MERCY FOR HEALING

TUESDAY, 1ST NOVEMBER, 2022.

Topic: MERCY FOR HEALING 

MEMORIZE: “So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him." Matthew 20:34.

SCRIPTURE READING: John 5:1-9.

“1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.  5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.  6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" 7 The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." 8 Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.”

EXPOSITION:

Jesus is the compassionate and wonders working God; who by his mercy has rescued many people from the captivity of the enemy, healed the sick, delivered the oppressed and set those who are possessed with evil spirits free. We experienced healing through any of these two means: 1. Through faith in Jesus Christ. 2. Through the Lord’s compassion (mercy).

MEN WERE HEALED BY THE LORD’S COMPASSION: 

Faith is man’s initiative/move of putting God into action. It is having unfailing confidence in the possibility power of God. It is man’s strong weapon in connecting with God. It is highly commended by God. But that is to someone who knows, believes and hopes in God’s greatness. But greater than your faith is God’s mercy (His compassion). When man’s strength and hope failed, then God’s mercy steps in. God’s mercy overrules protocols. It helps the helpless; qualifies the unqualified; accepts and promotes the rejected and outcast. 

There were hosts of people who got their healing by God’s mercy. Many beneficiaries of healing by His mercy did not even know Him. Let us look at the Scripture to examine some of them: Matthew 20:32-34 “So Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”

Mark 5:19 “However, Jesus … said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."”

Phil. 2:25-27 “Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” Epaphroditus, a beloved brother and a useful companion of Apostle Paul, was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him and healed him. The healing was not necessarily because of his faith or prayers, but God’s mercy.

The son of the widow of Nain was restored back to life by the Lord’s mercy. “He went into a city called Nain; … And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.” Luke 7:11-15. That this woman did not ask for Jesus’ help shows that she did not know Him. Even when Jesus told her not to weep again, she did not have reason not to weep again until Jesus raised her dead son back to life. May God’s mercy address your situation today and wipe away your tears in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINT: 

Lord, let your mercy speak for me even when I don’t know what to do or ask for in Jesus name.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Luke 19-21.

HEALING THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

MONDAY, 31ST OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: HEALING THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

MEMORIZE: “Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.”" Mark 10:52

SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 10:46-52.

“46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, "Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you." 50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. 51 So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.”

EXPOSITION:

Jesus is the compassionate and wonders working God; who by his mercy has rescued many people from the captivity of the enemy, healed the sick, delivered the oppressed and set those who are possessed with evil spirits free. We experienced healing through any of these two means: 1. Through faith in Jesus Christ. 2. Through the Lord’s compassion (mercy).

MEN WERE HEALED THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST: 

There were instances whereby Jesus commended the faith of people towards their healing. Jesus even said, “…for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:20.

Jesus greatly commended the faith of the woman with issue of blood who had suffered many things in the hands of physicians for twelve years because of our problem. She took the step of faith “For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?" But the woman, … fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."” Mark 5:25-34; cf. Matthew 9:22.

Jesus Christ also commended the faith of Bartimaeus the blind. It was his eyes that was blind, not his faith in Christ as recorded in Mark 10:46-52: “And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. …And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.”

PRAYER POINT: 

Lord, help my faith in you to grow in moving your mighty hand unto great wonders in my life and family in Jesus name.

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

MERCY FOR ACCEPTANCE

 SUNDAY, 30TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: MERCY FOR ACCEPTANCE

MEMORIZE: "All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days."  Esther 4:6.

SCRIPTURE READING: Esther 5:1-8.

“1 Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. 2 So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter. 3 And the king said to her, "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you-up to half the kingdom!" 4 So Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him." 5 Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said." So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. 6 At the banquet of wine the king said to Esther, "What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!" 7 Then Esther answered and said, "My petition and request is this: 8 "If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said."”

EXPOSITION:

Acceptance is an approval. It is to be allowed to stand before kings or the constituted authority. In Mede, there is an established law that forbids queen from seeing her husband, the king, when not sent for. Esther said, “"All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days." – Esther 4:11. But for the sake of her love for her father’s land, the Jews, who were about to be executed, she sought the face of God together with her people for three days. Thereafter, she took her life her hand and went to the king without being called. But instead of death, she found favour. Mercy got all her requests granted. In the end, her enemy, Haman, was exposed, ridiculed, eliminated and substituted with Mordecai. Mercy for acceptance.

Let’s look at it in another way: If Esther had not received mercy while she went to the king in the inner chamber, she would have been killed and the outcome of it would have been that all Jews in all one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of Mede-Persia would have died in the hand of Haman. Glory be to God, mercy intervened and brought her life. Mercy also saved her people (the Jews) from utter destruction.

When your person is accepted by God, you become His son/daughter. You will experience His presence and blessings. You will know His will and become the carrier of His authority and glory. May mercy make way for you and make you accepted before God and your helpers in Jesus name. Amen.

PRAYER POINT: i. Lord, let your mercy grant me open door of acceptance before God in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, let your mercy make way for me and make me acceptable before God and my helpers in Jesus name.

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

MERCY FOR RESTORATION – Part 2

SATURDAY, 29TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

MERCY FOR RESTORATION – Part 2

MEMORIZE: “And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed a certain officer for her, saying, "Restore all that was hers, and all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the land until now."” 2 Kings 8:6.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Kings 8:1-6.

“1 Then Elisha spoke to the woman whose son he had restored to life, saying, "Arise and go, you and your household, and stay wherever you can; for the LORD has called for a famine, and furthermore, it will come upon the land for seven years." 2 So the woman arose and did according to the saying of the man of God, and she went with her household and dwelt in the land of the Philistines seven years. 3 It came to pass, at the end of seven years, that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went to make an appeal to the king for her house and for her land.  4 Then the king talked with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, "Tell me, please, all the great things Elisha has done." 5 Now it happened, as he was telling the king how he had restored the dead to life, that there was the woman whose son he had restored to life, appealing to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, "My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life." 6 And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed a certain officer for her, saying, "Restore all that was hers, and all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the land until now."”

EXPOSITION:

In our Scripture reading today, we see mercy for restoration at work in favour of a Shunamite woman. This woman loved God with whole of her heart and was full of hospitality. In her kindness to the men of God, she built an apartment for prophet Elisha for him to lodge whenever he went to the mountain. All these her kindness attracted God’s favour to her and her family. As God counted the hospitability of Abraham as a cost for liberating his barrenness, so it was for this honourable woman of Shunem.

SOME OF THE WAYS MERCY SPOKE FOR HER: 2 Kings 4:8-34; 8:1-6.

