MORNING
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Author : Bishop Julius Okarike
Verse Of The Day : You are holy; you sit as king receiving the praises of Israel. In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted in you and you rescued them. To you they cried out, and they were saved; in you they trusted and they were not disappointed. Psalms 22:3-5
LISTEN : People fail to do or try certain things because of fear of failure and disappointment. They are afraid of “heartbreak and headaches.” They use humans ‘ fallen nature to judge God. They fail to understand that God is not man. Beloved, God is not man! He keeps His promises when we obey His words. Unlike humans, God never fails. He is holy, awesome and reliable. He will save and not disappoint those who trust in Him. Sadly, people find it difficult to trust God when the going gets tough. Yes! It is hard to trust and obey God when everything comes crashing down on you. It is hard to believe that God is with you when the threats to your life keep building up every passing day. (Mark 4:38). Trusting God seems difficult when you encounter disappointment, misfortunes, tragedies, miseries, sicknesses and diseases, and all manner of troubles. However, if you know who God is, you will not stop to trust and obey Him; you will grow more stronger in faith instead. My dear, faith is the force that can keep you constantly trusting and obeying God when others have given up on Him. Holding on to faith is holding on to victory. Even when you cannot find reasons to trust and obey God because of troubles in your life, faith will keep your eyes focused on Him, and make your heart stable to believe and trust Him all the same. So, no matter the circumstance, always trust and obey God because He will not ignore your act of faith. Be wise!
Having read today’s devotional, what is expected of you?
1. Constantly trust and obey God even when everything around you seem to fail.
2. Never allow the troubles of life to stop you from believing the promises of God.
3. Fix your eyes on God and make your heart firm in Him no matter what.
4. Be faithful and loyal to God knowing that He will not disappoint you.
Prayer : Almighty God, you are faithful in all situations. Help me to trust and obey you more and more as long as I live, amen.
Reflection : God is not man. He keeps His promises when we keep and obey His words.
Quote : “Those who climb the ladder of faith with their eyes fixed on God are never disappointed no matter the storm.”
Faith Confession : Today, I confess that God never fails to defend anyone who trusts in Him. Therefore, I will trust and obey Him as long as I live, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Biblical Fact: Did you know the name “ICHABOD” means, “inglorious” or “there is no glory?” (1 Samuel 4:21-22).
Today In History : October 16, 1555 The Protestant martyrs Bishop Hugh Latimer and Bishop Nicholas Ridley are burned at the stake for heresy in England.
Stunning Fact : Did you know giraffes and rats can last longer without water than camels?
Prophetic Declaration : You will make a difference. Today I prophesy to you, may you not give up on God. May your faith not fail, and may you trust and obey God and be blessed, in Jesus name, amen.
EVENING
TOPIC : WHAT YOU GIVE TO THE POOR YOU GIVE TO GOD
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Bible Verse : The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the LORD, and the LORD will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17
LISTEN : A lot of people hate and despise the poor. They dehumanised them because they are poor. But as a God fearing person, you should be generous to them knowing that God sees everything we do. The Bible says that the poor will not cease in the land (Deut 15:11) , therefore, they should be graciously assisted by all. We should show some pity to those who are destitute and hurting. We should give to others to relieve their pains. God has variously shown us His favours. Therefore, we should extend same to others. We should stop being selfish and begin to be sacrificial. Friend, the Day you stop to live just for yourself is the day you have started to live for God. Learn to always consider the poor and needy. God is concerned about them, and so should we. Give to others what you will want them give to you. Jesus Christ said, “In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfill the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) . Beloved, how will you like others to treat you? Treat them like that too. Be compassionate to the poor, for what you do for them you do to God. Surely, God will repay what you give up to make others comfortable, especially the poor and needy. Learn to be gracious, because being gracious is a mark of godliness. It is an expression of the nature of God. So, let us help those who are in need as we have the opportunity today. Be wise!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Thank God for keeping you alive and safe today.
2. Ask the Lord to forgive your sins and restore your relationship with Him.
3. Ask God for spirit of kindness and generosity towards others.
4. Thank Him for answering your prayer.
PROPHETIC DECLARATION
May God give you the heart to love and help others; and may His blessings locate you for your kindness and obedience, in Jesus’ name, amen.
