Grace Baptist Church Afiesere

Grace Baptist Church Afiesere This page is created with purpose of reaching out to the lost souls and bring them to knowledge of Christ Jesus.

22/12/2025

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

Topic: THE SPIRIT ACCOMPLISHES GOD'S WILL

RBT: 1 Peter 1-5; 2 Peter 1-3

BH: 166 - Spirit of God, Descend

1. Spirit of God, descend upon my heart:
Wean it from earth,through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness,mighty as Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.
2. I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant,no op’ning skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.
3. Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King?
All,all Thine own, soul, heart, and strength, and mind;
I see Thy cross,there teach my heart to cling;
O,let me seek Thee, and O, let me find.
4. Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt,the rebel sigh;
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.Amen.

Memory Verse: So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." Zechariah 4:6, NIV

Text: Zechariah 4:1-7

Scripture Passage:
[1]Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened from sleep.
[2]He asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps.
[3]Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”
[4]I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”
[5]He answered, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I replied.
[6]So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
[7]“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”

---

A preacher said, "The task God gives us is often bigger than us and greater than what we could accomplish by our own power." This describes the experience of the Jews after they returned from Babylonian exile. The task before them was to rebuild the destroyed temple. The people started the work in earnest but abandoned it; they were discouraged due to the opposition they faced. In a vision, God sent a message through Prophet Zechariah to Zerubbabel that rebuilding the temple will not be achieved by power nor might. These may refer to military strength, human ability or efficiency. It could also refer to abundant resources or financial means. Zerubbabel was told to depend on the Spirit of the Lord to be successful at the task.

Zechariah's vision highlights a fundamental principle that applies to all who are co-labourers with God. This principle is that spiritual work can only be accomplished by the ability that the Holy Spirit gives. Human power or wisdom is limited in accomplishing God's task. Money, big auditoriums, technology are tools to enhance the gospel, but we will be missing the point if we put our trust in them. You will profit with the work of God committed to your hand when you depend on the Holy Spirit. Your lamp will remain bright and burning when you give room for the Holy Spirit in your life.

Perceive: No task is too great for God to accomplish.

Ponder: Do you rely on the Holy Spirit to fulfil your ministry?

Practise: Commit your assignments to God for help.

Pray: Lord, provide resources to do Your work in Jesus' Name.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Ogunwuyi E.A., Alada-Nla; Odebola O. Oderinde, Ibadan; Agboola P.O.O., Oniparaga; Reuben L. Ibitoye, Ilorin; Sini T. Ezekiel, Gongola; Onikunola A.A., Ogbomoso; Yamawo Tanimu, Abuja; Taiwo Abiodun, Kogi; Wade Sunday, G-Mada; Bisi Okunlola, Togo; Adebayo A. Simeon, Ekinrin-Adde.

Prayer: Lord, turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things and teach me Your way.

21/12/2025

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025

Topic: CHRIST REJOICES WHEN SINNERS REPENT

RBT: James 1-3

BH: 212 - Love Lifted Me

1. I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me,
Now safe am I.
Love lifted me!Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
2. All to Him I give,
Ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing;
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful loving service,too,
To Him belongs.
3. Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves;
He's the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be,
Be saved today.

Memory Verse: I tell you that in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7, NIV

Text: Luke 15:1-7

Scripture Passage:
[1]Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.
[2]But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
[3]Then Jesus told them this parable:
[4]“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
[5]And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders
[6]and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
[7]I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

---

Celebration is an intrinsic part of the human experience, which transcends cultures, religions, and societies. Celebrations usually involve jubilant festivities which are used to commemorate significant moments in people's lives. An indispensable part of any celebration is joy and gratitude. Today's text makes us know that celebration is not only a human experience; it is also a divine practice. The Pharisees found it difficult to cope with the fact that Jesus welcomed tax collectors and sinners who gathered around to hear Him. Jesus responded to their resentment by telling them the parable of a man who has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. The man leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one that is lost. When he finds it, he goes home and calls his friends and neighbours together to rejoice with him for finding his lost sheep. Jesus concludes by telling the Pharisees that heaven rejoices more when a sinner repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

It is such a great thing to be a reason for rejoicing in heaven. This happens when you repent of your sins, confess them, and receive Christ's forgiveness. Having received Christ, your life can be a reason for joy in heaven if you seek to do God's will at all times, and you align your life to fulfil God's intents and purposes for your existence.

Perceive: True repentance brings forgiveness and total restoration.

Ponder: Is your life bringing joy to heaven?

