MORNING

Friday, March 22, 2019

Author : Bishop Julius Okarike

Verse Of The Day : Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a brave warrior. His mother was a prostitute, but Gilead was his father. Gilead’s wife also gave him sons. When his wife’s sons grew up, they made Jephthah leave and said to him, “You are not going to inherit any of our father’s wealth, because you are another woman’s son.” Judges 11:1-2

LISTEN : “Use what you have” A man urged his son. His son asked him, “Father, what do I have?” “Search yourself. Look inwards and you will discover what you have. It is inside you. Dig it up” Replies his father. After few minutes of pondering on his father’s words, the son replied, “Father, I can’t find anything” His father asked again, “Son, what is your area of strength?” His son replied, “Music! I love songs and I love to do it.” His Father exclaimed, “That is it! That is your area of strength, use it. Improve it and you will never be irrelevant or stranded in life.” Beloved, this story is a reflection of Jephthah’s case. Jephthah was born out of wedlock to Gilead his father by a prostitute. He was pushed out of his father’s house by his half-brothers who vowed that, he was not going to share in their father’s wealth. He left and was able to survive and thrive without them because of using what he had. You may ask, “What does Jephthah have?” The Bible says that, “He was a brave warrior.” That was his strength. My dear, your area of strength is your power to survive and win against all odds. Jephthah developed his strength and trained other warriors and grow himself to relevance. When the Ammonites fought with Israel, the leaders of Gilead came to Jephthah to ask him to fight for them. But Jephthah gave them a condition, “I will fight if only you will make me your head when I defeat your enemies.” (Judges 11:4-11). They accepted, he won and became their head. My dear, who told you, you will not amount to anything without his or her help? Who told you your background is a problem you cannot overcome? My dear, when people talk you down, you talk yourself up. Follow the will of God and connect to your inside. Look inward and discover what you have. Develop and Use it, and you will grow yourself to relevance. Be wise!

Having read today’s devotional, what is expected of you?
1. Don’t be down because people talk you down, rather be strong and courageous.
2. Look inward and discover what you have and use it to your benefits and to the benefits of others.
3. Don’t undermine your gifts. Rather grow yourself to relevance through it.
4. Never allow your background become the obstacle to your progress.

Prayer : Almighty God, you created me for a purpose. Therefore, help me to use what I have to become what I desire, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection : Your area of strength is your power to survive and win against all odds.

Quote : “He who looks inwards to discover what he has, and develop and Use it, will grow himself to fame and relevance.”

Faith Confession : Today, I confess that I have been gifted by God. Therefore, I will use what I have to the glory of God, and to my benefits and the benefits of others, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Biblical Fact : Did you know Abraham was 99 years old, and his son Ishmael 13 years old and were circumcised the same day? (Genesis 17:24-26).

Today In History : March 22, 1790 Thomas Jefferson becomes the first U.S. Secretary of State

Stunning Fact : Did you know the world’s smallest bird is the ‘bee hummingbird’ found in Cuba?

A Word Of Blessing : You will make a difference. Today I prophesy to you, may your talents not be wasted. May God give you wisdom and understanding to convert your talents to a solution for problems, in Jesus’ name, amen.

EVENING

TOPIC : WILL GOD FORSAKE HIS PEOPLE?

Friday, March 22, 2019

Bible Verse : I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalms 37:25

LISTEN : You belong to God, right? Then be sure that, God will not forsake you. When you trust in Him and look away from your troubles, He will take care of your burdens and battles. (Romans 8:31). God knows those who belong to Him. Therefore, He will not forsake them. Sometimes we tend to think or react as though God has forsaken us; but the truth remains that, God cannot forsake His own. A mere thought of being forsaken does not mean you are actually forsaken. Surely, God will intervene in due time. My dear, do not despair, instead, exercise your faith in God. Both in his youth and adulthood, David wonderfully experienced the faithfulness of God and therefore, has no doubt God will sustain the righteous and his offsprings; for they will not fail to follow God’s principles to be blessed. Beloved, why are you depressed? Why do you choose to worry instead of trusting God? My dear, cheer up! Remember, God will not abandon His obedient children. Be wise!

Prayer : Precious Father, you are good and worthy to be praised. Therefore, help me to trust in you always, in Jesus’ name, amen.