Church of christ in nations Lcc Akure "

27/05/2026

*DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY, 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
RESPONSE TO GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
OBEYING GOD'S COMMANDS.

*TEXT:*
1 SAMUEL 15:22-23.
22 But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.
Pro 4:17 Hos 6:6 Mat 9:13 Mat 12:7 [Pro 21:3] [Mat 23:23] [Luk 11:42]
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”
[Hos 13:11]

*TOPIC:*
OBEYING GOD'S COMMANDS.

*THE MESSAGE:*
God commanded King Saul to destroy everything that belonged to the Amalekites, but he did not obey. His excuse for sparing Agag and some animals was not acceptable to God. Today's text makes it clear that religious ceremonies, rituals, or activities are empty unless they are performed with an attitude of love and reverence. Disobedience to God's commands is likened to witchcraft and idol worship. These are grave sins that attract the death penalty. Disobedience to God is rampant among Christians today. Religiosity has taken over spirituality and total submission to God's instructions. The good singer, instrumentalist, or preacher may be guilty of sexual immorality or idolatry, which God forbids. Remember, Saul disobeyed God; he was rejected, and his kingdom was taken away from him. Do not be like him.

*REFLECTION:*
Disobedience attracts God's punishment.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, help me to always obey Your commands. Amen.

*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
TITUS 2:12.
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.

*TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
JOB 28-30.

24/05/2026

*TAFIYA DA ALMASIHU KOWACE RANA*

*LITININ, 25 GA MAYU 2026*

*SUB-THEME: MARTANI GA ALHERI*

*MATIYU 5:38-39*

38 “Kun ji an ce, ‘Ido saboda ido, haƙori kuma saboda haƙori.’
39 Amma ni ina gaya muku, kada ku rama wa mugun mutum. A maimakon haka, duk wanda ya mare ka a kuncin dama, ka juya masa ɗayan ma.”

*KAN MAGANA: KUYAFE LAIFI*

Dokar Tsohon Alkawari ta yarda wa hukumomi su hukunta masu laifi da kuma hana rashin bin doka (Fit. 21:23-25). A cikin wannan nassin, Yesu ya hana mutane yin ramuwa. Ya ƙarfafa cewa a ba masu laifi dama karo na biyu. A matsayinku na masu cin moriyar ceto ta wurin alheri, ya kamata mu nuna alheri ta wurin gafarta wa waɗanda s**a zalunce mu.
Mafita ko ramawa, masu bi su nuna kauna da gafartawa. Juya ɗayan kunci yana nuna raunana rashin hankali, duk da haka yana yiyuwa a rama mugunta da kauna. Allah yana so Kirista su yi jinkai kuma su ƙyauta wa masu aikata mugunta. Menene ra’ayinka game da niyya waɗanda s**a yi shiri da kai wa marasa laifi hari? Kana ganin yafe laifi a matsayin wata hanya ce? Gafarta musu shi ne ba wa Allah damar sakayya, kuma zai daidaita!

ABIN TUNANI: Yana da kyau a manta da laifufuka (K. Mag. 19:11).

ADDU’A: Ubangiji, ka ba ni ƙarfin neman gyara yadda ya kamata. Amin.

Shirin Karatu na Yau: Ayuba 24-25

24/05/2026

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________
*MONDAY 25TH MAY, 2026*

*TEXT: MATTHEW 5:38-39*

38. _“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’_
39. _But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also._

*TOPIC: LETTING GO OF OFFENSE*

The Old Testament law permitted the authorities to punish offenders and prevent lawlessness (Ex. 21:23-25). In this text, Jesus prohibits humans from taking revenge. He encourages that offenders should be given a second chance. As beneficiaries of free salvation through grace, we ought to show grace by forgiving those who wrong us. Instead of retaliation, believers should show love and forgiveness. Turning the other cheek appears weak and illogical, yet it is possible to repay wickedness with love. God desires that Christians show mercy and do good to those who do evil. What do you think about wicked people who often plan and attack the innocent? Do you see letting go of offenses as a weakness? Forgiving them is giving room for God to avenge, and He will do it perfectly!

*REFLECTION:* _It is wise to overlook offenses (Prov. 19:11)._

*PRAYER:* _Lord, give me the strength to seek redress appropriately. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Job 24-25_

24/05/2026

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________
*SUNDAY 24TH MAY, 2026*

*TEXT: JEREMIAH 17:7-8*

7. _“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him._
8. _They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”_

*TOPIC: ABSOLUTE TRUST IN GOD*

The Psalmist eulogises that the one who delight in the law of the Lord is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in its season (Ps. 1:2-3). Jeremiah adjudges that happy is the man who trusts in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water and does not fear heat or drought. Rather its leaves remain green and never cease to bear fruit. This implies that no matter the hardships, challenges and hostilities in this life, absolute trust in the Lord gives victory. Economic hardships, unemployment, insecurity and persecution are prevalent. Yet, those who trust in the Lord will prosper. But those who rely on human strength will wither. In whom do you take confidence? Help and support from friends and relations is good. But absolute trust in God is better. Do not give up!

*REFLECTION:* _God is dependable, so trust him completely!_

*PRAYER:* _My Lord, I place my confidence in you. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Job 22-23_

23/05/2026

BREAKING NEWS: Behold our newly elected leaders.....

Rev. Associate Prof. Benjamin Pokol as
COCIN Vice President and

Rev. Dinfa Mamshal as
COCIN General Secretary.

May the Holy Spirit grant you the wisdom, grace, humility, and courage to lead faithfully in propagating the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. May your leadership bear fruits of righteousness, unity, revival, and kingdom advancement, and may God preserve and uphold you for His glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

23/05/2026

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________
*SATURDAY 23RD MAY, 2026*

*TEXT: LUKE 13:6-9*

6. _Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any._
7. _So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’_
8. _“ ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it._
9. _If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ ”_

*TOPIC: BEARING FRUITS*

A farmer rejoices when his farm produces bountifully. In the same way, God expects his children to be fruitful (cf. Mk. 3:7-8). From today's text, Jesus pointed out what would happen to a tree that occupies space within a valuable time and yet does not produce fruit. This illustration is a warning to the unrepentant that God would not tolerate any lack of productivity. The same warning applies to believers who are overly concerned with spiritual matters. Several people follow God for what they will gain from him, but never pay attention to what they can do for the Kingdom. Have you been enjoying God's grace without bearing fruit? To bear fruit, you must shun the counsel of the wicked sinners, take delight in the word of God, cherish a life of prayer, and experience a fruitful and prosperous life.

*REFLECTION:* _Spend time with the Lord to bear fruit._

*PRAYER:* _Father, help me to be productive in Jesus' name. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Job 20-21_

22/05/2026

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________
*FRIDAY 22ND MAY, 2026*

*TEXT: 1 PETER 2:1-3*

1. _Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind._
2. _Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,_
3. _now that you have tasted that the Lord is good._

*TOPIC: SHUN ENVY AND JEALOUSY*

Envy and jealousy are often associated with feelings of resentment over someone else's possessions and accomplishments. Peter urges Christians to eliminate these attitudes. Those who have been born again should crave spiritual milk and the word of God, so that they grow in faith and character and become like Christ. This will help them overcome the natural inclination of the unregenerate man. Indeed, once a believer has tasted the grace of God, sin loses its power over him. Unfortunately, some so-called believers are unwilling and envious of others' progress. Are you envious and jealous of your brother because of his possessions and achievements? It is of no benefit. Envy and jealousy hamper unity and progress in the family, community and church. To overcome envy and jealousy, always seek the spiritual nourishment and the well-being of others.

*REFLECTION:* _Are you jealous of someone?_

*PRAYER:* _Lord, I repent of any attitude of envy and jealousy in my life today. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Job 18-19_

21/05/2026

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________
*THURSDAY 21ST MAY, 2026*

*TEXT: LUKE 9:23-25*

23. _Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me._
24. _For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it._
25. _What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?_

*TOPIC: CARRYING YOUR CROSS DAILY*

In our reading, Jesus tells his disciples the cost of following him. The cost requires that a disciple: (i) denies himself, renouncing personal control of his life, (ii) takes up his cross, making a commitment that may lead to rejection and possibly death, and (iii) follows Jesus, following the example of Jesus' teachings and lifestyle. To the Romans, the cross was a sign of suffering, torture, and death. However, for Christians, it is a complete identity with Jesus and a willingness to lay down their lives for His cause. It is also a symbol of death to the world, self, and sin. Many Christians seem to avoid the cross, but Christ's demand remains unchanged. He requires you to take up your cross daily and follow him. Anything less is lip service and superficial Christianity. A true disciple must be ready to die!

*REFLECTION:* _It pays to follow Christ._

*PRAYER:* _Lord, help me to carry my cross daily and follow you. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Job 15-17_

20/05/2026

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________
*WEDNESDAY 20TH MAY, 2026*

*TEXTS: GALATIANS 1:10; COLOSSIANS 3:23-25*

*_GALATIANS 1:10_*

10. _Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ._

*_COLOSSIANS 3:23-25_*

23. _Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,_
24. _since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving._
25. _Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism._

*TOPIC: LIVING TO PLEASE GOD*

Recipients of God's grace must always seek to please the Lord rather than men. In our text, Paul responds to his critics, who claim that he teaches a gospel received from man, not from God, and that he seeks to please man rather than God. But Paul assured them that his gospel was authentic, having been received from Christ, whom he served wholeheartedly. In the second text, Paul treats the bondservants at Colossae with dignity and appeals to them to honour Christ in their hearts, in their work, and their behaviour, knowing that God rewards those who live to please Him. Who do you please in your dealings? Sadly, many have adulterated the gospel to please men, gain more members, and material gains. Remember, the day you accept Jesus, your allegiance changes to a bondservant of the Lord. Please him always.

*REFLECTION:* _You must live to please your Master._

*PRAYER:* _Lord, help me to please you in all I do. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Job 11-14_

18/05/2026

18/05/2026

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________
*MONDAY 18TH MAY, 2026*

*TEXT: ROMANS 12:19-21*

19. _Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord._
20. _On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”_
21. _Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good._

*TOPIC: AVOID EVIL*

The way to eternity does not permit evil. The recipient of God's grace has been translated from a kingdom where evil is prevalent. Now, he must guard against evil as he journeys to heaven. Believers face hostility and persecution daily on account of their faith in Christ. In our text, Paul counsels Christians not to seek vengeance or allow evil to overcome them; instead, they are to overcome evil with good. They can achieve this by treating their enemies with kindness. Has someone mistreated you so that you think revenge is ideal? Remember, Jesus did not mete out evil on those who crucified him; rather, he prayed for them. Besides, he does not condemn you for your sin but saves and ushers you into his kingdom. Avoiding evil is not a sign of weakness. Imitate Jesus by doing good.

*REFLECTION:* _Paying evil with evil hurts; avoid it._

*PRAYER:* _Lord, help me to respond with kind actions to those who hurt me. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Job 6-7_