Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry : July 2023

Monday, July 31, 2023

A NEW BEGINNING

TUESDAY, 1ST AUGUST, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: A NEW BEGINNING

MEMORIZE: “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19.

SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 43:18-21.

“"Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. 20 The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. 21 This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.”

EXPOSITION:

You are welcome to the eighth month in this year. Number Eight in theological terms stands for “new beginning”. Since the beginning of the year, lots of things had happened; many misfortunes such as accidents, implications, sudden death, starvation, cashless policy, sicknesses, kidnappings, killings, and many other disheartening incidents. It takes only God to protect us in the face of all these happenings. He that watches over you till now will surely do greater things for you in the days to come.

The destruction of Babylon must make way for the enlargement of God's people. And in the prediction of the fall of the New-Testament Babylon we meet with the cries and lamentations of the sailors, Revelation 18:17-18 “'For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance, "and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?'”. And observe, It is for Israel's sake that Babylon is ruined, to make way for their deliverance. God reminds the Israelites of the great things he did for their fathers when he brought them out of the land of Egypt; for so it may be read (Isa 43:16-17): "Thus saith the Lord, who did make a way in the sea, the Red Sea, and did bring forth Pharaoh's chariot and horse, that they might lie down together in the bottom of the sea, and never rise, but be extinct. He that did this can, if he please, make a way for you in the sea when you return out of Babylon, and will do so rather than leave you there."

Note, For the encouragement of our faith and hope, it is good for us often to remember what God has done formerly for his people against his and their enemies. Think particularly what he did at the Red Sea, how he made it,

1. A road to his people, a straight way, a near way, nay, a refuge to them, into which they fled and were safe the waters being a wall unto them.

2. A grave to his enemies. The chariot and horse were drawn out by him who is Lord of all hosts, on purpose that they might fall together; howbeit, they meant not so, Mic 4:11-12.

God promises to do yet greater things for you than he had done in the days of old; so that you should not have reason to ask, in a way of complaint, as Gideon did, Where are all the wonders that our fathers told us of? Not that you should see them been repeated, rather to see them been outdone (Isa 43:18): God says, "Remember not the former things”, from them to take occasion, as some do, to undervalue the present things, as if the former days were better than these; no, you may, if you will, comparatively forget them, and yet know enough by the events of your own day to convince you that the Lord is God alone; for, behold, the Lord will do a new thing, no way inferior, both for the wonder and the worth of the mercy, to the things of old."

Therefore, in this new month, put your trust in God for the new things He will do in your life and family as he has promised. With God on your side, you shall no longer remember the memory of your afflictions, for he shall start afresh with you. This is a new beginning where your wasted years and efforts shall be restored and rewarded. Only trust God for this new life. Happy New Month.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, let it be unto me according to your Word: Do a new thing in my life and my family In Jesus Name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 41 – 44.

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ANCHOR OF LIFE is the daily devotional guide written by PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE, General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l. 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. Read, Meditate, Pray and Share this message to others. For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp +2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com

DANGER OF DISUNITY NEET TO

MONDAY, 31ST JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: THE DANGER OF DISUNITY

MEMORIZE: “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30.

SCRIPTURE READING: Numbers 16:1-33.

“1 ¶ Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men; 2 and they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men of renown. 3 They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?" 4 So when Moses heard it, he fell on his face; 5 and he spoke to Korah and all his company, saying, "Tomorrow morning the LORD will show who is His and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him. That one whom He chooses He will cause to come near to Him. 6 "Do this: Take censers, Korah and all your company; 7 "put fire in them and put incense in them before the LORD tomorrow, and it shall be that the man whom the LORD chooses is the holy one. You take too much upon yourselves, you sons of Levi!" 8 Then Moses said to Korah, "Hear now, you sons of Levi: 9 "Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; 10 "and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also? 11 "Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD. And what is Aaron that you complain against him?"

12 ¶ And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, but they said, "We will not come up! 13 "Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you should keep acting like a prince over us? 14 "Moreover you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up!" 15 Then Moses was very angry, and said to the LORD, "Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them. 16 And Moses said to Korah, "Tomorrow, you and all your company be present before the LORD-you and they, as well as Aaron. 17 "Let each take his censer and put incense in it, and each of you bring his censer before the LORD, two hundred and fifty censers; both you and Aaron, each with his censer." 18 So every man took his censer, put fire in it, laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the tabernacle of meeting with Moses and Aaron. 19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. 20 And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 21 "Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment." 22 Then they fell on their faces, and said, "O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and You be angry with all the congregation?"

23 ¶ So the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 24 "Speak to the congregation, saying, 'Get away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.'" 25 Then Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 And he spoke to the congregation, saying, "Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins." 27 So they got away from around the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the door of their tents, with their wives, their sons, and their little children. 28 And Moses said: "By this you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will. 29 "If these men die naturally like all men, or if they are visited by the common fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me. 30 "But if the LORD creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the LORD." 31 Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. 33 So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly.”

EXPOSITION:

Rebellion is the opposite of unity. It is usually sponsored by the devil. It attracts God’s anger and punishment as we see it in action against Korah and his company. Korah, a Levite, the son of Izhar, the brother of Amram, the father of Moses and Aaron (Ex. 6:21). The institution of the Aaronic priesthood and the Levitical service at Sinai was a great religious revolution. The old priesthood of the heads of families passed away. This gave rise to murmurings and discontent, while the Israelites were encamped at Kadesh for the first time, which came to a head in a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, headed by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Two hundred and fifty princes, "men of renown" i.e., well-known men from among the other tribes, joined this conspiracy. The whole company demanded of Moses and Aaron that the old state of things should be restored, alleging that "they took too much upon them" (Num. 16:1-3).

