Ogies Phola Church Of Christ

15/04/2026

18/03/2026

*MORNING DEVOTION: WED, ¹⁸ MA ²⁰²⁶:*

📖 ⁵"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ⁷Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. ⁸This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8)

LESSON:

I. Proverbs 3:5-8 teaches that true wisdom and peace come from relying entirely on God rather than human logic, fearing Him, and avoiding evil.

• It promises that acknowledging God in all decisions brings divine guidance for life's path, along with emotional and physical renewal (health and refreshment).

II. Key lessons from Proverbs 3:5-8 include:

a. Trust Completely, Not Partially:
• The passage commands trusting God with "all your heart," implying that total reliance on His character, sovereignty, and goodness is required, rather than partial or conditional trust.

b. Avoid Self-Reliance:
• We are warned against relying on our own understanding or limited perspective, as "what seems right" to humans can lead to destruction.

c. Acknowledge God Daily:
• Acknowledging God in "all your ways" means including Him in daily decisions—both small and large—rather than just crises, aligning actions with His will.

d. The Promise of Direction:
• When we trust and acknowledge Him, the promise is that He will "make paths straight," providing clarity, guidance, and success.

e. Humility and Fearing the Lord:
• Fearing the Lord means respecting His authority and turning away from evil, which protects against the dangers of being "wise in your own eyes."

f. Health and Refreshment:
• Obedience to these principles is linked to physical and emotional well-being, described as "healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

III. This passage ultimately encourages a life of humility, surrendering the need for control and relying on God's strength rather than our own. (Google.2026. Key Lessons from Proverbs 3:5-8)

Good morning!🙏🏿

A. "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate." (Proverbs 8:13)

B. "It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)

C. "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:21)

D. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 1:2)

HAVE A LOVELY DAY!

Let us choose to submit ourselves to God's authority knowing that all the spiritual blessings are found in Christ Jesus. Keep the faith. Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ. Trust and obey. God is in control!

28/12/2025

*SUNDAY MORNING DEVOTION: ²⁸ DEC ²⁰²⁵:*

📖 ¹"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? ²Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

³Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

⁴Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:1-4)

LESSON:

I. Romans 6:1-4 teaches that believers, having died to sin through union with Christ in baptism, cannot continue living in sin.

• Grace is not a license to sin, but a call to walk in "newness of life," effectively burying the old self and embracing resurrection life with Christ.

II. Key lessons from this passage include:

a. Grace is Not a License to Sin:
• Paul strongly rejects the idea that Christians should continue sinning to "increase" God's grace.

b. Identification with Christ's Death:
• Through faith and baptism, believers are united with Jesus in his death, meaning they are dead to the power and mastery of sin.

c. Burial of the Old Self:
• Baptism symbolizes the burial of the old, sinful nature.

d. Resurrection to New Life:
• Just as Christ was raised from the dead, believers are empowered to live a new life, free from the enslavement of sin.

e. A Shift in Ownership:
• Believers are no longer slaves to sin but are to live as people alive to God, presenting themselves as instruments of righteousness.

f. Practical Transformation:
• The,daily,reality for a Christian is to stop acting on sinful desires, as they are no longer defined by their past mistakes. (Google.2025. Key Lessons from Romans 6:1-4)

Good morning!🙏🏿

• "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

HAVE A BLESSED FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK!

Let us be strong in the Lord, knowing that we have been freed from the slavery of sin brethren. Let us not forsake the assembly and let us encourage one another.

Keep the faith. Forgiveness of our sins is only found in Jesus Christ. God allows a U-turn. Trust and obey. What a privilege to be in Jesus Christ. Backward never, forward ever!

In the service of Christ!

21/12/2025

*SUNDAY MORNING DEVOTION: ²¹ DEC ²⁰²⁵:*

📖 ³⁴Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" ³⁵And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:34-35)

LESSON:

I. Luke 1:35 highlights the miraculous virgin conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, affirming His identity as the sinless Son of God and fully divine Messiah.

• It teaches that God initiates salvation, uses humble, willing vessels (like Mary), and that His power enables the impossible, bringing about the fulfillment of prophecy through the Incarnation.

II. Key lessons from Luke 1:35 include:

a. The Divinity and Humanity of Christ:
• Jesus is identified as both "holy" and the "Son of God," affirming His divinity, while being born of a woman, which makes Him fully human.

b. The Miraculous Conception:
• The birth is a supernatural act, not of human origin, as the Holy Spirit "overshadows" Mary to conceive the Savior, ensuring He is without sin.

c. God's Power Overcomes the Impossible:
• The verse demonstrates that nothing is impossible with God, as He brings about the fulfillment of prophecy (like Isaiah 9) through a miraculous, supernatural event.

d. The Role of Submission and Humility:
• Mary, chosen as a humble vessel, models faith by receiving a difficult, incomprehensible promise, showing that God uses willing servants to achieve His purposes.

e. The "Overshadowing" of the Holy Spirit:
1. This phrase indicates the presence and protection of God, similar to the cloud covering the Tabernacle in the Old Testament, representing God with us (Emmanuel).

