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

TO ANY ACT SOWN AS A SEED THERE IS A REWARD EITHER GOOD OR BAD.
GOD HAS REWARD FOR THOSE THAT SERVE DILIGENTLY AND THOSE THAT VALUE SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTION IN HIS KINGDOM, BUT THOSE WHO FEEL TO BIG TO OBEY GOD's INSTRUCTION WILL BE REWARDED WITH THE FRUITS OF THEIR DEEDS.

ARE YOU OBEDIENT AND DILIGENT IN YOUR SERVICES TO GOD?

WORK: A DIVINE MANDATE

Memorise:
But Jesus answered them, My father worketh hitherto, and I work. John 5:17
Read: Genesis 2:8-11
8 And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
Message
It is amazing to know that even though the work of creation ended millions of years ago, the Creator is still working on His creation. The Father has not gone to sleep like many biblical scholars and theologians believe. The Trinity is still very much at work. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have not ceased to work amongst men. God, through redemption, is still working today in order to fulfil the reason for which the world was created.
There are many people who in the name of having faith have refused to do anything productive with their hands. They resign to fate and live their lives by chance. That was not the example God laid when He created the world. Despite His sovereignty, His work was still threatened by darkness and it was in the process of still working, that He pronounced the appearance of light. God went through the process of forming man and breathing into his nostrils, before man could become a living soul. God had to grow every tree in the garden before asking man to tender it. If God worked and is still working, what excuses do you have not to work?
Life is beautiful when you are committed to your work. Moses, Daniel and Paul were men who worked for the intellectual good of their time. They had to work hard to know a great deal about the world and the times they were in. through hard work they knew what their contemporaries did not know and this was why they remained relevant till the end of their lives. We should be ready through hard-work to contribute to the church and our immediate environment.
There is so much beauty in working. Jesus did not avoid work and it sustained Him. He said that His food was to do the will of God and to accomplish His work (John 4:34). Philippians 2:12-13 enjoins us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who is at work in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
People are not ready to work any longer. They want to loaf around and settle for overnight miracles, but God does not operate that way. There are principles that must be followed for certain blessings to come your way, and stay permanently. Hard-work does not kill, and those who avoid hard-work at the time they are supposed to embrace it will end up with a hard life. Have you not seen people who at the age when they are supposed to be retired, still struggled to get menial job? Before Jesus healed that man who was born blind in John 9:1-3, Jesus rubbed clay on the man’s face which he had to wash off before the physical laws could be set aside in order for him to experience the supernatural law of God. If he had not followed the instructions of Jesus, he would not have been healed. Paul also said
“Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Colossians 1:29
I want to assure you that as you obey this divine instruction, things will begin to work for you.
Key Point:
He who does not work hard now, will retire into hardship later.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: John 8:31-10:21 and Job 31:16-28
AUTHOR: Pst. E. A. ADEBOYE

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

PUTTING ON THE ATTITUDE OF PRAISE IS AN ACT OF APPRECIATION TO GOD FOR HIS MIGHTY ACTS:
BUT WHEN YOU PLACE YOUR PROBLEMS HIGHER THAN THE PROBLEM SOLVER, WHICH IS AN ACT OF INGRATITUDE.
THEREFORE, IN ANY SITUATION YOU FIND YOURSELF, GIVE GOD QUALITY PRAISE FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE SO THAT HE WILL BE PROVOKED TO GIVE YOU YOUR HEART DESIRE.

CAST AND CATCH

Memorise : 
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Proverbs 11:24
Read : Luke 5:4-7
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
Message
There are rewards for righteous behaviour and there are punishments for evil deeds. The person who gives freely will never lack any good thing while the one who believes that there is wisdom is being stingy will never receive anything. There are some people who mainly focus on their wealth. They are never concerned about the welfare of others. Unfortunately, they are short-changing themselves because when you don't give, you can never have an opportunity to be blessed.
After speaking to the multitude from Peters boat, He told him to launch out into the deep, and the miracle of that catch was so evident that it has a lasting impact on all the beholders, this is what is considered the quality of a true miracle. There is a user of this devotional, I decree in the Name that above all names, my father will give you a mouthwatering miracle in Jesus name. It doesn't matter how hard things may be, your blessings will be daily manifested to the world in Jesus name. There is nothing as pleasant as the Lord instructing you. The moment I hear my father instructing me on anything, it doesn't matter how hard it may be, I obey, knowing that it will always end in favor. The reason some people withhold what they have is because they don't want it to leave their hands, but in the economy of God, whatever leaves your hand does not leave your life, it will always bring forth a great harvest.
From the Experience of Peter and his colleagues, their nets broke so bad that they had to beckon on others to help them. I always said this; there is at least one of my children who when he goes to the bank to deposit money, because of how much the money usually is, the bank closes for 3days. And I believe this will be your portion in Jesus name. No matter how hard it is to believe, God is not bothered, because He will still do what He wants to do just to show the world that He is God.
In the words of a hymn writer, you must always remember that you are not your own, you are bought with a price ( 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ). Give your whole life to Jesus; let Him take all your moments and your days. Withhold not your hands from moving for him. Let him take all your moments and your days. Withhold not your hands from moving for Him. Let your feet be swift in His business. The moment we give our lives to the Lord. We become partners with Christ. Just as in a partnership, there are nominal partners and there are active partners. This is equally applicable in your relationship with Christ; you cannot put in your all and lack any good thing. Some people have money, but some of the most precious things in life is priceless. God has divinely selected you so that He can be glorified in your life. Peter waited on the Lord with his boat. He wasn't in a hurry, he did not see himself wasting away while others were busy catching fish, and one instruction from God made the results of others pale in comparison to his. As you wait on the Lord with your sacrifice, service and gifts, the Almighty God who controls the times and seasons will give you an unprecedented breakthrough in Jesus' name.
Key Point :
If you honor God, He will honor you in return.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : John 5:19-6:59 and Job 30:24-31:4
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE

CHILDREN! FOLLOW THE WAY

.
MEMORISE :
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother: PROVERBS 1 : 8.
READ : EPHESIANS 6 : 1 - 3 :
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on
the earth.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOHN 4 :30 - 5 : 18 AND JOB 30 : 16 - 23.
The Bible teaches that children have mandatory responsibilities to their parents. As a matter of fact, Children owe their parents certain important duties that include the obligation to respect, honour and obey them. Children are the heritage of the Lord and God has a special interest in their well-being.
Meanwhile God is a disciplinarian as revealed in Revelation 3 : 19 :
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
God has decided to commit the discipline of children to their parents as caretakers for Him; therefore, children must cooperate with their parents to make the work easy for their own benefit. Obedience in this respect attracts long life and prosperity.
If you invested so much in your children, but have retired and they are gainfully employed, yet they ignore you, will you be happy with them? Some fathers have placed curses on their children for neglecting them. A righteous child will not neglect his parents at any time. He will make sure that those of them that are not saved are led to Jesus. After all, that is the greatest gift he can give them. Besides that, he will ensure that they have a roof over their heads and their needs are met in the area of feeding, clothing, healthcare, etc.
God has joined children to their parents as partners in progress. For two people to work in agreement, they must see and mind the same thing. They must be focused on the same goal. God’s focus is that children have parents that will be godly examples to them, while making efforts to bring them up in the way of the Lord. God wants parents that will introduce their children to Him at very tender ages, so that they may learn to obey God and become familiar with His commandments, worship and fellowship. Children should be careful not to be a source of sorrow and pain to their parents.
Proverbs 17 : 25 says :
“A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.”
I pray that God in His mercy will visit every Christian home and intervene in the life of every wayward child today in the Name of Jesus.
PRAYER POINT :
Father, please help me to always accept correction joyfully in Jesus’ name.
AUTHOR : Pst. E. A. ADEBOYE.

HYMN
GOD, GIVE US CHRISTIAN HOMES!

God, give us Christian homes!
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,
Homes where the Master's will is sought,
Homes crowned with beauty Thy love hath wrought;
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes!

God, give us Christian homes!
Homes where the father is true and strong,
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong,
Homes that are joyous with love and song;
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes!

God, give us Christian homes!
Homes where the mother, in queenly quest,
Strives to show others Thy way is best,
Homes where the Lord is an honored guest;
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes!

God, give us Christian homes!
Homes where the children are led to know
Christ in His beauty Who loves them so,
Homes where the alter fires burn and glow;
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes!.
Amen

LOVE, THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW II

MEMORISE:
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1John 5:2
READ: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : John 3:16-4:30 and Job 30:9-16
The memory verse for today tells us in very strict terms the godly means of measuring love among brethren. Any show of love that does not stem from the love of God and obedience of His commandments, should be considered fake and deceptive. It should be noted that the focus of Apostle Paul here is not on the fulfilment of the Mosaic Law, but rather about the biblical principle as established by God for Christian practice. This is to cement in our hearts the teachings of Jesus which emphasizes that we are not operating under the law anymore, but under the love of Christ. Living under the grace and liberty of Jesus empowers humanity first to love God and then to love one another.
The big question is, in what sense does love fulfil the totality of the law? And, how does the idea of fulfilling the law through love compare to doing the works of the law? Romans13:9-10, says:
“For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
The answer to the above question is embedded in this passage. Accordingly, if the love of God is shed abroad in your heart, you will be able to fulfil the law without grumbling, but with joy. This is why Paul reduced the commandments to only one, “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” As I have often counselled my children, Love can insulate you from the pain, discouragement, and difficulties associated with any given task. Love can reduce the length of an assignment from years to days by fulfilling each day with
excitement, hope and fun. Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, because of the love he had for her (Genesis 29:20). No price is too much to pay for the one you love. Jacob served a total of 14 years waiting for Rachel, but did not realize he had waited that long, if a man truly loves a woman, he will be prepared to wait for her to be ready before marriage. The one who loves you will not compel you to sleep with him before you are married. To the world, one faulty yardstick for measuring love is one’s readiness to go into pre-marital sex. Anyone who claims to
love you but cannot wait for you to be ready before you go into marriage does not truly love you. Love is not hasty but patient. Anyone who is not ready to pay a price for you does not really love you.
Furthermore, obedience is the natural result of love. You will never want to disobey or rebel against the authority of someone you truly love. All the vices mentioned in the above passage such as adultery, murder, stealing, false witness, covetousness, and others are not compatible with love, rather, they are all contrary to love. It is absolutely impossible to think about doing any of these to your neighbour while also claiming to love God. This is contrary to the Word of God (1st John 4:20).
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to love you and my neighbours in practical terms in Jesus’ name.
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN
O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.
Oh, let me feel Thee near me;
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh, speak to reassure me,
To hasten, or control;
Oh, speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
My Savior and my Friend.

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

FAITH IN THE WORD OF GOD IS THE KEY TO ACTIVATE GOOD GIFT AND NEW THINGS COMING FROM ABOVE.
THE POWER IN THE ANOINTING OIL PROVOKES GOD's PRESENCE AND IT IS THE ULTIMATE POWER TO DESTROY THE FORCES STANDING AGAINST PROMISED LAND.