Practise: Extend this message of hope to someone straying from God's way today.

Pray: God, give me the grace to be among those who seek the lost.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Oyewole N.O., Ede; Aladesida O. Adeola, Lagos; Akinlade Abiodun, Lagos; Aderonmu M. Adeniyi, Legun; Adeleke Emmanuel I., Aworo Imeko; Abegunde A.A., Ifo; Bulus E. Musa, Sabon Kayarda.

Prayer: Lord, incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness.

20/12/2025

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025

Topic: THE MESSIAH REIGNS VICTORIOUSLY

RBT: Hebrews 11-13

BH: 414 - The Son of God Goes Forth to War

1. The Son of God goes forth to war,
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood-red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink His cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain;
Who,patient, bears his cross below,
He follows in His train.
2. The martyr first, whose eagle eye,
Could pierce beyond the grave,
Who saw his Master in the sky,
And called on Him to save:
Like Him,with pardon on his tongue,
In midst of mortal pain;
He prayed for them that did the wrong:
Who follows in his train?
3. A noble army, men and boys,
The matron and the maid,
Around the Savior’s throne rejoice,
In robes of light arrayed:
They climbed the steep ascent of heav’n
Through peril,toil, and pain;
O God,to us may grace be giv’n
To follow in their train!

Memory Verse: Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron, you will dash them to pieces like pottery. Psalm 2:8-9, NIV

Text: Psalm 2:1-12

Scripture Passage:
[1]Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
[2]The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
[3]“Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
[4]The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
[5]He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
[6]“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
[7]I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.
[8]Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
[9]You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
[10]Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
[11]Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
[12]Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

---

Rebellion against divine authority is as old as humanity itself. The desire for unrestricted freedom has made many defiant to God's instructions, thereby following their own will, albeit to their own detriment. The psalmist affirms God's power over the universe and His establishment of order through a divinely appointed king. Earthly rulers plot rebellion against God and His Anointed. Despite their schemes, God declares that His King, the Messiah, is established on Zion, His holy hill. While God could act in righteous anger, He forewarned the rebellious because of His love and mercy. Jesus, the perfect representation of God, is synonymous with God, the Father. Opposing Jesus is opposing God Himself. Seated in the heavens as the Great King, God holds the nations as His inheritance. All judgment is entrusted to Him. The psalmist counsels the leaders of nations to either defy God and perish or surrender to Him and be blessed. God's rule allows free choice, as He compels no one.

Our God is King over all creation. He rules and reigns in the affairs of men. Nobody can fight against Him and succeed because He will always triumph over His enemies. We must cease from aligning ourselves with the Devil to fight against God's work and His servants in whatever way. As believers in Christ, we must acknowledge God's greatness and power, as we also make ourselves available to promote the works of His kingdom.

Perceive: No power or principality can overcome Jesus' power and dominion.

Ponder: Are you totally surrendered to God's authority over your life?

Practise: Be conscious of following Jesus' authority in your life as you go out today and in your lifetime.

Pray: Lord, help me to be loyal to Your Kingdom.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Orolade Moses, Ogbomoso; Oyelami S.O., Ikoro-Ekiti; Olaniyan S. Bamiduro, Lagos; Majonagbe Sunday O., Olambe; Ubiako A. Dorcas, Delta; Philip O. Daniel, Kaduna; Idoro O. Emmanuel, Sapele; Adekanmbi A. Adejumo, Ile-Ife; Adekunle Timothy A., Ejigbo; Kaode Babarinde A. Adeyinka, Ibadan.

Prayer: Lord, remove everything hindering my progress in Jesus' name.

19/12/2025

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

Topic: WELCOME THE DAVIDIC HEIR

RBT: Hebrews 9-10

BH: 457 - Send the Light

1. There’s a call comes ringing o’er the restless wave,
“Send the light!Send the light!”
There are souls to rescue,there are souls to save,
Send the light!Send the light!
Send the light!The blessed gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light!The blessed gospel light:
Let it shine forevermore.
2. We have heard the Macedonia call today,
“Send the light!Send the light!”
And a golden off’ring at the cross we lay,
Send the light!Send the light!
3. Let us pray that grace may everywhere abound,
Send the light!Send the light!
And a Christ-like spirit everywhere be found,
Send the light!Send the light!
4. Let us not grow weary in the work of love,
Send the light!Send the light!
Let us gather jewels for a crown above,
Send the light!Send the light!

Memory Verse: Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7, NIV.