1. Her barrenness was taken away as God blessed her with a son according to the decree of prophet Elisha.

2. Years later, her son died but God used prophet Elisha to raise him back to life. 

3. Elisha delivered God’s message to her that famine is coming to ravage the land, she should go to anywhere of her choice to sojourn.

4. She left her house and farm land behind; these were taken over by others who are not her family members.

5. At her return, she saw her properties been taken over by strangers and she cried to the king.  The king commanded that all her properties be restored back to her with its monetary value for those seven years – "Restore all that was hers, and all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the land until now." 2 Kings 8:6. This is what I called total restoration through God’s mercy. 

Your act of kindness can bring you greater mercy in return. It is written, “With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless.” Psalm 18:25. What have you lost to the enemies? Discover yourself and what you have lost, then cry to God while it is called today. As you cry unto God in prayer, may he answer you and cause you to recover all in Jesus name. It is written, "…because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation." Psalm 91:14-16.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, I call for your mercy to bring me total recovery of all I have lost to the enemies today in Jesus name.

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

MERCY FOR RESTORATION - Part 1

FRIDAY, 28TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: MERCY FOR RESTORATION – Part 1

MEMORIZE: “Now David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?""  2 Samuel 9:1.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Samuel 9:7

“So David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually."”

EXPOSITION:

Restoration is returning something or someone to an earlier good position. It is the desire of everyone. Mephibosheth also experience it. He was of a royal family but lost his access to the throne through the iniquity of his grandfather, king Saul. He was also a lame, not physically fitted for kingship. When least expected, God’s mercy found him and brought him back to the palace. David said, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually." When mercy is at work, restoration is achievable within a short period of time. Mephibosheth was a prince, though denied of the throne and chased to Lo-debar, a pastureless land, but when mercy locate him, he was sought for, restored and fed with silver spoon for the rest of his life. He later lived a fulfilled life.

Mephibosheth is a symbol of life restored by mercy. He did not see the fortune  coming his way, but God’s mercy favoured him. You shall experience this power and wonder of mercy in your life henceforth in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, let me experience the power and wonder of mercy in my life and family from now henceforth in Jesus name.

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

NO MORE BARRENNESS

THURSDAY, 27TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: NO MORE BARRENNESS

MEMORIZE: “Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, "Thus says the LORD: 'I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.'"  2 Kings 2:21.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Kings 2:19-22.

“19 ¶ Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren." 20 And he said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, "Thus says the LORD: 'I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.'" 22 So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.”

EXPOSITION:

Barrenness is an inability to be unfruitful or giving birth. It is usually common to the living things – human, animals. And plants (tree). But the word of God reveals beyond that… It goes to the point that even the land can be barren and even a community. A carrier may be barren, a business may be barren, a destiny can be barren, a relationship can be barren, etc.

In our Scriptures today, the men of Jericho came to prophet Elisha, when they saw the greatness of God in his life and change of status in his prophetic ministry. The Bible says, “Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren." The curse that brought the barrenness to Jericho was released upon them when Joshua destroyed Jericho. The curse last for years. Elijah pass through Jericho and was not sent to heal its barrenness and bitterness of its water. But at the appointed time, the men of Jericho cried to Elisha unto God and the man of God healed the land and their water. It is written, And he said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, "Thus says the LORD: 'I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.'" 22 So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.” 2 Kings 2:19-22. I speak to your life and destiny today, may all your barrenness and bitterness in your life turn to fruitfulness in Jesus name. May God heal your barrenness in all its forms and manifestation in Jesus name. Amen.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord God Almighty, heal the barrenness and bitterness of my life and family in all its forms and manifestation in Jesus name.

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

HOW TO BE FAITHFUL TO GOD

WEDNESDAY, 26TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: HOW TO BE FAITHFUL TO GOD

MEMORIZE: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 1 Cor. 4:2.

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Cor. 4:1-2.

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 

EXPOSITION:

HOW TO BE FAITHFUL TO GOD

1. Know that you are just a steward, God is the Owner – “The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2; “"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.” Matt. 25:14-15. The talents were owned by the king, he only gave it to his servants to work with it till he comes.

2. Know that accountability is a necessity to every steward. “After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them…  "He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.''” Matt. 25:19, 20, 22.

3. Be obedient to God in the fear of God – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

Nothing you have on earth that you were not given. Therefore, live your life and do everything with the mind of giving account of it someday. Be faithful in all you do and remember that God is the rewarder of all we do and say.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to always remember that I am your steward, and help me to be faithful to you and humanity in all that is expected of me. 

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

GOD'S JUDGMENT FOR THE UNFAITHFUL

TUESDAY, 25TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: GOD’S JUDGMENT FOR THE UNFAITHFUL

MEMORIZE: “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.” Proverbs 25:19.

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 25:24-30.

“24 "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 'And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' 26 "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 'Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 29 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 'And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”

EXPOSITION:

Before commitment, faithfulness is required. But when trust is betrayed, it is called “an act of unfaithfulness”. When this happen, the unfaithful will not go unpunished. These are some judgments of God upon the unfaithful.

1. Condemnation – verses 26-27 – “"But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.” 

2. Withdrawal of God’s resources and virtues – verse 28 - “'Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.”

3. Rejection – verse 30 - “'And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness.”

4. Destruction in hell fire, if finally impenitent – verse 30 – “'And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus Christ, input in me your virtue of faithfulness so as not end in destruction in Jesus name. 

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Mark 13-16.

GOD’S REWARD TO THE FAITHFUL

 ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE for MONDAY, 24TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: GOD’S REWARD TO THE FAITHFUL

MEMORIZE: “"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' "  Matthew 25:21.

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 25:14-30

“14 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 "Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 "And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 "But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. 19 "After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' 21 "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' 22 "He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' 23 "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' 24 "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 'And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' 26 "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 'Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 29 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 'And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”

EXPOSITION:

God’s promise is part of His faithfulness, as He will never deny his word. He watches over us in all we say and do. He thereby rewards everyone according to his/her deeds. It is written, “…for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6. Also He said in Revelation 22:11-12 that, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” These are some of the promises of God for the faithful as recorded in the Scripture:

1. God is faithful to them are faithful – “With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless.” Psalm 18:25.

2. His eyes are on them to watch over them – “My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me.” Psalm 101:6.

3. He preserves them from evil – “Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person.” Psalm 31:23.

4. He guards their lives – “You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 97:10.

5. He protects them – “He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints.” Proverbs 2:8.

6. He blesses them – “'And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, 'then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil.  'And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled.'” Deut. 11:13-15.

7. He does not forsake them – “For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.” Psalm 37:28.

8. He rewards them – "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'” Matthew 25:21, 23

9. He guarantees them life – “If he has walked in My statutes And kept My judgments faithfully-He is just; He shall surely live!" Says the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 18:9.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to always remember that I am your steward, and help me to be faithful to you and humanity in all that is expected of me. 

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Mark 9-12.

HEAVENLY VERDICTS THAT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED

SUNDAY, 23RD OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: HEAVENLY VERDICTS THAT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED

MEMORIZE: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them" (Luke 11:44).

SCRIPTURE READING: LUKE11:37-52 (NKJV)

³⁷ And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat. ³⁸ When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner. ³⁹ Then the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. ⁴⁰ Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? ⁴¹ But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you. ⁴² But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. ⁴³ Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. ⁴⁴ Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them." ⁴⁵ Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, "Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also." ⁴⁶ And He said, "Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. ⁴⁷ Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. ⁴⁸ In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. ⁴⁹ Therefore the wisdom of God also said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,' ⁵⁰ that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, ⁵¹ from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation. ⁵² Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered."

EXPOSTION:

Heavenly verdicts that should not be ignored according to our today’s texts includes:

1. A true soul winner must learn to be sociable without being sinful – v. 37, Hebrews 7:26.

2. He is a fool who puts his priority on outward beauty and give less attention to inward purity – vv. 39, 40.

3. Giving of alms to the needy is part of neglected Christian righteousness – v. 41.

4. Things that attracts woe as against blessings.

a. External righteousness without inward grace of love for God, neighbor and truth – v. 42. Partial obedience is sinful.

b. Love of self exaltation, self-praise, public praise and approval – v. 43.

c. A life of spiritual rottenness, pretence and deceits - v 44.

d. Preaching the word without living out the preaching – v. 46.

e. Teaching and acting out what can derail someone from God and heaven – v. 52.

Reflect on each above and come to the cross in repentance so as to avoid the sentence of "woe". Jesus is not are specter of any.

PRAYER POINTS: Ask God to purge you from all forms of hypocrisy.

Consecrate and promise God that you will follow the way of the cross with emphasis on humility and inward holiness.

Ask God to purge you from the love of self-exaltation and praise of men.

Pray that each member will abhor hypocrisy and concentrate on true inward purity.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Mark 5-8.

HYPOCRISY FORBIDDEN!

SATURDAY, 22ND  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: HYPOCRISY FORBIDDEN! 

MEMORIZE: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them" (LUKE 11:44)._

SCRIPTURE READING: LUKE 11:37-52 (NKJV)

³⁷ And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat. ³⁸ When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner. ³⁹ Then the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. ⁴⁰ Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? ⁴¹ But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you. ⁴² But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. ⁴³ Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. ⁴⁴ Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them." ⁴⁵ Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, "Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also." ⁴⁶ And He said, "Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. ⁴⁷ Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. ⁴⁸ In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. ⁴⁹ Therefore the wisdom of God also said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,' ⁵⁰ that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, ⁵¹ from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation. ⁵² Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered." 

EXPOSITION 

To be hypocritical. It is to claim to be a child of God when you know full well that your life does not measure up to His holy standard. It is also to demand from others a level of integrity that is absent from your life. Hypocrisy misrepresents God and therefore seeks to make Him a liar before men.

It was unusual for Jesus to go to a man's house to condemn him. But this was what He did when invited for dinner by "a certain Pharisee." His host condemned Him first for not washing His hands and feet which they deemed to have been contaminated by the Lord's interaction with people they considered unclean. But in this, He saw an opportunity to speak truth to His host and the gathering of Scribes, Pharisees and lawyers that were present for the dinner. He chided them for their unwillingness to help the poor while insisting on the payment of tithe. He rebuked them for making high demands from the ordinary people, while excusing themselves from such rigour. He accused them of making other people unclean through their sullied spiritual lives. He condemned them not just for persecuting prophets of God but rejecting God Himself. He chided them for erroneously interpreting the Scriptures and therefore, misleading and preventing people from coming to Christ. But rather than being contrite and sober, they sought for ways to trap Him into making blasphemous statements.

Unlike the Pharisees and Scribes, believers must not hold others to the injunctions of Scriptures while disobeying those same provisions. The best way to influence people positively is to let our lives express what God expects from them.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If your life were a book, what will others read from it?

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

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WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN ‘LO DEBAR’?

FRIDAY, 21ST  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN ‘LO DEBAR’?

MEMORIZE: “So the king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar." 2 Samuel 9:4.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Samuel 9:1-8.

“1 Now David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" 2 And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" And he said, "At your service!" 3 Then the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?" And Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet." 4 So the king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar." 5 Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar. 6 Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, "Mephibosheth?" And he answered, "Here is your servant!" 7 So David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually." 8 Then he bowed himself, and said, "What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?"”

EXPOSITION:

Lo Debar is a place in Palestine meaning “pastureless”. It is pronounced “Lo-deb-ar’” It is mentioned only three times in the Bible: 2 Samuel 9:4, 5; & 17:27. Little thing was said concerning this village. But it became the place that hosts a prince when the throne rejected him. Mephibosheth was the only son of Jonathan of the seed of King Saul. He should have become king after his father, Jonathan, if not that God changed the program. But the consequence of his grandfather’s sin took his portion away from the palace to a pastureless place – Lo-debar. He remained in Lo-debar for unknown years until mercy remembered him.

On a memorable day, David was moved by God to ask, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" 2 Samuel 9:1. I wonder why he extends his request to the extended family (the house of Saul), when he knew he wants to show favour because of Jonathan. This could be because he did not know that his bosom friend has a son. But God who is wise in His doing brought to book the goodness of Jonathan upon his son – Mephibosheth.

What are you doing in Lo-debar? Where could be your Lo-debar? Anything you are doing that does not add value to your destiny is your Lo-debar. You are destined to be great, fruitful and fulfilled; but are you where you should be? Are you happy and feel fulfilled doing what you are doing? Remember, it is only the mercy of God that can make the forgotten ones to be remembered. It can reverse the irreversible. Mephibosheth was restored back to palace with silver spoon for the rest of his life. He experienced total restoration of all he had lost.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, remember me in your mercy and restore all I have lost as a result of inherited battle and my careless living in Jesus name.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Matthew 26-28.

CALLED BUT NOT WORTHY

THURSDAY, 20TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: CALLED BUT NOT WORTHY

MEMORIZE: “So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.” Matthew 22: 12.

SCRIPTURE READING: 

“"The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, "and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. "Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."' "But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. "And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. "But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 'Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' "So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. "So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”

EXPOSITION:

In our today’s Scriptures reading, the King is the Lord Jesus Christ. He sent for the qualified – the Israelites and the religious leaders, but they gave series of excuses, reasons why they would not honor invitation to the King’s banquet. He thereby sent for the unqualified to be brought to the banquet and qualify them all. He gave them all they needed to be acceptable. He made everything free and accessible as he changed their clothes and beautified them. But there was someone who was graciously invited like others but refused to pass through the gate of right procedure. He was found without the wedding garment. When he was asked, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”

Jesus was sent to save the depraved humanity through his sacrificial death. His death is meant for the redemption of all. But not everyone is saved. Why? Because they thought salvation is by work or human struggles, or better still, by keeping the laws. No!!! We are saved by His grace, not by work. Jesus has paid the price of our redemption, but are you worthy of it? If you are not sure of your salvation, repent of your sinful way of life and ask Jesus to forgive you and give you a new life.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, save the unsaved and qualify the unqualified because of your sacrificial death and resurrection in Jesus name.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Matthew 23-25

HE IS RIGHT THERE!

TUESDAY, 18TH  OCTOBER, 2022. 

Topic:HE IS RIGHT THERE!

MEMORIZE: "But he knows the way that I take: when he has tried me I shall come forth as gold" Job 23:10.

SCRIPTURE READING: Job 23:1-17.

“1 Then Job answered and said: 2 "Even today my complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! 4 I would present my case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would know the words which He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me. 6 Would He contend with me in His great power? No! But He would take note of me. 7 There the upright could reason with Him, And I would be delivered forever from my Judge. 8 "Look, I go forward, but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; 9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food. 13 "But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does. 14 For He performs what is appointed for me, And many such things are with Him. 15 Therefore I am terrified at His presence; When I consider this, I am afraid of Him. 16 For God made my heart weak, And the Almighty terrifies me; 17 Because I was not cut off from the presence of darkness, And He did not hide deep darkness from my face.”

EXPOSITION:

Trying times are like dark hours with no glimmer of light. We grope about looking for a hand to lead and pull us out of the darkness. Overwhelmed by our pain and suffering, we feel all alone - abandoned by men and God. At such harrowing times, we wonder where God is. We wish He would show up, speak to us and end the pains we bear.

This was the experience of Job. What seemed to make his woes and suffering more intense was God's silence. He had tried reaching out to Him by every means he could and in every place he knew but God seemed to be nowhere. Since he could not reach Him with his senses, he resolved to reach Him by faith! He assured himself that though he could not sense God around, still he believed that He was there. He was certain that He would use his trials and calamity to bring out the best in him. He would come forth as gold!

This is also what we need today. If your clouds become dark and God appears to be out of sight, and the pangs of pain with the noise of confusion appears to be so loud as to shut out the Spirit's voice, understand that God is right there by you. He is still on the throne; no amount of wind of suffering can unseat Him! Let your faith reach out to God.

Resolve, like Job, not to give up your integrity and trust in the Lord. Keep His way and do not turn away from it. Do not choose to backslide and commit spiritual suicide because of your ill circumstances. Hold on to His word and promises. At His time, He will perform the things that are appointed for you. He cannot be late. He did it for Job; He will do it for you. Do not forget; He is right beside you!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Reach out to God with your sense of faith when all other senses fail.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Matthew 16-19.

RIGHT ATTITUDE DURING TRIALS OF FAITH

WEDNESDAY, 19TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: RIGHT ATTITUDE DURING TRIALS OF FAITH

MEMORIZE: "But he knows the way that I take: when he has tried me I shall come forth as gold" Job 23:10.

SCRIPTURE READING: Job 23:1-17.

“1 Then Job answered and said: 2 "Even today my complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! 4 I would present my case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would know the words which He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me. 6 Would He contend with me in His great power? No! But He would take note of me. 7 There the upright could reason with Him, And I would be delivered forever from my Judge. 8 "Look, I go forward, but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; 9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food. 13 "But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does. 14 For He performs what is appointed for me, And many such things are with Him. 15 Therefore I am terrified at His presence; When I consider this, I am afraid of Him. 16 For God made my heart weak, And the Almighty terrifies me; 17 Because I was not cut off from the presence of darkness, And He did not hide deep darkness from my face.”

EXPOSITION:

Trial of faith is the moment of hard time you are passing through because of your faith in Christ. It is to proof your sincerity/integrity in following Jesus Christ. It is meant to polish you and not to destroy you. How you handle it determines your maturity in Christ. Today, we shall examine what your response should be to the trials of life – before and during the trials.

1. BEFORE THE TRIAL OF FAITH

a. Trial of faith is for those who have experienced God and his salvation v12.

b. They, like Job, had pleasant experiences of hearing from God personally and directly v12.

c. They loved the word and had the habit of obeying His word with joy v12.

d. They were living a life of holiness and a life that pleased the Lord v12.

2. DURING TRIAL OF FAITH

a. There is heavy burden and sorrow in the heart v2.

b. It is as if God is far away and no more answering prayers v3.

c. Many good desires are not met by God at the time we expect them vv3,4.

d. The spirit can no more perceive the presence and the nearness of God vv8,9.

e. Doubts of the love and loss of assurance of God occupying the mind v15.

f. Feeling of spiritual darkness in the mind v17

Question: What are your own experiences?

3. RIGHT ATTITUDE

a. Walk by faith and not by sight or feelings 2 Corinthians 5:7.

b. Believe that it is a temporary experience which is meant for your good v10.

c. Hold on to the promises of God which are more valid than your feelings and experiences - vv. 6, 11, Hebrews 13:5.

d. Be resolute that you will neither fail God nor disappoint Him v. 11, Psalm 57:7-9.

e. Avail yourself of all the means of grace: constant fellowship, prayers, reading and meditation on the word of God v12.

Read Hebrews 10:35-39. “35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37 "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”

It will end in praise if you are faithful to the end in Jesus' name.

PRAYER POINTS: 

1. Lord, teach me to always walk by faith and not by sight.

2. Lord, give me grace and power to be faithful to you to the end no matter the trials and temptations.

3. Pray for divine visitation to all believers passing through tough times.

4. Pray that the present challenges will turn to blessings for all believers.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Matthew 20-22

NO COVER-UPS! - Part 2

MONDAY, 17TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: NO COVER-UPS! – Part 2

MEMORIZE: "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known" (Luke 12:2).

SCRIPTURE READING: LUKE 12:1-12.

“In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. "For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. "Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. "But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. "Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."”

EXPOSITION:

1. The Pharisees, a Puritan sect, with all its members and clergy, descended into moral bankruptcy of monumental hypocrisy v1. Lewt me ask you this question: What is the Jesus' verdict about your present denomination? Where do you stand in God's reckoning? It is high time you should pray for your Church that it will not descend into superficiality and hypocrisy. Also pray for yourself that, if you are already enmeshed in hypocrisy, the Lord will bring you out and deliver you.

2. Those things you think are hidden from others, unknown to you, are already revealed to many. And those not yet revealed to any will come to lime light though you yourself, your 'confidants', circumstances or divine revelation in a matter of time. The succour only comes from timely confession and forgiveness from God and those offended if you want to avoid shame and embarrassment vv2,3, Acts 24:16.

3. Wisdom: The Person to fear is the One who has the final say over your life and that is God vv. 4-9.

a. The worst man can do is to kill the body v4.

b. Only God can kill the soul and condemn it in hell fire forever v5.

c. In fact, no man can even kill you, while on the pathway of obedience to God, without God's consent. You are totally protected vv6,7.

d. Therefore stand and speak for the truth and Christ at all times vv8,9,11,12.

PRAYER POINTS:

i. Pray for your Church that it will not descend into superficiality and hypocrisy.

ii. Pray for yourself that, if you are already enmeshed in hypocrisy, the Lord will bring you out and deliver you.

iii. Holy Spirit, give me boldness and courage to always stand and speak for the truth at all times.

iv. Pray for the "Pharisees" in your Church that God will convict and deliver them from hypocrisy.

v. Oh Lord, I hereby confess all my sins to you (mention those you can remember); give me courage, grace and wisdom to confess to those I have wronged🙏

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Matthew 12-15

NO COVER-UPS

SUNDAY, 16TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: NO COVER-UPS! 

MEMORIZE: "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known" (Luke 12:2).

SCRIPTURE READING: LUKE 12:1-12.

“In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. "For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. "Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. "But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. "Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."”

EXPOSITION:

In our text today, Jesus clearly warned His disciples against hypocrisy. He clarified that no matter how a man may try to hide his pretentious lifestyle, it will eventually become known some day. One of the things that lead people to hypocrisy is the fear of man. Hence, they prefer to continue to live a life of lies in order to continue to enjoy the acceptance of others or escape their punishment. But Jesus declares that what may be hidden from men is open and known to God. It is better to fear Him who has power to bring a more eternal punishment on man than fear human beings who can only bring a momentary punishment.

When we understand that our secrets will eventually become open, we will want to be more careful about the way we live either in the secret or open. This will help us to live straightforward, honest and sincere lives at all times. And since we do not have skeletons in our cupboards, we will also have nothing to fear.

Make up your mind therefore to live an honest life at all times. If you have fallen into any disgraceful act, open up on earth instead of covering up. When sin is confessed, it no longer has the power to keep you in captivity. Let there be no cover-ups in your life; and the devil, the accuser, will have nothing to hold against you.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The sand of time cannot cover up sins!

PRAYER POINT: Confess your sins unto God and plead the blood of Jesus Christ for your total cleansing in the name of Jesus Christ.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Matthew 8-11.

WILL GOD EXCUSE ANY?

SATURDAY, 15TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: WILL GOD EXCUSE ANY?

MEMORIZE: "They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn" (Job 24:24).

SCRIPTURE READING: Job 24:14-25.

“The murderer rises with the light; He kills the poor and needy; And in the night he is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, Saying, 'No eye will see me'; And he disguises his face. In the dark they break into houses Which they marked for themselves in the daytime; They do not know the light. For the morning is the same to them as the shadow of death; If someone recognizes them, They are in the terrors of the shadow of death. "They should be swift on the face of the waters, Their portion should be cursed in the earth, So that no one would turn into the way of their vineyards.As drought and heat consume the snow waters, So the grave consumes those who have sinned. The womb should forget him, The worm should feed sweetly on him; He should be remembered no more, And wickedness should be broken like a tree. For he preys on the barren who do not bear, And does no good for the widow. "But God draws the mighty away with His power; He rises up, but no man is sure of life. He gives them security, and they rely on it; Yet His eyes are on their ways. They are exalted for a little while, Then they are gone. They are brought low; They are taken out of the way like all others; They dry out like the heads of grain. "Now if it is not so, who will prove me a liar, And make my speech worth nothing?"

EXPOSITION:

Will God excuse anyone of his error as to overlook his/her mistake just like that? Will He justify any sinner without repentance? Though there is no sinner God cannot forgive, yet, no sinner will go unpunished, which means, when we refuse to repent (change) from our sins, and eventually die in it, the mercy of God will no longer work for him. No repentance in the grave. Things to take notice of in this our passage today are:

1. No sinner has an excuse for sinning. It is written, "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30.

a. What do you notice in vv14-17 that shows that sinners know when they are doing evil and they try to hide it. 

b. All sinners have "refuge of lies" or self, satanic or societal deceptions that they use as excuses for sinning. See some excuses in vv14-17.

c. The refuge of lies must be identified and dismantled with the help of the Holy Spirit and the word of God before the sinner is saved.

d. If you are holding on to your sin, identify the refuge of lies and deception that you are hiding in and ask God to deliver you.

2. No unrepentant sinner will rejoice at the end - vv18-20, 24-25.

When sinners are enjoying committing sins, they keep hiding it from being known, this prevent them from exposing it. Sin is deadly, we must not hide it but expose and confess it, so God can forgive us. The gain of sinning is temporal and brief  v. 24b. Think of Job 24:18-20, 24-25 to see that sinning does not worth it.

"They should be swift on the face of the waters, Their portion should be cursed in the earth, So that no one would turn into the way of their vineyards. As drought and heat consume the snow waters, So the grave consumes those who have sinned. The womb should forget him, The worm should feed sweetly on him; He should be remembered no more, And wickedness should be broken like a tree… They are exalted for a little while, Then they are gone. They are brought low; They are taken out of the way like all others; They dry out like the heads of grain. "Now if it is not so, who will prove me a liar, And make my speech worth nothing?"

PRAYER POINTS: 1. Ask for wisdom and discernment in soul winning to be able to identify and destroy the deceptions under which sinners hide

2. Pray for children of pastors and leaders in the Church who are still locked up in deceptions and mere religion🙏

3. Intercede for the deliverance of sinning church members who under one stronghold of deception or the other.

4. Pray that God will use you to bring light to many who are entangled in darkness.

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

TRAGIC END

FRIDAY, 14TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

 

Topic: TRAGIC END

MEMORIZE: "They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn" (Job 24:24).

SCRIPTURE READING: Job 24:14-25.

"The murderer rises with the light; He kills the poor and needy; And in the night he is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, Saying, 'No eye will see me'; And he disguises his face. In the dark they break into houses Which they marked for themselves in the daytime; They do not know the light. For the morning is the same to them as the shadow of death; If someone recognizes them, They are in the terrors of the shadow of death. "They should be swift on the face of the waters, Their portion should be cursed in the earth, So that no one would turn into the way of their vineyards. As drought and heat consume the snow waters, So the grave consumes those who have sinned. The womb should forget him, The worm should feed sweetly on him; He should be remembered no more, And wickedness should be broken like a tree. For he preys on the barren who do not bear, And does no good for the widow. "But God draws the mighty away with His power; He rises up, but no man is sure of life. He gives them security, and they rely on it; Yet His eyes are on their ways. They are exalted for a little while, Then they are gone. They are brought low; They are taken out of the way like all others; They dry out like the heads of grain. "Now if it is not so, who will prove me a liar, And make my speech worth nothing?"

EXPOSITION:

Experiences in life differ from person to person. Sometimes, those who seem to be faring better are those least expected. This is more so when the best things in life seem to be happening to people we consider to be undeserving of God's favour and mercy. What many lose sight of is that irrespective of how successful a sinner is on earth, if he does not repent, he will meet with an ignoble end.

Job's friends had concluded that the enormity of the suffering and pain he was experiencing could only be because he was a great sinner. In his response, Job did not dispute that God reserves harsh punishment for the sinner. In seeking to show himself as undeserving of their negative characterisation as a sinner, he outlined what a wicked man looks like. He likened such a person to a murderer who takes the poor and needy unawares and kills them. He is like an adulterer who disguises himself and commits immorality under the cover of darkness. He said such a wicked person goes to any length to device his evil acts and cover up his tracks.

But in the end, he is consumed by drought and heat. He is broken, forgotten and eaten by worms in the grave. Though exalted, he is soon cut down, withered and cast off with no remembrance anymore. He obviously considered that he was not like the person he had been describing and therefore, wondered who could successfully contradict what he had said.

Sometimes, God allows such experiences to draw our attention to the fact that sin will always be judged and the outcome will be fearful and fiery. It is therefore necessary for the sinner to retrace his steps, turn from his life of indulgence and evil, and follow Christ without wavering. Otherwise, he is courting unmitigated disaster.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: No sinner can escape the long arms of heaven's law.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, let your grace be sufficient for me and count me worthy in your kingdom at last in Jesus name.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Matthew 1-4

REVIVE US AGAIN, O LORD!

THURSDAY, 13TH  OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: REVIVE US AGAIN, O LORD!

MEMORIZE: “Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?” Psalm 85:6.

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 85:1-13.

“LORD, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. You have taken away all Your wrath; You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger. Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, LORD, And grant us Your salvation. I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.”

EXPOSITION:

Revival is bringing back to active and meaningful life, that which is dead, dying, sleeping, dormant or docile – God’s people and good legacies, values, norms and dedication (1 Sam. 7:1-6; 2 Kings 22:11-14; Job 24:2; Prov. 22:28; 23:10). Revival is never a foreign idea in the Old Testament. God desires bringing His erring, backslidden people back to Himself. The Church cannot afford to joke with it mostly in our days.

In Psalm 85:6, the Psalmist cried out unto God, “Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?”. This was after they had been sold into the hands of the enemies and humiliated. They pleaded for mercy in genuine repentance and seek restoration – revival. Revival is not a man-made effort. All that concern man in it is to yarn for it, pray for it and be expectant of it. It is God that releases the true revival and can spread and last longer than human imagination. 

Seven requests of the Psalmist to God in regards to revival.

1. Turn us again – Convert us – v. 4.

2. Cause your anger to cease – v. 4

3. Do not be angry forever – v. 5

4. Do not send forth your angry always – v. 5

5. Revive us again = v. 6

6. Show us your mercy – v. 7

7. Grant us your salvation – v. 7

Like the Psalmist, we need to pray the same prayers today both individually and as the body of Christ.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, let send us revival! Let there be revival in my life, home and the Church of God from now on in Jesus name.

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

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GOD IS FAITHFUL IN HIS RELATIONSHIP TO US

WEDNESDAY, 12TH OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: GOD IS FAITHFUL IN HIS RELATIONSHIP TO US

MEMORIZE: “"But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, And in My name his horn shall be exalted.” Psalm 89:24.

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 143:1

“Hear my prayer, O LORD, Give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, And in Your righteousness.”

EXPOSITION: 

Today we want to study further to look into another dimension of God’s faithfulness. God is our Father from the moment we confess the Lord Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. He therefore establishes Father and children relationship with us. To this relationship, He is faithful, even when we are not faithful to Him.

GOD IS FAITHFUL IN HIS RELATIONSHIP TO US.

a. He is faithful in His love for us – "But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, And in My name his horn shall be exalted.” Psalm 89:24. “Hear my prayer, O LORD, Give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, And in Your righteousness.” Psalm 143:1.

b. He is faithful in helping us – 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

c. He is faithful in protecting us – Psalm 91:3-4, “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” 2 Thess. 3:3, " But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”

d. He is faithful in forgiving us – “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10.

GOD’S WORD IS FAITHFUL

"And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant.” 2 Samuel 7:22;

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalm 19:7-8;

“Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."” Revelation 21:5.

PRAYER POINT: i. Lord, let me experience the wonders of your faithfulness to all your promises for my life in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, help me not to betray your love and faithfulness for me in Jesus Name.

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

GOD IS FAITHFUL IN HIS ACTIONS

TUESDAY, 11TH OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: GOD IS FAITHFUL IN HIS ACTIONS.

MEMORIZE: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23.

SCRIPTURE READING: Genesis 21:1-2

“And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.”

EXPOSITION: 

Today we want to study further to look into another dimension of God’s faithfulness: God is faithful in His action as well as in His promises.

GOD IS FAITHFUL IN HIS ACTIONS.

a. He is faithful in all He does – “For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth.” Psalm 33:4; “The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness.” Psalm 111:7, 8.

b. He is faithful to His covenant – Psalm 78:24-28, “Had rained down manna on them to eat, And given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels' food; He sent them food to the full. He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens; And by His power He brought in the south wind. He also rained meat on them like the dust, Feathered fowl like the sand of the seas; And He let them fall in the midst of their camp, All around their dwellings.”

c. He keeps all His promises – Genesis 21:1-2, “And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.” 1 Kings 8:20 "So the LORD has fulfilled His word which He spoke; and I have filled the position of my father David, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised; and I have built a temple for the name of the LORD God of Israel.” Acts 13:23, 32,33 - “"From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior--Jesus-” "And we declare to you glad tidings--that promise which was made to the fathers. "God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.'”

d. Christ fulfills all God’s promises – “But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:18, 20.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, let me experience the wonders of your faithfulness to all your promises for my life in Jesus name.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Zechariah 7-10.

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN - Part 1

MONDAY, 10TH OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: GOD’S FAITHFULNESS – Part 1

MEMORIZE: “They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentation 3:23.

SCRIPTURE READING: Lamentation 3:22-25.

“This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.”

EXPOSITION:

Faithfulness is one of God’s chief characteristics. It refers primarily to his reliability on keeping His promises, seen so vividly in both Old Testament and New Testament. Recall, for example, the fulfillment of God’s promises to give Canaan to the descendants of Abraham. Faithfulness is the character of God. He will never ask for  what you cannot do. He himself is faithful in all his ways and doings.

GOD IS FAITHFUL IN HIMSELF

a. He is faithful God – “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Deut. 7:9; “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Heb. 10:23.

b. He abounds in faithfulness – Psalm 86:15, “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.”

c. His faithfulness is great – Lamentations 3:23, “They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”.

d. He will remain faithful – 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: God is faithful. If He promises you a thing, no matter how unrealistic it is to human senses, He is able to fulfill it.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, let me experience the wonders of your faithfulness to all your promises for my life in Jesus name.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Zechariah 3-6.

WHY PANDEMIC?

SUNDAY, 9THOCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: WHY PANDEMIC? 

Spiritual viewpoint

MEMORIZE: “"And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath" Jeremiah 21:5.

SCRIPTURE READING: JEREMIAH 21:1-14.

"¹ The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, saying,² "Please inquire of the Lord for us, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon makes war against us. Perhaps the Lord will deal with us according to all His wonderful works, that the king may go away from us."³ Then Jeremiah said to them, "Thus you shall say to Zedekiah,⁴ 'Thus says the Lord God of Israel: "Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, with which you fight against the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the walls; and I will assemble them in the midst of this city.⁵ I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger and fury and great wrath.⁶ I will strike the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast; they shall die of a great pestilence.⁷ And afterward," says the Lord, "I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, his servants and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence and the sword and the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life; and he shall strike them with the edge of the sword. He shall not spare them, or have pity or mercy." '⁸ "Now you shall say to this people, 'Thus says the Lord: "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.⁹ He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but he who goes out and defects to the Chaldeans who besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be as a prize to him.¹⁰ For I have set My face against this city for adversity and not for good," says the Lord. "It shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire." '¹¹ "And concerning the house of the king of Judah, say, 'Hear the word of the Lord,¹² O house of David! Thus says the Lord: "Execute judgment in the morning; And deliver him who is plundered Out of the hand of the oppressor, Lest My fury go forth like fire And burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings. ¹³ "Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley, And rock of the plain," says the Lord, "Who say, 'Who shall come down against us? Or who shall enter our dwellings?' ¹⁴ But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings," says the Lord; "I will kindle a fire in its forest, And it shall devour all things around it."" 

EXPOSITION:

WHY PANDEMIC?  Spiritual viewpoint

God vowed to destroy man and beast in Judah with pestilence or epidemic v6. Why?

1. MORAL INEPTITUDE (Unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training. Having no qualities that would render it valuable or useful.)

a. A total breakdown of godly values vv12, 14.

b. Previous chapters mentioned idol worships, hypocrisy, satanism, blood letting etc.

Question:  Are you morally upright before God or you have some issues you have not repented from and ask the blood of Jesus to cleanse?

2. MAN'S INTRANSIGENCE (STUBBORNNESS)

a. Pashur knew that there was a prophecy of Judgement upon him and he ignored it 20:6. In fact, he subjected Jeremiah to inhuman treatment 20:2.

b. King Zedekiah also knew that Jeremiah was a genuine prophet of God. That was why he sent to inquire from him. Yet he ignored all his prophecies calling for personal and national repentance and make life more difficult for Jeremiah.

c. Despite his  intransigence after the prophet's several call to personal and national repentance, he proudly still asked Jeremiah to check up with God for deliverance from captivity vv1,2. He was guilty of seeking God for blessings without repentance like many do today.

Question:  Sure you are not like Pashur and the king who refused to repent and still expect God to speak mercy to them and "manufacture" good revelation for them?

Question: Are you like them asking for deliverance while ignoring all calls for repentance? Repentance first before mercy.

d. God eventually decided to smite them with pestilence, famine and deaths vv6,7.

3. MISUSED INSPIRATION

a. At this time God had finally ruled out mercy that will stop their captivity vv10,13,14. Going to captivity became an irreversible judgement due to intransigence.

b. The only window of mercy was to surrender to captivity if they want to live vv9,10.

c. Nature of God: God is a God of second chance as long as you are ready to repent v12. 

Look inward and see whether you are contributing to God's anger on humanity or not.

PRAYER POINTS:

i. Lord, I have resolved not to be taking you and your word for granted again. I will be acting on them immediately.

ii. Lord, I know we have all sinned against you. In wrath remember mercy and grant us repentance and deliverance. Bring the nations back to you.

iii. Pour the Spirit of repentance on all, irrespective of status, religion and nationality and reveal yourself to all.

iv. Pray for mercy and healings of infected people including medical personnel.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Haggai 1 & 2; Zechariah 1 & 2..

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WAS IT THE DEVIL?

 ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE for SATURDAY, 8THOCTOBER, 2022.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE - General Overseer

Topic: WAS IT THE DEVIL?

MEMORIZE: “"And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath" Jeremiah 21:5.

SCRIPTURE READING: JEREMIAH 21:1-14.

"¹ The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, saying,² "Please inquire of the Lord for us, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon makes war against us. Perhaps the Lord will deal with us according to all His wonderful works, that the king may go away from us."³ Then Jeremiah said to them, "Thus you shall say to Zedekiah,⁴ 'Thus says the Lord God of Israel: "Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, with which you fight against the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the walls; and I will assemble them in the midst of this city.⁵ I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger and fury and great wrath.⁶ I will strike the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast; they shall die of a great pestilence.⁷ And afterward," says the Lord, "I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, his servants and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence and the sword and the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life; and he shall strike them with the edge of the sword. He shall not spare them, or have pity or mercy." '⁸ "Now you shall say to this people, 'Thus says the Lord: "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.⁹ He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but he who goes out and defects to the Chaldeans who besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be as a prize to him.¹⁰ For I have set My face against this city for adversity and not for good," says the Lord. "It shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire." '¹¹ "And concerning the house of the king of Judah, say, 'Hear the word of the Lord,¹² O house of David! Thus says the Lord: "Execute judgment in the morning; And deliver him who is plundered Out of the hand of the oppressor, Lest My fury go forth like fire And burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings. ¹³ "Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley, And rock of the plain," says the Lord, "Who say, 'Who shall come down against us? Or who shall enter our dwellings?' ¹⁴ But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings," says the Lord; "I will kindle a fire in its forest, And it shall devour all things around it."" 

EXPOSITION:

Satan is blamed for everything evil. A thief who is caught red-handed with stolen items blames the 'devil' for pushing him into the act. This happens often whenever people need a convenient scapegoat to bear the blame for their shortcomings and failings in life. While there is a certain sense in which that can be true, it fails to take into consideration all the other issues, including our own personal responsibility for our actions.

Jeremiah told a stunned delegate from Zedekiah, king of Judah, that God Himself was fighting against Israel for their utter disregard for divine instructions and their willful practice of idolatry. With this revelation, Israel was now doomed to surrender to their enemies, go into captivity and have their beautiful cities and the temple burnt with fire. God promised to withdraw His protection over His own people, assist the Babylonians in gaining access into the city and ensure Israel was defeated. Only those who surrendered to the Babylonians were guaranteed their lives. The king of Judah together with his counsellors were worried about the Babylonians who were already laying siege to Jerusalem without considering that their main enemies were themselves and that God was responsible for this scourge.

Most times, we blame the devil for being behind our troubles. If it is not the devil, then it must be the work of an enemy somewhere, perhaps a witch or wizard in the village who has cast a spell on us. But the first thing to do whenever things go wrong is to look inwards, pray and find out if our ways are right with God. "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).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Better to first look inwards, when challenges arise.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Hosea11-14.

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EIGHT BIBLICAL COVENANTS - Part 10

 ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE for FRIDAY, 7TH OCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: EIGHT BIBLICAL COVENANTS – Part 10

8. THE NEW COVENANT - Hebrews 8:8

MEMORIZE: “For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,” Hebrews 7:19.

SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 8:6-10.

“6. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:”

8. THE NEW COVENANT - Hebrews 8:8:

The NEW COVENANT is the eighth, thus speaking of RESURRECTION and of ETERNAL COMPLETENESS. The components of the New Covenant are: 

 (1) It is "Better" than the Mosaic covenant not morally, but efficaciously (Heb. 7:19; Rom. 8:3-4).

(2) It is Established on "better" (that is, unconditional) promises. In the Mosaic Covenant, God said, "If ye will"; (Exodus 19:5); in the New Covenant, He says, "I will"; (Heb. 8:10; Heb. 8:12).

(3) Under the Mosaic Covenant, obedience sprang from fear; (Heb. 2:2; Heb. 12:25-27); under the New Covenant, from a willing heart and mind. (Heb. 8:10).

(4) The New Covenant secures the personal revelation of the Lord to every believer (Heb. 8:11).

(5) It is the complete oblivion of sins (Heb. 8:12; Heb. 10:17; Heb. 10:3).

(6) It rests upon an accomplished redemption (Matt. 26:27; Matt. 26:28; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 9:11-12, 18-23).

(7) and it secures the perpetuity, future conversion, and blessing of Israel. (Jer. 31:31-40).

All the preceding Covenants were all shadow of the New Covenant, which is the greatest of them all. This New Covenant ushers us, the redeemed into perfect relationship with God, the Father, as it was Originally planned by God. It prepared the saints unto perfection.  At Calvary, the price of our redemption is fully paid. Hallelujah!!!!!!! 

PRAYER POINT: LORD, Count me and my family worthy in your kingdom at the end of the in Jesus name. 

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

EIGHT BIBLICAL COVENANTS - Part 9

THURSDAY, 6THOCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: EIGHT BIBLICAL COVENANTS – Part 9

7. DAVIDIC COVENANT 

MEMORIZE: “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” 2 Samuel 7:16.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Samuel 7:8-17.

“8 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: 9 And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. 10 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, 11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. 12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. 17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.”

7. DAVIDIC COVENANT - 2 Samuel 7:16 (2Sa7:8-17).

This covenant, upon which the glorious kingdom of Christ "of the seed of David according to the flesh" is to be founded, secures:

(1) A Davidic "house"; that is, Posterity, family

(2) A "throne"; that is, Royal authority

(3) A kingdom; that is, Sphere of rule

(4) In perpetuity; "forever"

(5) And this four fold covenant has but one condition: disobedience in the Davidic family is to be visited with chastisement; but not to the abrogation of the covenant (2 Sam. 7:15; Psalm 89:20-37; Isa. 24:5; Isa. 54:3).

The chastisement fell; first in the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam, and, finally, in the captivities. (2 Kings 25:1-7). Since that time but one King of the Davidic family has been crowned at Jerusalem and He was crowned with thorns. But the Davidic Covenant confirmed to David by the oath of Jehovah, and renewed to Mary by the angel Gabriel, is immutable (Psalm 89:30-37) and the Lord God will yet give to that thorn-crowned One "the throne of his father David."; (Luke 1:31-33; Acts 2:29-32; Acts 15:14-17).

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Jesus Christ is the seed of David, the fulfillment of Davidic Covenant. His incarnation made David king forever and a blessing to the whole world. 

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, come into my life and make me relevant in your purpose on earth in Jesus name.

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

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EIGHT BIBLICAL COVENANT - Part 8

WEDNESDAY, 5THOCTOBER, 2022.

Topic: EIGHT BIBLICAL COVENANTS – Part 8

PALESTINIAN COVENANT 

MEMORIZE: “That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.”  Deut. 30:3.

SCRIPTURE READING: Deuteronomy 30:1-5.

“1. And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee, 2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; 3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee. 4 If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee: 5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.”

6. PALESTINIAN COVENANT - (Deut. 30:3)

The Palestinian Covenant gives the conditions under which Israel entered the land of promise. It is important to see that the nation has never as yet taken the land under the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant, nor has it ever possessed the whole land (Compare Gen. 15:18; Num.  34:1-12).

The Palestinian Covenant is in seven parts.

(1) Dispersion for disobedience, (Deut. 30:1; Deut. 28:63-68. Gen. 15:18)

(2) The future repentance of Israel while in the dispersion, (Deut. 30:2).

(3) The return of the Lord, (Deut. 30:3; Amos 9:9-14; Acts 15:14-17).

(4) Restoration to the land, (Deut. 30:5; Isa. 11:11-12; Jer. 23:3-8; Ezek. 37:21-25).

(5) National conversion, (Deut. 30:6; Rom. 11:26; Rom. 11:27; Hos. 2:14-16).

(6) The judgment of Israel's oppressors, (Deut. 30:7; Isa. 14:1-14:2; Joel 3:1-8; Matt. 25:31-46).

(7) National prosperity, (Deut. 30:9; Amos 9:11-14).

The place we live has influence over our lives whether directly or indirectly. We must be careful of its negative influence on us. God warned the children of Israel not to be influenced by the evil practices of the Canaanites. When you stand out for God in this perverse world, you have divine backup, defense and blessings.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help me to stand out for you in this lawless world, no matter the insult and difficulties in Jesus name.

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