NewStats: 3,264,012 , 8,182,261 topics. Date: Monday, 09 June 2025 at 09:50 AM 3il6x

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4, NIV)


Are you facing some challenges or experiencing some unexpected setbacks? We all have things that come against us, but God didn’t create us to be overwhelmed and overcome; He created us to be overcomers!

During the times when we face challenges, it’s our attitude that is most important. Think about it for a minute. When something isn’t going your way month after month, how do you respond? Are you tempted to get sour or start expecting the worst? Does your mind start going “ninety-to-nothing” playing out all the scenarios? It may be easy to get down and discouraged, but if we go around thinking it’s never going to work out, our attitude limits what God can do. But when we dig our heels in knowing that God is bigger than our problems, when we fight the good fight of faith, that’s what allows God to show up and turn negative situations around.

Today, , you are created to overcome. There is victory already in store for your future. Stand strong with the attitude of an overcomer and watch what God will do on your behalf!

PRAYER
Father, thank You for making me an overcomer in Christ Jesus. I trust that You are bigger than my problems and that You are working on my behalf. Thank You for the victory in store for my future in Jesus' name! Amen



by: Pastor Joel Osteen

Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation (Psalm 85:7)


Self-righteousness, which is the ruin of many people today, is the largest idol ofthe human heart. Our text reveals God’s anger towards His people due to their disobedience. They allowed sin to overtake them, which made the king of Babylon to defeat and to take them into captivity, while Jerusalem was destroyed. Some years later, Cyrus, the king of Persia, defeated Babylon and sent the Jews back to Jerusalem. But shortly after the Jews returned to Jerusalem, things went bad again. There was not much rain, so their crops could not grow, which impacted negatively on their produce and subsequent shortage of food. Also, some enemies attacked them and they could not build the temple of God.

Even though the psalmist believed bod was still angry with them, he acknowledged Him with thankfulness for the great things He had done for them. They called to remembrance past experiences of His goodness. Particularly, God had rescued them out of the hands of their enemies and restored them to their liberty. If He had not continued to be favourable to them, they would have been ruined many a time. The bringing back of their captivity, which was accompanied with the pardon of their iniquity, was an instance of God's favour to them.

Some so-called Christians, with little challenge, easily forget the testimonies of God's favour upon their lives. They run from pillar to post to seek help from even ungodly sources. Some curse God through their behaviour and actions. Repentance and humility are inconsequential to them, while prayer is completely absent in their lives. 

The way out of every challenge is to carefully  wait upon the Lord and engage Him in effectual, fervent prayers. 

 

MEDITATION
God's grace is available for sincere seekers.




by: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there... Psalm 139:8


I believe it is possible to know what God is like. The Bible declares that God is Spirit, that He is not limited to body; He is not limited to shape; He is not limited to force; He is not limited to boundaries or bonds; He is absolutely immeasurable. Thousands of people are trying to limit God to certain spheres, and relegate Him to certain categories that are the product of their own speculation. There is no limit to God. There is no limit to His wisdom. There is no limit to His power. There is no limit to His love. There is no limit to His mercy. Men change, fashions change, conditions and circumstances change, but God never changes.

PRAYER
I limit You so many times, Lord. Forgive my finite mind and fill me with Your wisdom, power, and mercy, so that I can touch those You love this day.




by: Evang. Billy Graham

Wilt thou not receive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Psalm 85:6

All human beings have an intense desire to connect to God. One vital element that is required to connect to God is a nice quiet atmosphere, devoid of daily concerns, where one can ruminate over spiritual truths. Meanwhile, it is often difficult to create such within the unrelenting activities of one’s daily life. This is why a retreat comes in handy. A spiritual retreat could be defined as a sustained period of quiet, uninterrupted time for a person to be reflective and receptive in God’s presence. It offers a time to leave daily concerns, to connect with one’s spiritual self, and to be attractive to the needs of one’s soul and spirit. People seeking for a time of retreat often locate a retreat centre or a specific geographical place that offers an atmosphere conductive for quite reflection. The search for spiritual retreat has taken many to Prayer Mountains and remote solitary places.

Mount Carmel is best known as the site of Elijah’s battle against the prophets of Baal. However, the fact that Elijah and Elisha frequently returned to Mount Carmel is an indication that they were using the mountain for spiritual retreat. The overall purpose of a spiritual retreat is to be transformed in whatever manner God chooses. Withdrawing to a place of spiritual retreat offers a time for refreshment and nourishment of life, a time to experience a continual sense of God’s presence that could become a constant reality in everyday life. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord”

Therefore, a time of spiritual retreat is a time for sober reflection, repentance, rededication, revival and rejuvenation. The book of 1st Kings 18:20-46 showed us the structure and pattern of a spiritual retreat. First, Elijah rebuilt the ruined altar to Yehweh, symbolising repentance and rededication of Israel to God. Then, he dug a trench around the altar and poured 12 jars of water on the sacrifice, the wood, and the altar, filling the trench, symbolising the activities of the Spirit. Finally, he called on Yehweh, who answered immediately by fire that consumed the whole sacrifice, including the water, the wood, and the stones of the altar. This was immediately followed by heavy rains after three and half years of drought. There was great celebration as the people rejoiced in the Lord for a time of refreshing. A spiritual retreat always leads to celebration.

