Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Apapa Parish, 17/19 Arowoiyabuna Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos (2026)

24/05/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

SUNDAY, MAY 24TH 2026
TOPIC: JESUS CHRIST: THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
BIBLE PASSAGE: JOHN 8:12-18

KEY VERSE:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life - John 8:12.

Jesus declared: _*"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."*_ (John 8:12) and John affirmed that Christ is *“The true light that gives light to everyone (that) was coming into the world."* - John 1:9. *"True light,"* implies that there are many *"false lights"* which Christ is contrasted from. It is because of these pretenders, the many "false lights and fake *"saviours"* that Christ constantly puts himself in a unique category.

He is _*“the Way, the Truth, and the Life"*_ and he immediately stressed that _*"No one comes to the Father except through me"*_- John 14:6. He is the *“true vine"* (John 15:1) and the *"good shepherd"* (John 10:11). As the "good shepherd" Christ says all the pretending shepherds are hirelings." In fact, Christ called them _*“thieves and robbers"*_ - John 10:8.

_*Two major implications can easily be seen:*_

Firstly, there is no other source of salvation (Acts 4:12). Whoever would have the light of life must get it through Jesus; there are no substitutes - not Muhammad and not Buddha; not any tele-evangelist or charismatic pastor. This teaching makes many people uncomfortable; our permissive society wants us to accept the _*"thieves and robbers"*_ as having legitimate claim on the sheep, but we must hold onto the gospel we received at first: Christ is the true light!

Secondly, there is still a constant surge of false lights" in the Church today. These were presented in Scripture as *"false prophets"* and their mission is to deceive or, in the words of Christ, to _*"steal, kill, and destroy"*_ (John 10:10). Paul warned the elders of the Ephesian Church that after his departure _*"savage wolves"*_ would enter the Church, not sparing the flock (Acts 20:29 c/f 2 Peter 2:1-3). Again, the implications of this are two-folds:

_1. God's people are to be careful about what they hear and who they hear it from (1 John 4:1)_

_2. Elders of the Church are to be particularly watchful about the corrupters that have entered our Churches (Acts 20:28)_

ACTION:
_Do you have the light of life? Proof is that you don't walk in darkness_ (1 John 1:6).

PRAYER:
Lord, let the light in me conquer the darkness around me, in Jesus' name.

23/05/2026

There’s something special about worshipping together in His presence ✨🙏🏽

Come experience heartfelt worship, powerful fellowship, and the joy of gathering in God’s house this Sunday.

Your seat is waiting for you ❤️

22/05/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

FRIDAY, MAY 22ND 2026
TOPIC: LIVE WORTHY OF GOD
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-12

KEY VERSE:
Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. -1 Thessalonians 2:12

Paul and his team preached the gospel to the Thessalonians, despite the fact that he faced resistance and opposition at Philippians (v. 1-2). They were resilient and focused in communicating the gospel. They spoke as men that had God's approval and as God's agents entrusted with the gospel of salvation (v. 3-4). They did not preach the gospel with a desire to win the favour of humans or to please anybody (v. 4). They were not selfish or greedy but were determined to present the gospel to the glory of God and for the benefit of the people in terms of salvation and
deliverance from their sinful ways (v. 5-9). This is a great challenge for preachers today.

As bearers of the Goodnews, how do we conduct ourselves before our hearers - those we strive to reach with the message of Salvation? Godliness and integrity remain key in the lives of those who bear the Goodnews. We are expected to be spiritually transparent in character and in conduct as we propagate the gospel of Christ (v. 10). Apostle Paul and his team charged the Thessalonians to live lives worthy of God, reminding them of their calling into the heavenly kingdom by God (v. 12).

This godly counsel is appropriate and is meant to guide and order our steps; it also challenges us to walk the straight spiritual path and to always stay connected to God. To live worthy of God speaks of a lifestyle that honours, reverences, glorifies and pleases God. It is not an outmoded lifestyle; on the contrary, living worthy of God is the only way we can prove that we belong to him. It is what makes our testimony believable and, without it, we will be nothing more than pretenders.

May the lifestyle of Paul and his team challenge us today as we labour in preaching the gospel, not being deterred and discouraged by the challenges we face in communicating the gospel.

ACTION:
_Resolve to live the life worthy of God._

PRAYER:
Help me Oh God, to live worthy of you, in Jesus' name.

21/05/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

THURSDAY, MAY 21ST 2026
TOPIC: THE CONSEQUENCES OF FORSAKING THE LORD
BIBLE PASSAGE: JUDGES 10:6-16

KEY VERSE:
Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him. - Judges 10:6.

