ICGC -Paideia Temple

16/03/2026

Daily Devotional
By Pastor Gospel Eyram Akpakpa

Monday 16th March 2026

The Good Shepherd

John 10:11 (NIV)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Life’s journey often brings moments when we feel uncertain, vulnerable, or even lost. In those times, Jesus gives us a comforting picture of His love by calling Himself the Good Shepherd. A shepherd cares deeply for his sheep—guiding them, protecting them, and ensuring their safety. Jesus uses this image to show the depth of His love and commitment toward those who belong to Him.

Unlike a hired worker who may abandon the sheep when danger approaches, Jesus declares that He is the Good Shepherd who willingly lays down His life for His sheep. This statement points directly to the ultimate sacrifice He made on the cross. His love is not merely spoken; it is proven through His sacrifice. He gave His life so that we might have life in abundance.

The role of a shepherd also includes guidance. Sheep depend entirely on their shepherd to lead them to safe paths, green pastures, and still waters. In the same way, Jesus leads His followers through life. When we listen to His voice and follow His direction, we find peace, protection, and purpose.

Here are three truths to hold on to today:

1. Jesus is the Shepherd who cares deeply for you.
Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
His care is personal. He knows your needs and watches over your life.

2. Jesus proved His love through sacrifice.
Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
His death on the cross shows the depth of His love for humanity.

3. Following the Shepherd leads to life and security.
John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
When we walk in obedience to Christ, we walk under His protection and guidance.

Precious one,
take comfort in knowing that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is watching over your life. He loves you deeply, guides you faithfully, and protects you constantly. No matter where you find yourself today, trust His voice, follow His path, and rest in the assurance that you belong to His flock.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for me. Help me to hear His voice clearly and follow His guidance each day. Strengthen my faith so that I may trust in His care and protection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cross References:
Psalm 23:1–3
Hebrews 13:20
1 Peter 2:25

Religious organization

04/03/2026

Daily Devotional
By Pastor Gospel Eyram Akpakpa

Thursday, 4th March 2026

Let Me Hear Your Unfailing Love

Scripture: Psalm 143:8 (NLT)
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”

Life is renewed every morning, but so are its demands and decisions. In Psalm 143:8, David offers a simple yet powerful prayer that teaches us how to begin each day with God. He asks to hear God’s unfailing love, to receive divine direction, and to walk in full surrender. This verse reminds us that daily guidance flows from daily devotion.

David knew that strength for today does not come from yesterday’s experiences alone. Each morning requires a fresh encounter with God. When we hear of God’s unfailing love, our hearts are anchored in assurance, not anxiety. God’s love becomes the voice louder than fear, doubt, or confusion.

Trust is the foundation of this prayer. David declares, “for I am trusting you.” Guidance from God is not merely about asking for directions; it is about depending on Him fully. Trust invites God to lead, while self-reliance blocks divine direction.

David also prays, “Show me where to walk.” Life presents many paths, but only God’s path leads to peace and purpose. When we seek His direction early, we avoid wandering later. God delights in guiding those who acknowledge Him.

Finally, David says, “for I give myself to you.” Surrender is the key that unlocks clarity. When we yield our plans, desires, and will to God, He orders our steps. God leads best when we are fully His.

Here are three truths to hold on to today:

1. Begin each day by listening for God’s love.
God’s unfailing love renews your strength and steadies your heart for the day ahead.

2. Trust God before asking for direction.
Divine guidance flows from a heart that depends on God, not on its own understanding.

3. Surrender your life and plans to God.
Clear direction follows complete surrender. When you belong to God, your steps align with His will.

Precious one,
today do not rush ahead of God. Pause, listen for His unfailing love, trust Him fully, and surrender your path to Him. As you do, He will surely show you where to walk.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love. Let me hear Your voice each morning and trust You with all my heart. Show me where to walk today as I surrender my life completely to You. Lead me in Your will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Cross References
Lamentations 3:22–23
Proverbs 3:5–6
Psalm 32:8
John 10:27

03/01/2024

LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Wednesday 3rd January 2024

THE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:12-17

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Romans 8:14

The primary way that God leads His children is through His revealed word – the Bible. The Lord also leads us through the inward witness of the Holy Spirit. Through the Bible, we get general guidance. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive specific direction.

For example, the Bible generally tells us that God has good plans for us, but it does not tell each of us what that plan is. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. Because He lives in each believer personally, the Holy Spirit can give us personal guidance on a yearly, monthly, daily or a moment-by-moment basis.

One of the ways in which the Holy Spirit leads us is through the 'Inward Witness'. This is not a voice but an impression. It is a deep 'knowing' that you have within your heart. Some people call it intuition. The inward witness is not a message or a voice that you can hear or explain clearly. Sometimes, it is like a deep discomfort you feel about something. This kind of discomfort acts like a 'check' you feel within you that something is not right even though it appears right, and everybody says it is right.

Other times it could be a deep peace you feel about something. As you pray about some specific area of your life, you may have an inner sense that everything will be alright. This kind of inward witness is like an 'all correct' signal. You may feel it deeply, even when your current circumstances appear very fearful and risky.

As you pray and seek God's leading, take note of these inner signals you feel because they could be the Holy Spirit's way of speaking to you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I open my spirit to your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow your leading within me. In Jesus' name, Amen!

28/12/2023

LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Thursday 28th December 2023

FOLLOW THE LORD
Scripture Reading: Joshua 3

So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it.
Joshua 3:2-3

As they readied themselves to cross over the Jordan into the Promised Land, the Lord instructed the people of Israel to follow the Ark of the Covenant. They were entering into an unknown land and needed help and guidance.

The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence amongst His people. The ark did not take the place of God before Israel. It reminded them of God’s presence with them. As a rule, the Ark of the Covenant was carried on the shoulders of the priests and the Levites. These were trained to honour God and discern His will for the people.

The lesson we learn from this instruction is that when we set out to do something we have not done before, we must yield to God’s leading and direction.

As the priests carried the ark and walked in the ways of the Lord, the nation experienced victory in all their endeavours. The priests could discern when to stop moving and when to start moving. They could also discern when to turn one way or the other.

In the New Testament, we do not follow the Ark of the Covenant. We follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. As long as we trust in the Holy Spirit, the Lord will give us victory in all that we do. How do we follow?

• *Listen to what God is saying. We must read the Bible and make time to fellowship with the Lord.* Pay attention to the inward witness of God’s Spirit within you. Think about what God is saying to you and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you His mind concerning you.

*• Watch what God is doing. Identify the things that are miraculously happening around you* – the doors of opportunity opening to you a

25/12/2023

Wishing you a Merry Christmas Family 🎄❤️🥳 Have a great festive season

22/12/2023

LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Friday 22nd December 2023

ARE YOU A TRUE WORSHIPPER?
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
Matthew 2:7-8

Herod had no intention to worship the newborn King. He wanted the infant Jesus to be killed before He would grow to be of any threat. His words said something that was very different from his true desires. Both the wisemen and Herod spoke of worshipping Jesus, but their hearts were not in the same place. The wisemen were sincere; Herod was insincere.

We have those two expressions in the church today. There are those who speak of worshipping the Lord sincerely and those who do so deceptively. While some behave as hypocrites, professing what is at variance with their actions, there are others who say what they mean about their devotion to God.

*• True worshippers are God chasers.* Like the wise men, they go by themselves in pursuit of the Lord. They don’t outsource serving God to others. They know how to personally study the scriptures, pray, and hear from God. They are truly committed to the things of God.

True worshippers are led by their desire to know the Lord and honour Him. They make the effort to know Him for themselves. The wisemen were so focused on finding Jesus that the distance they had to travel to find Him did not matter to them. Their actions typify how true worshippers behave.

*• False worshippers are self-chasers.* Like Herod, they sit in the comfort of their homes and palaces and send others to go and search for the Lord for them. They rely on others to study and interpret the scriptures for them. They outsource the growth of their spiritual lives to others. They don’t know God for themselves.

False worshippers are le

21/12/2023

LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Thursday 21st December 2023

TRUST WHAT IS WRITTEN
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
Matthew 2:4-5

King Herod was apparently familiar with the star symbolism in prophecies about the Messiah. He did not doubt nor challenge the assertion of the wise men. Herod was troubled by the mission of the men who came to his palace to look for the newborn king. The reason why the king was troubled was because most Jews did not accept him as a legitimate king – he was not of the lineage of David.

Thus, it is written. The religious leaders of Israel knew where the Messiah was to be born. He had to be born in Bethlehem. The prophet Micah had prophesied the birthplace of Jesus, hundreds of years earlier.

The Chief Priests did not quote their opinion or preference for where the Messiah was to be born. They simply quoted what was written in the word of God. These days there are Christians who teach that the written word of God is not enough to guide them.

*• God’s written word reveals God’s mind.* Anytime we read the Bible, we encounter God’s mind. In the word, we learn about God’s logic and thoughts; in it, we find His position on the manifold matters of life. If you have a question as to what God thinks about a situation you are confronted with, the Bible is your best resource for an answer.

The message of the Bible is current. Although written several years ago, it continues to be relevant across several generations. Micah’s prophecy found fulfillment many years after he had spoken it. The Bible still speaks to us in all the present-day issues of life; it is important to highlight the fact that God’s word is current.

*• God is committed to His written word.* Time does not diminish what is written in the Bible.

19/12/2023

LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil

Tuesday 19th December 2023

GOD SPEAKS TO JOSEPH

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1

But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20

Joseph was disturbed by what had happened to Mary, but his heart was right towards God. He was open to God’s leading. Joseph had a dream in which God showed him the divine dimension of the difficult situation he was confronting. He became aware that Mary’s pregnancy and the events that were to follow had greater implications than were known to him.

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph for four reasons:

• To reveal God’s plans to Joseph. God made Joseph aware of the destiny of the child that Mary was pregnant with. He had to fully come to terms with the fact that it was God’s hand at work in the events of his life and that of his wife. He was only part of an eternal plan that predated his own life. The unfolding story of his life was therefore heavenly and spiritual in nature. God wants to make us aware of what He is doing.

• To include Joseph in God plans. The angel called Joseph, son of David. He identified Joseph with the Messianic line of Israel. Though Joseph was a simple carpenter, he had royalty in his ancestry. Every Jewish student of prophecy knew that God had promised a Messiah to Israel who would be from the lineage of David. By linking Joseph to David, the Lord wanted Joseph to know that he was a chosen person. God wants to include each one of us in His plans.

• To explain God’s plans to Joseph. The Lord understood how Joseph felt. He knew his predicament. Joseph needed to know that Mary was not at fault. She had neither been unfaithful nor acted unrighteously. What had happened, had happened because the Holy Spirit had overshadowed Mary and brought about a supernatura

18/12/2023

*LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL*
_By Pastor Mensa Otabil_

Monday 18th December 2021

*JOSEPH: A RIGHTEOUS MAN*

*Scripture Reading:* Matthew 1

_Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. *Matthew 1:18–19*_

What do you do when someone you deeply love does something you deeply hate? Joseph was in love with Mary. He intended to spend the rest of his life with her. Now, Joseph discovered to the shock of his life that the virtuous woman he wanted to marry was pregnant. The obvious inference was that Mary had acted sinfully and betrayed Joseph.

How would you have reacted if you were in Joseph’s situation?

People who feel deeply hurt in a relationship usually respond negatively. Some seek immediate revenge with an intention to inflict pain on the one who caused the hurt. Others respond by withdrawing and hiding to brood and sulk over what has happened to them.

Joseph’s response to Mary’s situation was neither for vengeance nor to shy away from the problem. He faced his pain courageously without seeking to cause harm to the woman at the center of his disappointment. By the custom of his day, Joseph had to annul the marriage and report the woman to the religious council, who were likely to have her suffer the consequences – stoning in the public square.

Joseph was a just man. The character and compassion of Joseph is revealed in this story. He chose to annul the relationship as was required by the law and custom of his day. But he wanted to do it in a way that would not injure Mary’s reputation. Though he had the law on his side, Joseph also considered mercy and grace.

Judging by Joseph’s response, it is obvious why God chose him for this special assignment. The Lord knew he had the right spiritual, moral and mental makeu

17/12/2023

LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Sunday 17th December 2023

WHERE CHRIST IS BORN
Scripture Reading: Micah 5

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.
Micah 5:2

This prophecy pointed to the place of Jesus’ birth. It shows us the place of His birth, the position that place occupied in Israel and the promise that the place carried.

1. The place: the town in which Jesus was born had two names:

Bethlehem: Meant a house of bread or meat. The name of Bethlehem indicated that it was a place of supply. It was seen as a place where people would find food.

Ephrathah: A place of fruitfulness. The literal word is ‘double fruit’. When you put the two names together, it presents Bethlehem as a place of abundance. The expectation, therefore, was that everything should be blossoming in Bethlehem, but Bethlehem was not a prosperous town at the time of Jesus’ birth.

The passage points to Bethlehem’s insignificance: ‘Little among thousands. In comparison with the other towns in Judah, Bethlehem was a little town or village. It wasn’t prominent. Though Bethlehem’s name suggested that it was ‘fruitful and blossoming’, it was, in reality, an ordinary village.

2. The promise. Micah’s prophecy speaks about the promise of Bethlehem. It was small, but it had great promise. It had a great future. The promise of Bethlehem was the promise of rulership.

Bethlehem’s greatness was inside her. Outwardly, the town appeared inconsequential, yet inwardly, it carried the Messiah. Similarly, outwardly, you may be small, but on the inside, you are mighty through Christ.

Today as we reflect on this Christmas message, I want you to look beyond where you are and how you are perceived – look within. If you are a believer in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within you. Within you sits a ruler. Within you sits greatness. W