A spiritual retreat is also used a pursue personal holiness and to stay connected to God. Several ages in the Gospels according to Saint Mark and Matthew, give the of Jesus retreating to pray. This point out the importance of spiritual retreating to Christians. Every child of God, as a matter of necessity, must constantly create time for spiritual retreat, seeking the face of the Lord for cleansing, renewal, re-dedication, and spiritual empowerment.

PRAYER
Father, please revive me again, that I may experience a time of refreshing from above in Jesus' name.



by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear... (1 John 4:18, NIV)


Do you know what the anecdote for fear is? The first thing many people would say is faith; however, the scripture tells us that perfect love is what drives out all fear.

When we truly understand how much God loves us, what can we possibly be afraid of? The scripture tells us that God is love. When we are one with God through a relationship with His Son, Jesus, we are wrapped in perfect love. We can find security in His love. We can find peace in His love. We can find refuge, provision and joy in His love. His love knows no limits. It has no boundaries. His love never changes. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you any more, and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you any less.

Today, open your heart and receive His love. Meditate on His goodness and faithfulness. As you do, those old fears will melt away, and you will move confidently into the life of victory He has prepared for you.

PRAYER
Father, I come before You with a humble heart. Show me Your love and fill me with Your peace. Help me to be an example of Your love to the people around me. I bless Your name today and forever in Jesus' name. Amen.



by: Pastor Joel Osteen

Is it nothing to you, all ye that by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger. (Lamentation 1:12)


Nobody can explain the gravity of sin betterthan the person who has experienced the wrath of God. This is an experience the inhabitants of Zion would not like to . 
From our text, they lamented over their suffering. They were in pain and sorrow, resulting from their sins. Their sorrow was so great that they were even astonished. They were not only weak and weary, but also became an easy prey for their enemies.

Unable to bear the weight of their misery any longer, they cried out in desperation to a traveller, who walked the busy trade routes near Jerusalem, ”ls it nothing to you? Do you not care what has happened to me? Have you no sympathy to offer me?” They challenged these ers-by to name one city which had suffered what they had gone through. They apparently felt that their suffering was unparalleled. 

They knew, ab initio, that it was God, who istered the painful and fatal stroke to them. But they acknowledged that it was due to their sins, pointing out that God, at the appointed time, convoked a solemn assembly of foreign powers to destroy them. Their mighty men, including youths, were cast into the winepress of God's wrath, while their unde%uFB01led ladies were trampled upon.

They could not blame God for their situation, as they itted that they were justly punished. In prayer-like fashion, they called upon the neighbouring people to hear their wail and behold their sorrow. There are always reasons for mishaps that came to man. Most of these are always self-inflicted. Let not the wicked and impenitent  think they can escape the wrath of God, even if it is delayed. Repent of your wickedness and  impiety, and %uFB01nd solace in Christ.

MEDITATION
The reward of iniquity forever awaits the impenitent.




by: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi

Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Psalm 51:10 (TLB)

You were created in the image and likeness of God. You were made for God’s fellowship, and your heart can never be satisfied without His communion. Just as iron is attracted to a magnet, the soul in its state of hunger is drawn to God. Though you, like thousands of others, may feel in the state of sin that the world is more alluring and more to your liking, some day-perhaps even now as you read these words-you will acknowledge that there is something deep down inside you which cannot be satisfied by the alloy of earth. Then with David, the Psalmist who had sampled the delicacies of sin and had found them unsatisfying, you will say, “Oh God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.”

PRAYER
How I long for You, God, yet so often my heart is drawn away from Your leading. Like David, I desire a clean heart.



by: Evang. Billy Graham

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1st Peter 5:8


Discouragement is usually defined as a lack of courage, a state of mind which is marked by fear of failure and loss of hope. Discouragement is one of the powerful weapons commonly used by the devil to keep children of God from fulfilling their purpose. Satan used it against the Israelites to prevent them from entering Canaan because they were intimidated by the circumstances surrounding conquering the Canaanites; the Canaanite cities were very large, well fortified, and seemingly un-defeat-able. These caused the heart of the Israelites to melt within them to the extent that they lost faith in the Word of God, and could not act on the promises of God.

Discouragement is failure to live by faith because it usually leads to doubt, and an inability to view circumstances around us from a divine perspective. Discouragement is therefore a sinful state of mind that is unable to adjust to disappointments and unfavourable circumstances in line with the Word of God and His promises.

