The Holy Spirit as Dove (2)

Date: Sunday, 3rd August, 2025

Text:  Matthew 10:16

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

The dove is not the Holy Spirit in the actual form, but a symbol used to help us understand the nature of the invisible, divine presence of God’s Spirit.

At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him “like a dove,” marking the beginning of His public ministry. This imagery links the Holy Spirit with peace, purity, and divine approval.

In the story of Noah -Genesis 8:11, a dove returns with an olive branch, signaling the end of God’s judgment and the restoration of peace. Doves are seen as gentle and pure creatures, representing the holy and sinless nature of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended “like a dove”– not violent or forceful, but peaceful and deliberate, suggesting the gentle work of the Spirit in the believer’s life.

The scripture “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” comes from Matthew 10:16, where Jesus gives instructions to His disciples as He sends them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God, saying, Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.Matthew 10:16

Wisdom without harmlessness can lead to fraud and manipulation. Harmlessness without wisdom can lead to vulnerability or foolishness.

Jesus is calling for a mature combination: to be morally pure and ethically upright, but also shrewd and strategic in a dangerous world. He is telling us to be prudent, alert, and careful—not naïve—especially when facing opposition.  Tact is the ability to make a point without necessarily creating enemies. He wants us to balance truthfulness with tact.

Prophetic Nugget: Receive the grace to balance truthfulness with tact in Jesus name.

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 1-3

The Holy Spirit as Dove

Date: Saturday, 2nd August, 2025

Text:  Matthew 3:16-17

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

According to today’s text, when the Lord Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, he went up straightway out of the water: and, the heavens were opened unto him, and John the Baptist saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him- Matthew 3:16

Why did the Holy Spirit appear as a dove and not as an owl, a hawk or a vulture?

Firstly, doves were considered clean animals in the Old Testament and were acceptable as sacrifices -Leviticus 5:7, 12:8, especially for those who couldn’t afford a lamb. This symbolizes humility, purity and blamelessness.

Secondly doves are non-aggressive, calm and peaceful birds. They are harmless and do not prey on others and are often seen as symbols of vulnerability. This reflects the idea of a heart that does no harm, echoing Jesus’ instruction to be “innocent as doves” -Matthew 10:16.

Doves by nature are not deceitful animals. They are simple creatures devoid of guile. The dove’s innocence signifies purity, harmlessness, gentleness, and moral integrity.

Prayer Nugget: Father, I ask for a pure and innocent like a dove in Jesus name

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 64-66

He Will Restore

Date: Friday, 1st August, 2025

Text:  Joel 2: 24-28

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

Welcome to the eight month of the year. In this new month may you experience the goodness of God in a new dimension in Jesus name. Every gain you have made will be consolidated in Jesus name; every progress you have made will not be reversed in Jesus name. Have you suffered any loss this year? May the Lord turn your ashes to beauty in Jesus name.  The Lord has promised to restore to you all the years the locusts, canker worm, caterpillar and palmerworms of this world have eaten- Joel 2: 24-28

This month may your floors be full of wheat, and your vats overflow with wine and oil; may you eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you and may you never be ashamed in Jesus name.

Two cannot walk together except they agree- Amos 3:3. As you agree to partner with the Lord in obedience, may his Holy Spirit lead you to your greener pastures and to your land of promise in Jesus name. May you indeed possess all your possessions in the name of Jesus.

Happy New month!

Action Nugget: Give thanks to God for a brand new month and ask for what you desire from him this month.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 60-63

The Holy Spirit as Fire

Date: Thursday, 31st July, 2025

Text:  Exodus 3:1-2

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

Fire is a very powerful symbol with deep spiritual meaning for us. In Exodus 3:2, the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a burning bush; and the voice of God was heard from the midst of the fire. Therefore, fire signifies God’s presence. Hebrews 12:29 confirms, “For our God is a consuming fire.”

Secondly, fire stands for divine empowerment and transformation as it happened on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:3-4, “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…” After this experience the disciples were transformed into apostles. They were empowered for the assignment given to them; timidity and fear gave way to boldness.

Thirdly, fire stands for purification. The fire of the Holy Spirit refines and purifies believers, burning away every stronghold of sin and kindly the fire of righteousness- Malachi 3:2–3.

Fourthly, the symbol of fire represents passion and zeal. The Spirit’s fire fuels inner passion, fervor, and zeal for God. It empowers Christians to live courageously, speak truth, and love deeply. Jeremiah said, “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones…” Jeremiah 20:9

Lastly, fire stand for God’s Judgment -a warning that God will separate righteousness from unrighteousness; iniquity from holiness, truth from falsehood and purity from corruption. In Matthew 3:11–12,  John the Baptist says:“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire… He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Reflective Nugget: Are you open to the refining fire of the Holy Spirit? Is your heart burning with passion for God? If not, ask for the Spirit’s fire, now!

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 57-59

The Holy Spirit As Water

Date: Wednesday, 30th July, 2025

Text:  John 7:37-39

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

Just as water is essential for physical life, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual life.

In today’s text, our Lord Jesus Christ gave a general clarion call saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:37b-39

This signifies that the Holy Spirit is a source of living water for spiritual vitality, renewal, and life eternal.

Secondly, just as water satisfies bodily thirst, the Holy Spirit satisfies spiritual hunger and longing. The word of God says, “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your offspring.” Isaiah 44:3

The word, “pour” in the above verse suggests something liquid. The spirit is metaphorically compared to water that is poured out to quench spiritual thirst or longing.

Thirdly, just as water is used to clean, the Spirit purifies hearts and lives. Titus 3:5, says, “He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit”

Acton Nuggets: Ask the Lord to satisfy your longing soul with the water of the Holy Spirit. Also ask him to pour his Holy Spirit on you to purify you and give you life eternal.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 53-56

The Holy Spirit As Wind

Date: Monday, 28th July, 2025

Text:  John 3:8

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

Jesus compares the activity of the Holy Spirit to the wind—unpredictable, unseen, yet undeniably real and powerful. You can’t see the wind, but you see its effects—just like the Spirit’s work in a believer’s life. This imagery emphasizes how the Spirit moves mysteriously, yet powerfully—affecting everything He touches.

The word of God says, *The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended as a rushing mighty wind, signifying the dramatic and dynamic arrival of divine power. This shows the Spirit fills, moves, and transforms environments and people-Ats 2:2.

The Spirit works unseen but powerfully. He transforms lives, families, churches, communities and nations. He brings renewal, comfort, and life. The Holy Spirit moves freely as He wills, not bound by human plans, limitations and deficiencies. Just as breath sustains the body, the Spirit sustains the soul.

Just as a sailboat catches the wind to move forward, we must position ourselves to be led by the Spirit. Like the wind, the Spirit may move gently or powerfully—we must stay spiritually alert. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your life anew, just as He did at Pentecost.

Prayer Nugget: “Holy Spirit, breath of God, blow over my life. Fill every dry and lifeless area with Your power. Help me to move in step with You and be transformed by Your invisible but undeniable presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 50-52

Your Faith Has Made You Whole

Date: Sunday, 27th July, 2025

Text:  Luke 8:43-48

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

Some years ago, I suffered from some affliction. I tried the medical route to healing but the more I spent the worse my health grew. But God showed me mercy.

One Sunday, I preached to my congregation on the Seven (7) redemptive names of God. After the sermon we prayed fervently on the power behind each name. When we got to Jehovah Rapha (the Lord who heals), I prayed very well for healing and not too long the service ended. When I got home and tried to use the rest room, I felt something invisible but forceful jumped out of my body. I screamed and was set free.

Are you suffering from an affliction and you have tried many medical means and nothing seem to work? Today is your day. The Great Physician now is available to heal. But you need to put your faith to work.

The woman with the issue of blood had a similar issue. Medicine failed her. But she did the needful by putting her faith to work- Luke 8:43-48. Jesus said to her, “Thy faith hath made thee whole, go in peace.” vs 48

The yoke of incessant bleeding was broken off her neck; the burden of sickness was removed by the anointing on the Lord Jesus Christ. That anointing is still available today and in your life every yoke of sickness shall be broken in Jesus’ name.

When blind Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was coming his way, he was restless and could not stay still. He began to cry out to Jesus Christ until he got his miracle. Mark 10:46-52. The people around hm tried to distract him but he didn’t give them attention. He was desperate and specific in his request. Don’t be comfortable with your situation. The Lord will deliver you from every bondage today in Jesus’ name.

Prophetic Nugget: The Lord will deliver you from every bondage today in Jesus’ name.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 44-49

Holy Spirit, the Teacher

Date: Friday, 25th July, 2025

Text:  John 14:26

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

The Holy Spirit is not only a Comforter or Revealer but also a divine teacher who imparts wisdom, reveals truth, and brings understanding.

Jesus said, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 (NIV). Again, the word of God says through Apostle John, “But as his anointing teaches you about all things… that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” 1 John 2:27 (NIV).

The above scriptures affirm the Holy Spirit’s role in teaching, reminding, and revealingdivine truths.

The Holy Spirit helps us to remember Jesus’ words and instructions in times of need (John 14:26) and to apply the truth of God’s word to real time situations of our lives.

He corrects our thinking to align with God’s Word. He equips us for spiritual growth by helping us build character and spiritual maturity- Galatians 5:22–23. He also trains us for ministry and service- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.

The Holy Spirit provides wisdom and discernment; he also warns and directs- Acts 13:2-24; 16:6-7).

He is our ever-present divine teacher.

Prayer Nuggets: Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you daily and transform you by his truth. Ask him to give you a deeper revelation of Jesus.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 38-43

Holy Spirit, The Comforter

Date: Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025

Text:  John 14:16

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

You will agree with me that the world is full of troubles. Even our Lord Jesus Christ confirmed it saying, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

In a trouble-filled world, we sure need a Comforter. The original Greek word translated as Comforter is “Parakletos”, which also means: Advocate, Helper, Counselor or Intercessor.

Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” John 14:16. That implies Jesus Christ was the outgoing Comforter, introducing a new Comforter- the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit brings divine peace, presence, and assurance in moments of grief, fear, and uncertainty -John 14:27.

In the times of trials, spiritual warfare or seasons of waiting, the Holy Spirit comforts and strengthens believers to remain faithful and full of hope. In the times of in loneliness, depression or discouragement, he reminds you that God is near.

In times of trouble, we receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the God of all comfort so that we can comfort others in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from him- 2 Corinthians 1:4.

Prayer Nugget: Holy Spirit, Comforter I praise you and ask that you comfort me on every side so that I, too can be a source of comfort to others in trouble.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 32-37

Holy Spirit, The Revealer

Date: Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025

Text:  John 16:13

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

A revealer is someone who makes something previously hidden or unknown visible or known. It can be a person who discloses information or secrets, or a thing that brings something to light. 

Firstly, the Holy Spirit is the Revealer who unveils God’s truth intellectually and spiritually, to the heart. The word of God says, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:13

Secondly, the Holy Spirit is a Revealer of Christ. No one can come to Christ except the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to him. John 15:26. The work of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the person and work of Jesus, making Him real and known to believers.

Thirdly, the Holy Spirit is a Revealer of the Word of God. Scripture becomes alive and understandable through the Holy Spirit’s illumination- 1 Corinthians 2:10. Whenever you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to open up your heart of understanding to grasp the message of the scriptures; otherwise, it may be another piece of dry and boring literature.

Fourthly, the Holy Spirit is a Revealer of God’s Will. He gives specific direction, calling, and guidance for life and ministry. For example, in Acts 13:2 says, “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work…’”

There are so many things in this world that can be hidden or confusing. Can you imagine someone groping in darkness aimlessly? As a result of our consistent relationship with the Holy Spirit, he reveals hidden mysteries. Therefore, fifthly, the Holy Spirit is the Revealer of Mysteries. He reveals spiritual mysteries hidden in ages past, especially the Gospel to all nations. Ephesians 3:5.

Action Nugget: Whenever you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to open up your heart of understanding to grasp the message of the scriptures.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 25-31