LOVE, THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW I

Memorise: 
These things I command you, that ye love one another. John 15:17
Read: 1st Corinthians 13:1-3
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Message
The Bible takes the subject of love so seriously that love is equated to the sum total of all the commandments of God. The Bible goes further to say that love is the fulfilment of the law. The use of the word ‘law’ in the New Testament sense, is usually a reference to all the commandments and statutes recorded in the Old Testament and specifically those in the first five books of the Bible known as the books of Moses (Pentateuch). Now, the reality that God equates love to the whole of the Old Testament commandments is a serious food for thought. The Bible in 1st Corinthians 13:1-2 says:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
The above passage speaks clearly about the importance of love and how children of God should view or rate love on the scale of spirituality. Here, God compared some special spiritual gifts of uncommon value to love. Speaking in the tongues of men and angels seems to mean the ability to speak in heavenly tongues and at the same time interpret it in the language of men. This has always been a very rare gift which is highly sought after in the body of Christ, yet, anyone with this rare gift but without love, is described as a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. In essence, such is viewed by God as a mere noise-maker. Furthermore, the Bible says if one should have the gift of prophecy, understand all mysteries and have all knowledge, even if the person should have enough faith to do great miracles, without love, such a person amounts to nothing in the eyes of God. This simply means that love is the golden rule by which whatever gifts we exhibit and whatever services we offer to God are measured. Therefore, love is the ultimate commandment. Romans 13:10 says:
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
As I always ask my children, do you truly love God? What price have you paid as proof of that love? If you love what you do, it will be easy to do it with all your heart. Love is missing in our fellowship with God today. All you get from some is lip service. This is professing love without backing it up with physical evidence. Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”. Your service to God must come from your heart, borne out of love. The service that pleases God is one from the heart rendered in love, as God is love. If you are born again, you have the capacity to manifest agape love. To what extent does this love manifest itself in your life and service? Do you know that faith requires the oil of love to operate effectively? (Galatians 5:6). Add love to your faith and you begin to bask in the glory of God, because He will equally respond out of greater love and your life will never be the same again.
Prayer Point
Father, help me to love You with all my heart in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: John 1:1-3:15 and Job20:21-30:8
AUTHOR: Pst. E. A. ADEBOYE

ABUNDANT LIFE AFTER DEATH

MEMORISE:
And he said unto me, it is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Revelation 21:6
READ:
Revelation 21:1-7
21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Luke 23:6-24:53 and Job 29:7-20
Some of the major quests of humanity are the search for the existence of God, the nature of religion, and the possibility of life after death. Out of deep concern for this topic, philosophers and the great world religions constantly debate specific views about life after death such as reincarnation, resurrection, and some other options. Over the years, philosophical speculations on life after death have yielded various theories on the immorality of the soul, to prove that the soul can exist apart from the body, and thereby suggesting that the human soul will live on after death. This view is well suited to our religious beliefs, because it is something like this that gives people hope in the face of death. The question that must be asked, however, is whether there is any good reason to believe in life after death. Is it a reasonable hope or nothing more than wishful thinking?
Though the average Christian does not need anyone to convince him about the reality of life after death, but generally speaking, it is necessary to consider some facts which are not widely known. There is actually empirical, observable and scientifically verifiable evidence about life after death. This evidence is usually provided by a phenomenon known as a “near-death experience” (NDE), which is an experience where a person who is considered to be clinically dead, is involved in a disembodied state of existence, or other aspects or forms of an afterlife. While in a state of the absence of any discernible signs of life, such as consciousness, pulse, or breathing, some have reported such experiences as having the sense that one is dead and looking down on one’s body. Others have reported things like travelling down a tunnel or a dark passageway, meeting other persons or supernatural beings, seeing beautiful scenery, re-entering one’s body, and experiencing feelings of peace. In some cases, some have shared their experiences about a terrifying visit to hell. It is important to note that most of these people give a very vivid account of their personal encounters.
On the basis of divine revelation, we are confident in the promise of everlasting life. As Christians, we affirm the biblical teaching that human beings do live on after physical death. We can therefore confidently answer the question of life after death in the affirmative. We can say beyond any reasonable doubt, YES, there is life after death. Not as an ordinary life devoid of the divine essence, but an abundant life in accordance with the Word of God in Revelation 20:6 that says: “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
Revelations 20:6
Life after death offers abundant life to all that will faithfully serve the Lord till death. First, we will partake in the first resurrection, and then the second death will have no power over us. We will automatically become priests of God, with the special privilege of reigning with Him for a thousand years. What a life to look forward to, I pray we will all make it there in Jesus’ Name.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please grant me the grace to faithfully serve you till the
end in Jesus’ name.
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN
WHEN THE TRUMPET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND.
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
Refrain:
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