It is important to note that discouragement is a powerful weapon of intimidation in the hands of the devil. It usually comes whenever a person has an important objective to achieve. For example, Israel had an objective given to them by God; the walls of Jerusalem were to be rebuilt. As the people embarked on the project with vigour and determination, they were faced with opposition from enemies and even fellow Jews. The situations become intimidating to the point of demoralisation as recorded in Nehemiah 4:10-23. At a point, some of the workers became discouraged while the wall was yet half finished, then the opposition intensified their attack using fear and intimidation as the chief weapon. All these were masterminded by the devil to make it impossible for the Jews to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem at that time.

1st Peter 5:8-9 says, the Bible onishes us to be sober, vigilant, and watchful, always ready to resist and confront anyone that may want to weaken our hands from doing whatever assignment the Lord has committed to us.

By the grace of God, the success story of the Redeemed Christian Church of God is being told all over the world today, but when we first started, the steps that God used to bring in the results that are being celebrated were terribly criticised both within and outside the Church. I decree that all oppositions to your success and breakthrough will be silenced today in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER
Father, don't let me ever fall for discouragement from satanic intimidation.




by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

This is my command be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, NLT)



In the same way that faith opens the door for God to work in our lives, fear opens the door for the enemy to work in our lives.

The Bible says that fear brings torment. Fear has no mercy. If you act on fear instead of acting on faith, it will keep you depressed, miserable and lonely. So many people today are missing out on God’s joy, peace and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They feed fear by what they watch on TV or read in the news or on the internet. Don’t let that be you! Romans tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The more you fill your heart and mind with God’s Word, the stronger your faith will be so you can stand against the powers of darkness. Choose faith instead of fear by choosing God’s Word.

, the power that is in you is greater than the power of fear. When thoughts come that say, “You’re not able,” choose faith by saying, “I can do all things through Christ!” Choose faith, overcome fear and live in the freedom God has in store for you!

PRAYER
Father, I receive Your Word today which is life, health and strength to me. I choose to close the door on fear by guarding what I say, listen to and dwell on. Fill me with Your love and faith as I meditate on Your Word in Jesus' name. Amen.


by: Pastor Joel Osteen

Arise and thresh, O daughter Of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and! will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat
In pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole
earth (Micah 4: 1 3)


God's acts of mercy are boundless. He is always ready to advance His goodness to the penitent.

In our text for meditation today, the enemies of Zion had assembled and were rejoicing at the calamities which befell the city. Zion was to be a light to other nations, but its inhabitants went into sin, which earned them God's chastisement. The Assyrians came and defeated Israel in war. God sent the people of Judah to Babylon, where they spent a long period in captivity. The people at Jerusalem, the modern city of Zion, went into pain and cried as if they had no Helper.

From our text, Micah, however, brought a message of hope, stating that God would deliver His people. Their enemies would not understand that their gathering against Zion was for God to destroy them, just, as sheaves are gathered to be threshed. God's people would be strengthened to beat their enemies to pieces.

This message of hope is still for us today. Though the enemies may gather against us, their plan will be to their own destruction. The designs against any child of God, his family and the Church will not stand.

All we need to do is to live right and have good relationship with God. He told His people, ”Arise and thresh". Today, God is still speaking the same language to His children. Instead of fearing the enemies and fleeing from them, boldly set upon them and take the opportunity.

When God has plan and work for His people, He furnishes them with strength and ability. When He does that, His children must exert the power and execute the commission. Rejoice because the enemies of your soul have been defeated.

MEDITATION
The steadfast love of God never stops



by: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began. Titus 1:2


Life is a glorious opportunity, if it is used to condition us for eternity. If we fail in this, though we succeed in everything else, our life will have been a failure. There is no escape for the man who squanders his opportunity to prepare to meet God. Our lives are also immortal. God made man different from the other creatures. He made him in His own image, a living soul. When this body dies and our earthly existence is terminated, the soul lives on forever. One thousand years from this day, you will be more alive than you are at this moment.

The Bible teaches that life does not end at the cemetery. There is a future life with God for those who put their trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.

PRAYER
Thank You for the eternal life in Christ and for the peace that comes over me because of this triumphant promise! Today help me relay this joyous news to those around me


by: Evang. Billy Graham

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Hebrews 12:2b



The phrase ‘Looking unto Jesus’ contains three very important words of salvation, encouragement and direction for daily Christian living. Nicodemus, in his search for the true God and eternal life every human being, approached Jesus for possible understanding. Jesus made the new birth very plain by using an Old Testament illustration of the fiery serpents of brass put on a pole for the Israelites to look upon as recorded in the book of Numbers 21:8-9.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14-15

As looking unto the brass serpent on a pole in faith brought healing to the children of Israel in the wilderness, so also, whosoever shall look unto the crucified Christ as the Messiah and the Saviour of the world by faith, shall receive forgiveness of sins and be born again.

