19/07/2026
THE BOYS’ BRIGADE NIGERIA
Ijebu Ode Group Council
Editorial Crew
DAILY DEVOTION
Topic: Revival Through Retreat
Text: 1 Kings 19:4-8 “But he himself went on a day's journey into the wilderness... and he asked that he might die... Then he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ And he looked and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water... So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.” ESV
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Elijah had just won a great victory on Mount Carmel. But one threat from Jezebel and he ran to the wilderness. He was tired, discouraged, and ready to quit. v.4
That’s where many Captains and Boys are today — worn out, intimidated, and spiritually dry.
But notice what God did. He didn’t condemn Elijah. God called him to retreat.
“Revival Through Retreat” means stepping away from the noise to be restored by God.
Revival doesn’t always start with a big crusade. Sometimes it starts with rest, bread, water, and God’s whisper. v.5-8
THREE WAYS GOD BRINGS REVIVAL IN RETREAT
A. GOD GIVES REST TO THE BURNED OUT – v.5
“Then he lay down and slept under a broom tree.”
BB Lesson: You cannot lead effectively when you are exhausted.
God knows you’re tired. Before He gives you a new assignment, He gives you rest.
Captain Check: When last did you sit still with God, not just plan for BB?
B. GOD PROVIDES FOR THE WEAK – v.6
“An angel touched him... ‘Arise and eat.’... cake... and a jar of water”
BB Lesson: In retreat, God feeds you. The Word is bread. Prayer is water. Fellowship is strength.
Don’t try to run your Company on empty. Let God touch you and feed you first.
C. GOD STRENGTHENS FOR THE JOURNEY – v.8
“...went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.”
BB Lesson: One encounter with God can carry you for weeks.
That one devotion, one prayer time, one worship moment can give you strength for Q3, for that difficult Boy, for that difficult meeting.
Retreat leads us back to Horeb, the mount of God — back to purpose.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Rest: “Lord, give rest to every weary Captain, Officer, and Boy in Ijebu Ode Group.” Matt 11:28
2. Refilling: Feed us with Your Word and Spirit. We are hungry.
3. Direction: Lead us back to Horeb — back to Your presence and purpose.
4. Revival: Let revival begin with me, with my Company, with our Council.
CAPTAIN’S CHARGE FOR TODAY
Action: Sunday Retreat
Before the week starts, take 15 minutes today for a personal retreat:
1. Stop: Put aside BB plans and your phone.
2. Feed: Read 1 Kings 19:4-8 and Psalm 23 slowly.
3. Listen: Ask God: “What are You saying to me for this new week?”
You can’t take Boys to Horeb if you’ve never been there yourself.
Memory Verse: “So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food... to Horeb, the mount of God.” – 1 Kings 19:8
Closing: Sure and Steadfast ⚓
Intimidation made Elijah run to the wilderness. God used the wilderness to revive him. Your retreat today can become your revival tomorrow.
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Happy Sunday
July 19, 2026
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Prepared by: Ijebu Ode Group Council Editorial Crew
Theme for July: “Building Strong Captains, Strong Companies”
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