They shall not be forced to live upon the labours of other people. It is as much a mercy as a duty, with quietness to work and eat our own bread. They and theirs shall enjoy what they get. Such as fear the Lord and walk in his ways, are the only happy persons, whatever their station in life may be. They shall have abundant comfort in their family relations. And they shall have all the good things God has promised, and which they pray for. A good man can have little comfort in seeing his children's children, unless he sees peace upon Israel. Every true believer rejoices in the prosperity of the church. Hereafter we shall see greater things, with the everlasting peace and rest that remain for the Israel of God.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, Help me to know you more that I may fear you and honour you the more in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Psalm 7-9.

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Thursday, May 26, 2022

THE VALUE OF THE DIVINE BLESSING.

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

FRIDAY, 27TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: THE VALUE OF THE DIVINE BLESSING.

MEMORIZE: " Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward." – Psalm 127:3

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 127:1-5.

" Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”

EXPOSITION:

Let us always look to God's providence. In all the affairs and business of a family we must depend upon his blessing. 1. For raising a family. If God be not acknowledged, we have no reason to expect his blessing; and the best-laid plans fail, unless he crowns them with success. 2. For the safety of a family or a city. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen, though they neither slumber nor sleep, wake but in vain; mischief may break out, which even early discoveries may not be able to prevent. 3. For enriching a family. Some are so eager upon the world, that they are continually full of care, which makes their comforts bitter, and their lives a burden. All this is to get money; but all in vain, except God prosper them: while those who love the Lord, using due diligence in their lawful callings, and casting all their care upon him, have needful success, without uneasiness or vexation. Our care must be to keep ourselves in the love of God; then we may be easy, whether we have little or much of this world. But we must use the proper means very diligently. Children are God's gifts, a heritage, and a reward; and are to be accounted blessings, and not burdens: he who sends mouths, will send meat, if we trust in him. They are a great support and defence to a family. Children who are young, may be directed aright to the mark, God's glory, and the service of their generation; but when they are gone into the world, they are arrows out of the hand, it is too late to direct them then. But these arrows in the hand too often prove arrows in the heart, a grief to godly parents. Yet, if trained according to God's word, they generally prove the best defence in declining years, remembering their obligations to their parents, and taking care of them in old age. All earthly comforts are uncertain, but the Lord will assuredly comfort and bless those who serve him; and those who seek the conversion of sinners, will find that their spiritual children are their joy and crown in the day of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, Let your blessing be upon me that I may bless others around me in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Psalm 4-6.

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Wednesday, May 25, 2022

GRACIOUS DEALING

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

THURSDAY, 26TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: GRACIOUS DEALING

MEMORIZE: "And the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest." – Deut 15:18

SCRIPTURE READING: Deuteronomy 15:10-11.

"You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand. "For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.'”

EXPOSITION:

An Israelitish master was to give his bondservant liberty in due time, and when he left his service he was to start him in life with a liberal portion. This was to be done heartily and cheerfully, and then the Lord promised to bless the generous act. The spirit of this precept, and, indeed, the whole law of Christ, binds us to treat people well. We ought to remember how the Lord has dealt with us, and that this renders it absolutely needful that we should deal graciously with others. It becomes those to be generous who are the children of a gracious God. How can we expect our great Master to bless us in our business if we oppress those who serve us?

What a benediction is here set before the liberal mind! To be blessed in all that we do is to be blessed indeed. The Lord will send us this partly in prosperity, partly in content of mind, and partly in a sense of His favor, which is the best of all blessings. He can make us feel that we are under His special care and are surrounded by His peculiar love. This makes this earthly life a joyous prelude to the life to come. God’s blessing is more than a fortune. It maketh rich and addeth no sorrow therewith.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, I want to be a blessed giver. Bless me that I may bless others that will need my help in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Psalm 1-3.

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THE LAUGHTER OF WIDOWS

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

WEDNESDAY, 25TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: THE LAUGHTER OF WIDOW

No Door It Cannot Open!

MEMORIZE: “And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.” 1 Kings 17:24.

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Kings 17:22-24.

“And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth. And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.”

EXPOSITION:

As the cry (tears) of widow burns life consuming fire against their adversary, so their laughter is powerful to open door of fortunes to their helpers. God has vowed to hear their request whenever they cry to Him. God said, “If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot.”. Now imagine if you can make them happy by meeting their needs sincerely (according to your sincere ability), they will surely tell God to bless their helpers (you in particular) and God will hear them too and bless you greatly.

