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Revelation 7:9-10 NIV [9] After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. [10] And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Devotion: Our world is diverse, but one day, all Christians will stand together before God (Revelation 7:9-10). Jesus' sacrifice bridged the gap between us and God, making unified worship possible.   Jesus' power unifies humanity. As we await His return, let's share His love, joy, hope, and peace with others. Our hope, strength, and future are in Jesus.   Today, let's worship God with every breath, staying focused on Jesus and living in unity with other Christians. Reflection and Application - Reflect on the diversity of God's people and the unity we share in Christ. - Ask ...

"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:39 Devotion: As children of God, we can take comfort in the knowledge that nothing can separate us from His love. This love is not limited by distance, space, or created beings. It's a love that transcends all boundaries and is rooted in Jesus Christ. *The Unconditional Love of God* God's love is not based on our performance or worthiness. It's an unconditional love that accepts us just as we are. As 1 John 4:8 reminds us, "God is love." This love is not just a feeling but a fundamental aspect of God's nature. *The Assurance of God's Love* We can be assured of God's love because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. As Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate expre...

Psalms 59:16 NIV [16] But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Devotion Teenager David was anointed as Israel's future king. Yet, he spent years fleeing from the current king, his father-in-law, who sought his life. During this time, David had honest conversations with God, expressing his grief while holding onto hope. Psalm 59 is an example of these laments.   David's laments allowed him to cry out for justice and remember God's faithfulness. This focus on God's character helped David hold onto hope, leading him to say, "But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." (Psalm 59:16 NIV)   Through these conversations, David realized that although his situation was dire, God was still good and worthy of worship. He believed in God's control and the fulfillment of His promises, which even...

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7" Devotion : Sometimes, due to the challenges the children of God go through, there is the feeling that nobody cares, not even God. Above is a specific example of scripture proving that God cares as He said we should walk by faith and not by feeling. Feeling can be positive or negative; the devil uses negative feelings against us so we might doubt God's Word. Continue to trust in Christ Jesus that He is able to save you and provide for your daily needs.     The following points explain the verse further. 1. God's Unchanging Care: The scripture 1 Peter 5:7 emphasizes casting all our anxieties on God because He cares for us. This underscores that God's concern for us remains constant, regardless of our circumstances or feelings. 2. Walking by Faith, Not by Sight: The devotion stresses the importance of living by faith rather than being swayed by our feelings. Our emotions can be deceptive and lead us...

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 KJV Imagine being brutally beaten and forced to carry an extremely heavy wooden cross behind you while walking with excruciating pain all over your body from head to toe. Probably, none of us could have done that and reached Mt. Golgotha still breathing. Because of the many negative things rushing through our minds alongside the physical pain, we would have desired to stop breathing in the middle of the ordeal. Yet Christ chose to finish the mission. He was determined to be crucified and experience the pain once and for all because His eyes were focused on something joyful—our salvation, restoration, healing, freedom, and Abba Father’s tears of joy carrying us back into His loving arms. Beloved, whenever you feel like complaining, whining, or remaining negative because of what is hap...

"Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? Job 12:9" Devotion: Job was certain about his relationship with God and confident that God would not harm him. This is evident in his rhetorical question about the integrity of God. He recognized that he was undergoing a trial allowed by God. This highlights an important distinction between being tested by God and being tempted by the devil.   In the New Testament, Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness for forty days and resisted all the temptations posed by the devil. This account can be found in [Matthew 4:1-11].   Testing by God: God's tests are meant to strengthen our faith and character. They help us grow and become more reliant on Him. Abraham was tested of God. Genesis 22:1-2 says  "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and g...

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 5:1 Devotion: As believers, we're called to live a life of peace, not just with God, but also with others. In Psalms 34:14, we're reminded to "Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." This verse offers profound wisdom on moral and spiritual conduct, guiding us to turn away from evil and live at peace with others.   Turning away from evil requires a conscious and continuous effort towards righteousness. We must recognize and admit our faults, seeking forgiveness from God and making a genuine effort to change. As we repent and turn away from sin, we're called to replace negative behaviors with positive actions, practicing virtues such as kindness, honesty, and humility.   Living at peace with others involves more than just avoiding conflict. It requires actively seeking peace and pursuing it. As Jesus taught, "Bles...