From time to time in the rigorous journeys of life, we sometimes find ourselves in a state of tiredness and confusion. At such times, Apostle Paul in Hebrews 12:1-2 onishes us to run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith for encouragement. We are not to look into Jesus for encouragement only; we are also to look into Jesus as our perfect example, so as to follow in His footsteps.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” 1st Peter 2:21-23

Looking unto other gods for deliverance, healing and salvation has brought untold hardship and loss to many, while looking unto great men and women that are successful in life and ministry has resulted in great disappointment, sorrow and pain. As a matter of fact, this has been a major cause of failure in life, but there is no failure or disappointment in Jesus. Looking unto Jesus can only increase your faith and lead to physical and spiritual upliftment.

We are to look unto Jesus in our daily Christian living as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the End, who provides us with direction through His word. This also brings us in with the divine knowledge, wisdom and power of God. An ordinary person therefore, becomes equipped to do exploit of supernatural dimensions.

PRAYER
Father, please give me the grace to always look unto You for everything I need in life.




by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. (2 Chronicles 4:6)


Not many people have the privilege to build for God. Some yearn for it, but they have lost out of His favour. Yet, some who have the special privilege do not build according to pattern. To this, Marvin Ashton advised: ”Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them."

Solomon, the son of David, had a privilege to build a temple for God, a favour his father never had. However, the temple, in a way, violated some of God's specific commandments. For instance, the bulls, calves and oxen were the usual images, which the Canaanite used to worship their fertility god, Baal. Some Bible scholars, who reviewed the structure, condemned Solomon for the use of the images, pointing out that the Scripture expressly condemned it: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the eaith beneath, or that is in the water under the earth" (Exodus 20:4). Apparently, in the building of the temple, Solomon allowed some exuberance which God seemingly winked at. Thus, the glory that came down at the dedication of the temple.

This is a pointer to many of us, who try to have true fellowship with God. We should be careful of what we bring into the service of the Lord to avoid offering strange fire on His altar. One cannot offer proud "sacrifices" and expect Him to accept it. He seeks those who come to Him in humility, ready to sacrifice their pride and lay before Him humble and contrite hearts. Testament believers, we must worship God without additives and encumbrances. God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth.

MEDITATION
The wise builds according to the divine pattern



by: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi

We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.. Romans 8:28


We might never have had the songs of Fanny Crosby had she not been afflicted with blindness. George Matheson would never have given the world his immortal song, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” had it not been for his ing through the furnace of affliction. The “Hallelujah Chorus” was written by George Frederick Handel when he was poverty-stricken and suffering from a paralyzed right side and right arm. Affliction may be for our edification and Christian development. Sickness is one of the “all things” which work together for good to them that love God.

Don’t resent it. Don’t be embittered by it.

PRAYER
You do not make mistakes, Father. If sorrow comes into my life, let me use it to help others know about You



by: Evang. Billy Graham

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: John 3:14


Human beings have been in search of the way back to their Maker since after the fall. The soul of man pants after the peace that only his Maker can provide. This is the reason man invented means of getting along with God in the name of religion. Unfortunately, man was unable to adequately reach out to his Maker until God in His mercies revealed Himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

“And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. Genesis 3:9-10

Adam was sent out of the Garden of Eden and he became a wanderer and a destitute of the peace that he once had with his Maker. After many dispensations, God decided to reveal part of Himself to some people who sincerely sought to know Him. He related to Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and the prophets to mention just a few. They did not only benefit form God’s self-revelation; they also helped their generation by pointing them to the Almighty God. Yet, the perfect relationship was not in view then. When the fullness of time came, God became man and lived among men in the person of Jesus Christ. When one of the disciples asked Him to reveal God the Father to them, Jesus said: “…Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not know me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?...”  John 14:9-10

Jesus Christ is the perfect revelation of God, the father. He came to reveal the Father to us so that we may know how best to worship Him. It was through His teaching that we know that God is a Spirit and whoever wants to worship Him must worship Him in Spirit. He told us that unless we are born-again, we cannot see the Kingdom of God. Religious activities are exercise in futility without this experience. Not until He came, even Doctors of the Jewish religious laws were ignorant of these principles of God’s Kingdom. Therefore we must always look unto Jesus for direction if we want to make it back to the One who created us in His own image. Our text says to look up unto Jesus because He is the author and finisher of our faith.
I encourage someone reading this devotional to look unto Jesus for salvation, for deliverance, for healing, for material prosperity and eternal life. 

PRAYER
Jesus Christ my Saviour, I look unto You today, perfect everything concerning my life please.


by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

No weapon formed against you shall prosper... (Isaiah 54:17, NKJV)


As a believer in Jesus, you have certain privileges because you belong to Christ. When you chose Him, God put a blood line around you that the enemy cannot cross. As long as you’re keeping Him first place, you have a hedge of protection, a hedge of favor, a hedge of mercy surrounding you like a shield. When difficulties come, God says that because you’re His child, because you honor Him, even though that problem has formed, in the end it is not going to prosper. When it’s all said and done, it’s not going to harm you. God is going to turn it around and use it to your advantage. That’s your heritage as a believer!

