Ebenezer Methodist church Aba. 4 Charity Street.

26/03/2023

04/03/2023

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA DAILY REFLECTION

DATE: SATURDAY, 4TH MARCH, 2023

THEME: NOTHING WITHOUT LOVE

PASSAGE: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-3

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

The love that was demonstrated to the universe by Jesus Christ is immeasurable and cannot be compared with any other love. This is the reason Theologians refer to this as “Agape love” – that is, an unmerited and the highest love in creation. On this basis, Apostle Paul insisted that without love, no quality, however spectacular, whether it is an endowment or spiritual gifts or religious zeal, is of any substantial value 13:1 3).

Speaking in the tongues of men and of angels is not self-sufficient unless this spectacular ability to speak in known and unknown languages, both earthly and heavenly, is accompanied by selflessness, described as no more than the boom of a “Gong or the clang of a “Cymbal” (13:1). “Gongs” and “Cymbals” are described as musical instruments used in pagan worship. So Paul may be saying that without love, tongues are no better than pagan worship. Or our worship are just like the sound of an empty barrel that lacks substance.

In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7, Paul sets out the characteristics of a truly Christian love. These include, patience and kindness, Love does not envy and does not boast, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no records of wrongs, always protects with good faith in others even when it may be hurtful.

Christian love can be described as the greater gift that is absolutely permanent. Although, “hope” and “faith” are equally good but without love they are cold and grim virtues. Love is therefore, undoubtedly that which kindles faith and a light that brightens hope. Christianity started with the love of God for humanity, in which He sent His only begotten son to die for the salvation of all. He wants every believer in Christ to replicate this love to others who are within and outside the fold of Christ.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 13 3 “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”

HYMN MHB 22 (8.3.8. 3.8.8.8.8) COME let us all unite and sing-God is love

1 COME, let us all unite and sing-
God is love!
While heaven and earth their
praises bring-
God is love!
Let every soul from sin awake,
Each in his heart sweet music make,
nd sweetly sing for Jesu’s sake-
God is love!

2 O tell to earth’s remotest bound-
God is love!
In Christ is full redemption found-
God is love!
His blood can cleanse our sins away;
His Spirit turns our night to day,
And leads our souls with joy to say-
God is love!

3 How happy is our portion here-
God is love!
His promises our spirits cheer-
God is love!
He is our Sun and Shield by day,
By night He near our tents will stay,
He will be with us all the way-
God is love!

4 In Zion we shall sing again-
God is love!
Yes, this shall be our highest strain-
God is love!
Whilst endless ages roll along,
In concert with the heavenly throng,
This shall be still our sweetest song-
God is love!

PRAYER: Lord, inspire my humble heart to catch fire of Divine love in my generation through Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE BIBLE READINGS FOR THE DAY: ROMANS 11; NIGHT: LEVITICUS 4-5

02/03/2023

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA DAILY REFLECTION

DATE: THURSDAY, 2ND MARCH 2023

THEME: OBEDIENCE LEADS TO BLESSINGS

PASSAGE: GENESIS 12:1-9

1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

0n God's instruction, Abram was called to leave his community Haran. At the instance of such call, God's providence was at work in arranging for him to leave his father's land and press forward to reside in a strange land where God had prepared to establish him.

In line with this call, he was made to leave three main things he would miss. These are leaving his country, his people, and his father's household (12:1b). These are the most important things that give anyone a sense of security, but on God's instruction, he was told to leave them. He was not told specifically where he was to go, but he was told that his future destination would be his inheritance from the Lord. On this assurance, he had not to entertain any more fear or anxiety about where he would end up his journey.

God did not plead with Abram to leave, nor threaten him if he would refuse to leave. God simply spoke his mind to a man who truly feared Him. That was all that was needed, for Abram listened with a heart of obedience. This has provided a model for how we should live and be responsible to our God.

Everybody wants the blessings of Abraham, but how many are as obedient as he was? The blessings of God are not without conditions as seen in Genesis 12:2-7a. Also in Deuteronomy 28: 1-14, God explicitly stated the blessings that are attached to obedience to His injunctions. It is one thing for God to promise; it is another for us to allow the promises to be fulfilled through obedience or otherwise. He will never fail in His promises, but may be discouraged by disobedience to His words.
May you never miss His good promises for your life, in Jesus' Name!