On the morning after the outbreak, Korah and his associates presented themselves at the door of the tabernacle, and "took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon." But immediately "fire from the Lord" burst forth and destroyed them all (Num. 16:35). Dathan and Abiram "came out and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children," and it came to pass "that the ground clave asunder that was under them; and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up." A plague thereafter began among the people who sympathized in the rebellion, and was only stayed by Aaron's appearing between the living and the dead, and making "an atonement for the people" (16:47). Aaron then became intermediary between God and men.

The descendants of the sons of Korah who did not participate in the rebellion afterwards rose to eminence in the Levitical service. Rebellion and disunity are deadly, therefore, be warned and be careful.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, destroy the seed of rebellion and disunity in my life, my family and your Church in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 41 – 44.

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Saturday, July 29, 2023

WHAT REASON CHRISTIANS HAVE TO BE CONTENTED WITH THEIR LOT.

SUNDAY, 30TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: WHAT REASON CHRISTIANS HAVE TO BE CONTENTED WITH THEIR LOT.

MEMORIZE: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 13:5, 6.

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"”

EXPOSITION:

(1.) God hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, Heb 13:5,6. God told Joshua “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5, this promise also belongs to all the faithful servants of God. Old-Testament promises are also applicable to New-Testament saints. This promise contains the sum and substance of all the promises. God said, I will never, no, never leave thee, nor ever forsake thee. Jesus Christ also promised his disciples His presence till the end of age – Matthew 28:20. Hebrews 13:5 also established this fact: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." To confirm the promise; the true believer shall have the gracious presence of God with him in life, at death, and forever.

(2.) From this comprehensive promise the saints may assure themselves of help from God: So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man shall do unto me, Heb 13:6. Men are naturally wicked and can harm even their neighbours, but can do nothing against God, and God can make all that men do against his people to turn to their good “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

(3.) Because God is our helper, he will surely protect His saints from attacks of the enemies. The word of God assured us in Isaiah 54:15 “Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I received grace to trust you and be contented in your provisions for my life in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 37 – 40.

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Friday, July 28, 2023

CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT

SATURDAY, 29TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT

MEMORIZE: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Romans 7:7.

SCRIPTURE READING: Joshua 7:19-21.

“Now Joshua said to Achan, "My son, I beg you, give glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me." 20 And Achan answered Joshua and said, "Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I have done: 21 "When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it."”

EXPOSITION:

Covetousness is the sin that is contrary to the grace and Christian duty. It an over eager desire of the wealth of this world, envying those who have more than we. This sin we must allow no place in our conversation; for, though it be a secret lust lurking in the heart, if it be not subdued it will enter into our conversation, and discover itself in our manner of speaking and acting. We must take care not only to keep this sin down, but to root it out of our souls.

The duty and grace that is contrary to covetousness--being satisfied and pleased with things we have; present things, for past things cannot be recalled, and future things are only in the hand of God. What God gives us from day to day we must be content with, though it fall short of what we have enjoyed heretofore, and though it do not come up to our expectations for the future. We must be content with our present lot. We must bring our minds to our present condition, and this is the sure way to contentment; and those who cannot do it would not be contented though God should raise their condition to their minds, for the mind would rise with the condition. Haman was the great court-favourite, and yet not contented--Ahab on the throne, and yet not contented--Adam in paradise, and yet not contented; yea, the angels in heaven, and yet not contented; but Paul, though abased and empty, had learned in every state, in any state, therewith to be content.

The lesson of contentment we must learn is to be satisfy with what we have at hand and be trusting God for more as needs arise. God wants us to trust in Him and look unto Him on a daily basis for all our needs. Lack of trust in God breeds covetousness and worry. Be warned and shun covetousness in order to have peace and joy in who you are and what you have.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I receive grace to be happy in your provision and to trust you for more in my daily living In Jesus Name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 33 – 36.

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Thursday, July 27, 2023

12 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES OF JESUS THAT INSPIRE ME – Part 2

FRIDAY, 28TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: 12 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES OF JESUS THAT INSPIRE ME – Part 2

MEMORIZE: “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35.

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 22:24-27.

“Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 "But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 "For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.”

EXPOSITION:

Yesterday, we started examining the great qualities of Jesus’ leadership that we must learn and apply in order to have an effective ministry. We have studied six principles yesterday and we are going to proceed to the other points.

7. Jesus was into self-development. Jesus constantly slipped away to spend time with God.

8. Jesus was into leadership development and replacement. He very purposefully prepared the disciples to take over the ministry. He pushed people beyond what they felt they were capable of doing.

9. Jesus held followers to high expectations. Jesus was not afraid to make huge requests of people. “Follow Me” meant the disciples had to drop their agenda to do so. He told the disciples they must be willing to lose everything to follow Him.

10. Jesus cared more about people than about rules and regulations. He was willing to jeopardize Himself personally by breaking the “rules” to help someone in need.

11. Jesus celebrated success in ministry. He rewarded people generously who were faithful to Him and His cause.

12. Jesus finished well. Any questions whether His ministry was effective? Still working today.

Any other reasons you admire the leadership of Jesus? Kindly examine it.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help us to walk in your footsteps and learn your leadership principles and practice it in Jesus name.

Lord, help our leaders to follow your leadership principles in order to be fruitful leaders in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 29 – 32.

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Wednesday, July 26, 2023

12 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES OF JESUS THAT INSPIRE ME – Part 1

THURSDAY, 27TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: 12 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES OF JESUS THAT INSPIRE ME – Part 1

MEMORIZE: “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35.

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 22:24-27.

EXPOSITION:

There are many leaders I admire who have influenced my own leadership. I admire the teachings on leadership by many result-producing leaders who have influenced me as I have watched their leadership. I love leadership. It is so needed these days; especially in our churches. The principles, however, that I admire most are found in the leadership style of Jesus. Jesus’ leadership is still impacting culture today.

