Champs Christian Gathering - CCG

26/08/2026

CHAMPS TODAY
Daily Devotional
Pastor Ijay Gurgur
Wednesday, August 26, 2026

*Light For The Darkness, Strength For The Fight*

*_"For You, O Lord, are my Lamp; the Lord lightens my darkness. For by You I run through a troop; by my God I leap over a wall (2 Samuel 22:29-30 AMPC)."_*

David had been through war, betrayal, and pursuit. But here he wasn’t bitter. It rather made him know more of God and that emboldened him. Everything that sought to steal his joy, destiny and take him out became a testimony. So he wrote this beautiful long song in 2 Samuel 22 with bold claims that when darkness came, God became his lamp. When battles came, God became his strength. When obstacles came, God became his way over the wall.

This is how God deals with His people. God doesn’t promise a life without enemy troops or walls. He doesn’t only take you out of trouble. Sometimes He equips you in trouble (2 Samuel 22:29-34). He gives light in darkness. His Word and Spirit guide you; _*“The Lord lightens my darkness.”*_ He gives strength for the fight;_*“For by You I run through a troop...I leap over a wall.”*_ He gives stability;*_“He makes my feet like the hinds'...”_* So you don’t have to stare at that wall and give up. Take refuge in Him. Trust Him for your testimony. His way is perfect. Hallelujah!

*Boldly Declare*
Thank You precious Father for all You are to me and do for me; my Light and my Strength. By You I run through troops and leap over walls. Your way is perfect for me, Your Word is true, and You are my shield. I take refuge in You today and always, in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Meditation*
*Psalm 28:7 NKJV*
The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

*Isaiah 40:29 NKJV*
He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

*Proverbs 30:5 NKJV*
Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 1 Kings 12 —17
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 38—41

24/08/2026

CHAMPS TODAY
Daily Devotional
Pastor Paul Gurgur
Tuesday, August 25, 2026

*Faith Works By Love*

_*"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love (Galatians 5:6 NKJV)."*_

God is not impressed with religious activity. The Apostle Paul says, _*“neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything.”*_ All the rules, routines, and rituals don’t move God. What does move Him? _*“Faith working through love.”*_ Your faith has 'hands." And those "hands" are love. Faith without love is empty. You can have strong doctrine, big declarations, and bold prayers. But we are told that if you don’t have love, you’re just noise (1 Corinthians 13:2). Love is the engine. Faith is the car. One without the other won’t go far.

Love without faith is weak. The world could appear kind. But kindness without faith in Christ doesn’t save. Real love believes God, does the word, and trusts God with the outcome. Faith gives love courage to pray, to forgive, to give, to speak truth. The Greek connotation of the clause _*“faith working through love.”*_ means faith is energized by love. When you choose to serve, to bless, to forgive, to give, your faith gets activated. The Galatians were fighting over rules. But Paul brought them back to the center: Jesus + Love. That’s still the center. Praise God!

*Boldly Declare*
Dear Father, thank You for the essence of the virtue of love to my walk of faith. My faith works through love. I refuse to be religious and cold. I choose to believe God and be a blessing to people. As I walk in love, my faith is energized, in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Meditation*
*1 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV*
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

*James 2:15-17 AMPC*
If a brother or sister is poorly clad and lacks food for each day, [16] And one of you says to him, Good-bye! Keep [yourself] warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do? [17] So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).

*1 John 3:18 NKJV*
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 1 Kings 8—11
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 35—37

Visit www.champsglobal.org for more resources

This timely classic seeks to answer the questions, “What is the new life in Christ?”, “Who am I now?”, “What do I do now that I am born again? ”and lots more. Many times, when people get born again, particularly in places where there is little or no pastoral guidance, as to what to do ne...

24/08/2026

CHAMPS TODAY
Daily Devotional
Pastor Paul Gurgur
Monday, August 24, 2026

*Words Of Reality And Soundness Of Mind*

_*"But he said, 'I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason (Acts 26:25 NKJV).'"*_

The expression "words of truth and reason" literally means "words of reality and soundness of mind." Paul was on trial. King Agrippa and Governor Festus were listening. Festus interrupted him and said, _*“Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”*_ (Acts 26:24). Paul’s answer was calm, clear, and unshaken:
_*“I am not mad... but I speak words of truth and reason.”*_ The gospel is not hysteria. It is not hype. It is "words of reality"—grounded in facts. Jesus lived, died, rose, and reigns. We perpetuate His reign because He reigns through us. Hallelujah!