MEMORY VERSE: Deuteronomy 28:2 “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:”

HYMN: MHB 516 (6.6.9. D and refrain) WHEN we walk with the Lord

1 WHEN we walk With the Lord
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way !
While we do His good will,
He abides With us still
And With all Who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be, happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

2 Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies
But His smile quickly drives it away; .
Not a doubt nor a fear
Not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide While we trust and obey•

3 Not a burden we bear .
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay,
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey .

4 But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5 Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go-
Never fear, only trust and obey

PRAYER: Oh Lord my God, help me to take my daily steps in obedience to your will and let your blessings be my portion, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

THE BIBLE READINGS FOR THE DAY: ROMANS 9; NIGHT EXODUS 39-40

01/03/2023

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA DAILY REFLECTION

DATE: WEDNESDAY, 1ST MARCH, 2023

THEME: MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE

PASSAGE: PSALMS 100:1-5

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100 is a call to worship the Lord. It is a call to give thanks unto the Lord for His kindness to human beings and the universe. It is important to understand that all who reckon themselves with God as God's people should make worship a priority in their lives. It is a must for all creatures on the earth to worship the Lord. No one in the universe should fail to acknowledge His Lordship, for He is the Creator, Giver, and Sustainer of all that humans acquire. Christians by the virtue of the worthy life they live should lead people in every part of the world to worship.

The Psalmist is not limiting the call to Christians alone but the entire people in the universe. Therefore, we are called to worship God with gladness and with joyful songs (100:2). This may be quite different from Psalm 99, which invited us to worship God with reverence and awe. There is no contradiction according to the two passages. The word “Worship” can also be interpreted to mean “Serving” the Lord. We have been called to worship and serve the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

Unlike the Israelites that had one central worship centre then, we have Churches and many different kinds of meeting centres across the world where we have devoted the meeting the Lord. Our homes can still serve the same purpose, provided we give God His place in our lives.

Our reasons for worshipping and serving the Lord has to do with His “Goodness” to mankind, we are His people, we are also the sheep of His pasture whom He cares for, His love endures forevermore, His faithfulness continues through all generations. Praise Him for the gift of a new month, knowing that some died in the course of the month of February, 2023. Praise the Lord.

MEMORY VERSE: Psalms 100:1 “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all ye lands!”

HYMN: MHB 2 (L.M.) All people that on earth do dwell

1 ALL people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice:
Him serve with mirth, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.

2 The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make:
We are His fork, He doth us feed;
And for His sheep He doth us take.

3 O enter then His gates with praise;
Approach with joy His courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless His name always,
For it is seemly so to do.

4 For why? The Lord our God is good;
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure. Amen.

PRAYER: Lord, give me the heart of praise to worship you in the beauty of your holiness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

THE BIBLE READINGS FOR THE DAY: ROMANS 8; NIGHT: EXODUS 38

19/02/2023

STUDY/WEEK 8
TOPIC: BIBLE PROPHECIES
TEXT: 2 PETER 1: 16-21

OBJECTIVE: To encourage Christians to live Godly lives

INTRODUCTION
The Bible is the most-read, most loved and most controversial book of all time. Almost everybody has one and everybody has questions about it. Yes, it is inerrant, undiluted, infallible and authoritative Word of God. It contains the very words and thoughts of God.

In our text, Apostle Peter is writing to encourage Christians to live Godly lives that they may become partakers of the divine nature. He is addressing as well, the problem of false prophets and teachers who are denying Christ's Second Coming These heresies, if not checked, would remove important incentives for Christians to live moral and ethical lives.

POINTS FOR CONVERSATION
1. How do we build our confidence in sharing God's Word? Prov. 9: 10, 1 Cor. 1:18-25, Eph. 1:15-19

2. What attitude is expected of us with regards to prophecies? 2 Peter 1: 19, John 1:1 - 5, 2 Peter 3:4-7,1 John 4:1 -6

3. Is God still speaking to us? How does God speak today? Prov. 1: 20 - 33, Heb.1:1-3,12: 25 - 29.

CONCLUSION
Without much argument, the Bible contains everything we need for salvation, for faith, for obedient living. Prophecies are proper, biblically shown to be desirable and helpful. The teachings of the Holy Scriptures are ultimate, conclusively, authoritative and more to be desired than gold. God's Word is timeless and it speaks to every generation!

MEMORY VERSE
2 Peter 1:20 'knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation.

ACTION POINT
Let the Word of God dwell richly in you and be spiritually-driven in every sphere
of life.

12/02/2023

STUDY/WEEK 7
TOPIC: MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20

OBJECTIVE: To illumine the minds of believers to the understanding of the fact of life with a view to making right choice.

INTRODUCTION
Each day we live, we face many choices; some are minor and insignificant, while others are major with lasting consequences. In fact, from the foundation of the world and creation, human beings were given the power of choice. However, the choice we make reflect in our attitude towards God. In our text, Moses offered a serious admonition to Israel - choose life! This is the baseline for the Sanctity of Human Life! Your ability to choose right will go a long way in determining how far you will go in life.

POINTS FOR CONVERSATION
1. How does our choice reflect our relationship with God? Deut. 30: 15-17, John 14:21-24,15:1 - 5, Heb. 11:24-26

2. Is the choice of life a one-off choice or an open-ended? Is there any middle1.ground? Discuss.

3. What do you think the witnesses invoked in Deut. 30:19 supposed to witness to?

CONCLUSION
The decision to be great and successful in life stands on your choice and the help of God. The decision made will to a great extent determine your degree or happiness in this life. It will have a permanent bearing on your children and their emotional well-being. Your choice of friends, having close friends can be a wonderful blessing - Proverb 17:17. But the wrong friends can be a curse for the righteous - Proverb 12:26; 1Cor 15:33. It will determine your place in eternity
will have a bearing on every other choice you make; for as a follower of Christ you will be concerned with doing His will, not your own. Let Christ direct your thought to make the right choice today.

MEMORY VERSE
Deut. 30: 15-16 "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments. His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess"

ACTION POINT
I will make the right choice as I plod on in the journey of life. So help me God!

05/02/2023

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
(SUNDAY TONIC)

5/2/2023

STUDY/WEEK 6

TOPIC: A FIXED HEART

TEXT: PSALM 112:1 -10

OBJECTIVE: To encourage us to develop a heart that is fixed on the Lord in every situation.

INTRODUCTION
The heart of man cannot fix anywhere with satisfaction, except in the truth of God where it finds firm footing. Those whose hearts are established by faith will patiently wait till they gain their point.

Blessings are laid up for the faithful and their children's children; and true riches are bestowed on them, with as much of this world's possessions as is profitable for them. In the darkest hours of affliction and trial, the light of hope and peace will spring up within them and seasonable relief shall turn mourning into joy. They need not fear evil tidings. A good man shall have a settled sprit and it is the endeavour of true believers to keep their minds stayed upon God.

POINTS FOR CONVERSATION

1. What do you understand by a fixed heart?

2. Is hxedness ot heart possible? If yes, how? Ps. 1, Prov. 4: 23, Prov. 27: 19

3. How can you distinguish between fixed heart and stubbornness?

CONCLUSION
Every man's heart is fixed on something. Blessed is the man whose heart is fixed on God. The great instrument of fixedness of heart is faith in God. Those who have laid hold on Christ Jesus and are resting in the Father's love and power, have no reason to be disquieted.

MEMORY VERSE
Psalm 112:7 "He will not be afraid of evil things; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord"

ACTION POINT
Whatever happens, fix your heart on God and cast out fear.

01/02/2023

DAILY REFLECTION
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023

THEME: DESTRUCTION OF THE UNGODLY
TEXT: GENESIS 19:1-17

THE MESSAGE
The rate at which wickedness is spreading all over the world is alarming. Today in Nigeria, human life is almost not seen as sacred again. Just at the slightest provocation, one person can kill the other. Only God knows the number of innocent people that have been killed by kidnappers. Bandits and insurgents have killed many locals and farmers in many villages across the country. In towns and cities, ritual killing abound, while scammers are on the increase. Corrupt leaders are involved in fraudulent practices and these are telling on Nigeria' economy. Many families cannot afford their daily bread while some families are throwing elaborate parties. We profess to be religious but our attitude to a large extent has not shown evidence of knowing God. If we have all these evils spreading their tentacles in our land, it shows that many people are no longer godly.

What S***mites were doing that made God conclude to destroy them are what people are doing in our world. Some countries are clamouring for human right in same-sex marriage. These countries have legalized same-sex marriage. Our world has been grossly corrupted. The wickedness in it has gone up to God.

The blood of innocent people is crying for vengeance and God will not always keep off. One day, He will react, and the expression of His feelings will be terrible.

How do you keep yourself from the entanglement of this wickedness? "For the wicked are reserved for the day of doom; They shall be brought out on the day of wrath" (Job 21:30). Lot kept himself amidst the evil in S***m, and God kept him from the destruction. One thing is certain: You can, by the grace of God, keep yourself away from evil and its appearance. You can determine and be resolute on your determination. Ask God to help you as you go out today.

HYMN: EMHB 634
1. Will your anchor hold
In the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold
Their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift,
And the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift,
Or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love

MEMORY VERSE: Job 18:5 Yea the light of the wicked is put out, and the flame of his fire does not shine.

PRAYER: Lord help me to keep myself for You and for Your purpose in this perilous time. Amen.

Read -Day: Acts 7; Night: Job 18-19

HAPPY FEBRUARY, THANK GOD 2ND MONTH!

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15/01/2023

STUDY/ WEEK 3
TOPIC: BEHOLD, THE LAMB OF GOD
TEXT: JOHN 1:29-42

OBJECTIVE: To walk in faith and follow the Christ-like way of life.

INTRODUCTION
The ministry of John the Baptist as a fore-runner of Christ was very simple it was to help the people recognize the Christ, point them to Him and point Him to them. Either way, the people must identify the Lord. He was the Elijah prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6. The time he fulfilled this was when he called for repentance in Luke 3:2-21 when he finally declared Jesus as the Christ to them (John1:29) In this season of Epiphany, let us seek to know Him more. Many Christians only knows God to the extent of what the pastors say about Him and not what they
personally know about Him. May the Lamb of God that took away the sins of the world be truly known to you.

POINTS FOR CONVERSATION
1. What is the grief of Christ about those who are called after His name? Heb. 3:10,

2. What was the situation of Rom. 3: 10-18 as compared with our own contemporary days?

3. Read Psa. 103:7 and bring out the difference between what Moses knew and what the Israelites knew and how it affects their understanding of God

CONCLUSION
We all have the responsibility of showing Christ to everyone around us. Ministers and members should do as John the Baptist did in his own days. He did not try to let the people see him as anything, but he told them that he is not the Christ. Pastors today are making themselves into a type of 'savior' to be adored and worshipped, we should be careful of this. Phil 3:10 should be our personal watchword.

MEMORY VERSE
John 1:29 "The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

ACTION POINT
Seek to know God experientially.

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10/01/2023

A call to draw near and seek strength 🙌🙌
Beloved in Christ🥰
We wish to remind you that this week is our praying and fasting Week.
Which started yesterday being 9th and will end on the 15th of January 2023.
Morning Session 6am to 7am
Evening Session 5pm to 6:45pm
This program is birthed out of the need to draw Strength from God for the journey this year.
Prepare
Pray
Plan
To come

10/01/2023

TUESDAY, 10TH JANUARY, 2023
THEME: THERE IS TIME FOR EVERYTHING
PASSAGE: ECCLESIASTES 3:1-11
There was a popular radio programme titled ‘Time Na Money.’ True, but much more, time has more value than physical currencies. It is a resource that is irredeemable when lost, except by the eternal mercies of the timeless God.
Mankind was created by God to operate within the mandate of time. There is a time to be born, and a time to die. In between these extremities, there are so many time frames that man must have to adjust himself; otherwise his purpose in life would be disappointed.
In our contemporary age, ability to study the times and understand the seasons will make a difference between the high fliers, the mediocre and the people at the bottom rung of the ladder, either physically or spiritually. This is why we need to be guided by the one that controls the time and knows the end from the beginning. Even in economic matters and politics, we need the people that have the benefits of foresight. In fact, all Christians must strive to be people of Issachar vision, who was able to see into the future and decipher what he must do now so as to get rest in the future (Gen. 49:15-16). if he had failed to satisfy the requirements today for tomorrow’s rest, it might have eluded him.
Beloved, knowing what you should do, when you should do them is God’s grace in action upon anyone’s life. Pray for this grace, because all mortals need it. There is time to be under parental guidance, stay awake, read, pray or meditate about your future. There is right time to be in relationship, marital or social. There is also time to stay alone with God. May God give us the understanding of time so that we make optimum use of it for God and humanity, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE: Ecclesiastes 3:17 “I said in my heart, "God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."
HYMN: MHB 396 (C.M.) LORD, in the fullness of my might
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, prevail upon me to do the right thing at the right time, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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