Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry : April 2023

Monday, April 17, 2023

REFLECTIONS ON DEATH

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For TUESDAY, 18TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: REFLECTIONS ON DEATH

MEMORIZE: "For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living" (JOB 30:23).

SCRIPTURE READING: JOB 30:15-23

“Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud. And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me. My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest. By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat. He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes. I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not. Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me. Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance. For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.”

EXPOSITION:

Today, let us look at some facts about death and how we can relate with it.

1. Death does not respect age, status (social, medical, financial, spiritual, etc), tribe, race, etc. Everyone is equal before death.

2. It operates without giving warning or premonitions to people in most cases.

3. Its thought bring fear to man. Many, "through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.", Hebrews 2:15. Are there things you engage in out of fear of death? "Fear brings torment" to the mind, body and spirit, Job 30:23.

3. Death has power over all those under the bondage of sin (or the devil), Hebrews 2:14. In fact, all sinners have the sentence of death hanging on them, Romans 6:23.

4. Jesus has conquered death and Jesus' people need not fear death again. Death cannot touch any of Jesus' people without permission from God, vv56,57. As for the death of the saints, Jehovah has the final say. We have " the victory" in Christ. Job did not know this, Job 30:23.

5. Jesus has transfered power over death to all saints. They can rebuke the spirit of death when it is going beyond its boundary, tame the agents of death (including all sicknesses) and they they can cast out the spirit of death from a dead person, Mark 16:17,18, Matthew 20:8. Saints in Christ are not to fear death because death is already afraid of them. "At the name of Jesus, every knee (including death) must bow".

6. Death itself will die and be sentenced to hell fire; in which case all unrepentant sinners will remain forever in hell fire while saints in Christ will be with God forever, Revelation 20:14.

7. Some privileged people will never die. Enoch, Elijah and saints who will experience rapture at the coming of Christ have no business with death, I Thessalonians 4:13-18.

QUESTIONS:

a. What are the 3 types of death mentioned in the Bible? Give Bible passages to support your answer.

b. What are the things you have indulged in as a result of fear of death? Repent and surrender your life to Christ and get "the victory" over death💪.

c. Suppose God decide to give a go-ahead to death, are you ready to say bye to the world with joy of heaven in your heart?

PRAYER POINTS:

i. Are you harassed by the spirit of death like Job? Bind it and command it to go in the name of Jesus🙏

ii. Command all the powers and spirit of death working in the church of God to bow! It is an abomination👌

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 1 Chronicles 8-10.

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ANCHOR OF LIFE is the daily devotional guide of ANCHOR OF LIFE & REDEMPTION MINISTRY (ALRM), written by PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE. It is an extraction of God’s word designed to draw the sincere seekers closer to God on a daily basis through an insightful exposition and analysis of God’s Word.

For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp+2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com

Sunday, April 16, 2023

THE EVIL OF BACKSLIDING FROM GOD

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For WEDNESDAY, 12TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: THE EVIL OF BACKSLIDING FROM GOD

MEMORIZE: “But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.” Deuteronomy 32:15.

SCRIPTURE READING: Judges 4:1-3.

And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead. 2 And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. 3 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.

EXPOSITION:

Jeshurun is a poetical name for the people of Israel, used in token of affection, meaning, "the dear upright people". But it is a pity that when they were established and satisfied in land flowing with milk and honey, they backslide from following God; they again did evil in his sight, forsook his service, and worshipped idols; for this was the sin which now most easily beset them, Judges 4:1. The strange strength of corruption, which hurries men into sin not minding the most frequent experience of its fatal consequences is fast spreading even today among the people of God. The bent to backslide comes with great difficulty which should be restrained. Love for material possession and desire to be like other so called celebrities is a bait of the devil to lure us away from following God. Israel was not sensitive of this fact, they ran after the gods of the land and worshipped them at the time they were enjoying peace in the land.

The common ill effects of a long peace.

Peace is the blessing of God on a land which should compels us to serve Him more faithfully and be closer to Him. In the days of Ehud, a good governor in Israel, the land had rest eighty years, which should have confirmed them and established them in their religion; but, on the contrary, after he died, the peace they are enjoying made them secure and wanton, and indulgent of those lusts which the worship of the false gods was calculated for the gratification of. They desired and worshipped strange gods, the forbidden idols of the land. Thus the prosperity of fools destroys them. Jeshurun waxeth fat and kicketh against the Lord - Deuteronomy 32:15.

The Lord says, “As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, 27 Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. 28 But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. 29 Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 2:26-29.

The great loss which people sustain by the death of good governors is so great. The children of Israel did evil, because Ehud was dead. So it may be read. He kept a strict eye upon them, restrained and punished everything that looked towards idolatry, and kept them close to God's service. But, when he was gone, they revolted, fearing him more than God. This is what happens today. People fear human being they can see than God, the Creator. When we thought we are free to do evil because the person we fear is not seeing us, it makes us fool, because God is everywhere watching us, who alone will reward us accordingly.

PRAYER POINT: Like the Psalmist, we cry unto you, Lord, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” in Jesus name. (Psalm 51:12).

