A MEMORIAL FOR YOURSELF

MEMORY VERSE: And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. Judges 8:27

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 13-16

Everything God does is for His glory. Revelations 4:11 says: ‘Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.' As such, how we celebrate (things) matters. Gideon celebrated his victory over the Midianites by acquiring wives for himself (See Judges 8:30). Did that benefit God? No! One question we must always ask ourselves is this, 'how does this thing that I am doing benefit God.' A brother told me a few years ago that he would like to become the finance minister of his country. 'How will that benefit God', I asked; unfortunately, he could not give an answer.

There is nothing wrong with throwing a big party (if you have the money) to celebrate your birthday or your wedding anniversary or any other good thing; however, is God’s name glorified? How does that big party benefit God? Is it an avenue to bring souls to Christ? In addition, Gideon celebrated his victory over the Midianites by making a golden ephod (See Judges 8:27). He celebrated his victory by making a name for himself: the first man to make a golden ephod. His victory was meant to lead many to the true God; sadly, it turned many into idolaters. Your celebrations must turn the hearts of men to God, not away from God. Your celebrations must bring glory to God alone, not yourself.

NOTE: The day of your wedding, if you are single, is a day to glorify God. Look beautiful not sexy. May I remind you that God’s definition of beauty is clearly defined in 1 Peter 3:3-4.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT II

MEMORY VERSE: But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 1 Samuel 16:14

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 28-31

The Holy Spirit is a ‘MUST HAVE’ for every believer. Do you want to excel in your career? You need the Holy Spirit. Daniel through the power of the Holy Spirit excelled in politics. Do you want to excel in your studies? You need the Holy Spirit. A story that comes to mind is that of a Christian sister who was studying for her Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. Whilst studying a night before her Biology papers, a strange mosquito began to disturb her and she killed it. As she was about to put it in the bin, the Holy Spirit told her to study the mosquito. She opened her Biology textbook, read about mosquitoes, learnt how to draw and label mosquitoes, and went to the exam room. The next morning when she received her exam booklet, the first question was ‘draw and label a mosquito.’

To be fruitful at your old age, you need the Holy Spirit. To conquer the enemy, you need the Holy Spirit. To fulfil God’s plan for your life, you need the help of the Holy Spirit. Even to create wealth, you need the Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 8:18 says: ‘But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.’ This brings us to the question, how do I receive the Holy Spirit? You receive the Holy Spirit when you give your life to Christ. Acts 2:38 says: ‘Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.’

NOTE: If you grieve the Holy Spirit, He will leave. As such, you must not grieve Him.  Because nature abhors  a vacuum; the moment He takes His leave, an evil spirit will enter and torment the fellow. 1 Samuel 16:14 says: ‘But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.’ One disturbing fact about the Holy Spirit leaving a man is that you won’t know when He takes His leave. Many a time, it is always too late before one realizes that the Holy Spirit has left.

PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, please help me never to grieve you.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

QUALITY (ALWAYS) TRUMP QUANTITY

MEMORY VERSE: And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. Judges 7:7

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 5-8

Judges 6:1 says: ‘And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.’ The children of Israel saw horrors in the hands of the Midianites. When the suffering became unbearable, the children of Israel cried unto God and He heard them; He raised a judge for them, Gideon. At first, Gideon was reluctant to lead the children of Israel against the Midianites, but the Lord demonstrated to him through various signs that He was going to deliver the Midianites into his hands. Gideon gathered 30, 000 men and went to war against the Midianites.

Judges 7:7 says: ‘And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.’ Out of the 30000, only 300 were quality soldiers. The other 29,700, as far as the Lord was concerned, were just numbers i.e. quantity. Their hearts were not right; they were fearful. No wonder, majority of them turned back when Gideon announced that anyone that is fearful and afraid to leave. With 300 men, the Lord delivered the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east, armies too much to number, into the hands of Gideon. A large army does not always guarantee victory as you saw in the case of Gideon and the Midianites. Also, military experience does not always guarantee victory. David, an ordinary civilian, defeated Goliath, the champion of Gath. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong (Ecclesiastes 9:11). As afar as you have God on your side, you can achieve much with a few. Jesus achieved much with a few (twelve quality disciples). It is not the number of children one has that matters, but what God does through the children. Old Elizabeth had only one child, John the Baptist. The Bible records that he is the greatest of all the Old Testament prophet (Luke 7:28).

