Month: October 2023

Date: Tuesday, 31^st October, 2023

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

Believers in Christ are in the world but not of the world- John 17:16-27. The world here refers to the systems of this earth that are under the control of Satan- 2 Corinthians 4:4. He influences the ungodly traditions and customs of this world and every practice that does not agree with the word of God. This is why friendship with the world is enmity with God -James 4:4.

We are, therefore, warned not be unequally bound together with unbelievers; not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with our faith. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial (Satan)? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. He has promised to be our God and dwell continually in us, only if we can .come out from among unbelievers and be separate and not touch any unclean thing- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

If we can fulfill these conditions, the Lord has promised to graciously receive us and welcome us. He will be a Father to us, and we shall be his sons and daughters.

The world is passing away with the lusts and passions thereof. But those who abide with the word of God will reign eternally.

Prayer Nugget: In Jesus name, I receive grace to be separate from the world and to live according to God’s word.

Date: Monday, 30^th October, 2023

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

Today’s text says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

The “therefore” in the above scripture suggests that some statements have been made before coming to that conclusion. Verse 15 of 2 Corinthians 5 said, “And that he (Jesus) died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

The death of Christ meant the death of sin and the nature of it; and his resurrection also means the spiritual rebirth of a new man, completely free from the stronghold of sin. Based on this understanding, anyone who is grafted in or joined to Christ by faith in him as Savior is a new creature.

When a sinner realizes his damnable situation, repents, renounces his sins and confesses Jesus as Saviour, he immediately experiences a rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. The previous moral and sinful spiritual condition (old things) has passed away.

He is translated from darkness to light and so he shuns the unfruitful works of darkness.

It is therefore our responsibilities as new creatures to ensure that sin no longer reigns in our mortal bodies so that we obey its lusts and passions. We are to intentionally make sure we do not go on offering members our bodies to sin as instruments of wickedness; but as instruments of righteousness yielded to God.

As new creatures in Christ, we view the world with a new spiritual understanding and mindset, ensuring that we no longer live for ourselves, but unto him which died for us and rose again.

Action Nugget: As a new creature, reckon yourself to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Date: Sunday, 29^th October, 2023

Text: John 14:1,27

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

In a world full of challenges, ups, downs, twists and turns; is it possible to have peace of mind all the time? There is the human tendency to be afraid when we focus on the boisterous storms of life. Peter walked on the water when Christ bid him to come. He defied the natural laws of gravity and did the impossible but when his focus shifted from the Lord to the storm, he began to sink. He would have drowned if not for Christ’s timely intervention- Matthew 14:22-32.

Are you already sinking in the troubled Sea of life? All you need to do is to shift your focus away from your storms and fix your gaze on the Stiller of Storms- Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace.

The word of God says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Jehovah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4

Peace is a gift from God. A gift is not earned but received. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God (the Father), believe also in Me. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid- John 14:1, 27.

The enemy throws storms at God’s people to trouble their minds, discourage and distract them. His end goal is to shift your focus away from the Lord Jesus Christ. But we are not ignorant of the devices of the devil.

Is Jesus Christ in your life boat? If yes, you have no cause for alarm. If not, why not? Invite the Prince of Peace into your heart today and you will also enjoy His peace forever.

Prayer Nugget: Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, I accept the gift of your peace into my heart as from today.

Date: Saturday, 28^th October, 2023

Text: Proverbs 16:2

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

The fact that we feel our actions are right does not make them right in the eyes of God. The Lord examines our hearts and knows the true intentions behind what we do- Proverbs 16:2.

The Pharisees’ actions were right in their own eyes. They fasted twice in a week, gave tithes and prayed long prayers. When they gave alms they announce it; their acts of “righteousness” were practiced in the front of others to be seen by them. When they fasted they deliberately looked gloomy to impress others. They were more concerned about their reputation than their character. Their motives were self serving.

Jesus Christ described them as hypocrites (Matthew 6). A hypocrite focuses more on his actions than the intention behind them. He does the right things for the wrong reasons. The things he does are for men to see and approve. Once he gets the praise of men, he is happy, satisfied and feels righteous. But the nod of men does not equate the approval of the Most High.

The fact that you feel blameless does not make you innocent. It is the Lord who judges- 1 Corinthians 4:4 .There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death- Proverbs 14:12.

The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart- I Samuel 16:7. God’s word is the perfect standard by which all forms of morality are weighed.

Apostle Paul wrote, “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3. An outward practice of religion has no spiritual worth unless it is motivated by love for God and done in line with the truth of His Word.

Reflective Nugget: The fact that we feel our actions are right does not make them right in the eyes of God.

Date: Friday, 27^th October, 2023

Text: Numbers 21:4-9

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

In today’s passage, the Israelites were wandering through the desert and grew impatient on the way. They became frustrated at their circumstances and complained against God and Moses.  As a judgement for their act of unbelief, the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people. The snakes bit the people, and many of the Israelites died.

However, they realized their error and repented of their sin. They begged Moses to pray for them so that God could take away the snakes. So Moses interceded for them. In response, the Lord said to Moses, “Make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. If anyone is bitten by a snake, that person should look at the bronze snake on the pole. Then that person will not die”- Numbers 21:8. So Moses did exactly as God instructed. He made a bronze snake and put it on a pole. Then when a snake bit anyone, that person looked at the bronze snake on the pole and lived.

The power of God’s healing, deliverance and salvation was released into the bronze serpent and pole because Moses did everything in absolute obedience. Otherwise, there was nothing special about a mere artificial serpent and pole. Anytime we take the communion bread and wine in obedience for example, the materials are no longer ordinary; but carry the raw power of Jesus flesh and blood.

The word of God says, whoever breaks an hedge would be bitten by a serpent- Ecclesiastes 10:8b. The hedge is God’s protection over his people. Sin takes away this covering and makes God’s people vulnerable to attacks.

Have you been bitten by the serpent because you broke the hedge? There is hope for you because just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, Jesus Christ was lifted up on the Cross of Calvary, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him- John 3:14-15. Repent, confess and forsake your sins; look to Jesus and live.

Prayer Nugget: Lord Jesus, I look up to you; have mercy on me; heal, deliver and restore me today!

Date: Thursday, 26^th October, 2023

Text: Matthew 4:1-11

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

The strategies of the serpent over the millennia and centuries have not changed. One of his modes of operation is to plant the seed of doubt into men’s hearts. He raises faith-quenching questions in the minds of God’s people, like, “Are you sure God has not abandoned you?” “Are you sure the word of God is true?” “Don’t you think you are over doing this holiness thing?” All in all, his target is to water down your faith and uproot the seed of God’s word from your heart.

He told the Son of God, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread” Matthew 4vs 3. Again in verse 6, he said, “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down.”  Did Jesus have to prove to Satan that he is the Son of God in order to maintain his identity as the Son of God?

Another strategy of the enemy is to twist the word of God and quote it out of context. If he knows you to be a man conversant with the word of God, from that same word, he will mislead you if you are not firmly rooted. Don’t forget that the devil spent billions of years with God as a holy angel, so he knows the word of God very well. He can quote the Bible from Genesis to Revelation without missing a line.

In verses 6 to 7 of Matthew 4, he said unto the Lord, “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Jesus said unto him, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”

Many have been technically knocked out of the faith by the serpent using the above religious strategy. The word of God can never contradict one another. If anyone seems contradictory, it is the work of the tempter; beware because God is not an author of confusion. Spend quality  time digging deeper into the word of God and you will find out that the word of God is perfect, complementing one another.

Daily wield the sword of the Spirit in your mouth, which is the word of God and place the serpent where it rightfully belong- under your feet.

Reflective Nugget: The serpent is very religious. Your victory over it is rooted in your willingness to obey the word of God and to do His perfect will.

Date: Wednesday, 25^th October, 2023

Text: Revelation 12:11

Exhortation:

Whether we realize it or not, the whole world is at war- spiritual war with evil forces mostly unseen. 

Though we walk in the flesh as mortal men, we are not carrying on our spiritual warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man. The weapons of our warfare are not physical weapons of flesh and blood. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 AMP).

We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the serpents categorized into principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

However, for as many as have made the Lord their choice and deploy the use of the right weapons, there is an assurance of victory.