Every opportunity to hear God's word is always an opportunity to fellowship with truth and soundness of mind. The Word is reality. The world calls truth “relative.” God calls His Word “truth” (John 17:17). The word of God cleanses you: _*"The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed you (John 15:3 TPT)."*_ That includes spirit, soul (mind) and body, bringing you into absolute clarity. Panic, confusion, and fear are not from God. Your mouth should only give expression to reality—God's word—words of reality and soundness of mind. Hallelujah!

*Boldly Declare*
I speak words of reality and soundness of mind. My mind is sound, my heart is steady, and my mouth constantly speaks the truth of God’s Word. I refuse to be moved by fear or confusion. The word of God prevails in my life—my spirit, soul and body. I am full of health and divine vitality, in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Meditation*
*John 17:17 NKJV*
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

*James 1:25 TLB*
But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God’s law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does.

*Proverbs 23:7 NKJV*
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

*Philippians 4:8 NKJV*
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 1 Kings 3 —7
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 32—34

Visit www.champsglobal.org for more resources

This timely classic seeks to answer the questions, “What is the new life in Christ?”, “Who am I now?”, “What do I do now that I am born again? ”and lots more. Many times, when people get born again, particularly in places where there is little or no pastoral guidance, as to what to do ne...

22/08/2026

*CHAMPS TODAY*
Daily Devotional
Pastor Paul Gurgur
Sunday, August 23, 2026

*You Are The Son Of The King Of Kings*

_*"And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16 NKJV)."*_

The profundity of our theme verse! Look at Jesus. On His robe; on His thigh. Written for all to see: _*KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.*_ That’s who He is. The final Authority. The One no one outranks. The One before whom every knee shall bow (Philippians 2:10). And here’s what changes everything: If He is King of kings and Lord or lords and you are born of Him (James 1:18)... then you are the son/daughter of the King of kings! You didn’t get religion when you got saved. You got royalty!

You carry a royal identity: _*“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood... (1 Peter 2:9)”*_ The world may call you ordinary. But heaven calls you royalty! Your Father owns everything (Psalm 24:1). You have royal access. Kings’ sons don’t beg at the gates. They walk into the throne room (Hebrews 4:16). Prayer isn’t you shouting into the void. It’s a son talking to Dad (Romans 8:15). You have boldness because Jesus’ blood has justified you. Live in the consciousness that you are the son of the King of kings. Hallelujah!

*Boldly Declare*
Dear Father, thank You for the privilege of being the son of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Therefore, I carry royal identity, royal access and royal authority. Because Jesus reigns, I reign in life through Him, compelling situations and circumstances to align with the divine will for me, in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Meditation*
*1 John 3:1 NKJV*
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

*Romans 8:17 NKJV*
And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

*James 1:18 TPT*
God was delighted to give us birth by the truth of his infallible Word so that we would fulfill his chosen destiny for us and become the favorite ones out of all his creation!

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 2 Samuel 22—1 Kings 2
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 30—31

Visit www.champsglobal.org for more resources

This timely classic seeks to answer the questions, “What is the new life in Christ?”, “Who am I now?”, “What do I do now that I am born again? ”and lots more. Many times, when people get born again, particularly in places where there is little or no pastoral guidance, as to what to do ne...

21/08/2026

CHAMPS TODAY
Daily Devotional
Pastor Paul Gurgur
Saturday, August 22, 2026

*Strategically Reach Out To Your Friends*

_*"Jesus went to Matthew’s house and made himself at home. Many other tax collectors and outcasts of society were invited to eat with Jesus and his disciples (Matthew 9:10 TPT)."*_

Evangelism wasn’t just the regular street-by-street program for Jesus. It included dinner tables. Notice the strategy here. Jesus went to Matthew’s house. He didn’t wait for Matthew to come to the synagogue. He went where Matthew was comfortable. He made himself at home. Not a 5-minute visit. He relaxed. He laughed. He belonged. Many tax collectors and outcasts were invited. Matthew didn’t just get saved. He brought his circle. One reach brought salvation to many. That’s strategic outreach. Relationship first, then revelation.

There are important lessons for reaching your friends: Go to their house. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with sinners. But that’s where the sinners were (Mark 2:17). Your friends won’t hear the gospel if you only talk to them about church. Meet them at lunch break, at the cafe, in the group chat, at their birthdays or special events. Be present. Make yourself at home. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Jesus was warm, not weird. Affectionate, not awkward. Kindness opens doors that sermons can’t. Hallelujah!

*Boldly Declare*
Dear Father, thank You for the admonition to deploy unconventional approaches in our quest for lost souls. I will strategically reach out to my friends. Like Jesus, I will go to them, love them and invite them to the "table;" taking advantage of special occasions. My home and my life are open for the gospel, in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Meditation*
*Luke 5:29-30 TPT*
[29-30] Matthew wanted to throw a banquet to honor Jesus. So he invited Jesus to his home for dinner, along with many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests. But the Jewish religious leaders and experts of the law complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why would you defile yourselves by eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners? Doesn’t Jesus know it’s wrong to do that?”