NOTE: It is not the number of things you know how to do averagely that matters, but the number of things you know how to do very well. Many a time, they are very few probably one or two. Be a master at something!

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

THE HOLY SPIRIT I

MEMORY VERSE: But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 1 Samuel 16:14

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 24-27

As believers, we are nothing without the Holy Spirit. We are empty, vulnerable, clueless, powerless, and hopeless without the Holy Spirit. Also, we can achieve nothing without Him. John 15:5 says: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Jesus, when He was on the earth, fully depended on the Holy Spirit. His miracles were often Spirit-empowered. Luke 5:17 says: ‘And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.’ The power that was present (with Jesus) to heal was the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ reliance on the Holy Spirit enabled Him to resist sin. Luke 4:1-2a says: ‘And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil.’ Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit, not will-power or New Year resolutions to live a life of holiness. If Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and resist sin, how much more should we depend on Him? Praying (according to God's will), requires the help of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26 says: ‘Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.’ The Holy Spirit helped David, the underdog, to defeat Goliath. 1 Samuel 16:13 says: ‘Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.’

NOTE: The Holy Spirit is for believers, people who have given their lives to Christ. It is for those who have said goodbye to a life of sin and embraced a life of righteousness and holiness. Do you want to say goodbye to sin? Give your life to Jesus Christ. Let Him take over your challenges. Jesus never fails

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

BEHOLD, I THOUGHT II

MEMORY VERSE: But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. 2 Kings 5:11

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 28-31

Naaman had everything money can buy except for one thing, a good health (2 Kings 5:1). He traveled to see Elisha for healing from leprosy. On arrival, Elisha sent his servant to tell him to wash seven times in the River Jordan. 2 Kings 5:11 says: ‘But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.’ Naaman had an expectation of who should minister to him. He expected Elisha, not his servant, to physically minister to him. God can use any of His children to minister to you or your needs. Many, today, come to the church with an expectation of who the Lord should speak through. As a result, they only listen when the pastor preaches.

Secondly, Naaman came with an expectation how he should be healed. He expected Elisha to come out to him, call on the name of the Lord, and lay hands on him. Don’t come to God with an expectation of how He should solve your problems. The way you expect God to work can rob you of your miracle. Lastly, Naaman came with an expectation of where his healing should take place. He expected Elisha to pray for him in the front of his house and get healed; however, God wanted him to bathe in River Jordan. Not all difficult problems require a difficult solution. The solution to some difficult problems is very simple. Not all big problems require big solutions. Naaman struggled with the instruction he received from the prophet because it was too basic and too simple to be a solution.

NOTE: Big problems don't always require big solutions. The simplest thing to do when you face challenges is pray.

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Samuel Oluwatoki

BEHOLD, I THOUGHT

MEMORY VERSE: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 24-27

Naaman went to see Elisha, the prophet, for healing from leprosy. When he arrived, Elisha sent a messenger to tell him to go to River Jordan and wash seven times and he will be healed. 2 Kings 5:11-13 says: ‘But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?’

Naaman came to Elisha with an expectation of how he should be healed; he expected Elisha to lay hands on him but God had a different plan. Many have missed their healings or miracles because they came to God with an expectation of how He should heal them. Isaiah 55:9 says: ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ A lot have missed God because they expected God to operate in a certain way or answer their prayers in a certain way. Jesus cured leprosy in different ways. In Luke 5:12-13, a leper approached Him for healing; He laid hands on him and his leprosy disappeared. In Luke 17:11-19, some lepers approached Him; He told them to go and show themselves to the priests. Luke 17:14b says: ‘And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.’