2. This verse highlights that the Messiah is not just a prophet but the divine, sinless Son of God who came to earth, emphasizing God's direct intervention in human history (Deuteronomy 18:18; Acts 3:20-26). (Google.2025. Key Lessons from Luke 1:35)

Good morning!🙏🏿

A. "He (Jesus) was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4:25)

B. "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name." (Acts 22:16)

HAVE A BLESSED FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK!

Let us stand firm in the gospel my dear brethren knowing that salvation is only found in Jesus Christ. Keep the faith. Forgiveness of our sins is only found in Jesus Christ. God allows a U-turn. Trust and obey. Do not forsake the assembly. God is love!

In the service of Christ!

19/12/2025

*MORNING DEVOTION: FRI, ¹⁹ DEC ²⁰²⁵:*

📖 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)

• "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

LESSON:

I. Matthew 10:28 and 2 Timothy 1:7 provide a foundation for overcoming fear through a shift in perspective.

a. They teach that God provides a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline rather than fear, instructing believers to prioritize reverence for God over fear of human persecution.

b. These scriptures encourage boldness in faith, knowing that ultimate safety lies in God.

II. Key Lessons from Matthew 10:28

a. Fear God, Not Man:
• Jesus instructs followers not to fear those who can only kill the body, but to fear Him (God) who has authority over both body and soul.

b. Eternal Perspective:
• The worst, men can do is end earthly life, but God holds the power of eternal life and judgment.

c. Proper "Fear" of God:
• This is not abject terror, but a holy reverence, respect, and awe for the Creator who holds eternity in His hands.

d. Security in God's Care:
• God is not just a judge but a loving father who cares for his servants, noting even the smallest details like hairs on a head.

III. Key Lessons from 2 Timothy 1:7

a. Fear is Not from God:
• God does not give a spirit of timidity or fear.

b. The Spirit of Power:
• God equips believers with spiritual power to withstand hardship and carry out their calling, even in difficult circumstances.

c. The Spirit of Love:
• This power is balanced by love, ensuring that actions and ministries are rooted in selfless care for others, not arrogance.

d. A Sound Mind (Self-Discipline):
• This refers to self-control, wisdom, and a balanced, calm mind, allowing believers to navigate crises without panicking.

IV. Combined Takeaways

a. Overcoming Fear with Truth:
• By trusting in God’s power and love, Christians can overcome the fear of rejection and persecution.

b. Active Faith:
• 2 Timothy 1:7 encourages "fanning into flame" the gifts God has given, overcoming timidity to serve boldly.

c. Foundation for Boldness:
• Both verses combined move a believer from a state of fear to a state of confident, faithful action. (Google.2025. Key Lessons from Matthew 10:28; 2 Timothy 1:7)

Good morning!🙏🏿

A. "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverbs 28:1)

B. "Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear; Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come." ~ William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (Act 2, Scene 2)

HAVE A NICE DAY AND A SOBER WEEKEND!

Let us be strong in the Lord and let us fear God and keep His commandments. Keep the faith. Eternal life is only found in Jesus Christ. Trust and obey. God is in control!

In the service of Christ!

15/09/2025

*MORNING DEVOTION: MON, ¹⁵ SEP ²⁰²⁵:*

📖 ⁵"Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. For He (God) Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." ⁶So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

LESSON:

Hebrews 13:5-6 offers lessons on contentment and trust in God, teaching believers to avoid the love of money and to be satisfied with their present circumstances because of God's unchanging promise to never leave or forsake them, which instills confidence in God's sufficiency as their helper and eliminates the need to fear human opposition.

I. Lesson 1:

a. Reject the Love of Money
Avoid materialism: The passage commands believers to "Keep your life free from love of money." This involves resisting the desire for wealth and possessions that can become a means of security instead of God.

b. Understand its danger: The "love of money" is a destructive force that can pull you away from God and lead to discontent.

II. Lesson 2:

a. Cultivate Contentment
Be satisfied with what you have: The command to "be content with what you have" means to find satisfaction in God's provisions, recognizing what is enough.

b. Don't chase material things: Contentment is the ability to say, "I have enough," rather than constantly seeking more through accumulation, which advertisements often promote.