Text: Isaiah 9:3-7

Scripture Passage:
[3]You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.
[4]For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
[5]Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
[6]For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
[7]Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

---

The quest for an heir has been a central theme in human history, influencing the course of dynasties and impacting personal legacies. Whether in royal families, noble houses, or wealthy estates, the search for a suitable successor is treated with utmost importance because it determines the continuation of the lineage. Similarly, a promise was made in today's text about one who would be the heir to the throne of David. The promise “there will be no more gloom for those in distress” offered hope. It spoke of the end of pain and sorrow, assuring that the darkness would not be permanent, for God's light would shine through. This imagery of deliverance dates back to Israel's liberation from the Midianites through Gideon, hinting at an even more remarkable future redemption promised by God.

The reason for the people's joy was the announcement of the birth of a child, the promised one in verses 6-7. This child would continue the Davidic lineage, rule with righteousness and justice, and reign eternally. The prophecy assured of deliverance and boundless joy for God's people amid the darkness. Jesus is the successor to the Davidic lineage, who brings lasting joy, light, and divine authority to God's people. Believers should key into what God has done for us through Jesus Christ and appropriate the inheritance we have by His kingship. Besides, Jesus must take over the throne of our hearts and rule and reign so that our lives will conform to His image.

Perceive: Jesus would reign only where He is welcomed.

Ponder: Have you allowed the Prince of Peace to rule in your life?

Practise: Proclaim the kingdom of the Prince of Peace to two people today.

Pray: Jesus, come and have Your place in my life.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Daniel B. Oke, Kano; Michael B. Eze, Ogbomoso; Ojo Olufemi T., Ogbomoso; Ola Tosin F., Ibadan; Ogundiran A. Alabi, Lagos; Adesokan S.A., Ota; Adetoyese S. Adeniji, Lagos; Adesope A. Josiah, Ogun; Regina Samson, Abuja; Ogundipe O.A., Ogun; Amos A. Adegbanke, Ibadan; Abayomi S. Olufemi, Odeomu; Taiwo J. Olayemi, Osogbo; Olonade Gbemileke A., Lagos; J.O. Adedokun, Aiyetoro; Olalekan Oludare A., Ijoko; Kparev O. Daniel, Lessel; Tanko Livinus, Karfe; John Madugu, Gwale I.

Prayer: Show forth Your glory, might, and power in the lives of Your people at NBC Night of Wonders, which is taking place tonight.

17/12/2025

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

Topic: CHRIST OFFERS ETERNAL LIFE

RBT: Hebrews 1-4

BH: 200 - Grace Greater Than Our Sin

1. Marvelous grace of our Loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt.
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Grace,grace, God’s grace.
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within:
Grace,grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
2. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look!there is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today.
3. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe;
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Memory Verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16, NIV

Text: John 3:14-21

Scripture Passage:
[14]Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
[15]that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
[16]For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
[17]For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
[18]Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
[19]This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
[20]Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
[21]But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

---

The experience of the Israelites in the wilderness, when serpents bit them, should be a serious signal to us today. Moses told them to look up at the bronze image of a serpent. They needed to believe the instruction and look up to the bronze image. And the result was the total removal of the snake's venom from their bodies. Imagine someone refusing to yield to the instruction—what would happen to such an individual? Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about the concept of eternal life, referring to how Moses lifted the snake in the wilderness, and those who looked at it were saved. In the same way, Jesus has been lifted on the cross. Anyone who looks at Him with faith will be saved.

God offered Jesus Christ to humankind to bring salvation to all. The interest of God is to save humanity through Jesus Christ, but everyone has the choice to believe or not. God did not send Jesus to condemn the world but to save it. The rejection of the offer leads to eternal damnation, while accepting comes with an assurance of eternity in heaven. Have you accepted this offer? Today is your day of salvation. Welcome Jesus into your life and enjoy eternal life with Him. If you are saved, then tell someone about Jesus.

Perceive: The rejection of salvation through Jesus Christ is a determination to end up in hell.

Ponder: Are you saved?

Practise: Tell someone about the eternal life that Christ offers today.

Pray: Jesus, help me not to trivialise the eternal life that you offer me.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Ogungbenle F.O., Ibadan; Balogun David, Oke Agbe-Akoko; Gbadero Adetunji, Lagos; Oyelowo Michael S., Igboho; Danmaza O. Holma, Taraba; Ejenavwome Collins, Delta; Ojiebun Paul, Delta; Adebodun O.A., Lagos; Ajani Olatunji O., Oluponna; Abraham Olusola-Niyi, Ikorodu; Micah Iwedi, Krakrama.

