BAPTIST DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Wednesday, February 5
Psalm 82

GIVING JUSTICE TO THE WEAK
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless….”  Psalm 82:3, NIV

Today’s devotion is a continuation of what God started ministering to us yesterday. The message is a consolation for the oppressed, the weak and the helpless. It is quite amazing that God pays serious attention to these categories of people.

Are you currently being oppressed by someone you cannot possibly handle by yourself? Be encouraged by God’s Word today. He will intervene in your situation. Maybe the oppressor is even someone close: your spouse, children, parents, bosses, pastors, leaders, or even the government. Whoever it is is surely currying God’s wrath. So, relax; God is already fighting for you.

On the other hand, you need to examine yourself. Hope you are not also an oppressor to some seemingly helpless people. Hope you are not usurping authority? If you are guilty of any of these, you will need to repent today lest God rises against you as He did to Pharaoh. Some people treat their mates, spouses, children or wards as slaves or even animals. Heed God’s warning now and repent before it is too late!

Defend the cause of the weak and helpless. Strengthen them. Then, you too can be sure of God’s help.

• Birthday Blessing: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. Isaiah 44:2

Read Bible Through Passage: Exodus 33, 34; Matthew 24:15-31

True Christian love helps those who can’t return the favour. - Anonymous

BAPTIST DAILY DENOMINATIONAL

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Friday, January 31
Titus1:10-16

DENYING GOD BY ACTION
They profess that they know God but in works deny Him…. Titus 1:16, NRSV

A pastor boarded a commercial vehicle and the conductor deliberately by-passed him while collecting fare from passengers. When the pastor reached his destination, he brought out his fare and gave it to the conductor. He did not know that the conductor was a member of his church.

The following Sunday, the conductor came to the church and shared the testimony with the congregation that the pastor is a man of integrity, who does not only preach the Word of God, but also lives it.

Our actions speak louder than our voice. A little demonstration of Christian character is much more effective than several days of preaching and teaching. I know of a woman, from a Muslim background, who got converted just because someone demonstrated Christian virtue to her.

As believers, God expects more than mere profession of faith from us; He wants to see us live like Christ, practically witnessing the Gospel daily. The world also wants to perceive the aroma of Christ in our lives.

We are hypocrites when we profess to be Christians and fail to live it out. By this, we disappoint God and fail humanity. You either draw people to Christ or push them away by your actions. You will surely be rewarded for either.

As you go out let others see Jesus through your demonstration of patience, faithfulness, love, tolerance, gentleness, purity, generosity and other Christian virtues.

• Birthday Blessing: You will arise and show compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favour to her… Psalm 102:13

Read Bible Through Passage:  Exodus 22, 23; Matthew 22:1-22

The authenticity of your Christianity will be proved by your lifestyle. – Unknown

BAPTIST DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Thursday, January 30
Deuteronomy 4:1-10

NEITHER ADD NOR TAKE AWAY ANYTHING
You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it… Deuteronomy 4:2, NRSV

The experiences and situations of life often cause people to either add or take away from God’s Word.
Most times, when they do that, it is to have a basis for their actions or inactions. But the truth is that the Word of God is complete and can never be compromised for anyone’s experience.

Someone said, “You can use philosophy or psychology to illustrate the Word of God, but the Word of God is neither philosophy nor psychology.” In fact, the Word of God is far greater than any discipline or field of study.

The severe consequence of either adding to the Word of God or removing from it is clearly stated in Revelation 22:18-19.

Therefore, each believer is mandated to comply with God’s Word. The good thing about this is that God is not a taskmaster. His instructions are a function of His divine and sincere love for us. They are given for our good.

So, there is no justification for manipulating His Word. Everything you are going through has its solution in the Word. As you devote yourself to studying His Word, you will find answers to all the questions of your heart.

Not only that, you will also find peace, joy and rest. Let your life be in agreement with His Word, then you will not have the need to doctor (add or remove from) God’s Word.

• Birthday Blessing: …But I will see you again and you will rejoice and no-one will take away your joy. John 16:22

Read Bible Through Passage:  Exodus 20, 21; Matthew 21:28-46

As the image on the seal is stamped upon the wax, so the thoughts of the heart are printed upon the actions. - Stephen Charnock

PRAISE GO!!!! DR.ADENIJI IS 60

Our Father in the Lord!!!!!

Rev. Dr. Julius Ajao Adeniji is 60years old today January 30. He holds a B.Th degree from NBTS, Ogbomoso and crowned his academic carrier with a Ph.D in Counseling Psychology at the University of Lagos.  He is married with Mrs Mary Adeniji,  an Educationist and they're blessed with children.
  
        Dr Adeniji was Resident Chaplain for College Chapel,  Iwo; Pastor, Providence Baptist Church, Alalade Compound; and Visioner and Pastor,  Triumphant Baptist Church, Holy Ghost Compound, Akowojo. Currently, he is the Conference President, Lagos West Baptist Conference. In addition, he has a training outfit Merilius Consulting.

