1 Samuel 17: 37 - He Will Deliver Me

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Exposition

The Philistine armies had gathered for battle against the army of Israel. Goliath, champion of the Philistines who weighed around 800lbs and must have been about 9ft 6ins tall had dared anyone to come out and partake in a winner takes all fight. He did this for 40 days!!

The Bible says that Israel’s army led by King Saul was dismayed and afraid. None of them was bold enough to respond to the taunts of Goliath.

The situation the army of Israel faced is no different from that faced by every child of God. We have an enemy – satan who goes about like a lion seeking whom to devour. The devil is all bark with no bite because our Lord Jesus Christ fought and defeated satan. The devil uses fear just as Goliath did and we all should know that God has not given us the spirit of fear. Rather we have the spirit of power, of love and a sound mind.

David appeared on the scene and he heard the words of Goliath. He was so incensed that an uncircumcised Philistine could stand up to defy the army of the Living God.  He immediately offered to fight Goliath and Saul was informed of his offer. Saul questioned David’s ability because he was a youth. David told Saul with confidence, I have numerous testimonies. He said not once but twice has the Lord delivered me when I was attacked, both times I killed the animals. As I did then, I will do to Goliath.

Based on your experience of God, like David, you should be confident that every challenge that comes your way, you will overcome. Luke 10:19 says behold, I have given you the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. You have power with God. Your confidence is based on the truth in the word of God. Isaiah 54:15 says behold, they shall surely gather together, but not from me: whosoever shall gather together against you shall fall for your sake.

Stand firm today and enforce the victory that was won for you on the cross by the Lord Jesus. No matter how long the situation has existed just like the Philistines bullied the army of Israel for a while, the Lord will deliver you as He has promised.

Prayer

I receive boldness based on your promises to stand against every challenge from satan and agents in Jesus name. I reject every situation organised to put fear into me in Jesus name. Thank you for I have power with you. Thank you for giving me victory on every side in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 43

Exodus 14-15

Judges 19

Psalm 1

Jeremiah 43

Mark 15

1 Corinthians 15

2 Samuel 2:2-3 - My Protection

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Exposition

The first observation is the use of the pronoun “my” by David. The covenant relation with God is very clear. This is an opportunity to reflect on your relationship with God. Do you relate to God as “the man upstairs” with no semblance of intimacy with Him or is truly your God and your King?

Verse 1 says that David was remembering how the Lord had delivered him from all his enemies. They included Goliath, Saul, Absalom his son and all who supported the rebellion. David went to war against many nations and he defeated them all.

David called the Lord is rock, fortress, and deliverer. Wars in those days were fought in the open and there was no hiding place. Despite that the Lord kept and protected David, enemies tried and failed.

Today children of God have an enemy, satan who is supported by a hierarchy of demons. The truth for you is that if you can identify with Jesus Christ just as David identified with God, then you too can sing songs of praise unto God forever and ever. If you accept Jesus as your shepherd and you are his sheep, then satan has to go through Jesus to get to you. Jesus has become your fortress and deliverer. The Bible is clear that Jesus fought and conquered satan. Colossians 2:15 confirms that He had disarmed the rulers and authorities; He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

David trusted in God for everything. He couldn’t run out of ways of describing how much trust He had in God. He had experienced God as a shield that deflected arrows from his enemies. He also called God his stronghold, which is translated “high tower”. You’d imagine that at different times in David’s life, he was “on the run” and without God on his side, he would have been captured.

Be encouraged to put your life in the hands of the One who neither sleeps nor slumbers. Challenges will come but with the strength of God, you will overcome every battle that comes your way. When God is your refuge, He will provide for you and you will know no lack n Jesus name.

Prayer

Let the praise of God continually be in my mouth. I pray that I will testify that I am delivered from the hands of every enemy, known and unknown in Jesus name. Let every activity of the enemy concerning me and my family come to nothing in Jesus name. I declare that it is well concerning me in Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 38

Exodus 4-5

Judges 14

Job 38

Jeremiah 38

Mark 10

1 Corinthians 10

Job 5:12 - God is in Charge

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Exposition

Genesis 3 tells us how the devil’s temptation of Adam and Eve led to the fall of man. Verse 1a says the serpent (devil) was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. Other translations use “cunning and subtle” in the place of crafty. Today the devil is still in the business of seeking to destroy children of God. The devil’s devices are sometimes not obvious to man; that is where craftiness and cunning are introduced.

Our Prayer text today lets us know that the Almighty God disappoints the devices of the crafty. God has been doing that to protect His children and He continues to do so today.

Exodus 1:8 says that Pharaoh set taskmasters over the Israelites to afflict them with hard bondage and Verse 11 says the more they were afflicted the more they multiplied and grew. That was God disappointing the Crafty.

Another example can be found in Esther Chapter 7 where Haman had dug gallows where he hoped to hang Mordecai. Verse 10 tells us that Haman was hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Isn’t that amazing?

You could ask why does God not stop the devil and its agents before their plans are hatched? I believe more often than not before you are aware of the devices and plans of the Enemy, the Hosts of Heaven are dispatched to destroy such plans. On the other hand, the Almighty God allows some devices to take off against us before they are nipped in the bud. God wants us to place our hope and confidence in Him. He wants us to pray to Him in our time of need. Sometimes He wants us to be aware of the great and mighty things He does on our behalf so that we can glorify Him at all times.

Prayer

I thank you, my God and my King for the uncountable things that you do for my family and I. I thank you, Lord, for what you have done and continue to do for my nation. You are wiser than the wisest; therefore the wisdom of the enemy will come to nothing in Jesus name.

As you have promised, I ask that you disappoint all the devices, plots and snares that my enemy has planned against me. I ask that you make it impossible for them to perform their enterprise. Let their machinery be destroyed by fire. Let the obstacles programmed against me be the source of their downfall in Jesus name.

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 7

Pentateuch - Genesis 7

History – Joshua 7

Poetry – Job 7

Wisdom – Proverbs 7

Prophets – Jeremiah 7

Gospels – Matthew 7

Epistles – Romans 7

End Times – Daniel 7

Acts 19:11-12 - God of Miracles

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Exposition

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them – God used Paul to do what was unusual or extraordinary or great or you could say what was more than common. The Almighty God holds the power and He gives a Power of Attorney to whoever is willing to be used by Him. We read that Peter’s shadow healed the sick.

Acts 10:38 records how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Miracles proclaim the power of the Almighty God. I am aware of a child that was born without eyes and through the supernatural power of God, the baby can now see perfectly.

God is still in the business of miracles. The gift of working of miracles is available to the saints. You want to be a vehicle that will free the oppressed – ask for the gift. There is nothing that is too hard for the Almighty and the All-Knowing God to accomplish. This is because what is impossible with men is possible with God. Take the supposedly difficult cases to Him today. The heavens are open.

Prayer

I need a miracle in my life today. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, remember me, remember my family, let everything that has not worked start working in Jesus name. Let your name, and your name alone be glorified. Let the lame rise up, let the physically and the spiritually blind start to see clearly in Jesus name. Let those that have resisted start to give in today in Jesus mighty name. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in a Year

Old Testament - Genesis 19, Genesis 20:1-18

New Testament - Matthew 7:24-29, Matthew 8:1-22

Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 7:1-9

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Psalm 118:24 - The Day Made by God

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Exposition

This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it – The Psalmist simply lets us know that seeing a new day or in this instance, a New Year is not of our making. There is no skill or intellect involved in being alive to see a New Year. Many must have made plans for this day, but sadly it is not so. We are alive because of the grace and the mercy of God.

That is why our response to the benevolence of God is rejoicing and gladness. It is a day of joy and rest. It is also a day that a decision can be made to decide to follow Jesus for the rest of your life after realising that without Him the situation would be different.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for allowing me to see another year. By your grace I am alive and I am we. Going forward, I ask that You help me in my desire to renew my relationship with You. Lord, my tomorrow is in your hands, let this New Year be the best year ever in my life. Protect me from all evil in Jesus name. Amen

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2 Timothy 2:15 - Approved by God

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Exposition

Study to show yourself approved unto God – Apostle Paul writing to his spiritual son, Timothy was encouraging him to take the work of ministry very seriously. There is something to learn from this verse whether you have a role in Church or not. 1 Peter 2:9 calls you a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. Whether you are consecrated or ordained or not you are a priest to the Almighty Himself. You’d better start studying to show yourself approved by Him.

Many rather than wanting to please God seek to please men. Ministers sometimes think about how their messages will be taken by men rather saying what God has laid in their heart. Let your life goal be to please God. God Almighty show cased Jesus Christ. God said this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. One of the ways you can please Him is consistent study of the word of God. A benefit of pleasing God is that you will enjoy Divine favour.

a workman that needs not to be ashamed – You should be proud of being a minster of the word of God. There is honour in the work and it requires effort. It should be obvious that you can’t do it without the grace of God. Ask Him to help you at all times and you will never have any reason to be ashamed.

rightly dividing the word of truth – is to follow the true doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To rightly divide is to do all you can to feed all in your sphere of influence the word that will bless them taking into account their level of spiritual maturity.

Prayer

Help me to understand that I am called to serve you. Help me to prioritise the study of your word so that I can improve myself. I know as I do so You will bless me because You will approve of me.

I must be proud of who I am in you. Shame must have no place in my thoughts in Jesus name. Let your name be glorified in Jesus name. Amen.

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Jeremiah 3: 19 - My Father

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Exposition

Then I said, 'How I would set you among my sons and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of the nations!' And I said, 'You shall call me, my Father, and not turn away from following me – It is a privilege to be numbered among the sons and daughters of God. The membership of this family comes with responsibilities for both the Father and the children. The Father requires trust and obedience from His children and the children receive all that they require for life and godliness.

The preceding verses teach that despite the backsliding ways of the Israelites, God said He was married to them anyhow. That same love that caused Him to send His only begotten Son is available to you. You have been adopted into the family and you have been made a joint heir with Christ.

Just as God was telling the Israelites, do not go back to your idol worshipping ways, start relating to me as your Father, this is relevant to us today. Let God be Father indeed, focus on Him alone, do not go back old ways and we shall accrue the benefits here on earth and certainly in heaven too.

Prayer

Thank you once again for reminding me of the benefits of being a part of your family. Thank you for daily loading me with benefits. Thank you most importantly for the things that you do that I am not aware of. Let my character draw people into your family. Help me daily so I do not fall to the temptations that daily besiege me in Jesus name. Amen.

Luke 16:13 - I Choose to Serve God

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Exposition

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon – The two masters referred to are God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth and mammon, an idol worshipped as the god of riches and worldly goods.

The two masters have different interests and affections hence the difficulty in serving both at the same time. Mammon is greed and gluttony. Those who are mastered by mammon serve it, chase after it, and go to any lengths to get it, worship it and believe in it.

On the other hand, God is love and He provides for His own. God is faithful and He wants His children to love Him with all their hearts, souls and bodies. He also wants us to love our neighbours as ourselves.

You’d see that the lover of mammon will despise those who love God Almighty because their goals are different.  Please note carefully that this does not equate to deciding not to work or earn money or to have nice things. The love of these things is what we are being warned against.

Prayer

I want to serve you with all my heart, knowing fully well that you will make a way for me. I am proud to identify that you are my Master, my King and my God. Help me to resist greed in every area of my life. Help me to work hard. Rather than serve money, money will serve me in Jesus name. Amen

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Luke 11:3 - Give Us Our Daily Bread

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Yesterday we prayed using the first verse of The Lord’s Prayer. The disciples of Jesus Christ came to Him asking that He taught them how to pray. We saw that we should always start prayer by giving glory to God.

Exposition

Give us – Asking God for bread acknowledges that you are dependent on Him. Saying us rather than me means you are also praying for the needy.

day by day - Asking God day by day shows you are learning patience and moderation. Asking God day by day shows continued dependence on God as children are dependent on their parents for all that they need. As God provides for those who ask Him day by day so should we be reminded that we have a responsibility to go out and provide for those who are dependent on us.

our daily bread – Bread includes everything that is needed to sustain you in life. Psalm 81:10 says open your mouth wide and I will fill it. You are free to ask your Father for anything and everything.

Prayer

I bless you my Father and my God. You are beautiful beyond description; you are too marvellous for words and too wonderful for comprehension

I come to you this day that you bless me, let me meet with favour in all my undertakings. Help me so I can provide for my family. I ask on behalf of the homeless and hungry, that you make way for them today in Jesus name. Amen

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Ephesians 3:20 - God is Able

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Exposition

Now to Him who is able to do – God is able to do, because human beings are limited in what they can do while He, the Almighty has unlimited power. God is omnipotent (all powerful) and He is the Most High, meaning He is higher than whatever is the highest. With God all things are possible. You should for a minute think about what happened at creation and be in awe of Him.

exceedingly abundantly – These double words are translated from the Greek word “perissos”. It means over and above, more than necessary, extraordinary and superior. It also means ‘to an extent that which cannot be expressed’.  There is no limit to the extent God can go for you!!

above all that we ask or think – You are free today to ask for anything which God has promised in His word. You can imagine the things you know and those that you don’t. You can go beyond what is indescribable. Nothing is beyond the Master.

according to the power that works in us – This is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of this power in you is that you were touched by this power and God brought you into His family by grace through Jesus Christ.

Have you doubted God? Have a change of heart today. Have faith in the divine ability of God to see you through each and every situation.

Prayer

I bow down and worship you, Almighty God. You are too marvellous for words. Father, you are indescribable. Thank you for putting me in a position where I can ask you for anything. Thank you for making me aware that nothing is too much for you to do for me.

Help me Lord to ask according to your will. Do not delay in answering every single prayer. Thank you Father in Jesus name. Amen

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Exodus 14: 14 - Victory is Certain in Christ

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Exposition

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. – As the Israelites walked towards the Red Sea, Pharoah and his warriors rode furiously towards them. The Israelites did not have any weapons, they had never been to battle, and something had to happen. The LORD God Almighty who knows the end from the beginning, the One who neither sleeps nor slumbers, spoke to the waters and the wind, the rest as we now say is history.

The LORD is a man of war. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lord of Hosts is His name. He protects His own. He has promised He will never leave you or forsake you. The scriptures tell us – the righteous run to Him and they are safe.

and ye shall hold your peace – You will no longer fret, you will have no need to worry. Fear of the enemy is replaced by faith in Jesus Christ. You start to understand that He has done it before and He will do it again. Nothing, no one can withstand the power of the Most High God.

Accept Him as your Lord today and suddenly your story will change as you become too hot for the enemy to handle.

Prayer

I ask Father that you show up today in my battles. I have no power of my own. I ask that you cause the Hosts of Heaven to fight for me. See me through every challenges that I am facing. Help me to be still as I experience my freedom from the dark forces in Jesus name.

Exodus 14: 14 - Victory is Certain in Christ

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Exposition

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. – As the Israelites walked towards the Red Sea, Pharoah and his warriors rode furiously towards them. The Israelites did not have any weapons, they had never been to battle, and something had to happen. The LORD God Almighty who knows the end from the beginning, the One who neither sleeps nor slumbers, spoke to the waters and the wind, the rest as we now say is history.

The LORD is a man of war. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lord of Hosts is His name. He protects His own. He has promised He will never leave you or forsake you. The scriptures tell us – the righteous run to Him and they are safe.

and ye shall hold your peace – You will no longer fret, you will have no need to worry. Fear of the enemy is replaced by faith in Jesus Christ. You start to understand that He has done it before and He will do it again. Nothing, no one can withstand the power of the Most High God.

Accept Him as your Lord today and suddenly your story will change as you become too hot for the enemy to handle.

Prayer

I ask Father that you show up today in my battles. I have no power of my own. I ask that you cause the Hosts of Heaven to fight for me. See me through every challenges that I am facing. Help me to be still as I experience my freedom from the dark forces in Jesus name.

Zephaniah 3:17 - The Almighty God

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Exposition

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty – The Almighty God is in you and around you to provide for you, to protect you and to support you. Indeed He is Immanuel. He is more than able to see you through every challenge you are facing. Let faith in His divine ability replace fear from this day in Jesus name.

he will save – He chose you before you were formed to save you. He knows you by name. His love for you is personal. He sent His Son – Jesus to die for your sins and mine too. The grip of satan over you is shattered. He is reaching out today, accept Him and your life will not be the same again.

he will rejoice over thee with joy – Psalm 16:11 says In His presence there is fullness of joy and at His right hand, there are pleasures forever more. Embrace the Almighty today and let the joy He has for you be your strength. The Almighty delights in you His child when you accept Him and you do what He wants you to do.

he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing – His love for you is unchangeable such that nothing can separate you from His love. However be warned that those that He loves He rebukes when they do wrong. He is always waiting for you to acknowledge your sin and repent.

Prayer

Thank you Father for your presence in my life. Thank you for accepting me as I am. Thank you for giving me another chance. Thank you for comforting me and assuring me that it is well with my soul. Thank you for protecting me from evil.

Help me this day to continue being a source of joy to your kingdom in heaven and on earth. I pray joy will not depart from my household in Jesus name. Amen