NOTE: Don’t approach God with an expectation of how you want Him to provide a help meet (wife) for you or how you want Him to provide a husband for you. Don’t approach Him with an expectation of how you expect Him to solve your problem(s). When it comes to hearing from God, don’t expect Him to speak you in a certain way. Don’t expect Him to speak to you the same way He spoke to others. He might decide to speak to others through dreams and you, an audible voice. Don't limit the Holy One of Isreal in your thoughts!

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

CHANGED ATTITUDE, CHANGED STORY

MEMORY VERSE: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 20-23

Naaman had everything except for one thing, good health. 2 Kings 5:1 says: ‘Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.’ One day, the young slave girl who waited on Naaman’s wife witnessed to her. ‘Would God my Lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy,’ she said. Mrs. Naaman related the message to her husband. On hearing, he travelled to Samaria to meet the prophet of God. When he arrived, Elisha sent his servant to tell him to dip seven times in River Jordan.

Naaman went ballistic. He was angry because the prophet did not personally attend to him. Also, he was angry because he was told to dip himself in River Jordan, a dirty river. Whilst he was ranting and raving, his servants counselled him to do what the man of God told him to do; he listened and was healed. A change in attitude can lead to a change in circumstances, to breakthrough, to a change of story, and so on. With his initial attitude, Naaman would have died a leper!

NOTE: Your attitude matters! Regardless of the promises of God for your life, a terrible attitude or character can frustrate the plans of God for your life. From time to time, we say ‘if God be for us, who can be against us.’ The answer is you and me.

QUESTION: What is your attitude towards divine instructions? Do you argue with it? What is your attitude towards the things of God? What is your attitude towards challenges? Do you easily give up or throw in the towel? Do you make negative confessions when things are not going as planned? What is your attitude towards the progress of others? Do you get angry? What is your attitude towards the undiluted word of God? What is your attitude towards the ministry God has put in your hands?

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

WHAT INFORMS YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS

MEMORY VERSE: And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment. 1 Kings 3:11

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 16-19

People in love give gifts to one another. John 3:16 says: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…’ God gave us His son out of love. Out of love, Solomon gave one of the biggest offerings a man ever gave to God: a thousand burnt offerings (2 Kings 3:4-14). The Lord reciprocated the love by paying him a visit. ‘What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!’ He asked. Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God’s people. 1 Kings 3:10 says: ‘And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.’

Why did Solomon’s request please God? 1 Kings 3:11 says: ‘And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;’ God used the phrase ‘asked for thyself’ three times. He was referring to the fact that Solomon did not ask anything for himself. Rather, he asked for what will enable him to serve the people better. The prayer and requests of Solomon were not all about what he wanted for himself but what he wanted for others and God was extremely pleased. A request that you make to God that has in it, a focus on how you can be a blessing to others pleases Him more than those which is focused on what only you can get. Also, Solomon’s request was from a humble heart. Psalm 51:17 says: ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.’ Solomon, in his request, acknowledged that he didn’t have what it takes; viz., wisdom, an understanding heart, etc., to lead the people. When you accept that you are weak and you ask God for strength, He is pleased. Solomon’s request was motivated by nothing but love for the people of God. His request was not motivated by hatred, greed, anger, rebellion, or jealousy.

QUESTION: What informs your prayer requests? Do you ask for things from God out of envy or jealousy? Do you ask God for things of temporal value or eternal value?

NOTE: Ask for wisdom. Ask for understanding. Ask for power to create wealth rather than wealth. Ask for more of Him rather than more of things.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

A PRAYER THAT PLEASES THE LORD

MEMORY VERSE: And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. 1 Kings 3:13

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 12-15

Solomon did something no man had ever done and God responded in a way He had never responded. He offered a thousand burnt offerings to God; in return, God paid him a visit. I pray that God will inspire you and me to do something that will cause Him to pay us a visit. 1 Kings 3: 5 says: ‘In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, ask what I shall give thee.’ Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God’s people. 1 Kings 3:10 says: ‘And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.’