III. Lesson 3:

a. Trust in God's Unfailing Presence
Rely on God's promise: The reason for freedom from the love of money and the cultivation of contentment is found in God's promise: "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

b. God is our sufficient helper: Because God is always present and will not abandon us, He is our ultimate helper and source of true security.

IV. Lesson 4:

a. Overcome Fear
Confidence in God's sufficiency: Believers can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear."

b. Human efforts are futile against God's power: The passage concludes by asking, "What can man do to me?" This reflects the confidence that no human power can harm those whose trust is in God. (AI Overview)

Good morning!🙏🏿

• ⁶"But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ⁸And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

Let us put our trust in the Lord brethren knowing that God cares for us in a special way. Let us not be greedy and let us be content. Keep the faith. Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ. Trust and obey. We are not alone. Hang in there!

In the service of Christ!

14/09/2025

*SUNDAY MORNING DEVOTION: ¹⁴ SEP ²⁰²⁵:*

📖 ¹"Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ²And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. ³His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

⁴And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. ⁵But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28:1-6)

LESSON:

I. Lessons from Matthew 28:1-6 include the importance of faith amidst adversity, as demonstrated by the women's devotion to Jesus and the angelic intervention that confirms His resurrection.

a. The passage shows God's power over death and earthly powers, indicated by the earthquake and the rolled stone, which serves to reveal that Jesus is already risen.

b. It also highlights God's grace, revealed through Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection, and provides hope for forgiveness and eternal life for those who trust Him.

II. Faith and Devotion:

a. Steadfastness in the Face of Despair: The women, particularly Mary Magdalene, showed incredible loyalty by faithfully seeking out Jesus's body at the tomb, even after his death, demonstrating a deep commitment to their Lord.

b. Faith is Seen in Action: Their seeking was earnest and focused solely on Jesus, highlighting the importance of a passionate and undivided heart in seeking the Savior.

III. God's Power and the Empty Tomb:

a. Supernatural Manifestation: The violent earthquake and the descent of the angel from heaven reveal God's powerful intervention to confirm the resurrection.

b. The Stone Rolled for Us, Not Him: The stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out, but to demonstrate that He had already risen, showing God's purpose in these events.

c. The Empty Tomb as a Sign of Victory: The open tomb serves as a clear, visible sign that Jesus has overcome death, offering a source of hope and joy for His followers.

IV. Hope and Grace:

a. The Proof of a Savior's Sacrifice: The resurrection validates Jesus's sacrifice for our sins, proving His victory over death and assuring us of true forgiveness and cleansing from unrighteousness.

b. Grace Available Through Christ: Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection have made a way for people to access God's grace, providing what is needed for salvation.

c. A Promise of an Empty Tomb: This event assures believers that no matter what devastation they face, they can look to the empty tomb as a symbol of ultimate hope and God's presence with them. (AI Overview)

Good morning!🙏🏿

A. "He (Jesus) was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4:25)

B. ¹⁵And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. ¹⁶He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16)

HAVE A BLESSED FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK!

Let us continue to stand firm in the gospel knowing that Jesus Christ is Lord of lords and King of kings. Be strong in the Lord. Keep the faith. Forgiveness of our sins is only found in Jesus Christ. Trust and obey. He is risen!

In the service of Christ.

11/09/2025

*MORNING DEVOTION: THU, ¹¹ SEP ²⁰²⁵:*

📖 ¹⁵"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ¹⁷Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

¹⁸A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matthew 7:15-20)

LESSON:

I. Matthew 7:15-20 teaches to beware of false prophets, who appear harmless but are inwardly destructive, leading people astray on the broad path to destruction.

a. You can recognize them by their "fruits," or actions, which reveal their true nature and whether their life and teaching are aligned with God's truth.

b. True believers should be discerning, as these false teachers are dangerous, and their ultimate fate is destruction, just as an unfruitful tree is cast into the fire.

II. Beware of Deceptive Teachers

a. Appearance vs. Reality: False prophets may disguise themselves as sheep but are inwardly dangerous "wolves".

b. Intention: They aim to lead people away from the narrow path that leads to life and onto the broad, destructive path.

III. Discern by "Fruits" (Actions and Results)

a. A Tree is Known by Its Fruit: Just as a tree's fruit reveals its nature, the actions, character, and teachings of these false prophets will reveal their true nature.

b. What to Look For: Examine their manner of living, the content of their teaching, and the effect it has on people.

c. Good vs. Bad Fruit: Good trees produce good fruit, while bad trees produce bad fruit. True teachers lead people to grow in spiritual understanding, not just be entertained.