Here are 12 leadership principles of Jesus that inspire me:

1. Jesus was willing to invest in people others would have dismissed. Consider the disciples. They were not the “religious” elite, yet Jesus used them to start His church.

2. Jesus released responsibility and ownership in a ministry. Consider how Jesus sent the disciples out on their own. No micro-management it appears. Jesus had a leadership succession plan.

3. Jesus consistently reminded the disciples that He wouldn’t always be with them. Of course, He was still the “leader”, but He left others to take the ministry forward.

4. Jesus practiced servant leadership better than anyone. The King of kings was willing to wash the feet of His followers.

5. Jesus was laser focused on His vision. Regardless of the persecutions or distractions, Jesus kept on the mission God had called Him to complete.

6. Jesus handled distractions with grace. When the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years touched His garment, Jesus stopped to heal her, even though headed to a definite purpose.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help us to see and understand you and be fruitful leaders in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 25 – 28.

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LOVE: THE DIVINE ESSENCE OF GOD - Part 2

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For WEDNESDAY, 26TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: LOVE: THE ESSENCE OF GOD – Part 2

MEMORIZE: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21.

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 John 4:8-10.

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

EXPOSITION:

The personal love of God must be consistent with His own righteousness. Man can never meet God’s standard of righteousness. If God were to love imperfect man in the same way He loves the perfection of His essence, God would compromise His integrity.

The original man and woman, created perfect, were objects of God’s personal love. After the fall, Adam and Eve were defiled by sin. The righteousness of God demanded that divine justice replace personal love as the point of contact between God and man. Justice condemns all human beings (Rom. 5:12 “so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”), but likewise, only divine justice can save human beings. Motivated by God’s impersonal love for fallen humanity, the justice of God judged Jesus Christ on the cross for the sins of all mankind. Since Christ paid the penalty for sin, the justice of God without compromise to God’s integrity, imputes the righteousness of God to every believer at the moment of faith in Jesus Christ. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21.

Since God loves his own perfect righteousness – wherever it is found – we now become objects of divine personal love. Nevertheless, because our salvation depends on His justification of us (Rom. 3:24-26 “being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”), His justice continues to be the source of all our blessing and discipline. Knowing that God will not and cannot compromise His integrity, His justice is also the source of our comfort and encouragement. He personally and eternally loves us because we possess His righteousness.

PRAYER POINT: Thank You Lord for your redeeming Love for us. Help us to love you too in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 22 – 24.

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Monday, July 24, 2023

LOVE: THE ESSENCE OF GOD – Part 1

TUESDAY, 25TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: LOVE: THE ESSENCE OF GOD – Part 1

MEMORIZE: “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” John 4:16.

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 John 4:8-10.

EXPOSITION:

God is eternal, unchangeable love (1 John 4:8b, 16). His divine love is infinitely superior to human love. God does not depend on emotion to express His love. God needs no response, no reciprocation, no reassurance, no demonstrations of faithfulness to sustain His love. In fact, God’s love exists with or without a created object, because God loves His own perfect essence. The love of God is expressed in three categories.

1. Divine self-love, directed toward the perfect righteousness among the members of the Trinity, is totally justifies because of the character of God.

2. Divine personal love is directed toward all believers because they possess the perfect righteousness of God.

3. Divine impersonal love is directed toward all unbelievers as sinners (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). God’s impersonal love is based on the integrity of God rather than the merit or attractiveness of mankind. {Impersonal love depends on the integrity of the one who loves; personal love depends on the attractiveness of the object of love. Divine impersonal love is the consistent function of the integrity of God toward imperfect people.}

“God is love” applies to every member of the Trinity. The Father loves the Son and also expresses His love to us through the Son. “Father, I desire that they also (believers), whom Thou hast given Me (the Son), be with Me where I am, in order that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou didst love Me (divine self-love) before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24.

“By this the love of God (the Father) was manifested in us, that God has sent His only (uniquely born) Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9.

Both the Father and Son loved us as much that Christ died for us. “But God demonstrate His own (impersonal) love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

The love of God is also demonstrated to us through the Holy Spirit. “Because the (personal) love of God (the Father) has been poured our within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” Rom. 5:8b.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, thank you for your unequal love for us. HALLELUYAH.

ii. Lord, help us to live you and our neighbors in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 18 – 21.

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Sunday, July 23, 2023

THE BLESSINGS OF TRINITY

MONDAY, 24TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: THE BLESSINGS OF UNITY

MEMORIZE: “It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.” Psalm 133:2.

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 133:1-3

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing-Life forevermore.”

EXPOSITION:

Being united in oneness of purpose as brethren is an act of obedience to God. It surely carries the blessings of God. The proof of the excellency of brotherly love and unity is that loving people are blessed people. For,

1. THEY ARE BLESSED OF GOD, AND THEREFORE BLESSED INDEED: There, where brethren dwell together in unity, the Lord commands the blessing, an abundant blessing, including all blessings. It is God's prerogative to command the blessing, man can but beg a blessing. Blessings according to the promise are commanded blessings, for he has commanded his covenant forever. Blessings that take effect are commanded blessings, for he speaks and it is done.

2. THEY ARE EVERLASTINGLY BLESSED. The blessing which God commands on those that dwell in love and godly unity is life for evermore; that is the blessing of blessings. Those that dwell in love not only dwell in God, but do already dwell in heaven. For God is love. As the perfection of love is the blessedness of heaven, so the sincerity of love is the earnest of that blessedness. Those that live in love, unity and peace shall have the God of love and peace with them now, and they shall be with him shortly, with him forever, in the world of endless love, unity and peace. How good then is it, and how pleasant! It has no equal. Therefore, the life of love and unity worths paying any price whatsoever to gain it.

Example of brotherly love and unity that existed between David and Jonathan is a good example of unity God is expecting fro the Church. It is the pattern of oneness which rescues one’s partner from evil. Where there is true love and sincere unity, there is peace and security.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, unite us together in sincere love and truth to experience the wonders of your blessings in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 14 – 17.