There are two basic types of requests: those that please the Lord and those that don’t. An example of a request that didn’t please the Lord was Israelite’s request for a king. 1 Samuel 8:6-7 says: ‘But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.’ The Lord granted their request even though it didn’t please Him; besides, it was not in His perfect will for them to have a king. The fact that God grants a request does not necessarily mean that He is pleased with the request. I pray that you will not have what God does not want you to have in the mighty name of Jesus,amen. Israel had what God did not want them to have; and as a result, they suffered. 1 Kings 12:4 says: ‘Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.’ Adam and Eve had what God did not want them to have and they died spiritually. Whilst some requests do not please God, some bring Him joy. Solomon's request pleased the Lord because it was in line with God's will for him. Any request that is at variance with His will displeases Him. You can know God's will through revelation; and by studying the Bible,also.

NOTE: When you pray in tongues, you are praying according to His divine will; therefore, it pleases the Lord.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

YOUR PRAYER REQUEST REVEALS WHO YOU ARE

MEMORY VERSE: And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 1 Kings 3:10

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 8-11

In 1 Kings 3:4-14, King Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings to God. The Lord was very impressed and gave him a blank cheque. Verse 5 says: ‘In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, ask what I shall give thee.’ If you give God what no man has ever given to Him; He will give you what He has never given to any man in return. King Solomon was the first to offer a thousand burnt offering to God; and, he was the first to receive a blank cheque from God. I pray that God will inspire you and me to do something no man has ever done, so we can receive something no man has ever received.

1 Kings 3:9-10 says: ‘Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.’ Someone once said, ‘I never ask God for anything because He knows my needs.’ God knows your needs, but He wants you to ask. Matthew 7:7-8 says: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ King Solomon's request was specific. He didn’t ask for everything or anything. Be specific with your request. Don’t act like the man who said, ‘God, my name is Jimmy and I will take whatever you gimme.’ King Solomon’s request reflected his priority, personality, vision, values, goals, etc. Your request says a lot about you.

NOTE: We can tell from King Solomon’s prayer request that he was a humble man. We can also tell from his prayer request that he was not a selfish man. He was a man who put the needs of others first.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

AN IDOLATER?

MEMORY VERSE: Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 4-7

Who is an idolater? An idolater is simply one who worships idols. What comes to mind when we hear the word 'idol' is a picture of a statue. An idol can be a statue; viz., the golden calf (Exodus 32:4). It can be a living thing or a non-living thing. An idol is simply anything we want more than God, rely on more than God, put before God, or look to for greater fulfilment than God. Exodus 20:3 says: ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’

While we generally see them as disgraceful, evil passions, it is important to note that idols can also be ‘good’ things that we have made into ‘ultimate’ things. For instance, an idol could be one's spouse. Adam put his wife, Eve, before God. In chapter 3, his wife offered him the forbidden fruit and he ate it. He disobeyed God and obeyed his wife. An idol could be one's children. Eli's children were his idols because he put them before God. Even, when God complained about the conduct of his children, he did nothing because he didn't want to offend them. Your ambition can become your idol if care is not taken. A young man whose ambition became his idol was Absalom. He was willing to kill his father to fulfil his ambition of becoming the king. Material things can become one's idols. An example that comes to mind is Achan. He was willing to disobey God to get rich. Culture and tradition can become one's idols. For instance, the Pharisees and Sadducees put their culture and tradition before God's word. Your favourite team or sport can become an idol. Recently, I saw a brother watching a champions league match during the sermon. If you are busy checking football scores whilst the pastor is preaching, then football has become your idol.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please reveal the idols in my life to me and help get rid of them.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

A CALL TO SERVE LEADERS PART 3

MEMORY VERSE: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. Exodus 18:21

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 15-18

Whenever you are faced with a decision, big or small, seek direction from God and follow it. The reason is this, not all good counsels are good in God's sight. The centurion, who was taking Paul and other prisoners to Rome, was faced with a major decision when the weather changed (Acts 27:9-14). He could either continue on the journey or abort the journey. As he wasn’t an expert in matters relating to sea travel, he turned to the captain of the ship for advice. The captain ok'd the journey and they continued. The captain's counsel was good; besides, he was the captain, an expert. Meanwhile, Paul warned them against the journey, but they didn’t listen. They ran into worse problems and lost all their wares.