The widow of Zarephath cried out to prophet Elijah after her only son died, asking whether this evil came upon her for her past sins or what? She said, "What have I done against thee?" So some understand it as "Wherein have I offended thee, or been wanting in my duty? Show me wherefore thou contendest with me." Yet she expresses herself penitently: "Hast thou come to call my sin to thy remembrance, as the cause of the affliction, and so to call it to my remembrance, as the effect of the affliction?" Note that when God removes our comforts from us, he remembers our sins against us, perhaps the iniquities of our youth, though long since past, Job 13:26. When God thus remembers our sins against us he designs thereby to make us remember them against ourselves and repent of them. Elijah earnestly begs of God to restore the child to life again, 1Ki 17:21. We do not read before this of any that were raised to life; yet Elijah, by a divine impulse, prays for the resurrection of this child. David expected God to bring his child back to life by fasting and prayer (2 Samuel 12:23), but Elijah had a power to work miracles, which David had not. The resurrection of the child, and the great satisfaction it gave to the mother: the child revived, 1Ki 17:22. See the power of prayer and the power of him that hears prayer, who kills and makes alive. Elijah brought him to his mother, who, we may suppose, could scarcely believe her own eyes, and therefore Elijah assures her it is her own: "It is thy son that liveth; see it is thy own, and not another," 1Kings 17:23.

The woman (widow of Zarephath) hereupon cries out, “Now I know that thou art a man of God”; though she knew it before, by the increase of her meal, yet the death of her child she took so unkindly that she began to question it; but now she was abundantly satisfied that he had both the power and goodness of a man of God, and will never doubt of it again. Let us reason how she would have blessed Elijah for restoring her joy again after her hope has lost. The help you do to the poor and needy will never go unrewarded. Give yourself to good deeds, most especially, to those who have no capacity or resources to repay you back. But we must be careful and sensitive so that the good we are trying to do will not turn to deadly trap for us. Be prayerful and always discern the leading of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER POINT:

i. Lord, help me to become a little Jesus to the poor and helpless in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, help me to discern your leading towards those who truly need my help in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 18-21.

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Monday, May 23, 2022

THE CRY OF WIDOW

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

TUESDAY, 24TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: THE CRY OF WIDOWS

It Burns Like Consuming Fire!

MEMORIZE: “And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.” Luke 18:3.

SCRIPTURE READING: Exodus 22:22-24.

“Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.”

EXPOSITION:

Widows are women who have lost their husbands to death. They are generally believed to be poor and needed helps for their daily survival. But the Bible stated that we have women that are widow and those that are widows indeed. The young widows are advised to go and remarry to protect their marital testimony. The widows indeed are women above sixty years, who do no longer have desire for sex again. Those who can stay without spoiling themselves with men. From both Old and New Testaments, God has serious regards for the widows and will not want anyone to maltreat them or deny them their rights. Their fatherless children also were commanded to be taken care of. Whenever any person maltreats a widow or a fatherless child, God always frown at the person and such action. God said, “Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.” Exodus 22:22-24.

But it is a pity in our present days that things are no longer as God designed it. Many widows were even the primary cause of their husbands’ death while many so called helpers of the widows are demanding for their bodies before helping them. Anyone that eats unripe fruit shall surely have his teeth ache/sore. Are you a true helper of widow without wanting anything in return? You are doing a good job for God. He is the rewarder of all we do for the poor and helpless. He will not let you go unrewarded. But if you demand for their body before you help them, remember their Redeemer liveth, He will surely avenge them upon their adversaries. Repent!

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, help all the widows and the fatherless, take away their pain and sorrow as you meet their daily needs in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 15-17.

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Sunday, May 22, 2022

LET'S CELEBRATE JESUS CHRIST

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

MONDAY, 23TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: LET'S CELEBRATE JESUS CHRIST

MEMORIZE: "His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers." Song of Solomon 5:13

SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 53:1-5.

“Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”

EXPOSITION:

Lo, the flowery month is come! March winds and April showers have done their work, and the earth is all bedecked with beauty. Come my soul, put on thine holiday attire and go forth to gather garlands of heavenly thoughts. Thou knowest whither to betake thyself, for to thee "the beds of spices" are well known, and thou hast so often smelt the perfume of "the sweet flowers," that thou wilt go at once to thy well-beloved and find all loveliness, all joy in Him. That cheek once so rudely smitten with a rod, oft bedewed with tears of sympathy and then defiled with spittle--that cheek as it smiles with mercy is as fragrant aromatic to my heart. Thou didst not hide Thy face from shame and spitting, O Lord Jesus, and therefore I will find my dearest delight in praising Thee. Those cheeks were furrowed by the plough of grief, and crimsoned with red lines of blood from Thy thorn-crowned temples; such marks of love unbounded cannot but charm my soul far more than "pillars of perfume." If I may not see the whole of His face I would behold His cheeks, for the least glimpse of Him is exceedingly refreshing to my spiritual sense and yields a variety of delights. In Jesus I find not only fragrance, but a bed of spices; not one flower, but all manner of sweet flowers. He is to me my rose and my lily, my heart's- ease and my cluster of camphire. When He is with me it is May all the year round, and my soul goes forth to wash her happy face in the morning-dew of His grace, and to solace herself with the singing of the birds of His promises. Precious Lord Jesus, let me in very deed know the blessedness which dwells in abiding, unbroken fellowship with Thee. I am a poor worthless one, whose cheek Thou hast deigned to kiss! O let me kiss Thee in return with the kisses of my lips.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, help me to love you and others as you love me in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 18-21.