Nehemiah 1:4-6 (NIV) "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: 'Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel."  Reflection: In the book of Nehemiah, we find an inspiring example of steadfast faith and determined action. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king of Persia, was deeply moved when he learned about the desolate state of Jerusalem. His heart ached for his community, and he didn't hesitate to turn to God in earnest prayer and fasting.   Nehemiah's story teaches us the power of standing up for our communities, especially in times of adversity. He didn't merely mourn the broken walls of Jerusalem; he sought divine guidance and took ...

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 Devotion: As believers, we're not immune to the troubles of this world. We face challenges, difficulties, and uncertainties, just like everyone else. But Jesus promises us something unique: peace. Not just any peace, but peace that comes from Him.  A Peace that Transcends Circumstances Jesus doesn't promise to remove us from the troubles of this world. Instead, He promises to give us peace in the midst of those troubles. This is a peace that transcends circumstances, a peace that comes from knowing that Jesus has overcome the world. As Paul wrote in Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Taking Heart in Jesus' Victory When troubles come, it's easy to lose heart. But Jesus tells us to "take heart!...

  "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." - Philippians 4:4 Devotion : As followers of Christ, we have been given a powerful key to overcoming life's challenges: rejoicing in the Lord. The apostle Paul discovered this secret and applied it daily, regardless of his circumstances. Despite knowing he would face suffering for the sake of Christ (Acts 9:16), Paul chose to rejoice evermore. This key is available to every Christian, but it's up to us to use it. When we fail to rejoice, we open ourselves up to complaints, frowns, murmuring, sadness, and even spiritual death. The enemy's strategy is to steal our joy in Christ, but we must not let him succeed. As Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." When we choose to rejoice in the Lord, we tap into His strength and overcome the obstacles in our path. So, let's make a conscious decision to rejoice in the Lord always, even in the face of challenges. As 1 Thessalonians...

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23  Devotion: Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us of the virtues bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit: _“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”   In a home once filled with bitterness, resentment, and strife, there stood a family on the brink of dissolution. Anger had become a daily visitor, and malice wove itself into their conversations. The wife, overwhelmed by the hostility, decided to consult a lawyer to file for divorce.    As she left her home, heavy-hearted and determined, she encountered the Holy Spirit on her path. A gentle yet profound presence, the Spirit spoke to her of love, joy, peace, and kindness. The wife felt a warmth she hadn’t experienced in years. She was reminded of ...

3 John 1:11 NIV [11] Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.  Devotion: In 3 John 1:11, the apostle John gives an earnest exhortation to you and me to shun evil and embrace goodness. The verse encapsulates a profound truth: our actions are a reflection of our spiritual state. Those who engage in good deeds, embodying love, kindness, and compassion, are aligned with God's character. In contrast, those who commit evil acts are estranged from God's presence, indicating a lack of divine influence in their lives.  This verse speaks to the fundamental Christian principle of imitation(discipleship). To be a follower of Christ is to emulate His virtues and to distance oneself from wrongdoing. It serves as a reminder that our choices and behaviors are significant—they not only define who we are but also reveal the depth of our relationship with God. There are several Bible verses...

Isaiah 40:31 tells us, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." NIV  Devotion: High above the earth, where the air is clear and the world seems small, soars an eagle—majestic and unyielding. Its wings spread wide, catching the currents of the sky. As Christians, we are called to rise above the mundane, to seek higher ground, and to embody the strength and vision of an eagle.   Just as the eagle is designed to soar, we are designed to live a life of purpose and passion for Christ. Isaiah 40:31 tells us, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." This powerful verse encourages us to place our trust in God, who renews our strength and gives us the ability to soar above life's challenges.   An eagle is kn...