Moses’ father-in-law, after observing how he carried out the task God had committed into his hands, counselled him to appoint qualified men who would bear the burden with him (Exodus 18:13-23). Each of them had to meet the following criteria: Firstly, they must fear God; secondly, they must be men of truth; and lastly, they must be men who hate dishonest gains. As a potential leader, do you fear God? Proverbs 16:6 says: “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Are you honest? What premium do you place on the truth? Do you like dishonest gains? Do you cheat people? Only a few are called to be General Overseers, Senior Pastors, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Bank Chairmen, etc. However, some of us are called i.e. appointed to serve under those God has called, to help them in their assignments. Moses was the one God called to lead the children of Isreal to the promise land. However, the newly appointed leaders were called to help Moses or serve under Moses. Exodus 18:21 says: “And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” God knows why He has picked you and me to serve under some leaders. Whatever God has called us to do, please let us do it with all our hearts.

NOTE: If you want Him to give you more work, simply go to Him and ask for it.

QUESTION: Are you making life easy for your leaders or you are a thorn in their flesh?

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A CALL TO SERVE LEADERS PART 1

MEMORY VERSE: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Exodus 18:20

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 9-10

BIBLE STUDY: Exodus 18:13-23

Jethro (Moses’ father-in–law) was visiting when he observed how Moses was carrying out the gigantic task God had put in his hands. Exodus 18:13 says: “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.” Jethro called him aside and gave him a piece of advice. Exodus 18: 18-22 says: “Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” As advised, Moses appointed men to lead.

There are few things we can learn from this story. Firstly, right things can be done in a wrong way. Instead of appointing qualified men and training them to be leaders so that he could spend time seeking the face of God for direction, Moses did everything by himself; thereby, wasting the resources God had given to him. Many of us are guilty of this, too. At times, we go about leading sinners to Christ in the wrong way. For instance, we tell sinners to confess their sins before salvation. 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The author, here, was addressing Christians, not sinners. It is the Christian, not the sinner, who is told to confess his sins. In the first place, it would be impossible for the sinner to remember them. Secondly, if we were to tell a sinner to confess his sins, we would be putting salvation on a basis of works. Salvation is not of works, but by faith. When a sinner wants to be saved, you do not tell him to get down and start working by confessing his sins. You simply point him to the Lord, Jesus Christ.

NOTE: All that a sinner has to confess is that he is a sinner and that he needs salvation. Remember, the publican cried: “God be merciful to me, a sinner ( Luke 18:13)”. He did not confess his sins. He simply admitted that he was a sinner and needed mercy.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

WHOSE VOICES ARE YOU LISTENING TO?

MEMORY VERSE: There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 1 Corinthians 14:10

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 5-8

The voice you listen to will shape your life. A voice of discouragement has the ability to leave you discouraged and vice versa. One of the voices that shaped my life was the voice of my father. 'Dayo (my Yoruba name), remember the son of who you are,' he said many years ago. Thank God I listened; If I not listened, I would have ended up in prison.

There are several voices in the world. 1 Corinthians 14:10 says: 'There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.' The one you listen to will determine the course and quality of your life. The children of Israel listened to the ten voices of doubt; as a result, they missed out on the promised rest of God and wandered in the wilderness until they died ( Numbers 13). King David listened to the voice of his lust and committed adultery with a woman. To cover the terrible thing he had done, he killed her husband. At the end, he lost three of his sons. The voice you listen to will determine whether you will succeed or fail. There are many voices in the world; however, there are only three sources: God’s s spirit, satanic spirits, and the human spirit.