BLESSINGS OF KNOWING THE TRUE GOD

MEMORISE 
And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. DANIEL 11:32
READ : 1 KINGS 18 : 21 - 24 :
21. And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
22. Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
23. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:
24. And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : LUKE 12 : 35 - 14 : 24 AND JOB 26.
It is common amongst Christians to tell stories of our lifestyle before we became acquainted with the true God. Many confess being in bondage to various gods who ruled over them with an iron fist, through the observance of ridiculously expensive practices in terms of time and money. These gods include expensive lifestyles, unnecessarily plentiful entertainment, ungodly fashion, wasteful pastimes, membership of exclusive clubs and fraternities, etc. Furthermore, some were overcome by addiction and therefore were ruled by alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, smoking, nightlife and other dangerous habits. Worse still, many were enslaved to ideologies, taboos, cultism, idols, and demonic spirits. These gods exert their influence on people in different ways, as a result of which many fall into diverse sins, disappointments, stagnancy, sickness, demonic possession, fruitlessness, indebtedness, bankruptcy, failure, and death. Job 5 : 7 says, “man is born unto trouble” and Job 14 : 1 says: “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” I prophecy to anyone that is facing one trouble or the other in this world, God will show mercy and deliver you today in the name of Jesus.
The Almighty God is fully aware of human helplessness in circumstances of life, therefore, out of love, He offered Jesus as a remedy to anyone that will accept Him as Lord and Saviour. This is the essence of the declaration of Jesus in Matthew 11 : 28 & 30 that says :
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
This passage is an open invitation to anyone that is labouring under the heavy yoke of the devil, anyone that is oppressed or in servitude, anyone experiencing stagnancy or fruitlessness, and anyone that needs physical, mental, or spiritual healing. Jesus says, “come unto me and I will give you rest from all your troubles.” Come to Jesus today for deliverance from the strong hold of sin, addiction and all forms of immorality. Come to Jesus and He will put an end to your mysteries, disappointments and failures. Come to Jesus and He will turn your sorrows to joy.
Knowing the true God therefore translates to salvation from sin and deliverance from evil. It is not burdensome at all because the relationship is based on the love of God. Everything depends on a sincerity to accept the reality of your situation and ask God for help. First, you must accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour, after which you must vow to walk away from your sinful lifestyles and embrace a life of holiness. From this moment, the abundant blessings of the Lord will begin to pour into your life without measure in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER POINT :
Father, please let me begin to enjoy the blessings of knowing you in Jesus’ name.
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE.
HYMN
DEEPER, DEEPER
Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
Refrain:
O deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.
Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.
Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.
Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu'ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.
Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow'r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue.

.....................................WISE SAYING.........................................

GOD HAS NEVER FAILED HIS OWN PART IN THE AGREEMENT HE HAS WITH YOU REGARDING HIS PROMISES;
WHEN YOUR PART OF AGREEMENT IS DONE, HE WILL AVENGE YOUR ADVERSARIES STANDING AGAINST YOUR EFFECTUAL DOOR.