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THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LIKING THE UNITY OF BRETHREN TO PRECIOUS OINTMENT

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For SUNDAY, 23RD JULY, 2023

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LIKING THE UNITY OF BRETHREN TO PRECIOUS OINTMENT

MEMORIZE: “It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.” Psalm 133:2.

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 133:1-3

EXPOSITION:

Godly unity of the brethren is very important to God that Jesus Christ prayed to the Father for His disciples (the Church) to dwell together in unity.Therefore, Let us examine some of them as follow...

IT IS FRAGRANT AS THE HOLY ANOINTING OIL, which was strongly perfumed, and diffused its odours, to the great delight of all the bystanders, when it was poured upon the head of Aaron, or his successor the high priest, so plentifully that it ran down the face, even to the collar or binding of the garment, Psalm 133:2.

(1.) This ointment was holy. So must our brotherly love be, with a pure heart, devoted to God. We must love those that are begotten for his sake that begat, 1 John 5:1.

(2.) This ointment was a composition made up by a divine dispensatory; God appointed the ingredients and the quantities. Thus believers are taught of God to love one another; it is a grace of his working in us.

(3.) It was very precious, and the like to it was not to be made for any common use. Thus holy love is, in the sight of God, of great price; and that is precious indeed which is so in God's sight.

(4.) It was grateful both to Aaron himself and to all about him. So is holy love; it is like ointment and perfume which rejoice the heart. Christ's love to mankind was part of that oil of gladness with which he was anointed above his fellows.

(5.) Aaron and his sons were not admitted to minister unto the Lord till they were anointed with this ointment, nor are our services acceptable to God without this holy love; if we have it not we are nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-2.

CONDITION & BLESSINGS OF ACCEPTED UNITY

IT IS PROFITABLE AS WELL AS PLEASING; it is as the dew; it brings abundance of blessings along with it, as numerous as the drops of dew. It cools the scorching heat of men's passions, as the evening dews cool the air and refresh the earth. It contributes very much to our fruitfulness in everything that is good; it moistens the heart, and makes it tender and fit to receive the good seed of the word; as, on the contrary, malice and bitterness unfit us to receive it, 1 Peter 2:1. It is as the dew of Hermon, a common hill (for brotherly love is the beauty and benefit of civil societies), and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, a holy hill, for it contributes greatly to the fruitfulness of sacred societies. It is said of the dew that it tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men, Micah 5:7. Nor should our love to our brethren stay for theirs to us, but should go before it--that is divine love.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help us to obey you and live in unity that we may enjoy the abundant blessings attached to it in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 11 –13.

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Saturday, July 22, 2023

NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST JESUS

Saturday, 22ND JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST JESUS

MEMORIZE: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 8:1-4

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

EXPOSITION:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. That is such good news. As this passage says, God sent his Son to be a sin offering for us. By that, he condemned sin in the flesh. And the righteous requirements of the law have been fully met in us. As believers in the Lord Jesus, we do not need to fear what awaits us in eternity. But this good news is not applicable to all people. And not even to all church-going people. As Paul makes clear at the beginning, it is those who are in Christ who have no condemnation. And, at the end of this passage, he separates those who live according to the Spirit from those who live according to the flesh. The righteous requirements of the law are met only in those who live according to the Spirit, not necessarily those who go to Churches.

While a distinction can be drawn between those who live according to the Spirit and those who live according to the flesh, I do believe they go hand-in-hand. Those who are in Christ will live by the Spirit, seeking to follow his direction. While those who live to please themselves are not in Christ. Much of this chapter is making this contrast between those who live to please the Spirit and those who live to please themselves.

There is much more that could be said about this passage. But, at the very least, it is a challenge to seek to live by the Spirit. To follow his direction and look to please him rather than self. Do that, and you will live.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help us not to become waster of your grace of salvation given to us in Jesus name.

ii. Help us to be righteous and live in the Spirit hence forth in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 1 – 4.

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Thursday, July 20, 2023

LIVING IN THE SPIRIT

FRIDAY, 21ST JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: LIVING IN THE SPIRIT

MEMORIZE: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 8:5-8.

⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. ⁸ So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

EXPOSITION:

I have been reading through Paul’s letter to the Romans recently. And I am stuck on one passage that I keep coming back to over and over. I am stuck on it, not because it is particularly difficult to understand. But because it has just grabbed hold of me and won’t let go. Am I living according to the Spirit? Or according to the flesh?

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

THE FLESH OR THE SPIRIT

This passage provides a test. Am I living according to the flesh, or according to the Spirit? In this passage the flesh refers to my own nature, who I just naturally am. In our natural state we all live according to the flesh. And in that state our minds are set on what the flesh desires. Is this a bad thing? Not in and of itself. It is just what we are. For some, the flesh desires things that are hurtful to self and others. And we condemn the expression of those desires. For others, the flesh desires things that are helpful to self and others. Things of beauty, knowledge and understanding, peace and love. We hold these in honor and set them as examples.

But what both of these extremes, and any middle ground, hold in common, is that they are hostile to God. They are unable to please him, and lead to death. It is not to challenging to apply this to a serial killer. We find it altogether different to apply it to a great humanitarian who dedicates his life to helping the helpless. But Paul is clear that if I am following the desires of my own nature I am in deep trouble. It makes no difference where those desires might lead.

Paul contrasts this person with the one whose mind is set, not on what they want, but on what God’s Spirit wants. That one will experience life and peace in relationship with their creator. It is ironic that only in dying to self will I find true life. Only in giving up will I discover what I was created to be.

TAKING THE TEST

It is so easy to read and study this passage without actually taking the test. I have done it for several decades. But it is demanding an answer now. As I walk through my day, do I do what I want, or what the Spirit wants of me? Do I take the time to inquire of the Spirit what he wants? Or do I just act on my own desires?