The voice of the human spirit can be heard everywhere – in colleges and schools, newspapers, television, radio, music, church, etc. The voice of the human spirit is proud, thinks only of itself, ignorant of the things of God, values man’s intellect and desires over God’s will, and always seek to replace the knowledge of God with logic (Romans 1:21-23). The voice of Satan is subtle and poisonous. It is becoming more and more blatant and bold as the return of Christ nears. Satan has gone to great lengths to get his voice heard within the church. The Church is being assaulted by false leaders, prophets, brethren, music, and doctrine. Satan is deceiving countless thousands by false prophecies and miracles, and immature saints who have neither awakened nor developed their spiritual discernment are falling and taking their families and friends with them (2 Tim. 4:3-4). The voice of God (however) is the still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). He also speaks through dreams, visions, prophetic utterances, through His word, and face to face. In order to know when and if God is speaking, and not a human or satanic spirit, we must remember that God always speaks in line with Scriptures. He never ever contradicts His Word! Many of us would recognize the Lord's voice and avoid deception if we would study His Word more! When we study the Word of our Shepherd, it will enable us to recognise His voice! "

QUESTION: Whose voice are you listening to? Are you giving God twenty minutes a day in prayer and study, then giving Satan and man eight hours a day through television, worldly music, and carnal entertainment? If so, then you have not sanctified yourself unto the Lord your God (set yourself apart) and you will not hear the still, small voice of God, and you may miss it in this life!

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

ACCORDING TO HIS PATTERN!

MEMORY VERSE: And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount. Exodus 25:40

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 1-4

What is a pattern? According to Dictionary.com (Learner's edition), a pattern is a diagram or shape that you can use as a guide when you are making something such as a model or a piece of clothing. The Most-High God is a builder. Hebrews 3:4 says: “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.” You can't build without Him. Psalm 127:1 says: “A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” You need to a pattern to build a  house. Without one, you will end up with a building that looks like an amoeba. Also, building without a pattern leads to wastage of resources. God does not build without a pattern; as such, He has a pattern for marriage, ministry, etc.

Today, we will look at His pattern for solving problems. This pattern is carefully documented in Genesis 1:1- end. There was a big problem on the earth. According to Genesis 1:2, the earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. How did God tackle this problem? Firstly, He investigated the root cause of the problem. Why was the earth in the state it was? The earth was in the state it was because darkness had taken over. All sorts happen whenever darkness is allowed to reign. The next thing He did was introduce light to the equation. Genesis 1:3 says: “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” He introduced light for two reasons: firstly, to banish darkness; and secondly, to understand the problem. These two things – discovering the root cause of a problem and understanding a problem – are crucial to solving any problems. Who did the Lord send to carry out these tasks? The Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:2b says: “And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Problem solving is impossible without the Holy Spirit. He is the One who will banish darkness and help you understand the problem. From Him comes wisdom to solve tough problems.

PRAYER POINT: Wonderful Spirit of God, I invite you into the issues of my life, please do what you alone can do.

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KEYS TO HEARING FROM GOD

MEMORY VERSE: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:2

BIBLE READING: Number 33-36

As children of the living God; we must be able to hear when God, our Father in heaven, speaks. I decided early in my Christian journey that I will do everything to hear when God speaks. I thank God for His kindness; today, I can humbly say that I hear from Him from time to time. God’s word brings God’s peace. Philippians 4:7 says: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” One of the benefits of hearing from God is that His word brings about a peace of heart. The reason why many of us are worried is because we have not heard from God concerning the issues we are facing. I am not worried about my tomorrow because God told me that my tomorrow will be alright. I am at peace because the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Controller of seasons, the One who said, “let there be light and there was light”, said that my tomorrow will be alright. It does not matter what I am going through today.