IV. The Consequence for False Teachers

a. Judgment: Any tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (John 15:6)

b. Destruction: Their lives and teaching are an "evil fruit," and their ultimate end is severe and final destruction.

V. Your Role as a Believer

a. Be Vigilant: Be on guard and watchful for these dangerous teachers who can lead you to ruin.

b. Test the Spirits: You are called to try the spirits to determine if they are from God, as the stakes are high. (1 John 4:1)

c. Seek Truth: Cultivate your knowledge of the Scriptures to better understand the truth and identify deception. (2 Timothy 3:15-17) (AI Overview)

Good morning!🙏🏿

• ⁴And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁵For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many." (Matthew 24:4-5)

HAVE A LOVELY DAY!

Let us see to it that we are not being deceived by false prophets/teachers. Let us study the word of God seriously and be able to refute false teachings. Keep the faith. Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ. Trust and obey. Stop entertaining false teachers!

In the service of Christ!

10/09/2025

*MORNING DEVOTION: WED, ¹⁰ SEP ²⁰²⁵:*

📖 ¹"Man who is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble (anxiety, stress, problem, misery, sadness, worry, difficulties). ²He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue.

⁵Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. (Job 14:1-2,5)

LESSON:

I. Job 14:1-2, 5 teaches about the brevity and frailty of human life, noting that humans are "short-lived and full of trouble," like a quickly withering flower or a fleeting shadow.

a. It emphasizes the certainty of death, contrasting human life's finality with a tree's potential for renewal.

b. Verse 5 specifically highlights God's sovereignty and power over life, showing that He has set boundaries for human existence and is the one who ultimately controls life and death.

II. Lessons from Job 14:1-2

a. Life is short and full of trouble: Job describes human life as brief and inherently difficult, a stark contrast to the enduring nature of other things.

b. Life is transient: The imagery of a flower that withers and a shadow that disappears emphasizes how quickly human existence passes and how little permanence it has.

c. Death is inevitable and final for humans: Unlike a tree that might sprout again, once a person dies, they do not return to life.

III. Lessons from Job 14:5

a. God sets boundaries for life: God has determined the duration of every human life, and no one can extend it.

b. God is in ultimate control: This verse underscores God's sovereignty over life and death, a power no human possesses.

c. The brevity of life is a divine setup: The limited time for human life is part of God's divine design.

IV. Combined Lessons for Living

a. Prioritize the present: Given the short and uncertain nature of life, we should make the most of our time.

b. Embrace God's sovereignty: We should find comfort and understanding in God's ultimate control over life and death.

c. Recognize human frailty: This passage encourages humility, reminding us of our dependence on God and the temporary nature of our existence. (AI Overview)

Good morning!🙏🏿

A. "...whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a v***r that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:14)

B. ²⁵Jesus said to her (Martha), "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)

HAVE A LOVELY DAY!

Life's challenges will always be there in everyone of us. Yes, our days are numbered so what! Let us put first things first, and that is to pursue godliness (the fear of the Lord). Keep the faith. Eternal life is only found in Jesus Christ. God allows a U-turn. Trust and obey. God is in control!

In the service of Christ!

08/09/2025

*MORNING DEVOTION: MON, ⁰⁸ SEP ²⁰²⁵:*

📖 ³⁶"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" ³⁷Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ⁴⁰All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)

LESSON:

I. Matthew 22:36–40 teaches that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.

• These two commandments form the foundation for all the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets, meaning that living out these two principles fulfills all other divine commands and is central to Christian life.

II. Here are the key lessons from this passage:

a. The Highest Priority is God: The first and most important law is to love God completely, with your entire being. This shows your complete devotion and gratitude to God and is the starting point for a proper relationship with Him.

b. Love for Others is Crucial: The second commandment, loving your neighbor as you love yourself, is equally important. This means you should treat others with kindness, compassion, and care.

c. These Two Love God and Neighbor Commands are Foundational:
1. Jesus states that all the other commandments and the entire Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.
2. If you can live out these core principles, you will be living out the essence of all of God's commands.

d. Love is an Action, Not Just a Feeling: While emotions are part of it, love is fundamentally a decision and a commitment to action. It involves making a choice to prioritize God and others and then living out that choice through your daily actions.

e. Focus on What Matters Most: By focusing on loving God and your neighbor, you are focusing on the most vital aspects of your faith and life, rather than getting lost in less important matters or distractions. (AI Overview)

Good morning!🙏🏿

• "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18)

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

A. "If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)

B. Let us make every effort to put first things first brethren as we seek to be obedient children of God. May God continue to bless you more in all your efforts. Keep the faith. Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ. Trust and obey. Love is more than words. God is love!

In the service of Christ!