Deeperlife Bible Church Ijede Group Of District, ijede, Ijede (2026)

29/04/2026

DAILY MANNA

WEDNESDAY APRIL 29, 2026

BALANCING THE SCALES

TEXT: JEREMIAH 50:9-16

KEY VERSE: "Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD. Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her" (JEREMIAH 50:14, 15).

Lady Justice, often portrayed as a blindfolded woman holding scales and a sword, embodies the strength and fairness of every judicial system. She encapsulates the core values of equity and justice in legal matters. The blindfold represents impartiality, suggesting justice should be served without favouritism, regardless of wealth, power, or social standing. Her scales symbolise the careful weighing of evidence, emphasising that all facts must be considered to ensure fair justice. Her sword stands for the authority and might of justice, highlighting the commitment to defend what is right and the ability to enforce decisions and uphold the law.

The image of Lady Justice resonates deeply with the themes of justice and retribution found in today's prophetic text. This passage discusses the divine judgment against Babylon for its pride and cruelty. While God used Babylon as a tool to punish Israel for its wrongdoings, it was time to restore balance to the moral scales and hold Babylon accountable for its actions. After conquering Israel and other nations, the Babylonians grew arrogant, treating their subjects brutally. Their evil was so perplexing that Prophet Habakkuk questioned how God could stand by and watch Babylon act treacherously, devouring those more righteous than themselves. Babylon treated people like fish in the sea or like creeping creatures, with no one to govern or defend them. But in our text, the scales of justice are beginning to tip, and Babylon is about to face the divine punishment it has long deserved. In line with Jeremiah's prophecy, the Persians, followed by the Medes and Greeks, swept through Babylon, subjecting her to the same harsh consequences she had inflicted on others.

God's judgment against Babylon is a powerful reminder that sooner or later, everyone ultimately reaps what they sow. The scales of justice will eventually balance out, and without prejudice, God will judge each person based on their conduct. Take a moment to reflect on this and proceed with caution in how you live and treat others. The point is, no matter how delayed, divine justice never fails to arrive.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Taking God's forbearance for granted is a grievous gamble.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 6-7

29/04/2026

HIGHER EVERYDAY

WEDNESDAY APRIL 29, 2026

GOD'S SURVEILLANCE CAMERA

TEXT: PROVERBS 20:24-29

MEMORY VERSE: "The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly" (PROVERBS 20:27).

The book of Proverbs is full of divine wisdom. Proverbs 20:27 says, "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts." God sees and knows everything, just like a surveillance camera. But beyond that, He has given us His Spirit to guide and convict us when we do wrong. God's Word is the ultimate guide-book for life, but He has also placed His Spirit within us to help us make wise choices. One of today's verses warns against making hasty decisions. Many youths are fond of making hasty decisions without consulting God. This often leads them to a hurtful end and regrets.

As believers, we are called to live a holy and righteous life to please God who has called us. Youths must live with the consciousness of eternity as God's surveillance camera is constantly viewing their lives. We can also seek wisdom from older, godly men and women who have walked before us for directions. Live with the understanding that God is watching, because He is! Let His wisdom guide your steps.

QUOTE: God is always watching.

CHALLENGE: Let His wisdom guide your steps.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, let Your Spirit guide me as I walk with You.

29/04/2026

SINCERE MILK: CHILDREN DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

WEDNESDAY APRIL 29, 2026

WELL DONE

TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:14-17

Key Verse: "Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction" (Philippians 4:14).

The rain was very heavy, and everywhere was flooded. Martha did not clearly see the gutter in front of her house. As she stepped forward, she slipped into the swift running water and immediately shouted for help. Thank God for the newspaper vendor who was coming behind her. He quickly pulled Martha from the flood. Martha was very grateful to the vendor for a work well done. It is natural to feel happy and joyful when someone you have helped says, "thank you" and "well done" for your kindness and love.

Paul the Apostle went through all kinds of troubles - he was put in prison for preaching the love of Jesus to other people. Prison is not a good place to stay. There, you have no freedom and you are given very little food to eat. You are not permitted to see or even phone your loved ones freely. You are given a prison uniform, and all your beautiful dresses are taken away from you.

But the friends of Jesus in Philippi were not ashamed of Paul. They visited him, spoke comforting words to Him and provided good foods for him to eat. Paul was grateful to them and he never forgot their kindness to him even when he was in Thessalonica. Kindness comforts and brings joy and relief to the person who receives it. Today, choose to do good to somebody. And be thankful to those who have shown kindness to you for a deed well done.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be kind to others and help me to be thankful to those who are kind to me.