The two most highly potent weapons that overcome the serpents are the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of God- Revelation 12:11. The enemy cannot resist them.

The word of God acts as a double-edged sword that cuts down the serpent; like a hammer that smashes its ugly head and like a fire that consumes it- Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews 4:12.

Prayer Nuggets:

1. Father, thank you for your word and the blood of Jesus that overcomes.

2. In Jesus name, I cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God in my life in Jesus name.

3. I pull down every stronghold limiting my progress in Jesus name.

4. I cut down every serpent deployed against me and smash their heads completely in Jesus name.

5. By the blood of Jesus, I exercise victory over the every serpent on evil assignment in my life be it from the air, forest, sea or land.

Date: Tuesday, 24^th October, 2023

Texts: Luke 10:19; Psalm 91:13

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

According to today’s text, the serpent symbolizes the enemy of mankind, the great dragon who was hurled down to the earth and his angels with him; the ancient snake called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.

The strategy of the cunning serpent is to strike, bite, poison, constrict, suffocate, swallow and consume its prey. You need to put the devil where he belongs by taking firm spiritual steps.

One weapon to overcome the serpent is to trample upon it and smash its head in prayer. The Lord Jesus said, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19. “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” Psalm 91:13

Another weapon you can use is the consuming fire of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.” Psalm 97:3.

Get up and launch your spiritual offensives.

Prayer Nuggets

1. Thank you for your assurance of victory over the serpents.

2. In Jesus name, I trample upon the serpents sent against my life and destiny.

3. I smash the heads of the serpents deployed against me in Jesus name.

4. Holy Ghost fire, consume every hidden serpent waiting for the right time to strike me in Jesus name.

5. I bind every serpent afflicting my life in Jesus name.

Date: Monday, 23^rd October, 2023

Text: Matthew 13:1-16

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

Jesus drew very large following during his earthly ministry and he still does today. But his followers are categorized into two, namely, his disciples and others. Whenever Jesus wanted to speak to the crowds he mostly spoke in parables but when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Why did Jesus bother himself speaking in parables, why did he not just speak to all his followers in plain language? The reason is because not everybody following Christ does so because they truly love and are ready to obey him as the Lord. Many only want the gift but not the Giver.

In John 6:26, Jesus said to the crowd looking for him, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.”

They follow Christ because they want his healing and miracles. Miracles are wonderful but beyond the miracles, Christ is looking for disciples who are the sincere seekers of him. Those that will be like Mary Magdalene who prefers to invest quality time sitting at his feet and learning his ways- Luke 10:38-42.

You can get his miracles and still end up in Hell but you cannot learn and sincerely follow his ways and not make it to Heaven.

The Lord is looking for disciples; and that is why he commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations – Matthew 28:19-20. These are those who will be imitators of Christ, walking in his footsteps. He prefers those that will not only seek him for what they can get but for what they can give. He will reveal Himself to those who will follow him in faith and be devoted to him whether the weather is fair or dull; whether things are rosy or not.

Many are indeed called but few are chosen- Matthew 22:14. Are you a disciple or part of the crowd? You can stand out of the crowd and be a disciple by repenting of all sins, forsaking them and dedicating your heart to live by his word daily.

Reflective Nugget: You can get his miracles and still end up in Hell but you cannot learn and sincerely follow his ways and not make it to Heaven.

Date: Sunday, 22^nd October, 2023

Text: Mathew 20:25-28

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable- Psalm 145:3. The angels that attend to Him are mighty. Everyone that put his faith in Christ has the seed of greatness in him. However, God’s idea of achieving greatness is different from man’s. It is neither in the amount of cash in your bank account; nor on the people you know.

The Jews missed their Messiah because they were expecting a physically impressive and domineering Saviour; but Christ came as a suffering servant!

In today’s text, the Lord affirmed, “The greatest among you will be your servant.  For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12. The Lord himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

The more obedient you become the mightier you will be in the kingdom of God; the more souls you win into God’s kingdom, the greater you will be in His sight; the more lives you impact positively, the more relevant you will be.

Your relevance, if any, ends here on Earth if you have not surrendered your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Author of true greatness.

Prophetic Nugget: Receive grace to be truly great in Jesus name.