FIRST Baptist Church Ile-Ife

01/01/2024

12/11/2023

28/09/2023

*DAILY ENCOUNTER WITH GOD (NBC)*

*THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023*

*GOD WILL GIVE THE SPIRIT*

*BH 192: Are You Washed in the Blood?*

*Memory verse:* I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:26-27, NIV

*Text: Ezekiel36:25-30*

Religious cleansings are common in many African cultures. These are done on many occasions through sacrifices to the gods. However, none of these spiritual cleansings can make anyone clean spiritually. They are mere rituals or ceremonial activities.

Today's passage refers to a promise that made through Prophet Ezekiel to renew the hearts and spirits of the Israelites. The Israelites were familiar with cleansing or ceremonial purification through sprinkling or washing with water, picturing cleansing from ceremonial defilement (Leviticus 15:21-22; Numbers 19:17-19). The Israelites were polluted because of their disobedience. They were contaminated with the idolatrous practices of the land of their captivity. There was no way of escape except God intervened in rescuing them from this bo***ge of sin. Because God is gracious, He initiated the complete purification of the Israelite nation. This purification would make the Israelites more productive in their services to God.

A renewed heart is where the Holy Spirit can dwell. When your heart is changed by God's Word, you will have a deeper relationship with God through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit. No one can please God by human effort, but with by Holy Spirit's power, we experience renewal and we are energised to do what God wants. Meditate more on His Word today so as to experience a renewed heart and a changed life. You have the privilege of being inspired, led, and guided by the inner witness of the Holy Spirit daily.

*Perceive:* Believers enjoy sanctification in
Christ through the Holy Spirit who engraves God's Word in their heart.

*Ponder:* Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?

*Practise:* Engage in spiritual breathing exhaling sin by confession and inhaling the Holy Spirit by requesting for His infilling daily.

*Pray:* Lord Jesus, make me holy through the power of Your Word and indwelling of Jesus Christ daily.

*Prayer:* Lord, remove the spirit of heaviness as we do Your bidding, in Jesus' name.

*Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:*
S.Oladimeji, Ibadan; Ayanlere A. Samson, Sabomi-Apoi; Onifade A. A., Arinko-Ota; Miller O.E.F. Egere, Jesse; Damdaura H. Chai, Ganawuri; Joshua P. Jude, Jos; Onajavwe E. David, Sapele; Olaniyan A. Adepeju, Lagos; Odunayo Faramade E., Ibadan; Isaac A. Adetona, Totoro; Akinniyi Bolanle J., Ede.

*RBT: Zechariah 1-5*

27/09/2023

*DAILY ENCOUNTER WITH GOD (NBC)*

*TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023*

*PRACTISE YOUR PIETY IN SECRET*

*BH 357: Take My Life, and Let It Be*

*Memory verse:* "Be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1, NIV

*Text: Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18*

The axiom "Image is everything" often drives the way people behave. We are so concerned about what people think about us that we go to any extent to put up a 'good image' in front of others.

For instance, people often make effort to create a good impression in their homes by putting away things when they have visitors. They do all it takes to be thought of as 'wonderful'

In today's Scripture, Jesus said we should not do our piety to impress people or to create 'a good image'. Jesus Christ did not condemn right attitude to piety. However, He took time to teach His disciples about wrong attitudes to piety.

In the case of prayer, for example, Jesus did not say that prayer should not be done in public places, neither did He teach people to abstain from being seen when fasting.

Rather, he condemned the attitude of giving alms to be recognised, praying to be seen and fasting to be noticed by people.

All these outward religious attitudes are against what Jesus approves. Relationship with God is not for show and we do not have to impress people with our works of service.

Your giving should be an act of worship to God who will reward you in His own way. Do not fast to create an impression but to get closer to God and to intercede for yourself and others.

God does not answer anyone's prayer because it is "long" or stylish. He chooses to answer prayers by His own will and according to His purpose. Let your giving, fasting and praying be an act of worship to God who sees in secret but rewards openly.

*Perceive:* Motive is important in our service to God

*Ponder:* What is the motive of your piety?

*Practise:* Serve people around you without expecting any reward.

*Pray:* O Lord, enable me to serve You and others faithfully in Jesus' name.

*Prayer:* Lord, let us make progress in all our endeavours.

*Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:*
Okanlawon, Caleb A., Ikorodu; Oladoke W. Dele, Ogbomoso; Jacobs Peter Olu, Port Harcourt; Olorunfemi David, Lagos; Bala H. Gukut, Kaduna; Lambo J. Patrick, Abuja; Adeniyi J.A. Ogun; Olawoore J. Gbenga, Oyo; Oluwayinka O. Felix, Abeokuta; Babarinde Kehinde, Lagos; Faleye E.A., Agbara.