Am I trying to please God? Or am I doing what I want and hoping that it is pleasing to him? According to this passage, if my response is the latter, then I am not pleasing him. I am actually hostile to him. No matter how good my actions might be, if it is in response to my own desire rather than at the Spirit’s leading, I have fallen short.

I am afraid too much of my life is lived without regard for the Spirit’s leading. But this passage is stuck on a continuous replay cycle. It challenges me to change the channel and listen to the Spirit rather than my own n

PRAYER POINT: i. Lord, deliver us from the misfortunes that our sins have brought upon us in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, help us to be good and committed leaders of your people to guide them against becoming slaves to sin in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 1 – 4.

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Wednesday, July 19, 2023

LEADER'S HUMILIATION ON OCCASION OF SAD DISASTER

THURSDAY, 20TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: LEADER'S HUMILIATION ON OCCASION OF SAD DISASTER

MEMORIZE: “And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.” Joshua 7:6.

SCRIPTURE READING: Joshua 7:6-9.

“And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. 7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! 8 O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! 9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?”

EXPOSITION:

The iniquity (sin) of someone can put many people into trouble. The sin of Achan proved this to be true. God revered the sin of Achan to be sin of the whole Israel which brought defeat to Joshua and the men of Israel.

As a leader, we have here an account of the deep concern Joshua was in upon this sad occasion. He, as a public person, saw himself as a failure more than any other in this public loss, and is therein an example to princes and great men, and teaches them to lay much to heart as touching the calamities that befall their people. Joshua is a type of Christ, to whom the blood of his subjects is precious as it is written in Ps 72:14.

Joshua was so grieved: He rent his clothes (Jos 7:6), in token of great sorrow for this public disaster, and especially a dread of God's displeasure, which Achan was certainly the cause of it. David, one of the bravest soldiers that ever lived, owned that his flesh trembled for fear of God, Ps 119:120 “My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.”

As one humbling himself under the mighty hand of God, Joshua fell to the earth upon his face, not thinking it any mocking to him to lie thus low before the great God, to whom he directed this token of reverence, by keeping his eye towards the ark of the Lord. The elders of Israel, being interested in the cause and influenced by his example, prostrated themselves with him, and, in token of deep humiliation, put dust upon their heads, not only as mourners, but as penitents; not doubting but they know it was for some sin or other that God did thus contend with them (though they knew not what it was), they humbled themselves before God, and thus deprecated the progress of his wrath. This they continued until even-tide, to show that it was not the result of a sudden feeling, but proceeded from a deep conviction of their misery and danger if God were any way provoked to depart from them.

As a leader of God’s people, how do you react to the pain and defeat of people under your care? Are you not found shifting blames on others? Are people under you saved? A good leader provides security to people under him/her and do not rejoices at their calamity. To achieve this, we must learn to commit everything to God in prayers. Joshua prayed and God gave him solution to their sorrow.

PRAYER POINT: i. Lord, deliver us from the misfortunes that our sins have brought upon us in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, help us to be good and committed leaders of your people to guide them against becoming slaves to sin in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Isaiah 1 – 4.

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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FACE A FEARFUL SITUATION

THURSDAY, 19TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

Topic: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FACE A FEARFUL SITUATION

MEMORY SCRIPTURE:

“Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him" (Genesis 32:6).

SCRIPTURE READING: Genesis 32:3-12

“And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’” And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.” And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’”

EXPOSITION:

How do you handle a frightening and dreadful situation that makes your heart palpitate? Esau's news of coming with about 400 militia to meet Jacob became a great challenge to the latter. What about his many years of sufferings for wives, business in Laban's house? In the end, he overcame. You too can overcome by following these words of wisdom below:

1. Acknowledge Your Fear vv. 7,11: Jacob acknowledged his fear, we may say, he was moved with both fear and faith. Moved with fear, hence, he divided his family and stuff into groups. Moved by faith, he prayed! We live in the world of 'fake it to make it! Many of us live in denial of our fears! Faith is not a denial of fear, but faith helps you to spell fear as 'False Evidence Appearing Real! Acknowledge your fear to God.

2. Recall God's Grace to you in the past vv. 9-10: He reminded himself of God's gracious hands upon him in the past. So, you remember the time when you were a nonentity, when you were nothing and God turned your nothingness into something else! When God multiplied your zeros into meaningful numbers!

3. Confess your Unworthy of God's grace to you v. 10: Jacob professed his unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness of God to him. Many people feel entitled to God's favour! Whenever we do that, we miss it!

4. Remind God of His Promises v. 12: There were divine promises and divine purpose in Jacob's life which he reminded God. You too should remind God of His promises over your life.

5. Present your plea, petition, supplication, and request to God v. 11: Jacob prayed to God. Paul says: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6).

PRAYER POINTS

i. Pray to God for deliverance from all your fears.

ii. Pray that God should intervene in the matter concerning the Church and her deadly enemies.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Song of Solomon 5 – 8.

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Monday, July 17, 2023

BANISH ANXIETY

TUESDAY, 18TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: BANISH ANXIETY.

MEMORIZE: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

READ: Luke 12:22-31

22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

EXPOSITION:

It is human nature to worry about personal wellness and that of our loved ones, but as Christians, this should not be our lifestyle because God has told us to be anxious about nothing - Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Fear reaches deep into our consciousness, making it very difficult to shake off. When anyone allows it, the door to stress becomes open, leading the way for many diseases, some of which can become fatal and lead to death. Today’s Bible reading tells us how God wants us to live- worry-free. He wants us to rest in the knowledge that He is in charge. “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:” Matthew 6:27-28. Can you answer the question above? Can you add one inch to your height by worrying? The answer is NO. If you cannot change the situation by worrying, why not put that energy into praying and getting rest from the presence of God? Worrying magnifies the problem because what you focus on will always get bigger.

From now, focus on God, on His omnipotence and very soon, you will see the end of that problem. Nothing is too difficult for God to handle (Jeremiah 32:27 “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?”). Turn over all your cares to Him today and He will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”).

KEY POINT: Worry magnifies the problem. Worship magnifies your God who can solve all problems.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help us to trust you so as to banish anxiety in our lives in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Song of Solomon 1 - 4

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Sunday, July 16, 2023

HEAVEN REJOICE

MONDAY, 17TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: HEAVEN REJOICE.

MEMORIZE: I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:7

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 15:1-10

1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

EXPOSITION:

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 says we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. This means that the host of Heaven are constantly observing us and our actions on the earth. Sadly, when they look down, most of what they see is sin.

Yes, once in a while, these clouds of witnesses see one or two people who surrender their lives to Christ and the whole Heaven erupts in joy because of this one fellow. This is why we must use every opportunity to win souls to Christ; we should let Heaven to rejoice always. When last did Heaven rejoice because you brought someone to Christ?

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16. The statement Jesus made here is very logical. First, God loves soul winners- so whatever they ask, He will give. Imagine if someone who always makes you happy comes with a request. Even if the father of the house wants to say no, every other person will speak up for him and say “Daddy, we cannot say no to the request of this fellow, he is special to us in this family.” That is what happens when a soul winner prays. The whole of Heaven will cooperate to ensure that the prayer is answered because you are constantly making them rejoice. When we gather for services, Heaven doesn’t rejoice over the great sermon, music, communion or giving, rather in souls won. Heaven will ask “Did anyone get saved?”

If you are saved, share the gospel to save others. If you are yet to surrender all to Christ, do so now and there would be great rejoicing in Heaven over you.

ACTION POINT: Speak to someone about Jesus today and make this a daily habit.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help us to obey you in making soul winning our highest priority in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Ecclesiastes 9 – 12.

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FAITHFUL AND USEFUL

SUNDAY, 16TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: FAITHFUL AND USEFUL

MEMORIZE: “Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me." – Psalm 101:6

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 101:1-8.

“I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.”

EXPOSITION:

If David spoke thus, we may be sure that the Son of David will be of the same mind. Jesus looks out for faithful men, and He fixes His eyes upon them, to observe them, to bring them forward, to encourage them, and to reward them. Let no true-hearted man think that he is overlooked; the King Himself has His eye upon him.

There are two results of this royal notice. First we read, “That they may dwell with me.” Jesus brings the faithful into His house, He sets them in His palace, He makes them His companions, He delights in their society. We must be true to our Lord, and He will then manifest Himself to us. When our faithfulness costs us most, it will be best rewarded; the more furiously men reject, the more joyfully will our Lord receive us.

Next, he says of the sincere man, “He shall serve me.” Jesus will use for His own glory those who scorn the tricks of policy and are faithful to Himself, His Word, and His cross. These shall be in His royal retinue, the honored servants of His Majesty. Communion and usefulness are the wages of faithfulness. Lord make me faithful that I may dwell with Thee and serve Thee.

PRAYER POINT: Lord make me faithful that I may dwell with Thee and serve You in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Ecclesiastes 5 – 8.

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Friday, July 14, 2023

GOD’S EYES ARE ON YOU.

Saturday, 15TH JULY, 2023.

By: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: GOD’S EYES ARE ON YOU.

MEMORIZE: When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 139:7-12

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. “

EXPOSITION:

God is Omnipresent- He is everywhere and sees everything at the same time. It does not matter what you are going through, He is right by your side. When the three Hebrew boys were facing King Nebuchadnezzar, to an outsider, it may have appeared they were on their own without any help whatsoever. However, the boys were confident; they knew who they believed. They were even bold enough to add that they would still not bow to any idol if God decided not to rescue them.

Many times, we don’t feel God by our side when we are facing trials, but He is there. You will realize it when you are in the furnace and the fire burns off your chains leaving you unharmed. God’s eyes are on you even when you are about to commit sin. A Pastor is said to have taken a female member of his church to a hotel with the intent of committing fornication. When they got in and the Pastor tried to touch her, she said “Sir, we looked left and right to be sure no one could see us, but we did not look up. God can see us” She could feel that God could see them, so she fled.

You cannot hide anything from God. You may pretend to people in Church, but He knows your secrets. Your spouse may not be able to access your phone, but God knows all your conversations; you can deceive everyone but not Him. According to Luke 8:17, knowing that God can expose you should make you repent. “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.” Don’t continue in sin because sooner or later, every secret will be made open. I hope you make a change immediately. He has not yet revealed your sin because He wants you to have a chance to repent. If you refuse to repent, He will expose you and that would be dangerous.

KEY POINT: God is omnipresent and omniscient. Don’t wait to be exposed; make amends where necessary right away. Tomorrow may be too late.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Proverbs 22 – 25.

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THE RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN ADAM AND JESUS CHRIST

FRIDAY, 14TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: THE RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN ADAM AND JESUS CHRIST

MEMORIZE: “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 5:15-21.

“But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

EXPOSITION:

The parallel that the apostle runs between the communication of sin and death by the first Adam and of righteousness and life by the second Adam Ro 5:12-21, which not only illustrates the truth he is discoursing of, but tends very much to the commending of the love of God and the comforting of the hearts of true believers, in showing a correspondence between our fall and our recovery, and not only a like, but a much greater power in the second Adam to make us happy, than there was in the first to make us miserable. Now, for the opening of this discussion, let us observe these points:

Wherein the resemblance holds. This is laid down most fully, Romans 5:18-19. First, By the offence and disobedience of one many were made sinners, and judgment came upon all men to condemnation. Here we observe,

1. That Adam's sin was disobedience, disobedience to a plain and express command: and it was a command of trial. The thing he did was therefore evil because it was forbidden, and not otherwise; but this opened the door to other sins, though itself seemingly small.

2. That the malignity and poison of sin are very strong and spreading, else the guilt of Adam's sin would not have reached so far, nor have been so deep and long a stream. Who would think there should be so much evil in sin?

3. That by Adam's sin many are made sinners: many, that is, all his posterity; said to be many, in opposition to the one that offended, Made sinners. It denotes the making of us such by a judicial act: we were cast as sinners by due course of law.

4. That judgment is come to condemnation upon all those that by Adam's disobedience were made sinners. Being convicted, we are condemned. All the race of mankind lie under a sentence, like an attainder upon a family. There is judgment given and recorded against us in the court of heaven; and, if the judgment be not reversed, we are likely to sink under it to eternity.

In like manner, by the righteousness and obedience of one (and that one is Jesus Christ, the second Adam), are many made righteous, and so the free gift comes upon all. It is observable how the apostle inculcates this truth, and repeats it again and again, as a truth of very great consequence.

ACTION POINT: Appreciate God for the work of our redemption done by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Proverbs 22 – 25.

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Wednesday, July 12, 2023

DEATH COMES BY SIN

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

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: DEATH COMES BY SIN

MEMORIZE: “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:17.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 6:20-23.

“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

EXPOSITION:

In continuation of our study on the sin of one man, Adam… Now Adam acted as a public person, by the sovereign ordination and appointment of God, and yet that founded upon a natural necessity; for God, as the author of nature, had made this the law of nature, that man should beget in his own likeness, and so the other creatures. In Adam therefore, as in a common vessel, the whole nature of man was deposited, from him to flow down in a channel to his posterity; for all mankind are made of one blood, Acts 17:26, so that according as this nature proves through his standing or falling, before he puts it out of his hands, accordingly it is propagated from him. Adam therefore sinning and falling, the nature became guilty and corrupt, and is so derived. Thus in him all have sinned.

Death by sin, for death is the wages of sin. Sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. When sin came, of course death came with it. Death is here put for all that misery which is the due desert of sin, temporal, spiritual, eternal death. If Adam had not sinned, he had not died; the threatening was, In the day thou eatest thou shall surely die, Genesis 2:17.

So death passed, that is, a sentence of death was passed, as upon a criminal, passed through all men, as an infectious disease passes through a town, so that none escape it. It is the universal fate, without exception: death passes upon all. There are common calamities incident to human life which do abundantly prove this. Death reigned, Ro 5:14. He speaks of death as a mighty prince, and his monarchy the most absolute, universal, and lasting monarchy. None are exempted from its sceptre; it is a monarchy that will survive all other earthly rule, authority, and power, for it is the last enemy, 1Co 15:26. Those sons of Belial that will be subject to no other rule cannot avoid being subject to this. Now all this we may thank Adam for; from him sin and death descend. Well may we say, as that good man, observing the change that a fit of sickness had made in his countenance, O Adam! what hast thou done?

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I receive victory over sin and its domineering power in my life in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Proverbs 22 – 25.

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Tuesday, July 11, 2023

SIN IS VIOLATION OF THE LAW

WEDNESDAY, 12TH JULY, 2023.

By: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: SIN IS VIOLATION OF THE LAW

MEMORIZE: “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” Romans 5:14.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 5:12-21.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

EXPOSITION:

The word of God made it clear that sin did not commence with the law of Moses, but was in the world until, or before, that law; therefore that law of Moses is not the only rule of life, for there was a rule, and that rule was transgressed, before the law was given. It likewise intimates that we cannot be justified by our obedience to the law of Moses, any more than we were condemned by and for our disobedience to it. Sin was in the world before the law; witness Cain's murder, the apostasy of the old world, the wickedness of Sodom. His inference hence is, Therefore there was a law; for sin is not imputed where there is no law.

Original sin is a want of conformity to, and actual sin is a transgression of, the law of God: therefore all were under some law. His proof of it is, Death reigned from Adam to Moses, Rom 5:14. It is certain that death could not have reigned if sin had not set up the throne for him. This proves that sin was in the world before the law, and original sin, for death reigned over those that had not sinned any actual sin, that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, never sinned in their own persons as Adam did--which is to be understood of infants, that were never guilty of actual sin, and yet died, because Adam's sin was imputed to them. This reign of death seems especially to refer to those violent and extraordinary judgments which were long before Moses, as the deluge and the destruction of Sodom, which involved infants. It is a great proof of original sin that little children, who were never guilty of any actual transgression, are yet liable to very terrible diseases, casualties, and deaths, which could by no means be reconciled with the justice and righteousness of God if they were not chargeable with guilt.

In correspondence to this, Christ, as a public person, communicates righteousness and life to all true believers, who are his spiritual seed. And in this he shows not only wherein the resemblance holds, but wherein the communication of grace and love by Christ goes beyond the communication of guilt and wrath by Adam.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, Unite us together as family, Church, community and nation in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Proverbs 22 – 25.

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Monday, July 10, 2023

THE SINS OF ONE MAN - Part 2

TUESDAY, 11TH JULY, 2023.

By: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: THE SINS OF ONE MAN – Part 2

MEMORIZE: “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” Romans 5:14.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 5:12-21.

EXPOSITION:

Adam, as a public person, communicated sin and death to all his posterity Rom 5:12: By one man sin entered. We see the world under a deluge of sin and death, full of iniquities and full of calamities. Now, it is worthwhile to enquire what is the spring that feeds it, and you will find it to be the general corruption of nature; and at what gap it entered, and you will find it to have been Adam's first sin. It was by one man, and he the first man (for if any had been before him they would have been free), that one man from whom, as from the root, we all spring.