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 2 Kings 13-15.

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OPPRESSED BY THE ENEMIES?

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For THURSDAY, 13TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: OPPRESSED BY THE ENEMIES?

MEMORIZE: “So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor.” Judges 4:2

SCRIPTURE READING: Judges 4:1-7.

“When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD. 2 So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who dwelt in Harosheth Hagoyim. 3 And the children of Israel cried out to the LORD; for Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron, and for twenty years he harshly oppressed the children of Israel. 4 ¶ Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5 And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6 Then she sent and called for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, "Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, 'Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand men of the sons of Naphtali and of the sons of Zebulun; 7 'and against you I will deploy Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude at the River Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hand'?"”

EXPOSITION:

When they forsook God, he forsook them; and then they became an easy prey to every spoiler. They alienated themselves from God as if he were none of theirs; and then God alienated them as none of his. Those that threw themselves out of God's service threw themselves out of his protection. What has my beloved to do in my house when she has thus played the harlot? Jeremiah 11:15 says “"What has My beloved to do in My house, Having done lewd deeds with many? And the holy flesh has passed from you. When you do evil, then you rejoice.” He sold them into the hand of Jabin, Judges 4:2. This Jabin reigned in Hazor, as another of the same name, and perhaps his ancestor, had done before him, whom Joshua routed and slew, and burnt his city, Joshua 11:1,10. But it seems, in process of time, the city was rebuilt, the power regained, the loss retrieved, and, by degrees, the king of Hazor becomes able to tyrannize over Israel, who by sin had lost all their advantage against the Canaanites. This servitude was longer than either of the former, and much more grievous. Jabin, and his general Sisera, did mightily oppress Israel.

WHAT AGGRAVATED THE OPPRESSION WAS...

1. That this enemy was nearer to them than any of the former, in their borders, in their bowels, and by this means had the more opportunity to do them a mischief.

2. That they were the natives of the country, who bore an implacable enmity to them, for invading and dispossessing them, and when they had them in their power would be so much the more cruel and mischievous towards them in revenge of the old quarrel.

3. That these Canaanites had formerly been conquered and subdued by Israel, were of old sentenced to be their servants (Genesis 9:25 “And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.”), and might now have been under their feet, and utterly incapable of giving them any disturbance, if their own (Israel’s) slothfulness, cowardice, and unbelief, had not suffered them thus to get head. To be oppressed by those whom their fathers had conquered, and whom they themselves had foolishly spared, could not but be very grievous.

Israel returning to their God: They cried unto the Lord, when distress drove them to him, and they saw no other way of relief. Those that slight God in their prosperity will find themselves under a necessity of seeking him when they are in trouble. When they cried to God, He sent deliverer for them. Their deliverance is concerted between Deborah and Barak, Judges 4:6,9. It is accomplished by their joint-agency. Barak takes the field, Judges 4:10. Sisera, Jabin's general, meets him, Judges 4:12,13. Deborah encourages him, Judges 4:14. And God gives him a complete victory. The army routed, Judges 4:15,16. The general forced to flee, Judges 4:17. And where he expected shelter he had his life stolen from him by Jael while he was asleep (Judges 4:18-21), which completes Barak's triumph (Judges 4:22) and Israel's deliverance, Judges 4:23,24.

ACTION POINT: God the Father have raised Jesus Christ His Son for us as our deliverer. We must trust Him for our victory and restoration.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 2 Kings 16-18.

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For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp+2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com

JUSTIFICATION

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For FRIDAY, 14TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: JUSTIFICATION

MEMORIZE: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 5:1-10

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

EXPOSITION:

Justification is a forensic term, opposed to condemnation. As regards its nature, it is the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law, i.e., as conformed to all its demands. In addition to the pardon (q.v.) of sin, justification declares that all the claims of the law are satisfied in respect of the justified. It is the act of a judge and not of a sovereign. The law is not relaxed or set aside, but is declared to be fulfilled in the strictest sense; and so the person justified is declared to be entitled to all the advantages and rewards arising from perfect obedience to the law (Rom. 5:1-10).

It proceeds on the imputing or crediting to the believer by God himself of the perfect righteousness, active and passive, of his Representative and Surety, Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:3-9). Justification is not the forgiveness of a man without righteousness, but a declaration that he possesses a righteousness which perfectly and for ever satisfies the law, namely, Christ's righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6-8).

The sole condition on which this righteousness is imputed or credited to the believer is faith in or on the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is called a "condition," not because it possesses any merit, but only because it is the instrument, the only instrument by which the soul appropriates or apprehends Christ and his righteousness (Rom. 1:17; 3:25, 26; 4:20, 22; Phil. 3:8-11; Gal. 2:16).

The act of faith which thus secures our justification secures also at the same time our sanctification (q.v.); and thus the doctrine of justification by faith does not lead to licentiousness (Rom. 6:2-7). Good works, while not the ground, are the certain consequence of justification (6:14; 7:6).

ACTION POINT: We are justified by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We must celebrate Him by dedicating our lives unto Him.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 2 Kings 19-21.