Notice it doesn’t say that we’ll never have problems. No, life is full of difficulties. The promise God is making to us is that when things do come against us, because you’re in covenant relationship with Him, you can stay in peace knowing that it is not going to prosper. God has already paved the way for you to live in victory in every area of your life!

PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your many promises. I choose today to accept Your truth which sets me free. I declare by faith that no weapon formed against me shall ever prosper in Jesus' name. Amen.


by: Pastor Joel Osteen

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

Helen Keller, who is a classic example of handling life’s handicaps, said, “I thank God for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work, and my God.” Some people with handicaps drown themselves in self-pity, and thus limit their usefulness and service to mankind and to God. The Apostle Paul knew the pangs of suffering. He used his infirmity rather than allowing his infirmity to use him, and he used it for the glory of God. He seized everything, even death, to glorify his Lord. No matter which way fate turned, he was one jump ahead of it, and using it to magnify his Savior.

PRAYER
Even my handicaps can be used by You, Lord Jesus. Like the Apostle Paul, let me rise above them for Your glory.




by: Evang. Billy Graham

Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: Psalms 144:1


Still dwelling on counting your blessings, we must consider some other things as highlighted by the great Psalmist so that we may understand what made him a great worshipper. There are many seen and unseen battles of life that pose to destroy us, and it is the unseen battles of life that pose to destroy us, and it is the unseen Hands of the Almighty God that have kept us alive. For life alone, we must bless the Lord. In our memory verse for today, the Psalmist blesses the Lord for teaching his hands to war and directing his fingers to fight aright. We must realise that not all fighters win in the battles of life, many are destroyed by the hostility of life. This might have influenced David to write: “Bless the Lord O my soul ….Who redeemeth thy life from destruction….” Psalms 103:4

Considering the numerous battles David fought, particularly against king Saul, one should know that but for God, David would have died a premature death. David lived to a very old age, though his beloved son overthrew him and sought his life; he survived his external and internal enemies. To him, the kindness God showed to him was not ordinary, it was the loving type. Meaning that kindness has categories! How I wish someone reading this devotional will appreciate God’s kindness to him as intensely as David did.

David saw good food, its nourishment and appetite to eat it as blessings from the Lord in verse 5 of our text today. What a grateful creature of the Almighty God David was. There is a story told of a woman, from Ijesaland in the South-West of Nigeria, who was fond of thanking God for good food and the appetite to eat well. Anytime Mama-Ijesa came up for testimony, she would tell of how God provided not only good food but also appetite to eat it. Her Pastor became bored of the one and only testimony of this grateful woman and stopped her from giving testimonies in the Church. Not long after, the Pastor took ill, and on his sick bed, all sorts of food were brought to him but he had no appetite to eat any of them. When Mama-Ijesa came visiting like other parishioners, she innocently asked whether her Pastor was eating well. It was then that the Pastor realised that having good food to eat is not enough, but having appetite to eat it is equally praiseworthy.

PRAYER
Take minimum of 15 minutes to thank God for His Goodness and Mercies over your life and that of your loved ones.



by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: Psalms 144:1

Still dwelling on counting your blessings, we must consider some other things as highlighted by the great Psalmist so that we may understand what made him a great worshipper. There are many seen and unseen battles of life that pose to destroy us, and it is the unseen battles of life that pose to destroy us, and it is the unseen Hands of the Almighty God that have kept us alive. For life alone, we must bless the Lord. In our memory verse for today, the Psalmist blesses the Lord for teaching his hands to war and directing his fingers to fight aright. We must realise that not all fighters win in the battles of life, many are destroyed by the hostility of life. This might have influenced David to write: “Bless the Lord O my soul ….Who redeemeth thy life from destruction….” Psalms 103:4

Considering the numerous battles David fought, particularly against king Saul, one should know that but for God, David would have died a premature death. David lived to a very old age, though his beloved son overthrew him and sought his life; he survived his external and internal enemies. To him, the kindness God showed to him was not ordinary, it was the loving type. Meaning that kindness has categories! How I wish someone reading this devotional will appreciate God’s kindness to him as intensely as David did.

David saw good food, its nourishment and appetite to eat it as blessings from the Lord in verse 5 of our text today. What a grateful creature of the Almighty God David was. There is a story told of a woman, from Ijesaland in the South-West of Nigeria, who was fond of thanking God for good food and the appetite to eat well. Anytime Mama-Ijesa came up for testimony, she would tell of how God provided not only good food but also appetite to eat it. Her Pastor became bored of the one and only testimony of this grateful woman and stopped her from giving testimonies in the Church. Not long after, the Pastor took ill, and on his sick bed, all sorts of food were brought to him but he had no appetite to eat any of them. When Mama-Ijesa came visiting like other parishioners, she innocently asked whether her Pastor was eating well. It was then that the Pastor realised that having good food to eat is not enough, but having appetite to eat it is equally praiseworthy.