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The IMPORTANCE OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

SUNDAY, 22TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION

MEMORIZE: “Who (Jesus) was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.” Romans 4:25.

SCRIPTURE READING: “So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:42-45.

EXPOSITION:

The importance of Christ's resurrection will be seen when we consider that if he rose the gospel is true, and if he rose not it is false. His resurrection from the dead makes it manifest that his sacrifice was accepted. Our justification was secured by his obedience to the death, and therefore he was raised from the dead (Rom. 4:25). His resurrection is a proof that he made a full atonement for our sins, that his sacrifice was accepted as a satisfaction to divine justice, and his blood a ransom for sinners. It is also a pledge and an earnest of the resurrection of all believers (Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:14; 15:47-49; Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2). As he lives, they shall live also.

It proved him to be the Son of God, inasmuch as it authenticated all his claims (John 2:19; 10:17). "If Christ did not rise, the whole scheme of redemption is a failure, and all the predictions and anticipations of its glorious results for time and for eternity, for men and for angels of every rank and order, are proved to be chimeras. 'But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.' Therefore the Bible is true from Genesis to Revelation. The kingdom of darkness has been overthrown, Satan has fallen as lightning from heaven, and the triumph of truth over error, of good over evil, of happiness over misery is forever secured."

With reference to the report which the Roman soldiers were bribed (Matt. 28:12-14) to circulate concerning Christ's resurrection, "his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept," Matthew Henry in his "Commentary," under John 20:1-10, fittingly remarks, "The grave-clothes in which Christ had been buried were found in very good order, which serves for an evidence that his body was not 'stolen away while men slept.' Robbers of tombs have been known to take away 'the clothes' and leave the body; but none ever took away 'the body' and left the clothes, especially when they were 'fine linen' and new (Mark 15:46). Anyone would rather choose to carry a dead body in its clothes than naked. Or if they that were supposed to have stolen it would have left the grave-clothes behind, yet it cannot be supposed they would find leisure to 'fold up the linen.'"

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, give us understanding of our benefits in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in the reality of it in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 15-17.

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RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

SATURDAY, 21ST MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

MEMORIZE: “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Cor. 15:20.

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Corinthians 15:12-21.

“Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.”

EXPOSITION:

One of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (1 Cor. 15:14). The whole of the New Testament revelation rests on this as an historical fact. On the day of Pentecost Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Ps. 16 (Acts 2:24-28). In his own discourses, also, our Lord clearly intimates his resurrection (Matt. 20:19; Mark 9:9; 14:28; Luke 18:33; John 2:19-22). The evangelists give circumstantial accounts of the facts connected with that event, and the apostles, also, in their public teaching largely insist upon it. Ten different appearances of our risen Lord are recorded in the New Testament. They may be arranged as follows:

(1.) To Mary Magdalene at the sepulchre alone. This is recorded at length only by John (20:11-18), and alluded to by Mark (16:9-11).

(2.) To certain women, "the other Mary," Salome, Joanna, and others, as they returned from the sepulchre. Matthew (28:1-10) alone gives an account of this. (Comp. Mark 16:1-8, and Luke 24:1-11.)

(3.) To Simon Peter alone on the day of the resurrection. (See Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5.)

(4.) To the two disciples on the way to Emmaus on the day of the resurrection, recorded fully only by Luke (24:13-35. Comp. Mark 16:12, 13).

(5.) To the ten disciples (Thomas being absent) and others "with them," at Jerusalem on the evening of the resurrection day. One of the evangelists gives an account of this appearance, John (20:19-24).

(6.) To the disciples again (Thomas being present) at Jerusalem (Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:33-40; John 20:26-28. See also 1 Cor. 15:5).

(7.) To the disciples when fishing at the Sea of Galilee. Of this appearance also John (21:1-23) alone gives an account.

(8.) To the eleven, and above 500 brethren at once, at an appointed place in Galilee (1 Cor. 15:6; comp. Matt. 28:16-20).

(9.) To James, but under what circumstances we are not informed (1 Cor. 15:7).

(10.) To the apostles immediately before the ascension. They accompanied him from Jerusalem to Mount Olivet, and there they saw him ascend "till a cloud received him out of their sight" (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:4-10). It is worthy of note that it is distinctly related that on most of these occasions our Lord afforded his disciples the amplest opportunity of testing the fact of his resurrection. He conversed with them face to face. They touched him (Matt. 28:9; Luke 24:39; John 20:27), and he ate bread with them (Luke 24:42, 43; John 21:12, 13).

(11.) In addition to the above, mention might be made of Christ's manifestation of himself to Paul at Damascus, who speaks of it as an appearance of the risen Saviour (Acts 9:3-9, 17; 1 Cor. 15:8; 9:1). It is implied in the words of Luke (Acts 1:3) that there may have been other appearances of which we have no record.