John 13:34-35  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Devotion: While Valentine's Day itself is not mentioned in the Bible, it is often associated with themes of love, kindness, and selflessness, which are central to Christian teachings. The day is named after St. Valentine, a Christian martyr, but the celebration of love on this day has evolved over time.  Here are some biblical themes that align with the spirit of Valentine's Day: 1. Love for One Another: Jesus taught his followers to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35). This commandment emphasizes the importance of showing love and kindness to others. 2. Selfless Love:The Bible talks about selfless love, also known as agape love, which is the highest form of love. This is the kind of love that is sacrificial and unconditional (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). 3. M...

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7 (NIV). Devotion : The preying mantis is an incredible creature known for its patience and precision. It serves as a powerful example of how we, as humans, can learn to embody similar virtues in our daily lives. Let's explore the qualities of the preying mantis and how they can inspire our walk with God. Patience : The preying mantis is a master of patience. It can remain perfectly still for hours, waiting for the right moment to strike its prey. In our fast-paced world, patience is a virtue that often seems elusive. Yet, the Bible reminds us of the importance of patience in our lives. In James 5:7 (NIV) the bible says, "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn...

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:6" Devotion : Jesus indeed is the author and finisher of our faith; He humbled himself unto the father and even unto death on the cross. God witnessed this, resurrected Him, and gave Him a name which is above every name in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.   King David humbled himself in service to his father, Jesse, and God chose and anointed him king over Israel. Moses humbled himself and was appointed by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The same applies to Joshua, Jephthah, Gideon, Peter, Paul, etc.: all these people humbled themselves and God exalted them in due time.    Dear beloved, are you humble in all your ways? If you are then there is a lifting up waiting for you. Share your comments here! Copied and shared by Dr Joel Olanrewaju.

Genesis 24:40  And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's house: Devotion: As we navigate the journey of life, we often face uncertainty and doubt. We wonder if we're making the right decisions, if we're on the right path. But as believers, we have the assurance that God is always with us, guiding and prospering our way.  In Genesis 24:40, Abraham's servant declares, "The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way." This servant trusted in the Lord's guidance and provision, knowing that He would send His angel to prosper his journey.  As followers of Christ, we have the same assurance. Jesus promised, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). We are not alone; God is always with us, guiding and prospering our way.  The apostle Paul wrote, "And we...

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)   "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Devotion: In a world filled with uncertainties and trials, it is a profound comfort to know that God's promise of perfect peace is available to those who steadfastly trust in Him. This verse reminds us that peace is not found in the absence of troubles, but in the presence of a steadfast mind anchored in God's faithfulness. Trusting God means surrendering our worries and fears, knowing that He is in control and that His plans for us are good. When our minds are focused on His promises and His character, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. Let us remember God's promise expressed by Paul in Philippians 4: 6-7 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds th...

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 NIV. Devotion: As followers of Christ, we're constantly faced with the reality of evil in our world. We see it in the news, in our communities, and even in our personal relationships. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, to want to retaliate or give up in the face of such darkness. But as believers, we're called to a different response.   In Romans 12:21, the apostle Paul writes, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This verse reminds us that we have the power to choose how we respond to evil. We can let it consume us, or we can rise above it with good.   But what does it mean to overcome evil with good? It means responding to hatred with love, to anger with kindness, and to injustice with compassion. It means seeking to understand rather than seeking to condemn. It means praying for those who persecute us, rather than cursing them (Matthew 5:44).   As Jesus taught us, ...

[11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, Titus 2:11-12 NIV  Devotion: As we begin a new day, let's reflect on the amazing gift of God's grace. The Bible reminds us in Titus 2:11-12 that "the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people." This same grace teaches us to live godly lives, saying "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions. As followers of Christ, we're called to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. This means being intentional about our thoughts, words, and actions. It means seeking to honor God in every aspect of our lives. As the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is...