Prayer: O Lord, deliver me from the schemes of the enemy.

16/12/2025

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025

Topic: CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY

RBT: Philemon 1, Titus 1-3

BH: 458 - Christ for the World We Sing

1. Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring,
With loving zeal;
The poor and them that mourn,
The faint and overborne,
Sin-sick and sorrow-worn,
Whom Christ doth heal.
2. Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring,
With fervent prayer;
The wayward and the lost
By restless passion tossed,
Redeemed,at countless cost,
From dark despair.
3. Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring,
With one accord;
With us the work to share,
With us reproach to dare,
With us the cross to bear,
For Christ our Lord.
4. Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring,
With joyful song;
The newborn souls whose days,
Reclaimed from error’s ways,
Inspired with hope and praise,
To Christ belong.

Memory Verse: You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6, NIV

Text: Romans 5:1-11

Scripture Passage:
[1]Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
[2]through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
[3]Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
[4]perseverance, character; and character, hope.
[5]And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
[6]You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
[7]Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.
[8]But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
[9]Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
[10]For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
[11]Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

---

Standing as a guarantor for a borrower is often considered a risky venture. The act of guaranteeing someone means agreeing to pay the total amount owed should the borrower be unable to pay. It is usually advisable that you guarantee someone you can vouch for, whom you know is of good behaviour. We were not ‘of good behaviour’ when Christ took our place. He received the punishment due to us and died so we may have life.

Paul stated that Christ’s death happened at the right time appointed by God. All the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament eventually came to fulfilment. At the time Christ died, humanity was powerless, unable to save ourselves from the grip of sin and its consequence, which was eternal death. Christ did not die for a perfect people—He died for the ungodly. The purpose of His death was to reconcile us to God, to make us godly and in a position to relate freely with God, just as it was in the Garden of Eden.

Jesus’ death is the highest height of love shown to us by the Father. Embracing this love means accepting the sacrifice that He made and yielding our lives to Him as Lord. God specialises in helping the helpless who seek His help and giving power to those who are weak. Would you ask Him this moment to help you in areas where you are struggling to align with His will and purpose?

Perceive: Christ’s strength overcomes the believer’s weakness.

Ponder: Do you trust Christ’s power to help you overcome your weaknesses?

Practise: Share the message of Christ’s death for the ungodly with an unbeliever this week.

Pray: Lord, I exchange my weakness for Your strength in Jesus’ Name.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Oluwafemi Rotimi S.O, Ekiti; Akinwande Ezekiel O., Lagos; Oladayo B. Adegboye, Idi-Iroko; Oladeni Esther A., Lagos; Ogunkemi T.A., Osun; Ojo Oluyinka, Ibadan; Oluwafemi M. Oyeyebi, Abuja; Adebayo Jeremiah O., Ibadan; Idowu E.A., IdiOgunSanni; Sunday Bulus, Gidan Gyara.

Prayer: Lord, use my life to declare Your glory to a fallen world.

05/12/2025

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Topic: GOD'S WORD TESTIFIES OF JESUS

RBT: 2 Corinthians 10-13

BH 183: O Word of God Incarnate

1. O Word of God Incarnate,
O Wisdom from on high,
O Truth unchanged, Unchanging,
O Light of our dark sky:
We praise Thee for the radiance
That from the hallowed page,
A lantern to our footsteps,
Shines on from age to age.

2. The church from Thee, her Master,
Received the gift divine,
And still that light it lifteth
O’er all the earth to shine:
It is the sacred casket,
Where gems of truth are stored;
It is the heaven-drawn picture
Of Thee, the living Word.

3. It floateth like a banner
Before God’s host unfurled;
It shineth like a beacon
Above the darkling world:
It is the chart and compass
That o’er life’s surging sea,
‘Mid mists and rocks and quick sands,
Still guides, O Christ, to Thee.

4. O make Thy church, dear Savior,
A lamp of purest gold,
To bear before the nations
Thy true light as of old:
O teach Thy wandering pilgrims
By this their path to trace,
Till clouds and darkness ended,
They see Thee face to face. Amen.

Memory Verse:
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.”
John 5:39, NIV

Text: John 5:37-47

Scripture Passage:

[37] And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,

[38] nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.

[39] You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,

[40] yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

[41] “I do not accept glory from human beings,

[42] but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.

[43] I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.

[44] How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

[45] “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set.

[46] If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.