The resurrection is spoken of as the act of…

(1) God the Father (Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:24; 3:15; Rom. 8:11; Eph. 1:20; Col. 2:12; Heb. 13:20);

(2) Christ himself (John 2:19; 10:18);

(3) the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 3:18).

The resurrection is a public testimony of Christ's release from his undertaking as surety, and an evidence of the Father's acceptance of his work of redemption. It is a victory over death and the grave for all his followers.

ACTION POINT:

Protect your Christian testimony till the end in order to be partaker of this resurrection with Christ now and in the resurrection Day.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 29-31.

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Thursday, May 19, 2022

THE HELPLESS SYMPATHIZERS

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

FRIDAY, 20TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: THE HELPLESS SYMPATHIZERS

MEMORIZE: “And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.” Mark 5:38.

SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 5:38-40

“38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40 And they laughed him to scorn.”

EXPOSITION:

Grief is intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one, especially by death. It is something that causes great unhappiness. It is synonyms to heartbreak. Grief usually attracts sympathizers who voluntarily shares in our grief to comfort us. It is generally believed that we regain strength when we receive consolation and encouragement from the people called sympathizers. But of reality, what good can a sympathizer do to our lives? Nothing! Many who are even crying might even be laughing us to scorn secretly or could even be the cause of the predicament.

The precious daughter of Chief Jairus died, the sympathizers were doing the needful to be identified with the family in their sorrow. This seems to be normal and good. But soon, Jesus Christ, the giver and restorer of life came in and declared… “Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” This supposed to be the good news worthy of celebrating, but reverse was the case… “And they laughed him to scorn.” Why? Because they didn’t believe He can bring her back to life or they thought he was a helpless sympathizer like them. Instead of Jesus to join their company, he did what permanently silent them by bringing the dead daughter back to life. As a result of this, the Lord ministered to me about the helpless sympathizers; the people who have nothing positive to contribute to increase your value, yet they are very angry and sorrowful to see you getting better or blessed. They are people you thought are good to be seen around you but of a truth, they are sworn enemies. It takes the grace of God to not become prey in their hands. Only Jesus Christ you need to take away your pain, fear and to raise your dead back to life. Instead of destiny sympathizers, it is Jesus Christ, the restorer of life that you need. He will have mercy on you and also restore you back to life in sound health and prosperity and also restore your material losses. Seek and invite Him today as Jairus did and you will laugh last. I pray you will not have reason for the service of sympathizers in your life and family in Jesus name.

It is a pity that many men of God that people are looking up to as restorers of life and destinies had joined the company of sympathizers. They could no longer help the helpless lives kept under their watch. Lord, help me not to remain in the company of sympathizers but rather to be a restorer of lives and destinies by name of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINT:

i. Lord Jesus, I invite you to attend to my dead situation today and restore me back to life in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, as you used the restored life of Jairus' daughter to silence all the sympathizers and mourners in Jairus’ family, use my testimony to silence all my helpless sympathizers in Jesus name. Amen.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 22-25.

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Wednesday, May 18, 2022

BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

THURSDAY, 19TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE

MEMORIZE: “"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11.

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 3:11-12.

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

EXPOSITION:

I found this discovery which is very good for our spiritual consumption and worth sharing. Hermeneutics is one of the subjects I desire so much. If you may ask me, what is Hermeneutics? 'It is the science of interpreting the Bible (scripture).' Well, I am worried about the usage of one particular passage in the Bible which is Matthew 3:11c that says: "He (Jesus) Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" [CSB]. Many preachers assume today that, it is right to always ask for the 'baptism of Spirit and fire' altogether.

It is true that fire is sometimes used as a symbol of God's consuming holiness or purifying trials in the Bible but lucidly, it must be observed that whenever fire is conjoined with the image of baptism in the New Testament, it refers to "judgment". Here, Jesus' assignment was defined by John as someone who will baptize the righteous ones in the Holy Spirit and baptize the wicked ones with fire. The wicked are baptized or immersed in fire (Matthew 3:10,12). The context is a call to repentance, and much of the audience promised this fire baptism was unwilling to repent. John warned the Pharisees about God's coming wrath (Matthew 3:7), and that unless they bore fruit (Matthew 3:8) God's ax judgment would cast them into fire (Matthew 3:10; cf. Matthew 12:33). The summary of this fire is given in verse 12 as "unquenchable or eternal fire." Therefore, using this fire baptism in Matthew 3:11 to pray for ourselves is an ignorant curse. Let us apply scripture correctly and avoid unnecessary evil.

Did you know that some people believe that "white throne judgment is a good thing for them?" Just because it is called 'white' then, it must be something good for the believers. No! White throne judgment is for the unbelievers while "bema seat judgment" is for the righteous ones or believers.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, give us the understanding of your word that it may benefit us to the fullness in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 18-21.

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Tuesday, May 17, 2022

IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME...

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

WEDNESDAY, 18TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME…

Genuine Repentance, the gate way to God’s Intervention

MEMORIZE: “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.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Chronicles 7:14-15.

“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. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.”

EXPOSITION:

Repentance: There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance.