PRAYER
Take minimum of 15 minutes to thank God for His Goodness and Mercies over your life and that of your loved ones.



by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. Psalms 135:3


ngratitude is dangerous, particularly when it is directed at God, the Almighty. There are many things we enjoy from God’s benevolence, but we take for granted. As we saw in the Bible reading for today, when David seemed to be forgetful of the goodness of the Lord, he decided to preach to his soul. He took his time to list the blessings of God upon his life so that his soul could be grateful for each of them.

The first thing he mentioned was the benefit of forgiveness he enjoyed from the Holy One of Israel. Modern day Christians do not appreciate the blessing of forgiveness like David did. We often take the work of redemption for granted. Anyone who appreciates the agonising death of Jesus Christ on the Cross for the sin of humanity wouldn’t want to indulge in sin any more, the apostle asked rhetorically:  “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” Romans 6:1

Only those who take the issue of sin lightly would say, “Let us sin the more, so that we may enjoy the grace the more”, and they shall not be guiltless according to the scriptures: “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for a judgement and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” Hebrews 10:26-27

Another blessing David listed in his collection of God’s benefits is divine healing. The Psalmist blessed the Lord for healing, whereas, some of us who enjoy divine health have never said thank you to the Giver of good health. The Lord promised that He would not allow us to be plagued with the kind of sicknesses and diseases that the Egyptian suffered and He made bold to say: “...I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26

My prayer for someone using this devotional is that the Lord will grant you divine health which is far superior to healing in Jesus’ name. However, we must not take God’s grace and blessings for granted. We must endeavour to show our appreciation by living for God alone and by glorifying Him in our bodies.

PRAYER
Take some time to count the blessings of the Lord upon your life and give Him adequate gratitude in return.



by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

..faith without works is dead. (James 2:20, NKJV)

Are you waiting for God to do something in your life? One thing I’ve learned is that waiting should not be a ive thing. When we’re waiting the correct way, we’re on the lookout. We talk like what we are believing for is going to happen. We act like it’s going to happen. We’re making preparations.

It’s just like when you’re expecting someone for dinner; you don’t wait until they show up before you decide to start cooking. Most likely you start early in the day. You make sure the house is clean, you go to the grocery store, and maybe buy some flowers for the table. You make preparations because you’re expecting someone. Well, that’s the attitude we need to have while we’re waiting for God’s promises to come to . As you put actions behind your prayers, your faith comes alive and opens the door for God to move mightily on your behalf.

PRAYER
Father, I choose to put actions behind my faith today. I trust that You are at work in my life. I will wait the right waywith expectancy knowing that You are leading me into the path You have for me in Jesus' name! Amen.




by: Pastor Joel Osteen

I will declare thy name unto my brethren ... Psalm 22:22


There are those near you in your own community who need the regenerating power of Christ. You can call them by name. I suggest that you make a list and begin by spending time in prayer for them. Ask God to show you how to witness to them and how to win them. Their lives can be transformed by the message you give them. You are to share this Gospel you have received. If Christ has done anything for you, then share it. In so doing, you are showing mercy! As you have received the mercy of God by the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life-thus you are to show mercy! And in showing mercy you will not only receive mercy but you will find a stimulating happiness!

PRAYER
As I close my eyes in prayer, let me see the faces of those who need to know You, beloved Savior.




by: Evang. Billy Graham

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh. Matthew 19:5


A marriage that has God in it is the best thing that can happen to any child of God. The Bible says: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22

This scripture unequivocally dismisses the wrong notion of marriage being a burden. For your marriage to work, our memory verse for today reveals the first obligation on the part of the man (the husband) towards his wife: you must strictly adhere to this twin-command – leaving your parents and cleaving to your wife. Some men never leave their parents, particularly their mother. They are “mummy’s boys” and after marriage they still ‘eat from their mother’s pot’ on regular basis. This habit destroys a marriage relationship fast.

Unconditional love is another obligation a husband must perform towards his wife. This kind of love will make the man give his entire being to his wife without expecting anything in return. The Bible says: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it” Ephesians 5:25

Some men, unfortunately, do not know what it means to be married. Marriage could be regarded as giving of one’s self to one’s spouse. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, gave the real picture of marital obligation when he wrote: “But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, now he may please his wife” 1st Corinthians 7:32-33

The truth in the above age is that a man is under obligation to cater for his wife and to have an unreserved commitment to the joy and well-being of his wife. Some so-called Christians are so careless about their marriage that they neglect the divine mandate of caring for the family. As a result, the wife becomes disillusioned about the faith and the children vow never to follow their father to worship God. At the end of the day, the failure of the family eventually affects their Christian walk and ministry. Love must be experimental and substantial, men must show their love practically, and their spouses will not be in doubt as to whether or not they are loved.

