MORNING
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Author : Bishop Julius Okarike
Verse Of The Day : And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands. 1 Samuel 17:47
LISTEN : Beloved, what is your threat? Everyone has what threatens him or her. However, every threat can be overcome when our eyes are fixed on God (Mark 9:23 ). We build confidence and courage when we depend on God for strength (1 Samuel 30:6). To the Israelites, Goliath the Philistine from Gad was a national threat. He challenged the army of Israel, not knowing that with such impudence, God was up against him. He trusted his strength in battle, his arsenal and age long victories; as a result, he believes that the Israelites, the people of God will be like one of his victims. Sadly, King Saul and the army of Israel were afraid of him. They were crippled by his threat. No one was courageous enough to confront him because he was dreaded by all. But when David visited the battle field, he could not bear the insult and humiliation that was meted out to his people and his God, as a result, he volunteered to fight the dreaded Goliath and eventually defeated him with just a stone from his sling. The question is, why was he not afraid of Goliath like others? How was he able to defeat him without a sword or a bow and arrow in his hands? Why was he not crippled by what others feared? David was not afraid of Goliath because God was on his side (Psalms 118:6). He believes in the power of God, and understands that victory is possible with God. My dear, are you conquering your fears or being conquered by it? Surely, no one wins until he believes winning is possible. Unlike other soldiers of Israel, David believed Goliath was defeatable, and therefore defeated him without a sword. In the same, you can overcome your fears if you will look beyond your strength, and seek the strength of God. Be wise!
Having read today’s devotional, what is expected of you?
1. Never grow weak in faith, instead, believe you can overcome your fears.
2. Do not run away from challenges, instead, be bold and confront them head-on.
3. Always look beyond your strength, by seeking the strength of God.
4 Be ever positive and never give up hope no matter what.
Prayer : Most High God, I thank you for giving me courage and faith in your name. Henceforth, help me to stand up to every challenge, and to bring glory to your name, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection : Faith makes all things possible, and faith never lost a battle.
Quote : “Every threat is defeatable when our eyes are fixed on God; for we build confidence and courage when we depend on God for strength.”
Faith Confession: Today, I confess that with God nothing is impossible. Therefore, I will trust in Him and not be afraid, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Biblical Fact: Did you know Eliezer of Damascus was the chief steward of Abraham’s house? (Genesis 15:2).
Today In History : December 19, 1982 Four bombs explode at South Africa’s only nuclear power station in Johannesburg.
Stunning Fact : Did you know mapping is older than writing?
Word Of Blessing : You will make a difference. Today I speak into your life, may God empower and give you victory in your battles, in Jesus’ name, amen.
EVENING
TOPIC : GOD’S WORD DIRECTS AND ENLIGHTENS
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Bible Verse : Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105
LISTEN : God’s word directs and enlightens. The word of God is good because it shows us the path to life. The word of God expresses the will of God. Those who hear and obey the word of God can never miss their way. God’s word is the light that shines in our paths. It is the light with which we can see the right path in this wicked world. Without the light of His words we are limited. Truly, speed is limited when sight is impaired. Without sight, one will stumble and grope for directions. (Mathew 6:23). Beloved, what good sight is to you, God’s word is to your life. God’s word guides people to the right path. It is the key to a righteous and holy living. Those who keep step with the word of God cannot stray from God’s purpose. They are protected from dangers and traps of the devil. Their thoughts are weighed and refined by the word of God, as a result, their actions are in line with His will. They are not limited by forces of darkness because they receive light (insight, direction, revelation, knowledge understanding and wisdom) from the word of God. (Psalms 119:99,100). With God’s word in your heart, you are sure to follow His eternal purpose for your life. Beloved, explore the word of God. God’s word is the expression of His will. When you follow His words you will discover His will. Be wise!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Thank God for His love, kindness, protection and daily provisions.
2. Ask for His forgiveness, mercy and restoration of your life.
3. Pray for grace to be humble and obedient to the word of God.
4. Bind and cast out every “mountain” of your life.
A WORD OF BLESSING
Today I prophesy to you, may God cause you to grow as you obey His word, study and meditate on His word daily, in Jesus’ name, amen.