(1) The verb “metamelomai”_ is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3).

(2) “Metanoeo” meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge.

(3) the cognate noun _metanoia_, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised.

Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one's own guilt and sinfulness;

(2) an apprehension of God's mercy in Christ;

(3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God;

(4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments.

God expects His people to genuinely repent of their sins and turn to Him wholeheartedly. The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Ps. 51:4, 9), of pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Ps. 51:1; 130:4).

When we turn to God wholeheartedly from our sins, He also has promised that… “then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place.” 2 Chronicle 7:14. Our sins made us enemies of God, but our repentance made us acceptable to God. No one gets saved by his human effort but only through grace. The call of God to all sinners still remain, “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.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, sincerely repent and turn to God so as to receive His mercy and blessings.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 15-17.

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PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE – Part 2

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

TUESDAY, 17TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE – Part 2

MEMORIZE: “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.” Exodus 15:3

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 44:19-26

“Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death. If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth. Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.”

EXPOSITION:

Persecution is like fire that removes the dross from gold or silver. As the Scriptures says, “or he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:2-3. “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.” Pr 25:4. Sometimes, God permits persecution to rock His Church when the church is busy doing the wrong things. For example, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem till they will be filled with the Holy Spirit and power. After then, they shall be His witnesses starting from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth – Acts 1:8. But they increased greatly after the empowerment to more than eight thousand people, yet they remained in Jerusalem. But when the persecution arose and took the life of Stephen – the man full of the Holy Spirit and courage, everybody scattered, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere they go. As a result of this, we found Philip in Samaria with great revival that brought great joy to the entire city. Acts chapters 7 and 8.

The furnace of affliction and persecution is so dreadful that we don’t usually see the will of God in it. No one desires it because it challenges our faith and the greatness of our God. It threatens as if God is not powerful to fight for His name and defend His children. Whenever God is silent to the affliction of His children, it is regarded as if He had cast us away. David said, “O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again. Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh. Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment… Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.” Psalm 60:1-3, 11-12.

This is the good news, our God is not weak nor blind that he cannot see, as the enemies of the cross think. He is only waiting for sinners to repent and come back to Him. He is both Merciful and Awesome, the Consuming fire. He is a man of war and the Lord of hosts. He is the mighty man in battle. All we need to do as children of God is to keep trusting Him, calling and waiting for His intervention at this moment of intense persecution of the Church until He will arise as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He will tear in pieces all His enemies and judge the world in righteousness.

PRAYER POINT:

Let us pray like David and Jeremiah: Use Jeremiah 15:15, Psalm 44:19-26 and Psalm 68:30 for prayer against the persecutors of the Christians in Nigeria and all over the world, that God should arise and fight for His name, judge the wicked and convert our persecutors to bearer of His cross unashamedly in Jesus name.

Jeremiah 15:15 “O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.”

Psalm 68:30 “Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.”

Psalm 44:19-26 “Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death. If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth. Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.”

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 11-14.

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PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE – Part 1

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

MONDAY, 16TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE – Part 1

MEMORIZE: “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.” Matthew 24:9.

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 24:9-13.

“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

EXPOSITION:

Persecution is the torture or maltreatment someone suffered because of what he stands for. It could be religious, political or tribal in nature. The most common of them is persecution because of one’s religion. Some people were denied employment, and some, promotion because of his religion. Many were maltreated and even humiliated because of their religion. In many countries of the world, Christians were regarded as second citizen, not valued nor honored. But it is not a new thing, Jesus Christ has prophesied about it.

Here are some references to Prediction of persecution concerning the Church

Matthew 10:16-18 “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.”

Matthew 24:9 “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.”

Luke 21:12 “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.”

John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”

John 16:2 “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.”

2 Timothy 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Revelation 2:10 “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

What God said concerning the persecution of the brethren for the sake of Christ is that:

i. Blessed are you when you are persecuted for Christ’s sake – Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 3:14

ii. Don’t suffer persecution for your wrong doing – 1 Peter 2:19-20; 4:12-16.

iii. Let your persecution or suffering be for righteousness’ sake – 1 Peter 3:17

iv. Persecution is one of the signs of the end time – Matthew 24:3, 8.

To this, God’s expectation from us toward persecution is to endure it and remain uncompromised till the end – “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13.

PRAYER POINT:

Use Jeremiah 15:15 and Psalm 68:30 for prayer against the persecutors of the Christian in Nigeria and overseas.

Jeremiah 15:15 “O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.”

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 8-10.

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SEEK NOT BETHEL, BUT GOD

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

SUNDAY, 15TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

SEEK NOT BETHEL, BUT GOD

MEMORIZE: “But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought.” Amos 5:5.

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Kings 12:26-30.

“And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.”

EXPOSITION:

Bethel, which mean “the house of God” was named by Jacob, for there the Lord met him when he was running away from his angry brother, Esau. There he slept, using a stone as pillow… “And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.” Genesis 28:12-15.