The Israelites often sinned against the Lord; they deserted the Lord, indulging in idol worship. Idol worship is religious harlotry, which exposes the idolaters to many ungodly and unholy practices that God detests. Israel's idolatry removed their attention from serving the Lord, because it is impossible to serve two masters at the same time (Luke 16:13). One cannot maintain devotion to God while serving in idolatrous altars. The idols may accept it, but God
does not. He is a jealous God that would not share his glory with idols or anyone else (Isaiah 42:8). So, Israel's idolatry angered God (vs 6).

God is angry at sin and wickedness; this righteous anger reveals God's nature of holiness. He is a God of righteousness and has purer eyes than to look at sin (Habakkuk 1:13). When Israel forsook the Lord and ceased to serve Him, the Lord became angry with them and allowed the Philistines and Amorites to conquer them. Surely, there are serious consequences for sin. The Israelites suffered oppression in the hands of their enemies for eighteen years. This is an indication that God hates sin and punisher the sinner (vs 7-9). Let us avoid anything that would expose us to God's displeasure and anger.

God is not pleased with our unfaithfulness and sinful lives. Sin does not merely offend God but is actually an affront to him. The Lord, being righteous, expresses His anger and displeasure over sin and often brings the sinner under discipline. For Israel, God often made them to suffer defeats in battle, enslavement by their enemies, or to suffer economic hardship with famine in the land. But God received Israel back whenever they turned again to God in repentance and committed themselves again to righteousness (v. 10-16).

We must ask ourselves the question: is there anything competing with God in our lives? Is there any passion or pastime, person or preoccupation that has taken the throne of God in our lives? We must break free from such things, because they have become *"idols"* and a source of offense to God. Remember, you cannot serve two masters at the same time (Matthew 6:24) If you would not serve God with singular devotion, then you are not serving him at all.

ACTION:
_Resist whatever makes you to forsake God._

PRAYER:
Oh Lord, grant me the grace not to forsake you and your ways, in Jesus' name

20/05/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

WEDNESDAY. MAY 20TH 2026
TOPIC: HOPE IN THE LORD
BIBLE PASSAGE: ISAIAH 40:26-31

KEY VERSE:
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint - Isaiah 40:31.

To hope in the Lord is to trust Him wholeheartedly and to entrust our lives fully to Him. This requires us looking up to Him as our source of peace, hope, grace, and help in times of need and difficulty (Psalm 25:1-3). The writer of Hebrews, in Hebrews 12:2 enjoins us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Putting our hope in the Lord affords us the opportunity to enjoy God's strength that revives us in times of exhaustion, weakness, suffering, and trials. It gives us the ability to rise above difficulties like an eagle that soars into the sky, and the ability to run spiritually without tiring and to walk steadily forward without fainting.

We are assured in Psalm 34:19 of the promise of God's divine intervention in times of testing. This assurance of God's deliverance remain, irrespective of how many or how severe the challenges may be. If our confidence in God does not waver, He will surely come to our rescue when troubles come. All that we are required to do is ask for divine support, seek God-glorifying ends, and knock on doors of God-directed opportunities (Matthew 7:7). We should never see God as distant; on the contrary, he is near and has promised not to leave us during our dark hours. Our hope of God's promised intervention is our birthright as children of God; we should boldly exercise this right (Hebrews 4:16). Let us remember, the God that promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

In all situations and circumstances, be rest assured that He is a dependable God who is unchanging and watches over His word to perform it for the good of his people (Jeremiah 1:12).

Where lies your hope; is it in God or in humans? In Psalm 146:3, we are warned: do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

ACTION:
_Keep hoping on the Lord in all circumstances._

PRAYER:
Oh Lord, help me that in all situations my hope will remain in you, in Jesus' name

19/05/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

TUESDAY, MAY 19TH 2026
TOPIC: REJOICE IN THE LORD
BIBLE PASSAGE: HABAKKUK 3:12-19

KEY VERSE:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour - Habakkuk 3:18.

How should we react or respond when our situation seems depressing or hopeless? What should we do when it seems as if God is silent? Trusting God implies looking beyond what we can see to what God sees. If we feel hopeless, helpless, weak, and powerless; if we are grappling with tough times and are at the point of giving up, let's take solace in the amazing and encouraging words of Habakkuk.

In Habakkuk 3:18-19 _"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes in the vines, though the olive crops fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior"_. In the midst of God's judgement against Judea, the prophet chose to rejoice in the Lord as his Savior and his unfailing source of strength (v. 16). From Habakkuk 3:12-19, the prophet refers to this period as a time that God would deliver his people from Egypt (Exodus 14). He believed that the same God who came with salvation in the past would come again in all His glory.

There is so much in the world that try to kill our joy. The challenges come from our homes, places of work or business, the immediate communities we live in and even the nation at large. When our spouses or children are not doing what we expect or we have obstacles in our jobs and businesses, joy often takes flight. When it appears as if our efforts are not bearing sufficient fruits, our hearts are dampened.

But, no matter what we encounter today or whatever the uncertain future will yet confront us with, we are to remain focused on God, find peace and solace in Him, and remain joyful in God our Savior. There is nothing to worry about for we are safe and fortified in Him. He remains the source of our peace, sustenance and supply. His promise never fails. In Philippians 4:4; we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! We should endeavour to rejoice, whether in good or in bad times.

ACTION:
_No matter what comes up, I will remain joyful in the Lord._

PRAYER:
Lord, I declare that nothing will hinder the flow of my joy, in Jesus' name.

17/05/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

SUNDAY, MAY 17TH 2026
TOPIC: DON'T GIVE UP IN THE FACE OF TRIALS
BIBLE PASSAGE: JAMES 1:1-12

KEY VERSE:
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12.

Trials refer to some form of pressure in our lives which sometimes emanates from Satan or the world, which God uses to test and prove our faith (v. 2-3). The test of our faith produces perseverance (v. 4).

The Lord did not promise us a hitch-free journey through life. Jesus declared in John 16:33 _*"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world".*_ This word of assurance remains our anchor, which is meant to reinvigorate us at the point of fear, doubt, weakness, and discouragement. We cannot rule out the fact that our clear confession and acceptance of Christ open us up to attack, hatred, rejection, humiliation, molestation, and segregation from the world. In all of these, let us take courage because Jesus has already triumphed for us on the Cross and through His resurrection (Colossians 2:15;1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

Trials remain part of our Christian life and experience which is meant to strengthen our faith, though they can be painful, discouraging and challenging. The scripture enjoins us to be joyful when we face trials (v. 2). This is not a call to *"enjoy"* temptations and trials, because that would be strange. Rather, we are to be joyful because of the end-result. People that grew up in agricultural communities may have seen what happens to the tender corn plant after a heavy rain and strong winds over the night. The growing crops are seen almost flatened by the harsh winds. But by noon we see them rise again from the ground; beyond this, we see certain special roots develop from their stem, close to the ground, pinning them to the soil. These are called _*"prop roots."*_ After this, no rain or wind will again affect the corn plant until it matures and bears fruit. In the same way, trials strengthen us and helps us to grow unto maturity in our spiritual walk.

So, we are to face trials with joy (Romans 5:3; Mathew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 1:6). We are not to be doubtful or double-minded (v. 5-8) and we should not put our confidence in things that have no eternal value (v. 9-11). When we persevere under trial, we will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those that love Him (v. 12).

ACTION:
_Resolve never to give up in the face of trials. Let us strive to obtain this crown from God._

PRAYER:
O Lord, preserve and keep me strong and focused in the face of trials, in Jesus' name.

16/05/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

SATURDAY, MAY 16TH 2026
TOPIC: UNCOMPROMISING LOYALTY TO GOD
BIBLE PASSAGE: DANIEL 6:14-16

KEY VERSE:
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" - Daniel 6:16

The exercise of our faith and loyalty to God often come under attack. But Daniel was not intimidated nor was he frightened by the rage of the king. This was because his loyalty to God was rock-solid (v. 14). He did not let anything stop him from calling on the name of God and worship God as he did in the past (v. 15-16).

Loyalty implies a steadfast commitment and faithfulness to a person, often encompassing a strong sense of allegiance and devotion. This virtue must be seen in our relationship with God, as demonstrated by Daniel. It was should also be seen in our service, including our worship. We must at all times ask ourselves: Is this the kind of worship commanded by God or are we displaying carnal and worldly desires? It is sad that we no longer care to differentiate between right and
wrong ways of worship. Right worship is that which is commanded by God, that which follows his principles and is directed only at his honour (John 4:23). Wrong worship is that which exalts fleshly desires and is not accompanied by righteousness; it is sham and pretentious worship (Isaiah 29:13; Isaiah 58:2-5).

We should resist anything that may influence us negatively and cause us to neglect our loyalty, devotion, and commitment to God. When our loyalty towards God is strong and uncompromising, nothing can weaken our faith or derail us from serving God.

Note that in executing his unchangeable decree the king made a remarkable, interesting, and touching statement: _*“May your God whom you serve continually rescue you"*_ (v. 16). Daniel's commitment and allegiance to God was so manifest that the unbeliever king expected God to intervene. Can this be said concerning us as a result of our loyalty towards God despite the fact that the king knew not God, what he saw in Daniel made him to acknowledge the existence, the power and the authority of God. He believed that the God of Daniel had the power to deliver him from danger and unjust death. Can this also be our testament? Let our loyalty to God remain unflinching.

ACTION:
_How resolved are you to maintain an uncompromising loyalty to God?_

PRAYER:
Lord, help me never to compromise my loyalty to you, in Jesus' name.

15/05/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

FRIDAY, MAY 15TH 2026
TOPIC: THE UNSHAKEABLE FAITH
BIBLE PASSAGE: DANIEL 6:1-13

KEY VERSE:
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. - Daniel 6:10

God wants us to repose on him an unshakable faith - that is absolute confidence that he is who he said he is and would do what he said he would do. If trials and temptations come, we must know that these are intended to strengthen our faith rather than to knock us down. It is a common error to think that exercising faith in God shields the believer from life's challenges. Daniel's faith was severely, severally tried and tested, but he continued to trust God, praying unceasingly. This was evidence of his dependence on God (1 Peter 5:1), He stood firm and refused to compromise his faith (v. 7;12); unlike many people in Church, Daniel chose God's honour rather than self-preservation (Revelation 12:11).

Daniel's experience in exile reveals that the enemy finds pleasure in spying on us (v. 11). All we need to do is to remain strong and to keep watching and praying. because we are in the midst of foes (RCH 532 stanza 1). God keeps us from certain tests and trials (those that we cannot bear 1 Corinthians 10:13), but allows other temptations (those we can bear), knowing that the tests strengthen and perfect our faith in Him (James 1:2-4). Daniel was a man of exceptional and extraordinary intelligence. He had an excellent spirit (Daniel 6:3). The depth of his knowledge about God kept him strong, focused, fearless, and unshakable in his faith in the time of danger (vs 10-13).

The question is how strong is our faith in the time of trials? How resolved are we to stand firm in the face of danger and death? The Lord expects us to show unflinching obedience, commitment and dedication towards Him. We should not give up on our faith, but rather be energized to stand firm and remain uncompromised.

ACTION:
_Oh, for a faith that will not shrink, though pressed by many a foe; that would not tremble on the brink of poverty or woe. Is this the kind of faith you have?_

PRAYER:
Lord, help us to demonstrate an unshakable faith in times of danger, in Jesus' name.

14/05/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

THURSDAY, MAY 14TH 2026
TOPIC: EQUIPPED FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY
BIBLE PASSAGE: EPHESIANS 4:11-16

KEY VERSE:
To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. - Ephesians 4:12.

According to Apostle Paul, the two principal reasons why Christ gave spiritual gifts to the Church was to prepare God's people for service and for the spiritual growth of the Church, which is the body of Christ. Scripture tells us that these gifts were given for the purpose of training, equipping and preparing the body of Chist to do the work of ministry (v. 11-12). Members of the body are trained and released for the work of ministry; that is, for the purpose of increase, multiplication, edification and growth. The gifts are not to be monopolized or hoarded by those that have received them but are to be put into use in the Church.

Another important dimension of the application of these gifts is to help and enable the Church to reach the unity of the faith in the knowledge of the Son of God and growing unto maturity, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (v. 13). The enlightenment and exposure gained through spiritual nurture helps believers to stand strong in the faith, become more matured in understanding of sound Christian doctrine, and resist the push and pressure to
succumb to strange and wrong doctrines which come through the cunning, craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming (v. 14).

How are we using the gifts the Lord has given us? Are we using them effectively- to edify the Church and bring it to maturity, or selfishly - to feed our pride and enlarge our ego?

The question is, what is your spiritual status, focus and stand? Are you still reasoning as an infant in the faith, or have you come to a state of spiritual maturity? We are enjoined to grow up in the faith. To be spiritually matured implies *"Speaking the truth in love"* (vs 15-16). The gospel is expected to be presented in love, centered in love, defended in love, held and kept in love.

ACTION:
_Are you effectively applying the gifts God bestowed upon you or are you an unprofitable servant?_

PRAYER:
Grant us the grace, Oh Lord, to effectively and judiciously apply the gifts of the spirit for kingdom work and advancement.

Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Apapa Parish

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