One important reason why you need to do everything to hear when God speaks is this, your ability to hear when God speaks could save your life. Many years ago, some boys from one of the Baptist Churches in Ireland planned to watch the big Ulster Tourist Trophy race. They arranged to meet up at a good vantage point, Taylors Lamp, on one of the bends in the circuit. It was a spot everyone loved so they decided to get there by 4am so as to save space. As one of the boys was dressing up on the day of the race, the Lord told him to sit at home and read his Bible. Being a young man at the time, he argued with the Lord and then, obeyed. At exactly 3pm, he had a terrible bang. He knew where the sound came from so he ran to the circuit, to Taylors Lamp, where he was supposed to be standing. The scene was one of carnage. One of the racing cars had spun off the track and seven people lay dead. Right there at Taylors Lamp, he saw the appalling sight of a man’s severed head. He looked around for his friends but could not find them. Later, he heard that his friends had moved off to another spot when he didn’t turn up. Imagine for a second that this brother was spiritually deaf, what would have happened to him and his friends.

NOTE: Acts 13:2 says: “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said...”One of the keys to hearing from God is ministering to Him in praying and fasting. As you praise Him and worship Him regularly, He will speak to you.

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GOD’S WORD AS RAIN & SNOW

MEMORY VERSE: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it brings forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. Isaiah 55:10

BIBLE READING: Number 28-32

God’s Word brings His ways and thoughts to us. 2 Timothy 3:16 says: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” The Bible contains God’s view on various issues facing us today. For instance, God’s view on divorce is clearly documented in Scriptures. Malachi 2:16 says, “For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” How about tattoos? Leviticus 19:28 says, “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” There is a need to study and meditate on Scriptures regularly because it is a vehicle that brings God’s word.

God’s word is like water (Ephesians 5:26). God’s word comes down to us in two ways: Snow and rain. Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Whenever rain falls, it soaks immediately, enters the earth, and starts to produce results. However, whenever snow falls, it does not soak into the earth immediately. Many a time, it takes time; the temperature has to change to melt the snow to make the earth capable of receiving it. We are told that snow benefits the earth more than the rain. When God’s word comes as a rain, it is easy to bear. It is pleasant and soothing. However, whenever God’s word comes as a snow, it is difficult to receive. An example that comes to mind is when the disciples of Jesus heard one of His hard teachings (John 6). Verse 60 says: “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” My counsel is this, don’t react negatively to the “hard word”. Leave it. Let the grace and sun of God melt it. God’s Word produces bread and seed to anyone who receives it.

PRAYER POINT: Father, let Your Word produce results in my life.

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HONESTY STILL PAYS

MEMORY VERSE: The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

BIBLE READING: Number 24-26

Noah Webster Dictionary 1828 edition defines honesty as “an upright disposition; moral rectitude of heart; a disposition to conform to justice and correct moral principles, in all social transactions. In fact, upright conduct: an actual conformity to justice and moral rectitude.” If you look around today, you will observe dishonesty being celebrated and encouraged; meanwhile, honesty is frowned upon. Actually, honesty is not rewarded in some organisations. In such organisations, you will be bullied, mistreated, denied promotion, and ultimately sacked if you are honest. Today, a dishonest man is seen as a sharp man or a fast man. To celebrate dishonesty, we even categorise lies; viz., white lies, black lies, etc. The Lord’s definition of a lie has not changed, neither has His attitude towards lying changed.

Aside the obvious fact that God abhors dishonesty, honesty pays. Firstly, honesty brings peace. Proverbs 28:1 says: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Knowing that you have no skeleton in your cupboard brings peace. Lying about your age to your fiance will not bring you peace. Also, not coming out clean to your fiancee will not bring you peace, either. Secondly, honesty breeds an atmosphere of trust. People will trust you with things if you are honest. Thirdly, honesty brings influence. You cannot exercise influence when you dishonest. Fourthly, honesty brings authority. Fifthly, honesty commands respect. Most importantly, God personally rewards honesty. Several years ago, a Christian brother was sent on an errand to another part of town with a token for his transport fare. When he returned, he gave his boss what was left of the transport fare. The boss was shocked! None of his staff had ever done that. The brother’s colleague called him a stupid boy. Months later, the boss set up a branch in another part of the country. He needed someone trustworthy to manage the new branch. One day, whilst thinking of what to do he suddenly remembered the honest brother and offered him the job as the branch manager.

NOTE: Honesty will bring you in favour with God and man. It will unlock doors for you.

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FIGHT FROM BOTH SIDES

MEMORY VERSE: And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. Exodus 17:9

BIBLE READING: Number 24-27

There are two sides to any battle. There is the physical side, and there is the spiritual side. To win a battle, one must fight physically and spiritually. Jesus alluded to this when He encouraged His disciples to watch and pray. Luke 21:36 says: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” In Exodus 17:8-13, the Amalekites attacked the children of Israel. The children of Israel fought them spiritually and physically. Exodus 17:9-11 says, “And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy, and they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”

To win any battle, you must watch/ fight and pray. To pass an exam, you must read, and you must pray. To apply for a visa to travel abroad or regularize your status in the country you currently reside, you must make an application and pray. To marry, as a brother, you must pray and then propose to the sister. The sister too must pray and also accept the proposal. The children of Israel prevailed when Moses held up his hands, and the Amalekites prevailed when Moses let down his hands. The spiritual controls the physical. John 6:63 says: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The power you need to win the battles of life will be released when you spend quality time in prayer. These two sides – physical side and spiritual side – are important. Prayer alone will not solve the problem. You need to pray and take decisive steps. In addition, you need to play your part for God to play His part. You need to report the matter to Him for Him to deal with it.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please rise against all those who have risen against me.

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THE BLESSINGS OF WALKING WITH GOD

MEMORY VERSE: And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people. Exodus 11:3

BIBLE READING: Number 17-20

Contrary to what some believe, the Christain life is not a miserable life. I used to think that my life will become miserable, boring, and dry when I give my life to Christ. Today, I can confidently tell you that my life is the opposite of these.

Let us take a brief look at the life of Moses – before and after he began to walk with God. Pharaoh was his god before he met the Lord. Pharaoh decided what he could do and what he couldn’t do. Pharaoh decided how high he could rise in life. Pharaoh decided what he could have and what he couldn’t have. Pharaoh restricted where he could go and where he couldn’t go. His life was in the hands of Pharaoh. No wonder, he ran away when he fell out of favour with Pharaoh because he knew that death was imminent ( Exodus 2:10-15). However, everything changed after Moses met the Lord. For instance, he became a god to Pharoah. Exodus 7:1 says: “And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.” Moses now decided whether Pharaoh will have peace or not. God will make you a god to your enemies when you begin to walk with Him. Several years ago, I was invited to a gross misconduct interview. One of my team members made a false allegation against me.He was confident that I was going to get sacked so he began to blank me. God fought for me and I returned to work. He began to avoid me at work. To make matters worse for him, he was applying to become permanent and my recommendation will go a long way in determining his fate. I don’t need to tell you the state this person was in. I assisted him with his application, gave a good recommendation and he was made permanent. You become a god to your enemy when you walk with God.

Moses had one goal in life and the goal was to deliver his people from oppression. Before he met the Lord, he tried to deliver his people from oppression and everything went pear-shaped. Actually, he had to run away because Pharaoh wanted to kill him. After he met the Lord, without leading a rebellion, he delivered his people from oppression. Moses succeeded where he had failed forty years prior. When you walk with Lord, you succeed where you have failed in the past. Many years ago, a brother (before he met the Lord) did everything possible to become a professor but somehow it didn’t happen. Today, he owns a university after many years of walking with the Lord. When you walk with the Lord, He turns all the evil prophecies over your life to good prophecies. Someone, before I travelled abroad, said, “if Dayo (my African name) travels abroad, he will smoke weed, draw tattoos, joined a bad gang and pierce his ears.” By the special grace of God I did not do any of that. Not only that, today when I pray this person says a big amen. Why? I met the Lord and He changed everything.

NOTE: If you are yet to give your life to Christ please do so. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

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