Bethel was initially having good reference as a place where God dwells. For example, At Bethel, God appeared unto Jacob and transferred His covenant for Abraham and Isaac to him. He also promised him his presence and back up. It is written, “And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God.” Genesis 28:16-21. Twenty years later, the Lord appeared to Jacob again and instructed him to return back to Bethel where He vowed to build the altar unto God – Genesis 31:13; 35:1-7.

At a time, the iniquities of the children of Israel pollute it and the presence of God departed from there. During the divided kingdom under King Jeroboam, son of Nebat, he forbad his subjects to go to Jerusalem to pray to the living God. He then “took counsel and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.” Since then, Bethel had become the high place where they sacrifice unto baal. Anyone that went there did not go to serve the living God but baal. Therefore, God detest it and vowed to destroy it.

Thereafter, the order of God was: Seek ye Me, but seek not Bethel… “For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: 5 But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. 6 Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.” Amos 5:4-6.

Dear reader, what are you building in your relationship with God? Can you remember your beginning, how you started well? You were so pleasing to the Lord. You feared God and Love to be with Him always. Adam enjoyed the same when he started with God in the Garden of Eden until iniquity destroyed his relationship with God. He was therefore chased out of Eden, the garden of God. Why did you desert your Jerusalem and built strange doctrine in your heart, your home and your church? No one could question you because you think you own your life. Today, God is still saying, But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.” Amos 5:5-6. Bethel may look religious, but it is contaminated. God is no longer there. Repent and desist from whatever you are doing that is not giving God the glory.

PRAYER

Lord, have mercy on us and forgive us where we are seeking men and buildings instead of you, God. Lord, save us and restore us back to yourself in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 5-7.

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JOY OF VICTORY – Part 2

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

SATURDAY, 14TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: JOY OF VICTORY – Part 2

MEMORIZE: “And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.” Esther 8:15-16.

SCRIPTURE READING: Esther 7:6-10

“And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.”

EXPOSITION:

One of the names of God is “THE LORD OF HOST”. He is also called, “THE MAN OF WAR”. By this names, He is known for fighting the for His children, most especially, those who admit that they can do nothing without Him. Mordecai and Esther are examples of people who enjoyed God. God gave them victory over their sworn enemy – Haman. Haman was privileged to be lifted high to the second in command to king Ahasuerus. But in his highly exalted position, he still hates Mordecai, the gate keeper of the King’s palace, because he refused to bow down to him. He thereby determined to waste the entire Jewish race because of Mordecai in the whole one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the Persia and Media. He sought the king’s approval and vowed to pay huge amount of money into the king’s treasury. But God overturned his plan as he became the victim of the judgment of death he had prepared for Mordecai.

I want to assure you that this God never change. He is still in the business of defending and avenging for his people. He will surely fight for you too. The joy of victory was experienced by Mordecai, Esther and the entire Jewish race. They were fortified by the order of the king against their enemies and they utterly destroy their enemies. Thereafter, they were promoted and possessed the house and possessions of their enemies. It is written, “On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.” Esther 8:1,2. “For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” Esther 10:3.

Once you have God to your side and trust His judgment and His mighty arm for protection, charms and other weapons of the enemies shall not harm you in any way. You too will experience the joy of victory over those who are threatening your life and progress. Pray to God today for Him to fight for you. Anyone who wins God’s approval will never become loser. He fought for Mordecai and Esther even in the strange land… He fought for Moses and the children of Israel in Egypt… He will fight for you too.

In conclusion,be careful. Don't fight against God and His work. If you do,you will be seen as rebellious who must be destroyed. He always defend the defenseless, not the rebellious. May your good expectations in God never be disappointed in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord I admit I need you in my life. Fight for me and give me victory over all my sworn enemies in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Job 1-4.

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Thursday, May 12, 2022

JOY OF VICTORY - Part 1

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

FRIDAY, 13TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: JOY OF VICTORY - Part 1

MEMORIZE: “Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go back to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies.” 2 Chronicles 20:27.

SCRIPTURE READING:

“24 So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped. 25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much. 26 And on the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berachah, for there they blessed the LORD; therefore the name of that place was called The Valley of Berachah until this day. 27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go back to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies. 28 So they came to Jerusalem, with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets, to the house of the LORD. 29 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 Then the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.” 2 Chronicles 20:24-30.

EXPOSITION:

Song of victory is the melodious songs coming from our mouths in appreciation for the victory won. Songs of victory is for the conquerors and there cannot be victory without a fight. This life is a battle field and no one can be out of it. Our perfect example of song of victory is Jehoshaphat. He was besieged by three mighty nations which constituted threat to him and his kingdom. He sought the Lord God and found Him. They fought the battle that swords, arrows, javelins and other weapons of war could not have won through praise. It is written, “22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. 23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. 2 Chronicles 20:22-23.

When the men Judah were expected to be fighting at the war front, reverse was the case - they were busy gathering the spoils of the battle they never fight. It is God that can do the impossible and help the helpless. As Jehoshaphat and the men of Judah got to the battle field, the saw that God had settled it, no need for war again. They thereafter launched into harvesting the spoils of their enemies. It is written, “And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much. And on the fourh day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.” 2 Chronicles 20:24-26.