*Acts 2:46 TPT*
Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility.

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 2 Samuel 22—1 Kings 2
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 30—31

20/08/2026

CHAMPS TODAY
Daily Devotional
Pastor Ijay Gurgur
Friday, August 21, 2026

*Covenant Kindness*

*_"Now David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1 NKJV)_*

David had every reason to forget Saul’s house. There was war, pain, and a history of rejection. But one name and one cause changed everything: Jonathan and the covenant. So David went looking for someone to bless. Not who deserved it. He was searching for who he could show kindness to for the sake of a promise made long before. That’s how covenant kindness works. And that's what we've got in Christ. It’s based on relationship and the provisions of the gospel, not on perfection.

God remembers you not because you’re perfect, but because of the relationship you have with Him through Christ. And He calls us to do the same: to look out for each other; people to lift, to restore, to honour—not for what they can do for us, but for the sake of our shared relationship in Christ. It's God's will that we seek out the forgotten, and restore lost dignity. Who has God put in your heart to show kindness to? Don’t wait. Galatians 6:10 NKJV says, *_"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."_* Hallelujah!

*Boldly Declare*
Thank You dear heavenly Father for teaching and reminding me to walk in covenant kindness. I remember God’s goodness to me, and I extend His mercy to others. My hands, my words, and my resources will be used to restore and bless, just as I have been restored and blessed, in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Meditation*
*Ruth 2:20 NKJV*
Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead! And Naomi said to her, “This man is a relation of ours, one of our close kinsmen.”

*Ephesians 2:4-7 NKJV*
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

*Matthew 10:8*
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 2 Samuel 16—21
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 26—29

Visit www.champsglobal.org for more resources.

This timely classic seeks to answer the questions, “What is the new life in Christ?”, “Who am I now?”, “What do I do now that I am born again? ”and lots more. Many times, when people get born again, particularly in places where there is little or no pastoral guidance, as to what to do ne...

19/08/2026

CHAMPS TODAY
Daily Devotional
Pastor Paul Gurgur
Thursday, August 20, 2026

*Graciously Forgive In Spite Of The Pain*

_*"But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love (Ephesians 4:32 TPT)."*_

Forgiveness is easy to preach but it’s hard to live. Especially when the pain is deep. Corrie Ten Boom knew that pain. During WWII, she and her family hid Jews in their home in Holland. They were betrayed, arrested, and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp. Her sister Betsie died there but Corrie survived. Years later, after the war, Corrie was speaking about God’s forgiveness in a church in Munich. After the service, a man walked toward her. She recognized him immediately. He had been one of the cruelest guards at Ravensbrück.

He reached out his hand and said, “Fräulein (young woman), will you forgive me?” Her heart froze. Memories flooded back. The pain. The loss. The camp.
She wanted to forgive. But she couldn’t feel it. Then she remembered: _*“Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another.”*_ So she prayed, “Jesus, I can’t, You must do it in me.” And she put her hand in his. As she did, she said later, “A current seemed to pass from me to him, while warmth flooded my soul.” Forgiveness is not a feeling. It’s a decision made _*“in the depths of Christ’s love.”*_ Hallelujah!

*Boldly Declare*
I choose to be kind and affectionate. Because God has graciously forgiven me, I graciously forgive others in the depths of Christ’s love. I let go of every trace of bitterness, in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Meditation*
*Ephesians 4:32 AMPC*
And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.

*Colossians 3:13 TPT*
Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.

*Mark 11:25 TPT*
And whenever you stand praying, if you find that you carry something in your heart against another person, release him and forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also release you and forgive you of your faults.

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 2 Samuel 8—15
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 23—25

19/08/2026

CHAMPS TODAY
Daily Devotional
Pastor Ijay Gurgur
Wednesday, August 19, 2026

*Make Ready A People*

*_"He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:17 NKJV)"_*

God is always preparing a people. Before Jesus came the first time, John the Baptist was sent in the spirit and power of Elijah. His assignment was to make ready God's people for the coming of their Messiah—the ministry of Christ. “Make ready” means to align, to repair, to get fit for purpose. It’s turning hearts back to God, turning families back to each other in God, and turning the disobedient to the wisdom of the just.

When a people are prepared, they are positioned to receive and be part of what God is about to do. He raises voices—ministers that call us back to devotion; single-minded and fully God's (Deuteronomy 6:5), back to unity and oneness in the faith (Malachi 4:6, Ephesians 4:13), back to wisdom—leaving rebellion and walking in God’s ways (Proverbs 4:11-13), back to reconciling sinners to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18). You are part of His people being prepared for God's use in the earth. Use the teachings you have received to win souls for Christ.