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PRAYERS FOR GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For SATURDAY, 15TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: PRAYERS FOR GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION

MEMORIZE: “What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.” Psalm 25:12.

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 25:6-20.

“6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. 8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. 11 For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. 12 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. 15 ¶ Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. 16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. 18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. 19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. 20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.”

EXPOSITION:

For the remission of sin (Ps 25:18): Forgive all my sins. Those were his heaviest burdens, and which brought upon him all other burdens. He had begged (Ps 25:7) for the pardon of the sins of his youth, and (Ps 25:11) for the pardon of some one particular iniquity that was remarkably great, which some think, was his sin in the matter of Uriah. But her he prays, Lord, forgive all, take away all iniquity. It is observable that, as to his affliction, he asks for no more than God's regard to it: "Look upon my affliction and my pain, and do with it as thou pleasest."

But, as to his sin, he asks for no less than a full pardon: “Forgive all my sins.” When at any time we are in trouble we should be more concerned about our sins, to get them pardoned, than about our afflictions, to get them removed. Yet he prays,

For the redress of his grievances. His mind was troubled for God's withdrawing from him and under the sense he had of his displeasure against him for his sins; and therefore he prays (Ps 25:16), Turn thou unto me. And, if God turn to us, no matter who turns from us. His condition was troubled, and, in reference to that, he prays, "O bring thou me out of my distresses. I see no way of deliverance open; but thou canst either find one or make one."

His enemies were siteful; and in reference to that, he prays, "O keep my soul from falling into their hands, or else deliver me out of their hands."

Four things the psalmist mentions by way of plea to enforce these petitions, and refers himself and them to God's consideration:--

[1.] He pleads God's mercy: Have mercy upon me. Men of the greatest merits would be undone if they had not to do with a God of infinite mercies.

[2.] He pleads his own misery, the distress he was in, his affliction and pain, especially the troubles of his heart, all which made him the proper object of divine mercy.

[3.] He pleads the iniquity of his enemies: "Lord, consider them, how cruel they are, and deliver me out of their hands."

[4.] He pleads his own integrity, Ps 25:12. Though he had owned himself guilty before God, and had confessed his sins against him, yet, as to his enemies, he had the testimony of his conscience that he had done them no wrong, which was his comfort when they hated him with cruel hatred; and he prays that this might preserve him. This intimates that he did not expect to be safe any longer than he continued in his integrity and uprightness, and that, while he did continue in it, he did not doubt of being safe.

Sincerity will be our best security in the worst of times. Integrity and uprightness will be a man's preservation more than the wealth and honour of the world can be. These will preserve us to the heavenly kingdom. We should therefore pray to God to preserve us in our integrity and then be assured that that will preserve us.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, let your Holy Spirit guide and protect me from all evil in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 2 Kings 22-25.

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WHEN THE SECOND TOUCH IS NECESSARY.

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For SUNDAY, 16TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: WHEN THE SECOND TOUCH IS NECESSARY.

MEMORIZE: “And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house.” Mark 8:24-25.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Kings 4:25-36

“And so she departed, and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel. So it was, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to his servant Gehazi, "Look, the Shunammite woman!. 26 "Please run now to meet her, and say to her, 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?'" And she answered, "It is well." 27 Now when she came to the man of God at the hill, she caught him by the feet, but Gehazi came near to push her away. But the man of God said, "Let her alone; for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me, and has not told me." 28 So she said, "Did I ask a son of my lord? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me'?" 29 Then he said to Gehazi, "Get yourself ready, and take my staff in your hand, and be on your way. If you meet anyone, do not greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not answer him; but lay my staff on the face of the child." 30 And the mother of the child said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." So he arose and followed her. 31 Now Gehazi went on ahead of them, and laid the staff on the face of the child; but there was neither voice nor hearing. Therefore he went back to meet him, and told him, saying, "The child has not awakened." 32 When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed. 33 He went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD. 34 And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm. 35 He returned and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 36 And he called Gehazi and said, "Call this Shunammite woman." So he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, "Pick up your son."”

EXPOSITION:

What is sick needs healing but what is dead needs not to be healed but resurrection (bringing back to life). The sudden death of the child who was so much a darling to the parents was so painful. He was with his father in the farm and complained of head ache, 2Ki 4:19. As believers, where should we go with our complaints, but to our heavenly Father? There the Spirit of adoption brings believers with all their grievances, all their desires, teaching them to cry, with groanings that cannot be uttered.

The mother of the decease cried to the man of God, Elisha for timely intervention. He thereby sent Gehazi, his servant, to go in all haste to the dead child, gave him his staff (a symbol of authority), and bade him lay that on the face of the child, 2Ki 4:29. It was suggested that such a power as this should not be delegated, not even to person like Gehazi who has no relationship with God? But at the end, the staff failed to produce result.

The woman resolved not to go back without the prophet himself (2Ki 4:30): she said, “I will not leave thee.” She had no great expectation from the staff but in the man of God himself. Gehazi returns without success, without the tidings of any sign of life in the child (2Ki 4:31): The child is not awaked. In the raising of dead souls to spiritual life, ministers can do no more by their own power than Gehazi here could; they lay the word, like the prophet's staff, before their faces, but there is neither voice nor hearing, till Christ, by his Spirit, comes himself. The letter alone kills; it is the Spirit that gives life. It is not prophesying upon dry bones that will put life into them, breath must come from heaven and breathe upon those slain.