What are you passing through that want to take life out of you? What is frustrating your efforts and the grace of God in your life? What is that thing or person that is presenting him/herself as a waster over your life and destiny? Hand it over to God today, the power that destroyed the enemies of Jehoshaphat will deliver you too from all your strong enemies in Jesus name. All you need to do is to believe that God is able to do it and you need to call Him for divine intervention today. You natural power cannot give you victory, only the arm of the Lord can do. And you will surely sing the song of victory as Jehoshaphat did.

ACTION POINT:

Do not be terrified about the giant enemy/problem confronting you, hand it over to God today. Desire the song of victory and you will soon sing it with joy in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Esther 8-10.

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INNER CONDEMNATION

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

THURSDAY, 12TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: INNER CONDEMNATION

MEMORIZE: “Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.” 1 Samuel 15:24

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Samuel 15:18-24

“Now the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, 'Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.' "Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the LORD?" And Saul said to Samuel, "But I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. "But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal." Then Samuel said: "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king." Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.”

EXPOSITION:

A young brother was moved by divine inspiration to pray for a dead boy in his neighbourhood, but fear of what if he did not come back to life and the possible embarrassment that may follow from the onlookers made him to disobey the call of God. For about two hours, he continued struggling in his heart until the corpse was finally buried. Thereafter, God ministered unto him that he was the one who killed the boy, due to his unbelief and negligence. As a result of this, he suffered inner condemnation and guilty of being a murderer.

Inner condemnation is the guilt we suffer for things we have done wrong. Some of them may be amendable while some are not. King Saul disobeyed God’s order and suffered rejection from God. He later regretted it though his action and its consequence remains irreversible. The same thing happened to the young brother in our story today - his disobedience costs the boy his life – God’s plan for him was to be raised back to life and give glory to God, but the negligence and disobedience of the supposed saviour made him to be considered dead and buried.

I want to challenge you today, how many destinies have you killed because of your negligence? Negligence to pray for the sick as a minister of God because the victim does not have money to pay you, or because he/she doesn’t pay his/her huge tithes to you… Negligence to preach the gospel to the sinners around you for fear of ridicule… Negligence in helping the poor or giving to the work of God because you thought you have nothing to benefit from them… Examine yourself. In what way has your careless living put others in jeopardy? What have you done that brought you inner condemnation? If God chose to pass through you does not mean you are the best; that is the grace of God extended to you. How safe are the destinies kept under your care? If God should rate you at the end, will He approve you and commend your effort? Repent and desist from all unprofitable actions and remember that God is the judge and rewarder of all we do.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, I’m sorry in any way I have allowed my negligence to put others into trouble. Help me to amend my way and be a timely helper to those you have sent me to in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Esther 4-7.

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IT IS YOU, NOT ADAM

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

WEDNESDAY, 11TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: IT IS YOU, NOT ADAM

MEMORIZE: “When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.” Ezekiel 18:26

SCRIPTURE READING: John 3:16-18

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

EXPOSITION:

There was a man in the ancient time, he was always found crying saying, Adam has done this! Adam has done this!! He always blame Adam for his poverty, affliction and predicament. One day, a rich man saw him and decided to change his life for better. He brought him into a mansion, changed his raiment, gave him money, he was living well. He never missed any of his three square meals. He was living well and soon forgot his former life. But his benefactor gave him a warning; “I give you all the mansion to use it as it pleases you”, he then pointed to a particular room and said, “Do not ever enter into this room, because there is a secret I kept there.”

This man obeyed his benefactor for three years. Thereafter, he began to be curious about what could be the secret in that room. To satisfy himself, he opened the room when he thought the man would not know. As he entered, he found his old clothe of poverty and immediately his benefactor came behind him. He said, Haven’t I told you that you should not enter this room? Is there anything you lack since I brought here? The man responded, Nothing, sir! His benefactor said, what you want to see is your old life. Therefore, pick your clothe and wear it. And henceforth, never you say, “Adam is the cause” or “Adam has done this” as you used to claim. Adam is no longer the cause of your predicament, but you yourself.

Even today, many of us do claim that “Adam is the cause”, but in reality, we are the cause of our sorrow and affliction as a result of our sins. God is able and ready to restore us to a well meaningful life but our pride, ingratitude, rebellion, disobedience, etc would not permit us to enjoy it for long. He has prepared eternal life for us upon condition of your faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and make Him your personal Saviour. Only those who believe in Him shall be given power to be called the sons of God. Many are serving God faithfully only when they were poor. But when they were blessed, they became promiscuous, multiplying wives/husbands; joined cults, etc. Adam is not the cause of your fallen, but you yourself.

PRAYER POINT:

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Esther 1-3.