HELL IS REAL

 
MEMORISE : 
And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. LUKE 16 : 23.
READ : LUKE 16 : 19 - 31 
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Message 
Hell is a term used in the Bible to describe the place of eternal punishment, originally created by God as the final destination for Satan and his angels, which is the second death. It is also used to define the prevailing circumstances of any human environment that is controlled by the devil. The Bible also portrays hell as the home of evil, a place of intense darkness, and an unquenchable fire that is burning with brimstone. Furthermore, hell is a state of final separation from God, and by extension, separation from life, light, love, peace, pleasure and fulfilment. However, some people do not believe in the reality of hell, which brings us to one of the most frequently asked question on earth, is hell real?
Our Bible passage for today tells us the story of two personalities, a certain rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. They both died at different times, as it has been appointed unto all human beings to die some day. At death, they were both faced with the reality of life after death, their status here on earth notwithstanding. Lazarus found himself cooling off at the bosom of father Abraham in heaven, while the rich man was being tormented in the flames of hell. Hell is very real because the Almighty God, who cannot tell lies, confirmed it so. Though hell was originally created for Satan and his angels, it is also for human beings who choose to reject God and follow Satan. May the Lord deliver humanity from the illusion of the devil and open our eyes to the reality of hell in Jesus’ Name. Matthew 13 : 40 - 42 says :
“As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth hisangles, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Hell is usually presented in the Bible as the consequence of rejecting God, as evident in the above passage, Jesus, in several passage of the Bible, tried in every possible way, to illustrate to all humanity that hell is real, terrible, and something to be feared and avoided. All paths do not lead to God; Jesus is the only Way through which we can get to Heaven. Jesus is the only way that leads to God. A great man of God once said that the fastest road to hell is a pretentious and gradual one; it is like a gentle slope, a soft underfoot, which is without sudden turnings, milestones, or signposts. People on this path are ignorantly and innocently caressed to hell. Matthew 7 : 13 says :
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in threat:”
Do not be deceived, hell is real and terrible. There is no possibility of amnesty or reprieve. Candidates of hell will suddenly resurrect to eternal condemnation without remedy. I honestly don’t understand why anyone will risk going to hell when the God who never lies has said clearly that it exists and the only contrary opinion is from philosophies of unreliable men. Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour today as the only way to escape the horrors of hell. 
PRAYER POINT :
Father, let the reality of hell be imposed upon my heart always in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : LUKE 21 : 25 - 23:5 AND JOB 28 : 20 - 29 : 6
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE

BEWARE OF DECEIVERS II

MEMORISE : 
But watch thou in all things, endure affitions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 TIMOTHY 4 : 5.
READ : ROMANS 16 : 17 - 20 :
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Message 
The Bible repeatedly warns children of God to beware of deceivers in the form of false teachers and prophets, because their operations are usually so smooth that their activities could be very difficult to pin down as errors. They present their messages as divine revelations received after much perseverance in prayers and rigorous Bible study. Deceivers present their deadly errors as newly discovered secret information that was specially revealed by God, as the preferred way of relating with Him in this generation. 2 Timothy 4 : 5 says :
“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
It is an established fact that keeping the faith protected from the corruption of deceivers, requires the presence of the Holy Spirit, a knowledge of the Scripture, holiness, perseverance, Christian fellowship and spiritual maturity. This attributes must be present in a person’s life before the instruction in 2 Timothy 4 : 5 can be effectively carried out. The first essential step is to watch in all things. To watch, in this sense, is to pay close attention to the beliefs and practices of the Church, to ensure that they are ever in strict compliance with the Word of God. By so doing, even the slightest variation would be quickly noticed and corrected. Also, young believers will be protected from error. The second essential step is to do the work of an evangelist by demonstrating the full evidence of the ministry. If indeed the present generation of Christians would preach the gospel of Jesus Christ with power, such that miracle, signs, and wonders, are evident in our fellowships meetings, then the door shall be permanently shut against false prophets. Furthermore, 2 Timothy 3 : 16 says :
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
This passage boldly declares that everything documented in the Bible is given by God as a revelation of Himself, His commandments and teachings. This confirms the Bible as the only divine manual containing everything we need to know about the Almighty God and His created universe. The passage also emphasizes the art of teaching, reproof, and correction as means of keeping the Church clear of false teachers and their messages. Teaching is the primary task of Christians as indicated in Mathew 28 : 19. We are called to teach the whole counsel of God, shedding the light of the gospel over every aspect of life, for the purpose of remodelling our lives to be in compliance with the word of God. In addition to teaching, we must reprove by speaking against false teachers and their heretic messages. At the same time, we must make serious effort to bring false teachers and those influenced by their messages back to the knowledge of the truth. Finally, there must be training in righteousness to learn how to do what is right, what is just and in accordance with godliness. Once again, beware of deceivers! 
PRAYER POINT :
Father, please let anything You have not planted in Your Church be uprooted today in the Name of Jesus.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : LUKE 11 : 1 - 12: 34 AND JOB 24: 21 - 25 : 6.
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE

..................................WISE SAYING.....................................

IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH NOW, REMEMBER YOUR YESTERDAY; TODAY AND TOMORROW ARE IN THE HANDS OF YOUR CREATOR:

AS YOU LIFT HIM UP IN YOUR PRAISE, HE WILL SUPERNATURALLY LIFT YOU UP ABOVE ALL THINGS AND ENTITY

BEWARE OF DECEIVERS 1).

MEMORISE:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness - 2nd Timothy 3:16.
READ: 2nd Timothy 3:1-8
1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 9:21-10:42 and Job 24:9-20.
A deceiver is someone who practices deceit as means of seducing, misleading, or giving false impressions to people. A deceiver would try to impose a false idea that causes bewilderment, helplessness, or confusion in people’s mind. Every act of deception is a direct attack against the truth for the purpose of distorting the original creative order and position of things by the Almighty God.
Deception is therefore the devil’s invention which has been carefully designed to create doubts and questions about the credibility of God in the hearts of men. This is the reason why deceit is condemned by God as an attempt to deny His sovereignty and the revelation of Himself.
After the devil’s successful attack on Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:1-7, God repeatedly warned humanity about the subtlety of Satan and his false prophets. Matthew 24:11 says “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”
The whole of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is full of similar warnings about the deliberate plot of devil to send his evil agents of deception in form of false prophets and heretic teachers into the world, in order to deceive and mislead many. These deadly agents of deception have perfected the means of attacking unsuspecting individuals from two seemingly harmless fronts.
One of their tactics is to preach the gospel of the alternative. They claim to be serving the same God through another saviour, and therefore present their religion as a better alternative to Christianity that only has the appearance of the Christian religion on the surface, but is full of heresy, ungodliness, and immorality in actual practice.
To this end 1st Timothy 4:1-2 says “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter time some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”
In the above passage, the Word of God is making it very clear to us that the activities of these agents of darkness will become very concentrated and effective in the latter days, such that it will cause some believers to depart from the faith.
This will happen because those affected would commit the error of giving heed to seducing spirits. They would be seduced through the preaching of other gospels, the gospel of relativism, modernism and post-modernism, and through attractive motivational messages.
To counter the evil, we must turn to 2nd Timothy 3:16. God has given us all scripture by His inspiration, to be profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Dangerous heretic teachings are in the air, but anyone that abides in the Word of God, can never be deceived. Be warned.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please don’t let me ever give heed to seducing spirits in Jesus’ name.

AUTHOR: Pst E. A ADEBOYE.
HYMN
MY FAITH HAS FOUND A RESTING PLACE
My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
Refrain:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He'll never cast me out.
My heart is leaning on the Word,
The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior's Name,
Salvation through His blood.
My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave.

..............................WISE SAYING.................................

GOD HAS NOT CREATED YOU TO BE UNDER BONDAGE, DEPRESSION AND STRUGGLE.
RATHER, FOR THE HAND OF THE LORD TO BE EXALTED IN YOUR LIFE AND HIS RIGHT HAND TO PROVE HIS VALIANCY IN YOU.