*RBT: Zephaniah 1-3*

25/09/2023

*DAILY ENCOUNTER WITH GOD (NBC)*

*MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023*

*KEEP GOD'S LAW IN YOUR HEART*

*BH 180: Thy Word Is a Lamp to My Feet*

*Memory verse:* These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Deuteronomy 6:6, NIV

*Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-9*

The role of the physical heart in human beings is vital in sustaining an individual's life. The heart is responsible for the pumping of blood to the entire body. Spiritually, the state of one's heart to his spiritual well-being is absolutely important. This may be why God instructed the Israelites to keep His Word in their hearts.

The usage of the word "heart" has a slight difference from that of "mind". Meditationreflection and desire for God take place in the heart. Thus, keeping God's commands in one's heart is keeping them in the right place, as this would guide the person everything they do. Parents also are instructed to bring up their children according to the principles of the commandments of God.

Let the Word of God dwell richly in your heart. Let it become the basis for your decision-making. Despite several challenges of life today, set aside time to read, study, meditate, and resolve to always apply the Word of God to your daily life. Equally, strive to imbibe the culture of teaching your children to live by the principle of the Scriptures that will help them grow in godliness.

*Perceive:* God's Word kept in the heart gives life to the person.

*Ponder:* Have you been meditating on God's Word and keeping it?

*Practise:* Make a duty to meditate on God's Word and keep it in your heart from today.

*Pray:* Lord, grant me the grace to meditate upon Your Word and keep it in in my heart in Jesus' name.

*Prayer:* Lord, may we value Your word and give it more attention.

*Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:*
Woko C. Ijeamaka, Port-Harcourt; Egbedele Amos, Ogbomoso; Oyedeji S.O.A., Ogbomoso; Ihenlomen Andrew, Ibadan; Ademola O.A., Ilora; Jeremiah O. Bakare, Ijegu-Yala; Adeleke O. Idris, Lagos; Opadeji Y. James, Delta; Haruna S. Maimashi, Kaduna; Mathias Jega, Gongola; Simon N. Dawar, S. Bashayi; Ademola Olusoji, Oyo; Olaniyan, J.O., Ibadan; Oladele Ayorinde S., Iwo; Oladeji S.O., Ibadan.

*RBT: Habakkuk 1-3*

23/09/2023

*DAILY ENCOUNTER WITH GOD (NBC)*

*SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023*

*LET THE WICKED FORSAKE THEIR WAY*

*BH 213: Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet*

*Memory verse:* Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous they thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Isalah 55.7 NIV.

*Text: Isaiah 55:6-13*

"Is that how easy it is to be welcomed back home?" This idea echoed throughout the whole village when a criminal who ran away from the village for many years was welcomed by a new king.

At the sight of the man, most villagers expected that the king would condemn him and possibly send him back to where he was coming from. To their amazement, he was welcomed back. He was allowed into the village as if he had not committed any sin.

Today's text is about the expansion of God's kingdom, which entails salvation for all nations. God promises peace and security for the new nation to come. The vision in the latter chapters of Isaiah goes far beyond the events of the captives returning to their land.

It is about how God intends to have mercy for the wicked and salvation for those who will turn to Him. The expectation from those who have gone astray is for them to turn to God who is extending His hands of fellowship openly to welcome them. This is why He sent Jesus to die in their stead.

It is not the will of God that a sinner should die in his wickedness. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, God has extended His hands of fellowship to people who will come to Him. Come to Him today and enjoy His fellowship. In Christ, you will have power to overcome and forsake all sins, and you will enjoy freedom from guilt.

*Perceive:* God expects every wicked person to forsake his way and come to Him in repentance. .

*Ponder:* Is there any sin God cannot forgive if one repents from it?

*Practise:* Before next week, use God's word to encourage someone who has just accepted the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Pray:* Lord, we pray for the "wicked" in this country to forsake their way.

*Prayer:* Chief Shepherd, lead us on our journey of life.

*Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:*
Thikan D. D. Nathan, Delta; Olaleye O.O., Oyo; Oluwagbade Samuel O., Aramoko; Amadi V. C. I. Igwuruta; Amole S. Ademola, Warri; Adarigho Charity, Delta; K.S. Toruwei, Tsekelewu; Ugbede A. James, Delta; Eyitayo Oluwole O., Oyo; Ayangbekun I.A., Lagos; Ogunmola O. Hannah, Iwo.