PRAYER
Father, please give me the ability to love my spouse unconditionally.




by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'
(2 Kings 6:16, NIV)


Everyone has times when they feel overwhelmed or “outnumbered” by the things that are coming against them. You may have heard the saying, “When it rains, it pours.” For example, just about the time the air conditioner needs repair in your house, the transmission goes out in your car. It seems like one thing happens after another. It may feel as if all of the forces of darkness are coming against you. But the scripture promises that with God on your side, you have all the resources you need to have complete victory. You are never outnumbered because the Greater One lives in you!

The next time you’re feeling anxious, fearful or worried about anything, , He’s on your side. If God is for you, who can be against you? He promises to guide and protect you and lead you into victory in every area of your life!

PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for Your peace even in the midst of the storms of life. I know that You are with me, and I can stand strong because You will lead me into victory all the days of my life in Jesus' name. Amen.




by: Pastor Joel Osteen

... our Lord Jesus Christ ... which hath loved us ... comfort your hearts ... 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17


Christ is the answer to sorrow. When Harry Lauder, the great Scottish comedian, received word that his son had been killed in , he said, “In a time like this, there are three courses open to man: He may give way to despair and become bitter. He may endeavor to drown his sorrow in drink or in a life of wickedness. Or he may turn to God.” In your sorrow, turn to God. There are thousands of people who have turned to God, but you may be still carrying your burdens. God begs of you, “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you” (1 Peter 5:7). You who must go through the valley of the shadow of death, you who must say goodbye to those whom you have loved, you who suffer privation and misery, you who are unjustly persecuted for righteousness’ sake-take heart, take courage. Our Christ is more than adequate for sorrow.

PRAYER
In sorrow, Jesus, Your comfort will take all the bitterness and longing away and give me courage to face the heartache. Your grace will console me and Your arms will me. Thank You, dear Lord.




by: Evang. Billy Graham

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10


It takes great commitment to make a marriage successful and blissful. This gift of God demands the commitment of those who are involved. The good thing is that the Bible is not silent on what couples must do to make their marriages work. I pray for couples reading this devotional; your marriage will be highly successful in Jesus’ name.

In our Bible reading for today, we are blessed with some principles which will help us make our marriage work. The first one that catches our attention is the mutual submission between the husband and the wife. Both the husband and the wife must learn to mutually submit to one another. The reason is found in the first epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.”1st Corinthians 7:3-4

Another principle that any woman who wants her marriage to succeed should imbibe is unconditional submission. This is the submission that does not attach any condition to compliance. This Christian wife must learn to submit to the husband. When she does this, she receives a blessing which money cannot buy from God. “For after this manner in the old time the holy woman also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, bring in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” 1st Peter 3:5-6

It is dangerous for a woman to go into a marriage partnership with a man she will not submit herself to. It is better for such a woman not to get married at all. When the Word of God says, “Wives, submit….” Some people take this as a piece of advice. However, it is not a piece of advice, but an express command; it must be obeyed. As a matter of fact, the Bible goes further to reveal the degree of submission; it says: “…. as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” Years ago, I counselled one of my daughters along this line when she began to have problems with her marriage. Initially, she did not find it pleasant, but I told her that she could not do the contrary if she really wanted her marriage to work. The problem with her then was that she was as highly educated as her husband and she felt she had equal rights with her husband. May the Lord bless your home with eternal peace in Jesus’ name. 

MEDITATION
Take a practical step of voluntary submission to your husband as unto the Lord today, and the Lord will give you a peaceful home.




by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2, NIV)


Sometimes when people look toward the future, they don’t see how they will ever rise higher or fulfill their destiny. That’s because they are looking at things in the earthly, natural realm. But if we’ll set our minds higher, if we’ll set our minds on things above, we will have a different perspective.

We walk by faith and not by sight. In other words, we have to believe it before we’re ever going to see it. If we walk only by what we see in the natural realm, we can easily allow circumstances and fear to keep us from moving forward. But when we set our minds higher, we are walking by faith, and we can see things God’s way.

Make the decision to set your mind on things above. Focus on the good things God has in store. Be determined to close the door on fear and doubt and choose to listen to that inner prompting of the Holy Spirit. Walk and live by faith and set your mind on higher things!

PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your Word which lights the path You have for me. I choose to keep my heart and mind focused on You. I choose to meditate on Your Word knowing that it feeds my faith and sets me in a position to receive every blessing You have in store for me in Jesus' name. Amen.




by: Pastor Joel Osteen

Bless me and my family forever! 2 Samuel 7:29 (TLB)



Apart from religious influence, the family is the most important unit of society. It would be good if every home were Christian, but we know that it is not so. The family and the home can never exert their proper influence while ignoring the biblical standard. The Bible calls for discipline and a recognition of authority. If children do not learn this at home, they will go out into society without the proper attitude toward authority and law. There is always the exceptional child, but the average tells us that the child is largely what the home has made him. The only way to provide the right home for your children is to put the Lord above them, and fully instruct them in the ways of the Lord. You are responsible before God for the home you provide for them.