Further Reading: Colossians 3:14, 15

28/04/2026

DAILY MANNA

TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2026

NOTHING WITHOUT GOD!

TEXT: JEREMIAH 10:17-25

KEY VERSE: "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (JEREMIAH 10:23).

The human nature has been wired in such a way that he cannot be independent of God. The very best of men is flawed and feeble in so many ways. The limitations and imperfections inherent in human thinking, perception, and decision-making make him to be so limited in so many ways. Man is a finite being with incomplete knowledge, biases, and emotional influences that cloud his judgment. Recognising this flawed human nature and reliance on God for guidance, is the secret to a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

In view of the calamity that was coming upon God's people and Jerusalem, Prophet Jeremiah was humbled in prayer. He understood the insignificance of man in comparison to God. His was a submission and total acceptance of man's incapacitation without God. It was with this understanding that he prayed in humility for divine intervention and help for the nation of Israel.

Humans are no masters of their own lives and are unable to control their destinies. The earlier man realises this, the best it would be for him. But unfortunately, we find many live their lives like though they do not need God. They plan, prospect and pursue their prime projects without any recourse to God. The commotions, conflicts, chaos, calamities and casualties we find everywhere today are bitter consequences of a world that fails to acknowledge God and tries to live and direct itself without His influence and guidance. Sadly too, there are Christians who are gradually pushing God out of their lives. They have become so crowded with their personal plans and pursuits that they no longer have time to wait on God in personal prayers and fellowship for leading and instructions for life.

If we do not want to wake up and find our lives and dreams, ambitions, homes, careers and ministries shattered in many irreparable pieces, we must acknowledge God's ultimate control over our lives. We must depend on Him for direction and guidance with all humility rather than relying solely on our human wisdom and effort. We will not continue to go about in endless circles without making meaningful progress, nor meet with brick-walls in our attempt to move forward if we solely depend on God to lead and guide us always. Knowing that we are nothing without God will make us hold on tenaciously to Him to lead us through life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The best of men is a failure without God!

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 3-5

28/04/2026

HIGHER EVERYDAY

TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2026

GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE

TEXT: PROVERBS 3:5-6

MEMORY VERSE: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (PROVERBS 3:5).

The reason we often struggle to trust God is that we doubt He truly understands our needs. But this is unwise; after all, the One who created the universe and holds all power, is more than capable of providing for us. His plans are always trustworthy. Many young people today are struggling with how to find their purposes. They seek validation from others, hoping someone else will define their identities. But this is misguiding. The One who created us knows exactly why and how we were created. True wisdom is found in trusting Him, surrendering to His will, and seeking His divine direction.

When we pursue God's guidance, we find true fulfillment, the kind of success that brings lasting joy. Aligning our will with His allows us to reach our destination faster, while resisting Him leads to unnecessary struggle and heartache. God's ultimate will is for us to experience abundant success that glorifies Him both now and in eternity. When we walk in obedience to His purpose, our lives will shine as a testimony to the power of the gospel.

QUOTE: His plans are always trustworthy.

CHALLENGE: Have you discovered God's purpose for you?

PRAYER: Lord, reveal Your purpose for my life, in Jesus name. Amen!

28/04/2026

SINCERE MILK: CHILDREN DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2026

THE JUST JUDGE

TEXT: PSALMS 51:1-7

Key Verse: "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest" (Psalms 51:4).

Lesley and his two classmates were very sad when the Head Teacher hastily decided to punish them for breaking the glass window of the school's store just because they were found playing close to the window. It was later discovered that robbers actually broke into the school's store the previous night, carting away valuable properties of the school.

The accused and the witnesses, who know the truth, are very often offended when a judge passes a wrong judgment. On the other hand, when someone is punished for the offence he committed, though others in their ignorance may be defending him or her, secretly, he or she would not blame the judge. God is a just Judge, and David acknowledged this fact. Nathan, the prophet, did not know that the king he served and admired had done evil and covered it up. We should be careful when we speak in support or blame people, or even God, for what we do not know the truth about. God is always just in all His actions.

You must not wait until your sins are discovered. David would have been happy that his sins were hidden from men. He would have appeared good before them. How terrible it is for you to hide your sin from people until it is too late. Look into your life; is there any sin you are hiding from others? Know this that you cannot hide from God, the Just Judge. Repent of your evil doings, go and say sorry to those you have offended. The Lord will forgive you.

Prayer: Lord, You are righteous in Your judgment, please forgive me all my sins.

Further Reading: Jeremiah 11:20

27/04/2026

DAILY MANNA

MONDAY APRIL 27, 2026

BEING VALUABLE

TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 2:11-18

KEY VERSE: "Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them" (2 CHRONICLES 2:11).

Here is what a well-known writer says about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States: "The worldwide interest in President Lincoln, from the time he left his home in Springfield, Illinois to take the presidential chair at Washington in 1861, and the universal and real sorrow for his untimely death on the 15th of April, 1865, are very pronounced.

Even to this present day, there exists among the different nationalities of the earth a great interest in this wise and benevolent ruler. President Lincoln had endeared himself to the hearts of millions by his human sympathy, great wisdom, and kindly acts toward friend and foe alike in the most critical and difficult periods of the history of the United States, and after his death, this was more fully realised and appreciated by all." This narrative summarises that Abraham Lincoln's existence proved to be valuable. Similarly, in today's text, Huram, the king of Tyre, discerned something valuable about Solomon, who succeeded his father, David, as the king of Israel. He saw in Solomon "a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding," capable of building a temple for the Lord. He regarded Solomon's emergence as a blessing from God for Israel. In response to Solomon's request, Hiram expressed his willingness to provide the necessary manpower and materials for the construction project and prepared a contract concerning the labour to be done and the wages to be paid to his men.

A significant technical personnel sent by Huram was a very intelligent and multi-talented coppersmith named Huram (Hiram), a Tyrian whose mother was a Jewess. In all these, we can see the importance of being resourceful. It is a great blessing to the church, community or state to have people who, by God's grace, have developed themselves to be able to add value. Notice here also that the Gentiles contributed immensely to the building of the temple. Don't think that being valuable is an exclusive club of people specially favoured by God. We must understand that every one of us has something to offer. We only need to "stir up the gift of God" in us by diligent learning, commitment to excellence and determination to be useful to God and humanity.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: What we call destiny is actually the outcome of our decisions and deeds.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 1-2

27/04/2026

HIGHER EVERYDAY

MONDAY APRIL 27, 2026

GOD'S LOVE

TEXT: 1 JOHN 4:9-10

MEMORY VERSE: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 JOHN 4:10).

Many young people struggle to understand the true meaning of love. They look up to the world for its definition, allowing movies, music, and culture to shape their perspectives about it. They sing along the ungodly worldly lyrics and follow trends, unaware that they are being taught a distorted version of love by a world that did not create it - Love originates from God. The Bible reveals that love was first demonstrated by God because He loved us so much that He gave Himself for us. Love is a divine concept and cannot be comprehended or taught by the world. The ultimate proof of love is Jesus Christ, given to us by the Father.

When we live by God's love, we see transformation in our lives, homes, and communities. His love is not a license to sin but a call to righteousness. He loved us even when we didn't deserve it, by giving His Son to us a propitiation for our sins.
God's love is overwhelming, life-changing, and better experienced than explained. This love can be experienced when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.

QUOTE: The ultimate proof of love is Jesus.

CHALLENGE: A life full of God's love stands out.

PRAYER: Father, help me to reflect Your love to others around me, in Jesus name!

26/04/2026

SINCERE MILK: CHILDREN DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

MONDAY APRIL 27, 2026

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

TEXT: LUKE 12:28-34

Key Verse: "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth" (Luke 12:33).

Chris was almost becoming a spoilt brat. Whenever he visited the shopping mall with his parents, he would pick several items into the cart and throw tantrums should his parents refuse to pay for any of them.

As such, his room was like a junkyard, filled with multiple toys, cookies, designer shoes and clothes. Their frequent visits to the hospital for tummy ache and indigestion was a proof of his unhealthy eating habits too. To teach him some vital lessons on prudence and financial management, his parents decided to give him a fixed monthly advance for:

(a) Tithe

(b) Savings in a piggy bank for onward transfer into his bank account every six months.

(c) Shopping, for which the list of items must have been drawn prior to the outing.

(d) Donation to charity or helping others. More explanations were made on how overspending or poor financial choices can impact the future instead of a strong foundation for future financial success. The teaching led to a positive change in the subsequent months.

God desires that His children prosper, be in health and be free from financial stress. However, there is need to differentiate between "needs" which are essential for survival or wellbeing, e.g. food, shelter, clothing, etc.; and "wants" which are desirable but not essential, e.g. travelling to exotic places irrespective of family budget, buying luxury items, etc. There is much to do for God with our finances, hence the need to be wise.

Prayer: Father Lord, teach me to be wise in managing what I have.