*RBT: Micah 5-7*

22/09/2023

*DAILY ENCOUNTER WITH GOD (NBC)*

*FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 2023*

*REJOICE IN GOD'S FORGIVENESS*

*BH 44: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee*

*Memory verse:* Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. ...Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous, sing, all you who are upright in heart! Psalm 32:1, 11, NIV.

*Text: Psalm 32:1-11*

If ex-convict was asked how he felt when the governor of the state granted him parole some years back. In his response, he said, "I thought it was a dream that I would soon wake up from.

My joy knew no bounds on the day I was set free. Now, I appreciate freedom, and I have promised never to commit any offence again so I won't go back there."

The psalmist, in this passage, highlighted his ordeal when he sinned and testified of God's goodness when he acknowledged his sins and asked for forgiveness. Having received God's forgiveness for his sins, he expressed his joy.

God forgives fully, for He does not count a truly-penitent person's sin against them. Therefore, the psalmist counselled others not to refuse to submit to the Lord until He forces it, but to confess their sins willingly.

He advised his audience to submit to the Lord rather than resist stubbornly like a horse that has to be controlled. Those who trust Him will experience His faithful love and will be able to sing praises to Him.

Being forgiven and declared righteous by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is not a mere thing. Believers who have been pardoned by God should not take it lightly or overlook it.

The price of our forgiveness is the blood of Jesus, and the product of it is that we have access to the Father and freedom to live righteous lives in Christ. Rejoice in God's forgiveness and make it your lifestyle to forgive others who offend you.

*Perceive:* There is joy in heaven and in the heart of a person who is forgiven.

*Ponder:* Do you rejoice in God's forgiveness of your sins?

*Practise:* Confess and forsake your sins today to be able to rejoice in the Lord always.

*Pray:* My heavenly Father, let the joy of Your forgiveness continue to be my strength in Jesus' name.

*Prayer:* God of peace, work in us Your will and make us pleasing in Your sight.

*Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:*
Samaila Joshua, Bukuru; Adisa Adekunle O., Ogbomoso; Ajasa T. Bisi, Ogbomoso; Adeleye Yomi. R., Okitipupa; Fadun A. Olufemi, Osogbo; Iweta Gibson, Delta; Gbenusola Rotimi, Ibadan; Ayansola A.A., Sepeteri.

*RBT: Micah 1-4*

21/09/2023

*DAILY ENCOUNTER WITH GOD (NBC)*

*THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023*

*YOU GET THE JUDGMENT YOU GIVE*

*BH 240: Just As I Am*

*Memory verse:* For in the same way as you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you Matthew 7:2, NIV

*Text: Matthew 7:1-5*

It is easy to condemn other people's errors. Oftentimes, people who point accusing fingers at others could be guilty of the same thing they accuse people of. It is a natural human tendency to be quick to pass judgment on others who do something wrong, yet not wanting the same to be done to one in case one does the same wrong thing.

Jesus Christ warned the Pharisees against pretending to be better than others because of their position on the Mosaic Law. He told them so through many teachings and parables.

One of such is the Scripture for today. Jesus is a master at bringing balance and equality to issues of life. He told the Pharisees to be sincere and impartial in accusing people, giving judgment and handling conflicts between neighbours.

His position is that one should be just in all matters. He did not discourage the act of helping other people to see their errors. Still, His position is that people's errors should not be exaggerated, considering that only God is faultless.

Jesus did not condemn constructive criticism or holding people accountable to biblical standards. Nevertheless, He warned against the judgmental spirit which often stirs up superiority complex.

He admonished that we should judge others by a standard which we would also like to be judged by - that is to be completely fair in judging. Consider others' positions, challenges, and undeclared motives before judging them.

Realise that the overall Judge is in heaven God Himself. Beware of condemning, self - righteous criticisms; evaluate people by God's truth.

*Perceive:* The only way to be fair is to evaluate people based on God's standard.

*Ponder:* How often do you criticise people because you think you are better than them?

*Practise:* Resolve from today not to be partial or self-centred in evaluating people.

*Pray:* Lord, grant me the grace to bridle my tongue in judging others in Jesus' name.

*Prayer:* The Good Shepherd, meet all our needs, in Jesus' name. Let there be a great sharing of wisdom and knowledge as Bayelsa, Imo & Emmanuel Conferences begins at FBC, Port Harcourt and FBC, CED Confer Calabar today.

*Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:*
Jibro H. Rejoice, Bukuru; Uje Anthony, Oghara; Ige O. Ebenezer; Abiola-Kushehin O., Lagos; Aghanenu E. Chukwudi, Asaba; Adewuni Y. Adewale, Lagos.

*RBT: Jonah 1-4*