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NIV Devotion: The tongue is a mighty instrument, capable of wielding immense power. With a single word, it can bring life or death, hope or despair, joy or sorrow. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 18:21, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."   Our words have consequences, and the choices we make with our tongue can either build up or tear down. When we speak life, we breathe hope into the lives of those around us. Our words can be a balm to the hurting, a comfort to the afflicted, and a source of strength to the weak. On the other hand, when we speak death, our words can be a poison that destroys relationships, ruins reputations, and leaves lasting scars.   The tongue is a reflection of our heart, and what we speak reveals what we value. Those who love the tongue, who delight in speaking, will inevitably eat its fruit. The frui...

James 3:16  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 2 Thessalonians 3:16  Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. Devotion: In our daily walk, we are often confronted with various challenges and conflicts that test our patience and resolve. James 3:16 reminds us, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." This verse speaks to the chaos that arises when we allow negative emotions such as envy and strife to take root in our hearts. When we harbor these feelings, they create an environment of confusion and open the door to all kinds of harmful actions and thoughts. Contrast this with the message in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, which says, "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." This verse reassures us that true peace comes from the Lord. It is a divine gift that can calm our hearts and minds, no matter the c...

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 NIV Devotion: Galatians 5:16, in the New International Version (NIV), is a powerful reminder of the spiritual journey that Christians are called to undertake. The verse states: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." This verse highlights the importance of living a life that is guided by the Holy Spirit. The "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, which dwells within believers and guides them towards righteousness and away from sinful desires. The "desires of the flesh" refer to the sinful inclinations and temptations that can lead one astray from God's will. In essence, Galatians 5:16 is a call to live a life that is in alignment with the Holy Spirit. By doing so, believers can resist the temptations of the flesh and live a life that is pleasing to God. This message is further echoed in other Bible verses. For instance...

1 John 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Devotion: The Bible tells us that "God is love" (1 John 4:16). This profound statement reveals the very nature of our Creator. Love is not just an attribute of God; it is His essence. Apostle John, who had walked with Jesus and experienced His love firsthand, boldly testified to this truth.   As believers, it's essential to move beyond merely studying the Scriptures to experiencing the love of God for ourselves. It's one thing to read about the Lord Jesus Christ, but it's entirely another to have a personal, intimate relationship with Him.   Apostle John's statement in 1 John 4:16 serves as a benchmark for measuring our Christianity. He says, "He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." This means that if we truly abide in God's love, we will reflect that love in our lives. Conversely,...

James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Devotion: James 1:17 has a lot to tell us about God. First off, James tells us that God is the one who gives good and perfect gifts. This is because God is the creator of the universe. He is the one who formed everything and everyone. Everything starts with God, so all good gifts and blessings in life come from God. In addition to that, it is God who gives us salvation, which is the greatest gift. He freely offers us eternal life by believing in Jesus as the One who saves us. God not only gives perfect gifts, but He also is the perfect Gift.  The next thing we learn about God in this verse, is that God reigns from heaven, but has also come down from heaven to us. God rules and reigns from His throne in Heaven, as Psalm 103:19 says. But we also see in John 6:38 that Jesus came down from Heaven and took on flesh. He...

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7" Devotion : The answers to everything in this world of ours are provided by the Bible. Let us consider the description of the peace of God: it surpasses all understanding and also has the ability to guard the heart and mind. What kind of peace do you want;the peace of the world or the peace of God?  As a believer in Christ Jesus you can use God's peace to judge your choices and decisions. If you make a choice or a decision and you don't experience the peace of God in it, kindly change it, for God is not with you. However, if you experience the peace of God in your heart and mind, then God has sanctioned or approved your choice or decision.  Dear reader, did you learn anything in this passage? Share your comments here! Shared by Dr Joel Olanrewaju.

As we step into a new month, it's a perfect opportunity to realign our hearts and minds with God's purposes. I hope this devotional will guide help you to begin the month with faith, gratitude, and intentionality.   Reflect on God's Faithfulness: it is good to start the month by reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past. Take time to recount His blessings, guidance, and protection. This reflection will fuel your faith and remind you of His steadfast love that is new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23- "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."   Commit Your Plans to the Lord: I urge you to present your goals, plans, and desires for the new month to God. Seek His guidance and commit to following His will in all your endeavors. Trust that He will establish your plans according to His purpose. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever y...