He prayed unto the Lord (2Ki 4:33), and he lay upon the child (2Ki 4:34), as if he would communicate to him some of his vital heat or spirits. Thus he expressed the earnestness of his desire, and gave a sign of that divine power which he depended upon for the accomplishment of this great work. He first put his mouth to the child's mouth, as if, in God's name, he would breathe into him the breath of life; then his eyes to the child's eyes, to open them again to the light of life; then his hands to the child's hands, to put strength into them. He then returned, and walked in the house, as one full of care and concern, and wholly intent upon what he was about. Then he went up stairs again, and the second time, stretched himself upon the child, and the dead came back to life. 2Kings 4:35. Those that would be instrumental in conveying spiritual life to dead souls must thus affect themselves with their case, and accommodate themselves to it, and labour fervently in prayer for them.

Why repetition?

* Elisha laid on the boy twice before he could be brought back to life – 2Kings 4:35.

* Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones twice before a great host could come out of dry bones – Ezek 37:1-10.

* Jesus laid hands on the blind man twice before his eyes could see clearly – Mark 8:24-25.

* Bartimaeus had to call Jesus, the Son of David, twice before Jesus could give him his miraculous attention – Mark 10:47-49.

If the first touch of the Master did not get you the desired miracle, do not be discouraged, cry unto Him again and again until your joy is full. The Master has differs way of attending to people’s needs. A touch is enough for Bartimaeus but not for the other blind man in Mark 8:24-25. You may need the second touch of Jesus; it does not make Him weak or incapable. He is God, wait on Him.

ACTION POINT: Never underrate God over your situation if His first touch in your life is not producing desired result. Call for His second touch of perfection. He will surely answer you.

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

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For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp+2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com

CERTAINTY OF DEATH

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE for MONDAY, 17TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: CERTAINTY OF DEATH

MEMORIZE: "For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living" (JOB 30:23).

SCRIPTURE READING: JOB 30:15-23

EXPOSITION:

Death is inevitable experience that every living creature will experience on earth. Nobody prays for it but it do come upon people. It does not give regards to age nor pity anyone. It is an enemy that itself shall be destroyed at last. Job was a man who knew pain and sorrows. Death was no stranger to his household as he had the misfortune of burying ten children in a day. He talked about his painful experiences and how the sorrowful ordeal affected him. "And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me" (Job 30:16). He saw the pain and sickness leading to an inevitable end - death. He saw substantial deterioration in his physical and mental condition as evidence of an impending and unavoidable transition.

Death is real and it is the common end of mankind. The reality of death must teach the Christian to redeem the time and use every available opportunity to labour profitably for the Master. Because it comes to all without notice or respect to age, gender or social status, we need to prepare for it by serving the Lord with all our might, time, talent and resources. Every day must be like our last day on earth.

Allow the reality of death to keep you sober and watchful. God kept and protected Job despite his ignorance of the hedge that He had made to keep Satan from snuffing out his life. The Lord who kept him will surely keep you from every evil work today as you faithfully carry out His directives and obey His word. His promise for faithful believers remains, "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine" (Psalm 33:18,19).

PRAYER POINTS: i. Ask for salvation from all sins if you want to be a terror to death🙏

ii. Ask for faith and understanding that is never afraid of death🙏

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 1 Chronicles 5-7.

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Monday, April 10, 2023

FURTHER PROOFS OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For TUESDAY, 11TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: FURTHER PROOFS OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

MEMORIZE: But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.” Mark 14:28;

SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 2:22-28.

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance”).

EXPOSITION:

Resurrection is one of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain… And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” 1 Cor. 15:14, 17). The whole of the New Testament revelation rests on this as an historical fact. On the day of Pentecost Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Ps. 16 (“Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.” Acts 2:24-28).

i. In his own discourses, our Lord clearly intimates his resurrection (“Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.” Matt. 20:18-19;

“And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.” Mark 9:9; 14:28;

“And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.” Luke 18:33;

“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? 21 But he spake of the temple of his body.” John 2:19-22).

ii. The evangelists give circumstantial accounts of the facts connected with that event,

iii. The apostles, also, in their public teaching they largely insist upon it.

Ten different appearances of our risen Lord are recorded in the New Testament. They may be arranged as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, help us not to take your resurrection and our salvation for granted in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 2 Kings 7-9.

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Sunday, April 9, 2023

CHRIST'S LOVE MADE US HIS BRETHREN.

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR MONDAY, 10TH APRIL, 2023.

EASTER GALILEE

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: CHRIST’S LOVE MADE US HIS BRETHREN

MEMORIZE: “Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” Matthew 28:10.

SCRIPTURE READING:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:13-15.

EXPOSITION:

For the proof of Christ's resurrection, we have the testimonies of the angel, and of Christ himself, concerning his resurrection. Jesus repeats the message of the angel to the women; "Go, tell my brethren, that they must prepare for a journey into Galilee, and there they shall see me." If there be any communion between our souls and Christ, it is he that appoints the meeting, and he will observe the appointment. Jerusalem had forfeited the honour of Christ's presence, it was a tumultuous city, therefore he adjourns the meeting to Galilee. Come, my beloved, let us go forth, Song 7:11.

But that which is especially observable here, is that, he calls his disciples his brethren. Go, tell my brethren, not only those of them that were akin to him, but all the rest, for they are all his brethren (Matthew 12:50), but he never called them so till after his resurrection, here and John 20:17. Being by the resurrection himself declared to be the Son of God with power, all the children of God were thereby declared to be his brethren – “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”. Being the First-begotten from the dead, he is become the First-born among many brethren, even of all that are planted together in the likeness of his resurrection.

Christ did not now converse so constantly and familiarly with his disciples as he had done before his death; but, lest they should think him grown strange to them, he gives them this endearing title, Go to my brethren, that the scripture might be fulfilled, which, speaking of his entrance upon his exalted state, saith, I will declare thy name unto my brethren. They had shamefully deserted him in his sufferings; but, to show that he could forgive and forget, and to teach us to do so, he not only continues his purpose to meet them, but calls them brethren. Being all his brethren, they were brethren one to another, and must love as brethren. His owning them for his brethren put a great honour upon them, but withal Jesus gave them an example of humility in the midst of that honour.

Jesus died and resurrected. He bodily ascended to heaven and sitted at the right hand of the God the Father. Therefore, because Jesus resurrects, I fear no death. He that quickened Jesus Christ is able to quicken me too on the rapture day. He is the resurrection and the life. John 22:24,25.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, let your resurrection draw me closer to you in unbroken relationship[ with you in Jesus name.

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DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 2 Kings 7-9.

Saturday, April 8, 2023

JESUS IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For SUNDAY, 9TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer7

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: JESUS IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD.

MEMORIZE: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25.

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 28:1-10

“1 ¶ In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

EXPOSITION:

There are many people who died and were brought back to life from the world of dead both in Old Testament and New Testament. But they all died again at the fulfillment of their days on earth and were later buried, waiting for the day of resurrection of the saints, But the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is different and unique. He died and on the third day, resurrected, as prophesied by the prophets and Jesus himself. His grave is now empty. The angel said, "Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” He is not here, and, remembering what he said, you may be satisfied that he is risen.

The resurrection is spoken of as the act (1) of God the Father (Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:24; 3:15; Rom. 8:11; Eph. 1:20; Col. 2:12; Heb. 13:20); (2) of Christ himself (John 2:19; 10:18); and (3) of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 3:18). It is a public testimony of Christ's release from his undertaking as surety, and an evidence of the Father's acceptance of his work of redemption. It is a victory over death and the grave for all his followers.

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

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

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

ACTION POINT: Appreciate Jesus Christ for the work of our redemption. Then give your life to Him today if you are not sure of your salvation.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 2 Kings 4-6.

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Friday, April 7, 2023

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH JESUS?

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For SATURDAY, 8TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH JESUS?

MEMORIZE: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:11-12.

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Peter 2:21=25.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

EXPOSITION:

The life of Jesus on earth may be divided into two great periods, (1) that of his private life, till he was about thirty years of age; and (2) that of his public life, which lasted about three years. He entered on his public ministry when he was about thirty years of age. It is generally reckoned to have extended to about three years. "Each of these years had peculiar features of its own.

(1.) The first year may be called the year of obscurity, both because the records of it which we possess are very scanty, and because he seems during it to have been only slowly emerging into public notice. It was spent for the most part in Judea.

(2.) The second year was the year of public favour, during which the country had become thoroughly aware of him; his activity was incessant, and his fame rang through the length and breadth of the land. It was almost wholly passed in Galilee.

(3.) The third was the year of opposition, when the public favour ebbed (went) away. His enemies multiplied and assailed him with more and more pertinacity, and at last he fell a victim to their hatred. The first six months of this final year were passed in Galilee, and the last six in other parts of the land.", Stalker's Life of Jesus Christ, p. 45.

Jesus came to the world to make himself an atonement for the sin of man (Isa 53:4-6, 8, 11-12); it was not for any sin of his own that he suffered, Isaiah 53:9. He bore his sufferings with an invincible and exemplary patience, Isa 53:7. And he prospered in his undertaking, and his sufferings ended in his immortal honour, Isa 53:10-12.

He came to set the captives free from eternal bondage of sins by his suffering and death. But yet, the world hates him and would not want to accept him as the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. “He came to his own, but his own receive him not.” John 1:11. What are you doing with Jesus? Are you in favour with him or in opposition? Your decision here on earth will define your place in eternity either to be with Him or to be in hell fire.

LET'S LOOK AT PEOPLE'S DIFFERENT ATTITUDE TO JESUS' DEATH

1. Peter denied him three times when he needed him most.

2. Judas betrayed him with kiss

3. The priests Anna and Caiapher conspired and plotted against him. They even sought for false witnesses again him.

4. Pilate and others soldiers beat him and crucified him.

5. The soldiers mocked him.

6. The crowd rejected him unto crucifixion.

6. Barrabas was set free because of him.

7. A thief on the CROSS ridiculed him, doubted his innocence.

8. The women wept and wailed for him. They were the first to visit the sepulchre on the third day and met him resurrected.

9. His disciples deserted him and even forgot his promise of resurrection.

10. Thomas doubted his resurrection.

11. The soldiers were paid to watch over his grave so that he will not resurrect or be stolen by his disciples.

12. The priest and elders paid the soldiers after his resurrection to lie that the disciples have stolen him away at night.

13. Joseph of Arimathea let him his sepulchre.

14. The Angels rolled away the stone from the sepulchre.

15. God, the Father, raised him up to life from death.

What is your own contribution to Jesus Christ? He needs you to have faith in Him.

Therefore, by mixing faith with the prophecy (the word of God), we may improve our acquaintance with Jesus Christ and him crucified, with Jesus Christ and him glorified, dying for our sins and rising again for our justification. Jesus had paid the price of our redemption in full. If you die in your sin, you will fear your condemnation eternally. Decide when it is called "today".No repentance in the grave - Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Shalom!

PRAYER POINT: Led, open the inner eyes of sinners to see, understand and accept you as their Lord and personal Saviour Now before it is too late in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 2 Kings 1-3.

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Thursday, April 6, 2023

THE ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR GOOD FRIDAY, 7TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: THE ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE

MEMORIZE: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” Isaiah 53:3,4.

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 26:17-37

“Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 26 ¶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. 32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 ¶ And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there; 37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

EXPOSITION:

The offering up of sacrifices is to be regarded as a divine institution. It did not originate with man. God himself appointed it as the mode in which acceptable worship was to be offered to him by guilty man. The language and the idea of sacrifice pervade the whole Bible.

Sacrifices were offered in the ante-diluvian age. The Lord clothed Adam and Eve with the skins of animals, which in all probability had been offered in sacrifice (Gen. 3:21). Abel offered a sacrifice "of the firstlings of his flock" (4:4; Heb. 11:4). A distinction also was made between clean and unclean animals, which there is every reason to believe had reference to the offering up of sacrifices (Gen. 7:2, 8), because animals were not given to man as food till after the Flood.

The same practice is continued down through the patriarchal age (Gen. 8:20; 12:7; 13:4, 18; 15:9-11; 22:1-18, etc.). In the Mosaic period of Old Testament history definite laws were prescribed by God regarding the different kinds of sacrifices that were to be offered and the manner in which the offering was to be made. The offering of stated sacrifices became indeed a prominent and distinctive feature of the whole period (Ex. 12:3-27; Lev. 23:5-8; Num. 9:2-14).

We learn from the Epistle to the Hebrews that sacrifices had in themselves no value or efficacy. They were only the "shadow of good things to come," and pointed the worshippers forward to the coming of the great High Priest, who, in the fullness of the time, "was offered once for all to bear the sin of many." Sacrifices belonged to a temporary economy, to a system of types and emblems which served their purposes and have now passed away. The "one sacrifice for sins" hath "perfected forever them that are sanctified."

Sacrifices were of two kinds:

1. Unbloody, such as (1) first-fruits and tithes; (2) meat and drink-offerings; and (3) incense.

2. Bloody, such as (1) burnt-offerings; (2) peace-offerings; and (3) sin and trespass offerings.

Jesus Christ offered himself as the perfect sacrifice to carry away our sins. By His sinless death on the cross, He became the perfect and acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God the Father for our pardon and remission of sins. He did not die for his own sins, since He is without sin. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Cor. 5:21. “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22.

KEY POINT: No other sacrifice is needed or acceptable to God other than that of Jesus; death on the cross. Believe it, accept it and confess Him and you shall be saved.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 1 Kings 20-22.

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Wednesday, April 5, 2023

JESUS CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER LAMB…

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For THURSDAY, 6TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: JESUS CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER LAMB…

MEMORIZE: “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:” 1 Corinthians 5:7.

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 26:26-30

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. 30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."

EXPOSITION:

We have here the institution of the great gospel ordinance of the Lord's supper, which was received of the Lord. We Observe, The time when it was instituted – “as they were eating.” Christ is to us the Passover-sacrifice by which atonement is made (1Co 5:7); Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. This ordinance is to us the passover-supper, by which application is made, and commemoration celebrated, of a much greater deliverance than that of Israel out of Egypt. All the legal sacrifices of propitiation being summed up in the death of Christ, and so abolished, all the legal feasts of rejoicing were summed up in this sacrament, and so abolished.

The institution itself. A sacrament must be instituted. Apostle Paul in the discourse in 1 Cor. 11:23-26, concerning the ordinance, all along calls Jesus Christ the Lord. “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” As Lord, he is Lord of the covenant, the Lord of the church, he appointed this ordinance. The body of Christ is signified and represented by bread; he had said formerly in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life,” upon which metaphor this sacrament is built which means, as the life of the body is supported by bread, which is therefore put for all bodily nourishment Matthew 4:4; 6:11, so the life of the soul is supported and maintained by Christ's mediation.

1. He took bread, fit for the purpose; it was unleavened bread. His taking the bread was a solemn action, and was done in such a manner as to be observed by them that sat with him, that they might expect something more than ordinary to be done with it. Thus was the Lord Jesus set apart in the counsels of divine love for the working out of our redemption.

2. He blessed it; set it apart for this use by prayer and thanksgiving. This was like God's blessing the seventh day (Genesis 2:3), by which it was separated to God's honour, and made to all that duly observe it, a blessed day: Christ could command the blessing, and we, in his name, are emboldened to pray for His blessing.

3. He brake it; The breaking of Christ's body for us, that it might be fitted for our use; He was bruised for our iniquities, as bread-corn is bruised - Isa 28:28; though a bone of him was not broken (for all his breaking did not weaken him), yet his flesh was broken with breach upon breach, and his wounds were multiplied Job 9:17; 16:14, and that pained him. God complains that he is broken with the whorish heart of sinners Eze 6:9; his law broken, our covenants with him broken; now justice requires breach for breach - “Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.” Le 24:20, and Christ was broken, to satisfy that demand.

The breaking of Christ's body to us, as the father of the family breaks the bread to the children is to facilitate the application; everything is made ready for us by the grants of God's word and the operations of his grace.

4. He said, Take, eat; this is my body, Matthew 26:26 denotes acceptance of Christ as he is offered to you, receive the atonement, approve of it, consent to it, come up to the terms on which the benefit of it is proposed to you; submit to his grace and to his government." Believing on Christ is expressed by receiving him John 1:12, and feeding upon him, John 6:57,58.

The blood of Christ is signified and represented by the wine; to make it a complete feast, here is not only bread to strengthen, but wine to make glad the heart Mt 26:27,28; He took the cup, the grace-cup, after giving thanks, according to the custom of the Jews at the passover; this Christ took and gave to his disciples, with a command, Drink ye all of it. It was intended for a cup of blessing and therefore apostle Paul diligently distinguished between the cup of blessing which we bless, and that which they bless. He gave thanks, to teach us, not only in every ordinance, but in every part of the ordinance, to have our eyes up to God.

PRAYER POINT: Thank you Lord Jesus for giving us your body and blood for our cleansing and redemption.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 1 Kings 17-19.

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Tuesday, April 4, 2023

HOW HIS COMING IS DESCRIBED.

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For WEDNESDAY, 5TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: HOW HIS COMING IS DESCRIBED.

MEMORIZE: “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 21:1-11

“And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.”

EXPOSITION:

When a king comes, something great and magnificent is expected, especially when he comes to take possession of his kingdom. The King, the Lord of hosts, was seen upon a throne, high and lifted up (Isa 6:1); but there is nothing of that here; Behold, he cometh to thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass. When Christ would appear in his glory, it is in his meekness, not in his majesty.

His temper is very mild. He comes not in wrath to take vengeance, but in mercy to work salvation. He is meek to suffer the greatest injuries and indignities for Zion's cause, meek to bear with the follies and unkindness of Zion's own children. He is easy of access, easy to be entreated. He is meek not only as a Teacher, but as a Ruler; he rules by love. His government is mild and gentle, and his laws not written in the blood of his subjects, but in his own. His yoke is easy.

As an evidence of this, his appearance is very mean, sitting upon an ass, as creature made not for state, but service, not for battles, but for burdens; slow in its motions, but sure, and safe, and constant. The foretelling of this so long before, and the care taken that it should be exactly fulfilled, intimate it to have a peculiar significancy, for the encouragement of poor souls to apply themselves to Christ. Zion's King comes riding, not on a prancing horse, which the frightened petitioner dares not come near, or a running horse, which the slow-footed petitioner cannot keep pace with, but on a quiet ass, that the poorest of his subjects may not be discouraged in their access to him. Mention is made in the prophecy of a colt, the foal of an ass; and therefore Christ sent for the colt with the ass, that the scripture might be fulfilled.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, ride into my life as the King you are over your church in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 1 Kings 14-16.

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Monday, April 3, 2023

BEHOLD THY KING COMETH

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For TUESDAY, 4TH APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: BEHOLD THY KING COMETH

MEMORIZE: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Zacharias 9:9

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 21:4, 5.

“All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.”

EXPOSITION:

Our Lord Jesus, in all that he did and suffered, had very much his eye upon this, “That the scriptures might be fulfilled.” As the prophets looked forward to him (to him they all bare witness), so he looked upon them, that all things which were written of the Messiah, might be punctually accomplished in him. This particularly which was written of him, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Zacharias 9:9, where it ushers in a large prediction of the kingdom of the Messiah, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh, must be accomplished. Now observe here,

How the coming of Christ is foretold; “Tell ye the daughter of Zion, the church, the holy mountain, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee.” Note, (1.) Jesus Christ is the church's King, one of our brethren like unto us, according to the law of the kingdom, “Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.” Deut. 17:15. He is appointed King over the church, Ps 2:6. He is accepted King by the church; the daughter of Zion swears allegiance to him, “Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.” Hosea 1:11.