*Boldly Declare*
Thank You precious Father, for I am part of a people prepared for the Lord. My heart is turned to God and to His wisdom. I am ready in spirit, ready in character, and ready in obedience for all God wants to use me to do, in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Meditation*
*Malachi 4:5-6 NKJV*
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.

*2 Corinthians 5:18 NKJV*
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,

*Ephesians 2:10 NKJV*
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 2 Samuel 1—7
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 18—22

Visit www.champsglobal.org for more resources.

18/08/2026

CHAMPS TODAY
Daily Devotional
Pastor Paul Gurgur
Tuesday, August 18, 2026

*Choose Never To Be Enslaved By Anything*

_*"It’s true that our freedom allows us to do anything, but that doesn’t mean that everything we do is good for us. I’m free to do as I choose, but I choose to never be enslaved to anything (1 Corinthians 6:12 TPT)."*_

In Corinth, people had a slogan: _*“I’m free to do as I choose.”*_ They used it to justify everything; food, idols, sin, compromise. They often retorted: “We’re free in Christ. So what’s the big deal?” The Apostle Paul answers them with truth: Freedom is real. But not everything is profitable. And some “freedoms” will end up owning you. There are certain truths about real freedom in Christ. Freedom is not a license: _*“Our freedom allows us to do anything”*_ —technically yes. But The Apostle Paul says, _*“it doesn’t mean everything is good for us.”*_

Some things will master you except you stay on your guard. The Corinthians thought they were in control. But habits, lust, anger, money, approval, phone scrolling—they become chains. Jesus came to set the captives free, not to trade one master for another (John 8:36). Choose your master on purpose: _*“I choose to never be enslaved to anything.”*_ That’s a decision. You’re either being mastered by the Spirit, or mastered by something else (Romans 8:14). The world says: “You’re free to do as you choose.” The Word says: _*“Choose to love and obey God (Romans 6:16 TPT).”*_ Hallelujah!

*Boldly Declare*
I am free in Christ. I choose never to be enslaved by anything. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and I will only be mastered by Jesus, in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Meditation*
*Galatians 5:1 TPT*
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bo***ge of our past.

*Romans 6:16 TPT*
Don’t you realize that grace frees you to choose your own master? But choose carefully, for you surrender yourself to become a servant—bound to the one you choose to obey. If you choose to love sin, it will become your master, and it will own you and reward you with death. But if you choose to love and obey God, he will lead you into perfect righteousness.

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 1 Samuel 25—31
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 14—17

Visit www.champsglobal.org for more resources

This timely classic seeks to answer the questions, “What is the new life in Christ?”, “Who am I now?”, “What do I do now that I am born again? ”and lots more. Many times, when people get born again, particularly in places where there is little or no pastoral guidance, as to what to do ne...

14/08/2026

‭‭CHAMPS TODAY
Daily Devotional
Pastor Ijay Gurgur
Saturday, August 15, 2026

*Set Your Eyes On God*

_*‭‭"‭‭I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth (Psalm ‭121:1-2 ‭NKJV‬‬)."*_

Our theme scripture, supposedly a Psalm of King David, who in spite of his position trusted not in his own strength, wealth or army, but in the LORD his God. He said, _*"...I will lift up my eyes to the hills [of God] for that is where my help comes from."*_ He also said in Psalms 122:1, *_" I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”_* He was glad going to the house of God because he understood that help and blessing are sure in His presence (Psalm 16:11).

2 Chronicles 20:12 NKJV records the story of three enemy nations that came up against Judah. And how that king Jehoshaphat took to the temple to seek the face of God with his men. They didn't have military strength, so they prayed, _*"O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."*_ Then God gave them a strategy that wasn't logically appealing but it worked anyway! Keep your eyes on Him. Hallelujah!

*Boldly Declare*
Dear Father, thank You for the revelation of setting my eyes on You. For those who look to You shall never be put to shame. You are the Mighty God; the One Who specializes in impossibilities and gives me unmatched strategies. My eyes are upon You, my ever dependable God. Thank You for making me more than a conqueror in this world, in Jesus' name, amen.

*Meditation*
*‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:4‬,12 ‭NLT‬‬*
[4] So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help. [12] O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

*‭‭Psalms 123:1-2 ‭CEV*
Our LORD and our God, I turn my eyes to you, on your throne in heaven. Servants look to their master, but we will look to you, until you have mercy on us.

*Psalm 16:11 NKJV*
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

BIBLE READING PLAN
180 Days Plan: 1 Samuel 4—12
1 Year Plan: Jeremiah 4—6
-