[47] But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

_______

Harry Ironside said, “It is a pitiful thing to pretend to honour the Bible while rejecting the Christ of the Bible.”

The Jews claimed to know the Scriptures, yet they rejected Christ, who is the central figure in all of the Bible.

Jesus’ words in today’s passage were His response to the Pharisees who accused Him of healing the man by the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. Jesus asserted that His authority came from God and pointed them to several witnesses: the testimony of John, the miracles He performed, the voice of the Father, and finally, the written Word—all of which testified of Him.

Multiple witnesses establish the truth of a matter. In the Christian faith, God has revealed the truth through His Son Jesus Christ and through His holy Word.

Merely searching the Scriptures or listening to sermons is not enough—our lives must align with the truths we read. If someone claims to know the Scriptures yet lives contrary to the message of Christ, it shows unbelief in what the Scriptures reveal about Him.

Let the Scriptures you know transform your character, shape your values, and deepen your devotion to Christ. Does your life honour Jesus? Do you believe the truths you have been hearing for years? Have you personally met the Christ that the Scriptures testify about?

Perceive: Believing and living the truth of the Bible is proof that one truly knows the Scriptures.

Ponder: Your knowledge of Scripture—does it reside in your head or in your heart?

Practise: Create a plan to study the Gospels so you can know Jesus more intimately.

Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to know You more and to live more like You every day.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:
Samuel O. Oyetunde, Ogbomoso; Kolawole J. O., Ogbomoso; Pughikumo Akponamini, Arogbo Ijaw; D. O. A. Ilori, Iwoye; A. D. A. Onyobour, Delta; Amusan O. Adefisayo, Akute; Oyedemi O. P., Lagos; Ilufoye T. Folasade, Lagos; Olayiwola Oladapo, Abuja; Adeniran T. A., Kwara; Joshua Ige, Ileteju-Mopa; Adegboyega S. Gesinde, Ibadan; David H. Faraka, Lafia; Ajiteru B. O., Oro; Adeosun T. Adesoye, Ibuji; Aigoro Olusegun, Imeke.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, endow me with wisdom and strategies to win souls for the kingdom in Jesus’ name.

04/12/2025

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025

Topic: GOD'S WORD INTERPRETED

RBT: 2 Corinthians 5-9

BH 182: Thy Word Is Like a Garden Lord

1. Thy Word is like a garden, Lord,
With flowers bright and fair;
And ev’ry one who seeks may pluck
A lovely cluster there.
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine;
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
For ev’ry searcher there.

2. Thy Word is like a starry host;
A thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler
And make his pathway bright.
O may I love Thy precious Word,
May I explore the mine,
May I the fragrant flowers glean,
May light upon me shine. Amen.

Memory Verse: They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
Nehemiah 8:8, NIV

Text: Nehemiah 8:1-8

Scripture Passage:

[1] All the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.

[2] So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.

[3] He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

[4] Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

[5] Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.

[6] Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

[7] The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.

[8] They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

**_______**

Biblical interpretation requires humility and careful study. John Marc Arthur once said that many errors come from rushing to interpret Scripture without considering the full counsel of God.

True communication is successful only when the hearers rightly understand the message. This applies even more to God’s Word. After the walls were rebuilt and the people settled, the next step was heart renewal through the Word.

At the Water Gate, the people not only listened to Ezra reading the Law, they also submitted themselves to the interpretation so that everyone clearly understood it. Reading without understanding leads to error. Misinterpretation is often the result of reading our own ideas into the Scriptures.

Today’s believers need a revival of the Water Gate experience—a renewed desire to hear, understand, and submit to God’s Word. Teachers must faithfully divide the Word (2 Timothy 2:15), avoiding emotional or trendy interpretations. Believers must not impose personal meanings on Scripture but seek the true meaning by diligent study and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Perceive: Correct interpretation of the Scriptures is the basis for balanced spiritual growth.

Ponder: Do you take time to study God’s Word for correct interpretation?

Practise: Set time aside this weekend for an in-depth study of the book of Nehemiah.

Pray: Lord, teach me Your Word.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:
Aremu I. Kayode, Ogbomoso; Odesola O. A., Ogbomoso; Adetunji J. O., Lagos; Tanko Timothy, Kaduna; John O. Olawuyi, Gombe; Amole John, Zuru; Dahunsi J. O., Oyo; Akinkunmi M. O., Aladura-Ijesa; Aigbadumah Christopher, Lagos; Irantiola C. M., Lagos.

Prayer: I declare that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

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Ughelli

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