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GOD THAT FIGHT FOR THE HELPLESS

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

TUESDAY, 10TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: GOD THAT FIGHT FOR THE HELPLESS

MEMORIZE: “So Jeroboam did not recover strength again in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him, and he died.” 2 Chronicles 13:20.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Chronicles 13:10-20.

“But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the priests who minister to the LORD are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. "And they burn to the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense; they also set the showbread in order on the pure gold table, and the lampstand of gold with its lamps to burn every evening; for we keep the command of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken Him. "Now look, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with sounding trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD God of your fathers, for you shall not prosper!" But Jeroboam caused an ambush to go around behind them; so they were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them. And when Judah looked around, to their surprise the battle line was at both front and rear; and they cried out to the LORD, and the priests sounded the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout; and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand. Then Abijah and his people struck them with a great slaughter; so five hundred thousand choice men of Israel fell slain. Thus the children of Israel were subdued at that time; and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD God of their fathers. And Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took cities from him: Bethel with its villages, Jeshanah with its villages, and Ephrain with its villages. So Jeroboam did not recover strength again in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him, and he died.”

EXPOSITION:

Sometimes we over rate our ability or strength when we don’t put God into consideration in our lives. Pharaoh, in his bid to restrain the children of Israel from gaining freedom from his captivity, challenged God and said, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go."” Exodus 5:2. Nebuchadnezzar challenged the power of God in the lives of the three Hebrews when they refused to bow down to his graven image of gold, in anger he said, “Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” Daniel 3:15. Rabshakeh, the captain of the King of Assyria in terrifying challenge against Hezekiah and men of Judah said, “But do not listen to Hezekiah, lest he persuade you, saying, "The LORD will deliver us." 'Has any of the gods of the nations at all delivered its land from the hand of the king of Assyria? 'Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim and Hena and Ivah? Indeed, have they delivered Samaria from my hand? 'Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their countries from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?'"” 2 Kings 18:32-35. Why will they make such a statement about God and His people? Because they did not know Him and therefore, have no regard for Him and His power. God is great. He can fight and defeat the strongest of men without a visible weapon. But because He is not visible to man, most men do not regard Him as God who is powerful and mighty to save and deliver the poor and the helpless.

Jeroboam the son of Nebath, king of Israel mustered twice of the army of Judah to fight against Abijah, king of Judah. He even laid ambushment against the men of Judah. But God fought for Him in an unusual way. If you have God to your side, you shall not be afraid of their fierceness of the enemy. In what way are you a victim of fear of enemy? Is there anyone threatening you to waste you or make life miserable for you? God who fought for Abijah, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, the three Hebrews, etc will come to your defence and fight for you. Do not be afraid men who can kill the body but have no power over the soul. Only fear God and be faithful to Him. He will not allow the waster to waste you. He will surely fight for you. Just walk in His way and obey Him. – “But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.” {an adversary...: or, I will afflict them that afflict thee} - Exodus 23:22.

PRAYER POINT:

i. Lord, fight for me in your supernatural way and give me victory over my strong enemies in Jesus name.

ii. My Lord and my God, according to your Word, be an enemy unto my enemies, and an adversary unto my adversaries in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Nehemiah 10-13.

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Sunday, May 8, 2022

LET THE MASTER JESUS GO WITH YOU

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

MONDAY, 9TH MAY, 2022

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

General Overseer

Topic: LET THE MASTER JESUS GO WITH YOU

MEMORIZE: “Then one said, "Please consent to go with your servants." And he answered, "I will go." 2 Kings 6:3.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Kings 6:1-7.

“And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. "Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell." So he answered, "Go." Then one said, "Please consent to go with your servants." And he answered, "I will go." So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, master! For it was borrowed." So the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, "Pick it up for yourself." So he reached out his hand and took it.”

EXPOSITION:

It is a good thing to discover yourself. It is the primary step to recovery. But we must still remember that self discovery without God’s backup and provision will not produce result expected. The sons of the prophets discovered that the place where they dwell before Elisha was too small for them and that they need a larger place for their convenience; which is symbol of greatness and expansion in life and ministry. You don’t ask for expansion when you have not outgrown your current space. We all dream to be big, fruitful and fulfilled, the reason why we pray to God to bless the work of our hand and prosper us in all we lay our hands upon.

But after self-discovery, we need God’s presence to journey with us because there are lots of challenges in our daily living. It is written, “The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:1-3. All our thought and the preparation of our hearts are always good with well calculation of success at the end, but God is the One that know what lies ahead. The answer of the tongue is from the LORD. Therefore, we must commit our works to the Lord, then our thoughts will be established and prospered.

The presence of prophet Elisha really saved them from serious trouble that would have rendered their efforts a futile. “But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, master! For it was borrowed." So the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, "Pick it up for yourself." So he reached out his hand and took it.” Proverbs 6:5-7. Allow God to give you approval in all you are to do and let Him accompany you in doing it. Let God journey with you in your marriage and in your business. Whenever the storm of life besieges you, His presence will be the one to run to for safety. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.”

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, Journey with me unto greatness in my marriage and my daily business/work in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Nehemiah 8-10.

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