Further Reading: Psalms 62:10

25/04/2026

DAILY MANNA

SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2026

EARN A LIVING

TEXT: 2 THESSALONIANS 3:6-13

KEY VERSE: "For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you" (2 THESSALONIANS 3:7).

Nestled in the bustling heart of the economic nerve centre of a West African city was a church enmeshed in large-scale relational and interpersonal conflict. This emanated from a pocket of its members that lived in and on the church. It was ironic that in a busy commercial city, they opted to be busybodies unchristianly trafficking in the affairs of the church and the brethren in the assembly. The requests they tabled before the church were all insatiable. Their business was to cast aspersions on the church and be obsessed with other men's affairs. Enervated, the resident pastor sought a master-stroke with a decisive and definitive solution. While he left the window of fellowship open, he ordered the church miscreants out to go fetch gainful employment and live responsibly. Thus was the problem solved and the church entered a realm of peace, progress and fellowship.

Our text takes us back in time to validate the wisdom of the pastor's decision. From this imperative of Apostle Paul's admonition, we learn that all men, without distinction, ought to involve themselves in gainful engagements of some sort, and that no man is entitled to spend his life in idleness. The Apostle here draws an illustration from his own life, recalling how he "wrought with labour and travail night and day."

Idleness makes busybodies of its adherents who could later become disorderly in the family, or a community of faith or even in the larger society. Christians are called to the dignity of labour. Our faith does not make us idle, negligent or shirk our responsibilities. We do not whittle away our time because of waiting for the coming of the Lord. On the contrary, Christ teaches us to "Occupy till I come".

We should accept the counsel against destructive laziness amongst able-bodied brethren. This is to stem the disruptive lifestyle of begging and dependence on other brethren, or at times on the church. In this process, the entire church is called to the path of social and economic productivity that would enhance fruitfulness, fellowship and faithfulness in the Body of Christ.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The slothful do not just rob themselves of fruitful living; they sin against God.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALMS 139-150

25/04/2026

HIGHER EVERYDAY

SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2026

GOD'S ATTRIBUTE - OMNISCIENCE

TEXT: PSALM 139:7-12

MEMORY VERSE: "Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee" (PSALM 139:12).

If you knew someone was watching you, there are many things you'd avoid doing. We put up our best appearance and act at our best if someone is watching, especially when it's someone we love or who loves us.

As Christian youths, do we remember that someone who loves us more than anything is always watching us? God is watching, not necessarily to judge, but to love us. Do we live with this awareness?

Are you a youth who is sinning against God without remorse? As Psalm 139:7-8 says, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there." As believers, this should be comforting to us, as under His watch, no harm can come upon us. God's presence gives peace and relief, especially to believers. For sinning youths, His presence seems distant, leaving them troubled and without peace. He knows all things, past, present, and future.

QUOTE: He knows all things.

CHALLENGE: God is perfect in knowledge.

PRAYER: Help me to be conscious of Your presence. Oh God!

25/04/2026

SINCERE MILK: CHILDREN DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2026

HEAVEN'S BANK ACCOUNT

TEXT: ACTS 10:1-8

Key Verse: "And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God" (Acts 10:4).

"Daddy, where do our prayers go? Does God hear our prayers at all?" Those were the questions from little Jason that made his dad relate the story of Cornelius to him. Cornelius was a devout Roman centurion who believed in God and prayed regularly. He was a generous giver and seeker of the truth. One day, he received a vision from God instructing him to send for Peter, who preached Christ to him and his household. His humble and seeking heart led him to experience God's love and salvation, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Thus establishing the fact that God desires a personal relationship with each and every one of us.

God accepts people from all backgrounds, regardless of race, social status or religion. Faith and obedience are keys to receiving God's blessings. The fact that some of our prayers do not receive immediate answers does not mean that God did not hear. Sometimes, they are stored up as a memorial before God.

The word "memorial" means God remembers what you pray for. It is like putting money into your bank account. You may not have need of it in days to come, but it will always be there whenever you need it. Prayer should not be used as a 'hotline' when we get into trouble, or you are faced with a difficult situation. Like Cornelius, endeavour to develop a lifestyle of prayer. You can pray anywhere, anytime and about anything. God remembers and treasures our prayers as they are stored up in heaven's bank.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please increase my faith and help me believe that You always answer prayers.

Further Reading: Psalm 55:17

Deeperlife Bible Church Ijede Group Of District

29/04/2026

29/04/2026

29/04/2026

28/04/2026

28/04/2026

28/04/2026

27/04/2026

27/04/2026

26/04/2026

25/04/2026

25/04/2026

25/04/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category