..............................WISE SAYING.................................

GOD HAS NOT CREATED YOU TO BE UNDER BONDAGE, DEPRESSION AND STRUGGLE.
RATHER, FOR THE HAND OF THE LORD TO BE EXALTED IN YOUR LIFE AND HIS RIGHT HAND TO PROVE HIS VALIANCY IN YOU.

TIME TO FIGHT II

MEMORISE :
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Colossians 3:5
READ : 1 Timothy 6:6-12
6. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Luke 6:17-7:50 and Job 23:1-13
Anyone that has been in the Christian race for some years would have discovered the militant nature of the average Christian. Every true Christian is fully aware of the on-going conflict around us , physical,mental, and spiritual. We are confronted with contrary doctrines in our daily lives, we face diverse kind of temptations, we are bombarded with many ungodly ideas and propositions; sometimes it could be vicious attack from unknown people or aggression from neighbours. In addition to all these, we are constantly faced with attractive and seemingly profitable offers from the pit of hell to lure us into all kind of sins. The devil is prowling around the world looking for Christians to destroy according to 1 Peter 5:8
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
The Survival of a child of God therefore depends on his or her preparedness for battle and ability to fight. We must be ever ready so that nothing will catch us unawares. We cannot afford to slumber or sleep, we are meant to be spiritual watchmen and scouts, constantly looking out for bands of approaching enemies that may try to take us by surprise. This is why the above passage counsels us to be serious minded and vigilant, carefully monitoring every move of the enemy around us, and to be fully prepared to counter and completely neutralise his evil attacks. However, one of the most dangerous places to be in conflict situation is at the back. Whenever you see somebody dropping back in a war situation, be sure that fellow will soon be hit very hard. King David learnt this lesson in a hard way. I pray that you will never backslide into error and be caught in the snare of the devil in Jesus name.
In Mathew 16:18, the Lord Jesus declared that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church. These gates are the access points that the enemy may use to penetrate our lives. To permanently keep these gates shut, Colossians 3:5 counsels us to subdue the flesh and is Worldly desires through discipline. We must wage war against self to subdue, discipline, and put it under control. If we fail to discipline ourselves, then it becomes easy for pride, sexual immorality, inordinate ambition, covetousness , and other form of indiscipline to creep into our lives and give opportunity to devil to butcher us. May the Lord deliver you from every evil plan against your life in Jesus name. Finally 1 John3:8b says:
"....For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."
The instruction to fight becomes easy to carry out when we realise that Jesus Christ the son of God came to this world for the sole purpose of destroying the works of devil. I decree that every work of the devil in your life be destroyed now in Jesus name.
PRAYER POINT :
Father, please help me to stand. Don't let me ever fall for the devil in Jesus name.
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN:
MY FAITH HAS FOUND A RESTING PLACE
My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
Refrain:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He'll never cast me out.
My heart is leaning on the Word,
The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior's Name,
Salvation through His blood.
My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave.