By him sin entered. When God pronounced all very good Genesis 1:31, there was no sin in the world; it was when Adam ate forbidden fruit that sin made its entry. Sin had before entered into the world of angels, when many of them revolted from their allegiance and left their first estate; but it never entered into the world of mankind till Adam sinned. Then it entered as an enemy, to kill and destroy, as a thief, to rob and ruin; and a miserable entry it was. Then entered the guilt of Adam's sin imputed to posterity, and a general corruption and depravedness of nature. for that (so we read it), rather in whom, all have sinned. Sin entered into the world by Adam, for in him we all sinned. As, 1 Cor 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” In Adam all die; so here, in him all have sinned; for it is agreeable to the law of all nations that the acts of a public person be accounted theirs whom they represent; and what a whole body does every member of the same body may be said to do.

Adam was a type of Christ Rom 5:14: Who is the figure of him that was to come. Christ is therefore called the last Adam, 1 Cor. 15:45 “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” Compare Rom 5:21 “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” In this Adam was a type of Christ, that in the covenant-transactions that were between God and him, and in the consequent events of those transactions, Adam was a public person. God dealt with Adam and Adam acted as such a one, as a common father and factor, root and representative, of and for all his posterity; so that what he did in that station, as agent for us, we may be said to have done in him, and what was done to him may be said to have been done to us in him.

Thus Jesus Christ, the Mediator, acted as a public person, the head of all the elect, dealt with God for them, as their father, factor, root, and representative--died for them, rose for them, entered within the veil for them, did all for them. When Adam failed, we failed with him; when Christ performed, he performed for us. Thus was Adam, the figure of him that was to come, to come to repair that breach which Adam had made.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I receive grace to walk in the victory over sin and hell by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in Jesus name.

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

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Sunday, July 9, 2023

THE SIN OF ONE MAN - Part 1

MONDAY, 10TH JULY, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC: THE SIN OF ONE MAN – Part 1

MEMORIZE: “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:19.

SCRIPTURE READING: Joshua 7:1-6.

“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.”

EXPOSITION:

More than once we have found the affairs of Israel, even when they were in the happiest posture and gave the most hopeful prospects, perplexed and embarrassed by sin, and a stop thereby put to the most promising proceedings. The golden calf, the murmuring at Kadesh, and the iniquity of Peor, had broken their measures and given them great disturbance. In our today’s scripture passage Joshua 7:1ff, we have such another instance of the interruption given to the progress of their arms by sin. But it being only the sin of one person or family, and soon expiated, the consequences were so mischievous as of those other sins; it puts the entire nation into jeopardy: loss of lives of innocent soldiers and the defeat of Israel as a nation.

The story of this chapter begins with a but. The Lord was with Joshua, and his fame was noised through all that country, so the foregoing chapter ends, and it left no room to doubt but that he would go on as he had begun conquering and to conquer. He did right, and observed his orders in everything. But the children of Israel committed a trespass, and so set God against them; and then even Joshua's name and fame, his wisdom and courage, could do them no service. If we lose our God, we lose our friends, who cannot help us unless God be for us.

The iniquity of man can put the whole family or even the community in trouble. The sin of Achan polluted the entire army of Israel. The word of God says, “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.” Joshua 7:1.

Dear reader, examine yourself today. In what way have you been the afflicter of people around you: your family, friends, offices, the people under your leadership, etc. The sins of some leaders have ruined the lives of many followers under them. When God’s judgment finally comes upon them, their ends might be untimely death like that of Achan and his family, or rejection like Eli and his generations following.

Though our God is God of mercy, but you must repent from your sins and determine never to return into it again. “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. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30. When men exhaust God’s grace, he will then face the bitter end of His judgment. Repent now.

On the other hand, are you a victim of misfortunes of which you are not the cause? You might have been a victim of other person’s sins. Plead for God’s mercy and He will help you out.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, forgive me of the evil I have done that others are suffering its consequences in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, deliver me from the consequences of evil that others have committed which I am suffering from in Jesus name.

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

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Saturday, July 8, 2023

HIDDEN TREASURES

Sunday, 9TH JULY, 2023.

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

TOPIC: HIDDEN TREASURES

MEMORIZE: “And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” Isaiah 45:3

SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 45:1-6

“1. Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; 2. I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: 3. And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. 4. For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 5. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me. 6. That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.”

EXPOSITION:

Treasures are precious objects of great value. The accumulation of such could however lead to pride (1 Timothy 6:17 ), greed (Luke 12:15 ), dishonesty (Joshua 7:21 ), and idolatry (Exodus 32:24 ).Real treasures are however spiritual with eternal value, and they come from knowing and serving God. Such treasures are usually hidden and could turn out to be anything around us: it was the slave girl in Naaman’s case (2 Kings 5:2-3 ), a little jar of oil in the case of the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 and David in Jesses case (1 Samuel 16:11 ). Moses was the hidden treasure reserved for the salvation of Israel. I cited all these examples of ordinary people and objects that were hidden treasures to explain that the All-Knowing God is able to make all things work together for the good of His children. Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

In many cases, treasures are not easily identified even when in plain view. That is why it is very important to develop a good relationship with God and live at peace with our neighbours. The slave girl may not have volunteered the information that led to Naaman’s healing had she been ill-treated in that household. The widows neighbours may not have loaned her so many vessels if she had not maintained a good relationship with them. The divine appointment of David as king and Moses as Israel’s first spiritual leader would not have happened if they did not have a good relationship with God. If you want God to reveal hidden treasures that would lead to great and unprecedented breakthroughs in your life, you must first accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, then live in total submission and obedience to God. Only then can you be sure of accessing the hidden treasures of God and all things will begin to work in your favour.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please help me to identify the hidden treasures in my life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

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

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ANCHOR OF LIFE is the daily devotional guide written by PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE, General Overseer, Anchor of Life and Redemption Ministry. 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. Read, Meditate, Pray and Share this message to others. For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp +2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com

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