(2.) Christ, the King of his church, came to his church, even in this lower world; he comes to thee, to rule thee, to rule in thee, to rule for thee; he is Head over all things to the church. He came to Zion (Ro 11:26), that out of Zion the law might go forth; for the church and its interests were all in all with the Redeemer.

(3.) Notice was given to the church beforehand of the coming of her King; Tell the daughter of Zion. Christ will have his coming looked for, and waited for, and his subjects big with expectation of it; Tell the daughters of Zion, that they may go forth, and behold King Solomon, “Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.” Song of Solomon 3:11. Notices of Christ's coming are usually ushered in with a “Behold!” A note commanding both attention and admiration; Behold thy King cometh; behold, and wonder at him, behold, and welcome him. Here is a royal progress truly admirable. Pilate, like Caiaphas, said he knew not what, in that great word – Behold your King. “And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!” John 19:14).

KEY POINT: Jesus is known for His humility and simplicity, yet He is the King of kings and the judge of the whole earth.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 1 Kings 10-13.

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Saturday, April 1, 2023

WHAT DO YOU SEE? - Part 2

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For SUNDAY, 2ND APRIL, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l

Topic: WHAT DO YOU SEE? – Part 2

MEMORIZE: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.” — Isa 6:1 (NKJV)

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Kings 7:5-7.

“5 And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there. 6 For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. 7 Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.”

EXPOSITION:

What did you see? What you see has effects directly or indirectly over your life. It can either give you joy or sorrow. It can make you victor or victim. It can either improve you or demoralize you. What you see remain in your mental faculty either for future honor or revenge. Many people lost their hope in recovery because of what they have seen. What we see or hear is life builder – either positively or negatively.

Let us examine what happened to the Syrian army through what they thought they heard. How the siege of Samaria was taken away early in the morning, at the edge of night (2Ki 7:6,7), not by might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, striking terror upon the spirits of the besiegers. There was not a sword drawn against them, not a drop of bloodshed, it was not by thunder or hail-stones that they were discomfited, nor were they slain, as Sennacherib's army before Jerusalem, by a destroying angel; but, the Lord made them to hear a noise of chariots and horses. The Syrians that besieged Dothan had their sight imposed upon, 2Ki 6:18. These had their hearing imposed upon. For God knows how to work upon every sense, pursuant to his own counsels as he makes the hearing ear and the seeing eye, so he makes the deaf and the blind, Ex 4:11. Whether the noise was really made in the air by the ministry of angels, or whether it was only a sound in their ears, is not certain; which soever it was, it was from God, who both brings the wind out of his treasures, and forms the spirit of man within him. The sight of horses and chariots had encouraged the prophet's servant, 2Ki 6:17. The noise of horses and chariots terrified the hosts of Syria. For notices from the invisible world are either very comfortable or very dreadful, according as men are at peace with God or at war with him.

Hearing this noise, they concluded the king of Israel had certainly procured assistance from some foreign power: He has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians. There was, for aught we know, but one king of Egypt, and what kings there were of the Hittites nobody can imagine; but, as they were imposed upon by that dreadful sound in their ears, so they imposed upon themselves by the interpretation they made of it. Had they supposed the king of Judah to have come with his forces, there would have been more of probability in their apprehensions than to dream of the kings of the Hittites and the Egyptians. If the fancies of any of them raised this spectre, yet their reasons might soon have laid it: how could the king of Israel, who was closely besieged, hold intelligence with those distant princes? What had he to hire them with? It was impossible but some notice would come, before, of the motions of so great a host; but there were they in great fear where no fear was.

Hereupon they all fled with incredible precipitation, as for their lives, left their camp as it was: even their horses, that might have hastened their flight, they could not stay to take with them, 2Ki 7:7. None of them had so much sense as to send out scouts to discover the supposed enemy, much less courage enough to face the enemy, though fatigued with a long march. The wicked flee when none pursues. God can, when he pleases, dispirit the boldest and most brave, and make the stoutest heart to tremble. Those that will not fear God he can make to fear at the shaking of a leaf. What do you see or hear that set you on the run? Hand it over to God today for timely intervention.

PRAYER POINT:

I. Lord, I renounce all manipulated vision from the pit of hell against me & destiny in the name of Jesus Christ.

II. I receive grace to be seeing the vision of heavenly glory and of my blessed destiny in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – 1 Kings 4-6.

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Sunday, April 16, 2023

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WHEN THE SECOND TOUCH IS NECESSARY.

CERTAINTY OF DEATH

Monday, April 10, 2023

FURTHER PROOFS OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

Sunday, April 9, 2023

CHRIST'S LOVE MADE US HIS BRETHREN.

Saturday, April 8, 2023

JESUS IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD

Friday, April 7, 2023

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Thursday, April 6, 2023

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Wednesday, April 5, 2023

JESUS CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER LAMB…

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

HOW HIS COMING IS DESCRIBED.

Monday, April 3, 2023

BEHOLD THY KING COMETH

Saturday, April 1, 2023

WHAT DO YOU SEE? - Part 2

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