PRAYER
Father, keep me from any word or deed that might hinder a child from loving You.





by: Evang. Billy Graham

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36


Many people claim to be free, but they are not free indeed! The only genuine freedom is available in Jesus Christ. Anyone that still commits sin and claims to be free is living in self-deceit. The greatest task-master in the world is sin. Whoever is under its grip is not free and as a matter of fact, has no mind of his own.

During the days of Jesus here on earth, the Jews did not know they were in bondage. Hence, they were surprised when Jesus said that the words which He was speaking to them would set them free. In the scriptural age before us today, Jesus Christ revealed the source of bondage which people entangle themselves in. “Jesus answered them verily, verily I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.”John 8:34

Only the truth of the Word of God can set a man free from the slavery of sin. The question is how can we know the truth? Jesus is the only truth that can set us free from the slavery of sin. No other means can afford us the desired freedom. Another liberating truth in the Word of God is that whoever commits sin is of the devil, but the Son of God has come to destroy the power of sin in man. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose of the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1st John 3:8

In acts 4:12, we read that there is no salvation by any other, because there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.  Beloved, if you are being intimidated by the task-master of sin (the devil), the good news is that Jesus Christ is able to set you free, if you will come to him today in total repentance. It is only Jesus that can make you free indeed. Believe Him today, and you will be free from all forms of bondage.

PRAYER
Father, please set me free from all forms of bondage in which the enemy has kept me in Jesus' name.



by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

...time and chance happen to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIV)



The scripture talks about how time and chance will come together for every person. In other words, there are moments of favor that God has already released into your future. If you’ll let that sink down into your heart today, it will change your whole outlook on your future.

So many people miss out on the good things because they allow fear to distract them and hold them back. They say, “What if I fail?” “What if they don’t like me?” “What if I make a mistake?” However, “What if you do succeed?” “What if they do like you?” “What if you do it better than anyone else?” That’s expecting God’s goodness and favor. And when you go out each day with an attitude of faith and expectancy, you’ll see those good things He has in store. You’ll walk into divine moments of favor, moments of blessing, moments of increase and embrace all the good things He has in store for you!

PRAYER
Father, thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. Thank You for Your peace and joy that surrounds my every step. I choose to keep my heart focused on the blessings in my future in Jesus name. Amen.




by: Pastor Joel Osteen

We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe it, for our hope is in the living God who died for all... 1 Timothy 4:9,10 (TLB)


Our life has its beginning in suffering. Life’s span is marked by pain and tragedy, and our lives terminate with the enemy called death. The person who expects to escape the pangs of suffering and disappointment simply has no knowledge of the Bible, of history, or of life. The master musician knows that suffering precedes glory and acclaim. He knows the hours, days, and months of grueling practice and self-sacrifice that precede the one hour of perfect rendition when his mastership is applauded. The student knows that years of study, privation and self-renunciation precede the triumphant day of graduation and honors. Yes, there are clouds of suffering for each one of us, but God says, “I come to you in the thick dark cloud of suffering,” By faith you can see His blessed face in the storm. God has His plan and purpose in all suffering.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me to that none of my suffering is in vain. Through it teach me more of Your love and comfort.




by: Evang. Billy Graham

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is,and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8



It should be surprising to see children of God cringing in the presence of forces that threaten not only their physical lives, but also their relationships with their Father in heaven. This attitude is unlike that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylon. These young Hebrew men knew their God to be strong and mighty, and they were bold enough to declare it to the absolute director, king Nebuchadnezzar. This is what is expected of us as children of the Most High God.

In the testimony of the Psalmist in our Bible reading for today, we read of him speaking about the God who is strong and mighty in battle. This God has never lost any battle. Like I have preached on many occasions, this God is a war-Lord; He is more effective than any Chief of Naval Staff when it comes to sea battles, He is more effective than any Chief of Air Staff when it comes to offensive air battles. This was proven in the battle he fought on behalf of the children of Israel under the leadership of Joshua: “And it come to , as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Beth-horon, that the Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.”Joshua 10:11

Beloved, I am please to announce to you that if truly you are born-again, your God is strong and mighty. Hence, you have no reason to fear any attack of the enemies. The Bible says: “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the raising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the
spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 59:19-20

There is something very important to note in the above scripture; ….unto them that turn from transgression….” The Lord, strong and mighty can only fight on behalf of those who have reconciled with Him through genuine repentance. Sin exposes an individual to enemy attacks. Therefore, I appeal to someone reading this devotional; ensure that your life is void of iniquity which makes you vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. Our God is strong and mighty. Those who have walked with Him sincerely have this as their testimony. It will be yours too in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER
Father, please show yourself strong and mighty in my life so that my enemies may fear, repent and surrender to your Almightiness.



by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye