Foursquare Gospel Church, Ijanna Road, Ilaro

18/02/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Wednesday February 18, 2026

THE DECEITFUL SPEAKERS IN CHURCH

Bible Reading
JOB 13:1-13

Key Verse
Will ye speak wickedly for God and talk deceitfully for him
(Job 13:7)

Meditation
Deceit is simply the deliberate misrepresentation and misinterpretation of truth and facts with the intention to mislead. It involves falsehood or the deliberate concealment of truth with the intent to lead persons to error or disadvantage.

Deceitful speakers in church deliberately twist the word of God to manipulate, intimidate, and dominate - these are the three key manifestations of witchcraft. It is always for wrong and selfish goals. It is tantamount to holding the truth in unrighteousness! Job asked his friends: "Is it good that he should search you out, or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?" Job is simply saying from today’s bible reading how one can speak deceitfully and wickedly and then claim to be speaking for God

When you speak deceitfully for God, you attempt to contend for him, and in the process end up contending against him. In Isaiah 45:7, God said, "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I, the lord, do all these things." Isn't it, therefore, contending against God, when in an attempt to try to make God look good (as if He needs it!), to say that He cannot create evil? Colossians 1:16 says, "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth." God said, "I, the Lord, do all these things." Who are we to say He didn't "Will ye (then) accept His person (or) Will ye contend for God “ Job asks thoughtfully among his friends.

Why do many speakers in church speak deceitfully these days?

Prayer
Father, by your spirit, please teach us to speak faithfully for you.

Bible in one Year
Numbers 1-2; Mark 3:1-21

10/02/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Tuesday February 10, 2026

FANNING TO FLAME GOD'S GIFTS

Bible Reading
2 Timothy 1:6-10

Key Verse
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
(2 Timothy 1:6)

Meditation
Every believer in Christ desires and longs to live a holy life—a life set apart for God and characterized by being like Jesus. But day after day, holiness seems out of reach. Instead, we struggle and depend on our efforts.

However, in today’s bible reading, Paul admonishes Timothy, his protégé, just as he does us too, urging him to live up to his holy calling. The apostle then clarified that God has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace”. This life is possible not because of our character, but because of God’s grace. Paul continues, “This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time”. Can we accept God’s grace and live from the platform of power it provides to activate the gifts and graces upon our lives

Whether in parenting, marriage, work, or loving our neighbour, God calls us to a holy life which is made possible not because of our efforts to be perfect but because of His grace. This is what stirs us up to fan to flame the gifts God has deposited in our lives. How faithful are you with the deposits God has made in your life

In what ways will you ask God to help you put to work His gifts in your life?

Prayer
Oh Lord, help me to lean into your grace and not my efforts so I can fan to flame your deposits in my life.

Bible in one Year
Leviticus 13; Matthew 26:20-54

06/02/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Friday February 6, 2026

ALLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO TABERNACLE IN YOU

Bible Reading
Ephesians 3:14-20

Key Verse
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
(Ephesians 3:17, 19)

Meditation
When any person gets born again, he is brought to the Father by the Holy Spirit and made new by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:13; 2:8). He becomes the “habitation” of God. The word "habitation" means dwelling place. Therefore,
"habitation of God" would mean nothing less than the dwelling place of God. The means by which God dwells in us is through the Holy Spirit. The Christian believer must allow the Holy Spirit to tabernacle in them – this is the mark of His ownership of our lives. God has not sent an "influence" to help us in our need, but has come Himself to tabernacle (dwell) in us. His plan is to give us His life and transform our basic nature from sinful people to holy, loving, and godly beings - making our lives His habitation.

The word ‘dwell’ in Ephesians 3:17 literally means to settle down in an abode, to lodge fixedly in a place. Paul re-echoes it in Colossians 1:19;2:9 to emphasize the deity and supremacy of Jesus, “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Christ.” Christ Himself, through His Spirit, makes His home in us (Romans 8:9, 11). This means that the body of the Christian is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We must not defile it!

Why don’t many of us give a right of place to the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Prayer
Blessed Holy Spirit, I freely make my body and life your tabernacle in Jesus name.

Bible in one Year
Leviticus 1-3; Matthew 24:23-51

05/02/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Thursday
February 5, 2026

QUIT TURNING FAITH TO EMPTY PERFORMANCE

Bible Reading
Matthew 6:1-6

Key Verse
"Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theatre, but the God who made you won’t be applauding."
Matthew 6:1

Meditation
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus invites us into a radically different way of life, not driven by fear or self-righteousness, but by love. He wasn’t handing down a rulebook but revealing God’s heart.

Jesus forever shifted our understanding of righteousness. Speaking to ordinary people—fishermen, mothers, tax collectors—He declared: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

The story is told that in 1924, during the Olympic Games, a Scottish runner named Eric Liddell shocked the world when he refused to run his best event, the 100-meter dash. His reason was that the race was scheduled on a Sunday. “God first,” he said. He instead ran another event and won gold. What drove Eric wasn’t applause from the crowd, who were his fans, but obedience to an ‘unseen audience.’

Holiness is often misunderstood as moralism or perfectionism. But Jesus calls us to live beyond men's praise. “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them”(Matthew 6:1). If we fast, pray, or give for applause, we have already received our earthly reward.

True holiness flows from a transformed heart. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Grace empowers us to live differently—not to earn salvation, but to express it.

Why do many in the church seek men’s applause in their faith journey?

Prayer
Father Lord, cleanse my heart. Grant me grace to walk in Your ways, to please You, not men.

Bible in One Year
Exodus 39-40; Matthew 24:1-22

02/02/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Monday February 2, 2026

THE VICES I NEED TO LAY ASIDE
Bible Reading
1 PETER 2:1-12

Key Verse
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.
(Hebrews 12:1)

Meditation
Vices are bad habits — ungodly acts that oppose the nature of God within the believer in Jesus Christ. The fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, faith, patience, goodness, gentleness, longsuffering, and self-control — reflects God’s nature in every true child of God (Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit or attributes grow. The believer must make conscious efforts to develop and grow them daily by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sadly, many believers, even years after salvation, still manifest the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). For them, it seems as though grace abounds despite their persistent indulgence in sin. Hence, Paul challenged the Roman Christians that they cannot continue in sin and expect grace to work for them. He emphatically said, “God forbid! “(Romans 6:1-2). To profess salvation while continuing in vices is to have "a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" (2 Timothy 3:5). Unfortunately, some even misuse scripture to justify their sinful actions.

While God’s grace empowers us to overcome, each believer must consciously lay aside every weight and besetting sin. Practical steps include regular study and meditation on God’s word, genuine repentance, seeking forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ, and accountability to a spiritual leader for discipleship.

Can you identify the vices you're struggling with and submit them to your Discipler for spiritual guidance?

Prayer
Dear Father, deliver me from the little foxes that want to spoil my vine, in Jesus’ name.

Bible in one Year
Exodus 31-33; Matthew 22:23-46

30/01/2026

ITAN ILU ARO (ILARO)

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30/01/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Friday January 30, 2026

POWER OF FAITH, NOT MERE WORDS

Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Key Verse
And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
1 Corinthians 2:4

Meditation
About 45 years ago, there was a very popular pastor and evangelist who never preached for more than twenty minutes, but spent over one hour praying for the sick and conducting deliverance sessions during outreaches and crusades organised jointly by Christian students in my undergraduate years. One notable miracle I never forgot was the drying up of a nine-month abscess on the arm of a part four medical student. Demons were cast out without struggling or any sweating!

Today’s bible reading was one of his most quoted scriptures. He would always declare: “And my speech and my preaching ws not with enticin words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” He dwelt much on the force of faith and the demonstration of the power of God to compel people to bow to God’s authority and give their lives. His lifestyle and ministration were a great challenge and inspiration to many of us, and built our foundation on absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit.

David spoke words of faith and power while confronting Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45). His words were few and devoid of boasting, and yet carried the power of God that felled Goliath, the giant and boastful Philistines’ army general!

How often do we erroneously assess people by their sweet words and eloquence?

Prayer
Father Lord, deliver me from men of empty sweet words without the power of God

Bible in One Year
Exodus 22-24; Matthew 20:17-34

29/01/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Thursday January 29, 2026

FOOD AND WATER FOR THE FAMISHED

Bible Reading
Matthew 25:34-40

Key Verse
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.
Matthew 25:40

Meditation
Jesus's words in today’s bible reading issue a powerful call to compassionate action. The King's judgment scene vividly depicts the eternal significance of serving the "least of these." This passage compels us to examine our hearts and extend tangible aid to those in need.
The King's commendation underscores the importance of feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned. These acts are not mere suggestions but direct commands. By serving others, we serve Christ Himself.

This passage further challenges us to move beyond mere sympathy and engage in practical acts of service. We must actively identify those in need, provide necessities, and extend compassion to all. As we examine our hearts, may we cultivate a heart of compassion, give generously, and live as reflections of Christ's love.

Let us satisfy the famished, care for those in need, and demonstrate the love of Christ through our actions. May our deeds be a tangible expression of His love, and may we be known not only for our words but also for our compassionate service to others.

In the last few days, have you reached out to any person in need in your local church and met their needs? How did you feel?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us hearts that beat with compassion, eyes that see the needs of others, and hands that serve with generosity and humility.

Bible in One Year
Exodus 19-21; Matthew 20:1-16

27/01/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Tuesday January 27, 2026

TRUSTING GOD IN TRYING SEASONS

Bible Reading
Genesis 39:1-9, 12, 20; 41:44

Key Verse
So Pharaoh commissioned Joseph: “I’m putting you in charge of the entire country of Egypt.
(Genesis 41:41)

Meditation
In today’s bible reading, the story of Joseph trusting God through adversity is told. He remained trustworthy and refused to be overtaken by bitterness. He was neither vindictive against his brothers for their conspiracy to sell him out (Genesis 37:19-28), nor blamed Potiphar for sending him to jail without trial (Genesis 39:19-20). Joseph also held nothing against his prison inmate who forgot him in prison after he interpreted the dream that restored the inmate to his position as Pharaoh’s Chief Butler. (Genesis 40:14, 15, 20-23). By God’s divine arrangement, Joseph was released from prison to become the Prime Minister of Egypt, and everybody took instructions and orders from him! (Genesis 41:40-43).

Joseph’s resilience, orchestrated by the workings of God and his right choices, models him as a true Christian who does not lose his identity despite the myriad of temptations and trials that shook him to his foundation.

God surely has the power to make us scale through hard times, but should He decide not to rescue us at the time we expect or by the method we are familiar with, it will be our wisdom to continue to trust Him like Joseph did, as well as the three Hebrew children and Daniel (Daniel 3:17-18; 6:10-24). We must be at home with the truths expressed in the lines of the song written by Tracy Dartt (1975): “God in the good times is still God in bad times.”

How far can you maintain your trust in God in adversity?

Prayer
Through the night, through the day, hold my hand Lord, lest I fall.

Bible in one Year
Exodus 13-15; Matthew 19:1-15

25/01/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Monday January 26, 2026

WHEN FOOTMEN BRING DOWN GIANTS

"The Lord save
not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s."
(1 Samuel 17:47).

BIBLE READING
1 Samuel 17:4-11, 16, 32, 42, 45-50

KEY VERSE
"The Lord saveth not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s."
(1 Samuel 17:47).

MEDITATION
Footmen in God’s army must depend on God’s armour and weapons to bring down the giants that confront them. Therefore, victory in any battle begins with the right choice of weapons. The battle between the Philistines led by the giant, Goliath, and the children of Israel in today’s bible reading is a testimony of going to battle with the appropriate weapon.

When Goliath and David advanced towards each other, there must have been a great shout of praise from the camp of the Philistines, not knowing that their giant was up against the invisible force of Heaven. By coming to the battle “in the name of the Lord of hosts”, David engaged Goliath as God’s delegate, having put off the armour that would have showcased him as Saul’s delegate. David demonstrated here that believers in Jesus Christ are safer in battles engaging the name of the Lord (Proverbs 18:10), and never in their own strength. David had never left anyone in doubt, including his big brothers and King Saul, that the battle was God’s (Psalm 20:5-8).

Therefore, rather than invest in fleshly and carnal weapons of war against the giants on our way, believers should invest in the weapons that are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). Footmen bring down giants only in the name of the Lord! David did!

Do you trade the name of the Lord for man’s armour?

PRAYER
Oh God, today, I come against every giant on my way in the name of the Lord of hosts.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Exodus 11-12; Matthew 18:21-35

23/01/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Friday January 23, 2026

BEWARE OF EMBARKING ON IRREVERSIBLE JOURNEYS

BIBLE READING
Luke 15:13-16

KEY VERSE
"And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want."
(Luke 15:14)

MEDITATION
Julius, a young university graduate, was the son of wealthy civil engineers who owned a successful construction company. Though trained as a Quantity Surveyor and working in his father’s firm, Julius was unserious, often leaving tasks incomplete. His father hoped for improvement, but Julius believed effort was unnecessary with so much wealth at his disposal.

One day, Julius was asked to move to a city 500 km away, where his father owned an estate. He also requested a car. His father obliged and let him off! Tragically, three years later, Julius returned in handcuffs—charged with r**e and murder. He was jailed for life.
Similarly, the prodigal son in Luke 15 saw his father’s wealth but ignored the discipline and diligence behind it. Craving independence without responsibility, he chose to walk away, embarking on an irreversible journey. He ended up in poverty and despair. “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Luke 15:17)

Earlier in Luke 15:3-10, Jesus tells of a lost sheep and a lost coin—the owners actively searched for them. But no one went after the prodigal son, not even his father! He left on his own terms, yet God's mercy found him.

So beware of starting a journey without forethought. You may not return like Julius.

Have you ever taken a path that ended in regret? What did you learn?

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, deliver me from spiritual deafness, blindness, and dullness of heart, so I don’t begin a journey that ends in regret.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Exodus 4-6; Matthew 16

22/01/2026

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Welcome to Grace for Living 2026
Thursday January 22, 2026

THE REALITY OF SELF-REALIZATION

BIBLE READING
Luke 15:11-25

KEY VERSE
"And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!"
(Luke 15:17)

MEDITATION
A mad woman carrying her baby drew the compassion of a minister and his wife on their way to church. Concerned for the baby’s future, they sent some brethren to bring her in. Along the way, she was miraculously healed-she came to herself. Calmly, she asked how she got there, having unknowingly trekked over 300 km from home.

Insanity overrides discernment and right decision-making like sin. The prodigal son behaved irrationally, like one under a spell. So is the sinner’s heart: “The hearts of people are full of evil, and there is madness in their hearts while they live” (Ecclesiastes 9:3).
Why would he demand his inheritance while his father lived? Lust, pride, impatience, and peer pressure are sins in various forms. Without the Holy Spirit, man is easily swayed by the devil (Ephesians 2:2-3). Sin drags a person low. Alone, broke, friendless, the son even envied pigs’ food.

But he “came to himself”-true godly sorrow that leads to repentance. He remembered his father’s love. This is the turning point for every genuine child of God: true penitence, repentance, and a decision to return to Jesus.

The son left, but the Father waited eagerly for his return. So does God await you.

Have you left your first love? Are worldly pleasures taking you farther from the Father?

PRAYER
Father Lord, please grant me contentment and the grace to remain with You now and forever.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Exodus 1-3; Matthew 15:21-39