TIME TO FIGHT 1

Memorise : 
TO every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 
Read : 1 Timothy 4:1-6
1 NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
Message 
Fighting means to engage in a struggle against a perceived enemy or enemies either defensively or offensively. Most human beings, irrespective of who they are, what they know, where they have been, and their level of spiritual maturity, have something they would fight for. We fight for our fundamental human rights, we fight for possessions, we fight for our family, we fight for our job. We are sensitive to criticism and insults, and sometimes we even fight for things we don't really own. The question is, should a true Christian fight for anything? And if you were to write a list of things worth fighting for, what would that list include? In this respect, Ecclesiastes 3:1&8 says:
'To every thing there is a season, and time to every purpose under the heaven.. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.'
Conflicts come in different categories. Though we have the right to self defence, Christian are not called to take up arms against their offensive or aggressive neighbours because our weapon is not physical. However, God is under attack in today's world because His creative order, His principles and commandments are being maliciously attacked by heretics. Surprisingly, some of these enemies of the gospel of Jesus Christ have managed to rise to enviable positions of authority both in church and civil government. This has emboldened them and their supporters to intensify their evil attacks on the Christian faith. Do we fight for our Lord? Do we stand aloof or fight whenever these Attucks occur around us? 1 Timothy 6:12 says:
'Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.'
Christians do not have any choice in this matter; we do not have the luxury of a personal decision on this one. In reality, the battle of the heretics and false prophets is raging right now and our Commander in Chief, the Lord of hosts, has commanded us to fight, and we must fight. The above passage started out by qualifying the kind of fight that Christians could engage in as the good fight of faith. It is a good fight because it prevents the rapid spread of heretic teachings, and delivers people from ignorance and false doctrine. It is good because we are on the wining side, we can never lose because we are more than conquerors. It is good because we will be handsomely rewarded for our efforts here on earth and when we get to heaven. It is a good fight because we are well fitted with the most potent weapon in the universe- the Word of God. Above all, though we are saved by grace, our performance in this battle will ultimately determine our rank among the host of heaven and the manner of our reward. Apostle Paul seems to have discovered this truth as reflected in his final declaration in 2 Timothy 4:7:
'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith'
Only a general in the army of God who had fought valiantly for the truth could say this:
Prayer Point.
Father, please let me finish well and able to say that I have fought a good fight. 
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Luke 4:16-6:16 and Job 22:12-30
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE

COMMANDED TO REJOICE!!!

MEMORISE:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end - Jeremiah 29:11.
READ: Philippians 4:1-7
1 Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I urge thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with my other true labourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
MESSAGE:
The commandment to rejoice seems to be a repeated theme in the book of Philippians. First, Philippians 2:18, then 3:1, and 4:4. Why did Paul pay so much attention to the word rejoice? On a closer look at all, rather, Paul’s emphasis is on the term “rejoice in the Lord”. He was trying to draw a line between the common rejoicing that happens to all human beings and the art of rejoicing in the Lord. 
God wants us to know that joy is a matter of realm, because there are diverse types of joy and it is the realm of joy that makes the difference. There is a rejoicing that is common to all men, it is a feeling of joy that depends on situations and circumstances around us and it is temporal and short-lived: this joy is unsubstantial and evanescent.
However, there is a delight that comes with God’s presence, it is divine and powerful; the joy of the Lord. This joy is also called the ‘joy of salvation’, it is real, it is a great kind of joy, it is endless, and an everlasting joy that brings down the presence of God into the hearts of men. 
Apostle Peter had this to say about this kind of rejoicing in 1st Peter 1:8: “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”
What makes rejoicing in the Lord so important that God had to repeatedly command us to rejoice? It is the very first miracle that happens to a person when he becomes born again. The joy of the Lord is immediately shed in the heart of the fellow. The unspeakable expression of the joy of salvation is therefore the most vital and undeniable proof that a person is genuinely born of God. 
The wisdom of God commanded it repeatedly in the Bible, and emphasised it in Philippians at least for two major reasons. First, being born again is a spiritual walk with God and the joy of the Lord is the token of our connectedness to God; losing the joy therefore, is another token of disconnection from God. You will never be disconnected from God in Jesus’ name. 
Secondly, God knows that a genuine conversion to Christianity would cause a forceful separation and disconnection from the worldly system of thought and action, which naturally leads to rejection, persecution, and diverse temptations. Therefore, the joy of the Lord is provided as an offensive weapon of consolation, encouragement, and strength in the face of persecution. That is why Philippians 4:4 says; “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
God commanded His people to rejoice, He was not giving a suggestion or permission, neither did He make it a matter of choice. We are compelled to rejoice in the Lord as a necessary ingredient to the Christian faith. Rejoicing is founded on and derived through the Word of God, it is needful in affliction, it brings comfort and strength to press forward in times of trouble.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please fill my heart with your heavenly joy, that is all I need from You today.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Luke 2:22-4:15 and Job 22:1-11.
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE.