God’s Oracle Devotionals

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.

Date: Saturday, 21^st October, 2023

Text: Psalm 121:1-3

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

Do you feel all hope is lost and all roads blocked? Have you tried all you know and have run out of options? Have you come to the end of your road? Do not lose faith. It is time to look up.

The psalmist said, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” Psalm 121:1-3

God specializes in making the impossible possible. That situation may be hard for you but is not hard for the Lord. He can create a way in your Red Sea and make way in your wilderness. He said, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27. He has intervened in the lives of others and yours will not be too difficult for Him.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Cry out to Him today, pour out your heart to your Maker and Jesus the Lover of your soul. He does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.

Prayer Nugget: Father, have mercy on me! I look up to you; help me in Jesus name.

Date: Friday, 20^th October, 2023

Text: Matthew 13: 44-46

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

A treasure is a quantity of precious metals, gems, or other valuable objects. According to today’s text, God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field. One day a man found the treasure. He hid it again and was so happy that he went and sold everything he owned and bought the field. Also, God’s kingdom is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. One day he found a very fine pearl. He went and sold everything he had to buy it- Matthew 13:44-46.

Precious stones are generally not found superficially. They are mostly buried deep into the Earth. The treasure and the pearl represent Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. We cannot buy salvation with money or worldly goods but in order to gain Christ we may have to go the extra mile to give up or sacrifice some things.

In Matthew 19:29, Jesus said, “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”

Paul the Apostle is a classic example of someone who sacrificed his secular ambition in order to gain the hidden treasure. He forsook his worldly ambition to pursue the expansion of God’s kingdom on Earth.

In Philippians 3:7-9, he testified, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ.”

What are you willing to give up in order to gain Christ?

Prayer Nugget: I receive the grace to sacrifice all, in order to gain Christ in Jesus name.

Date: Thursday, 19^th October, 2023

Text: Mark 8:14-21

Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan

Exhortation:

We live in a world where many have lost their senses of right and wrong. Truth is resisted and suppressed by wickedness. Many have had their consciences seared. When a good conscience is repeatedly exposed to sinful acts, it becomes a habit and the formerly sensitive conscience become silenced and deadened. That is why someone can commit a depraved and an abominable act and still sleep soundly as if nothing happened.

If care is not taken, believers too can become hardened. In today’s text we see Jesus asking his disciples saying, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?” Mark 8:17-19

The disciples were forgetful of Christ’s past miracle of multiplication and had their hearts hardened through unbelief.

Many of us are also in this category today. When we forget the testimonies and the miracles God has done in the past, we may slide into hardening of heart. We begin to worry, become anxious and fearful; and begin to grumble and complain as if God has abandoned us. A hardened heart is one which has become insensitive to the faithfulness of God.

Disappointment, betrayal, failure and delayed answer to prayer have led many believers into a state of hardened hearts. They now find it difficult to exercise their faith in God.

The cure to the hardening of the heart is simply to go back to God, rededicate our hearts to Him and renew our faith in His word. He has never changed (Hebrews 13:8); He remains forever faithful. If we genuinely return to Him, He will rekindle His love in our hearts again and restore us back to a soft heart and a good conscience before God and Man.

Action Nugget: Spend quality time studying and ruminating over His word and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live according to the dictates of the scriptures.