       It is on record that he has served as Association Moderator,  Association Consultant,  Alumin Chairman of the NBTS and Member of the Governing Board of the NBTS. He is currently a Member of EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
   Please be informed that purposely to thank God for his life and ministry that worship will hold on February 2. at Ben Auto Events Place, Santos Layout, Dopemu, Lagos. It is behind Providence Baptist Church, Balogun Alalade Compound. Dr. Ademola Ishola will preach; and our President, Rev. Dr. Supo Ayokunle will offer prophetic prayer. You are specialy invited.

On behalf of the Chairman,  Rev Sunday A.Fagbemi , the Moderators of the cooperating Associations and indeed the entire members and staff of Lagos Central Baptist Conference we wish you our Father in the Lord happy birthday and God's blessings for the years ahead.

Rev.Dr O.Kehinde Babarinde

BAPTIST DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Sunday, January 26
Luke 16:19-31

COMFORT AND AGONY
Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' Luke 16:29, NIV

At the appointed time, both Lazarus (the beggar) and the rich man died (v. 22; Ecclesiastes 3:2, Hebrews 9:27). This proves the fact that death is no respecter of anyone.

Whereas, after death, Lazarus entered into life (comfort), the rich man ended in hell (agony) (v. 25) because:
(a) he trusted in worldly riches, such that he could not accommodate God in his thought (Luke 12:16-21);
(b) he had no concern for the poor (v. 19-21);
(c) he did not yield to the Lord's warnings (v. 27-31).

God would punish whoever violates His warnings. Sometimes, the punishment could be eternal. Some of us who are fortunate to be born into comfortable families or who suddenly find ourselves in comfort seldom think of the hereafter. We think only of our enjoyment, not minding people who are suffering around us.

Note that once we die, our eternal positions will depend on how we spend our lives on earth.

Therefore, if your lot is comfort today, care for the poor around you so that you will not end in agony.
In case your portion now is pain, be of good cheer, comfort is awaiting you in heaven, if you continue steadfastly to live for God.

• Birthday Blessing: Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken. Psalm 125:1

Read Bible Through Passage: Exodus  10:11,12; Matthew 18

As the way to Canaan lay through a howling wilderness and desert, so the path to heaven lies through much affliction. - Thomas Manton

BAPTIST DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Saturday, January 25
Luke 16:10-17

MASTER OF THE HEART
So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? Luke 16:11, NIV

There is this anonymous saying that some people are poor because God knows that they cannot manage riches. Actually, if the statistics of rich people are taken, only few of them will pass the test of godliness.

As Jesus noted, there is a difference between worldly wealth and "true riches" (v. 11). Worldly wealth includes things like cars, houses, clothes, and trinkets. They give false security to those who have them.
But true riches are those things that abound in all godliness, such as love, peace, kindness, joy, faith, and perseverance. They are treasures with eternal values.

Unfortunately, many of us are labouring hard to get worldly wealth while undermining the true riches. The truth is, true riches come only from God and are a product of trustworthiness, honesty, faithfulness, commitment and reliability.

So, if you lack these qualities, God cannot entrust you with true riches. If you are enslaved by worldly wealth such that it tosses you about, God will not give you true riches (v. 15b; 1 Timothy 6:10).

What value do you place on worldly wealth (Matthew 4:19)? Living by the Word of God is costly but valuable for all time (v. 16-17). So, be trustworthy!

• Birthday Blessing: Peace I leave with you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Read Bible Through Passage:  Exodus 8, 9; Matthew 17

The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out. - D.L. Moody

BAPTIST DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Thursday, January 23

Luke 19:1-10

I WILL GIVE TO THE POOR

"But Zacchaeus…said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor…"Luke 19:8, NIV

Zacchaeus' story always fascinates me.
It illustrates some salient points: he had a strong desire to see Jesus at all costs and he made all efforts towards achieving this. Barring all limitations, he sought after the Lord and fulfilled his desire (Jeremiah 29:13). In the process, he did the unusual to draw the attention of Jesus (Luke 19:5); he climbed a tree.
His encounter with Jesus was a turning point in his life such that he could no longer harbour sin.

Christ's unreserved acceptance of him humbled and spurred in him a life of compassion towards the poor and those he had cheated. Thus, He proved his new life by restitution (v. 8).

While it is good to give to the poor, it is best to do so in response to the Lord, and His will. Every motive of our service to God will be x-rayed before a reward will be awarded. It is good to root all our good deeds in the will of God.

One of the changes our new life in Christ should bring is a compassionate attitude towards the poor. Instead of cheating them, we make efforts to better their lives, making life worth living for them.

So, you are enjoined to give to that poor neighbour of yours, today.

• Birthday Blessing: The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Exodus 14:13
Read Bible Through Passage: Exodus 4, 5; Matthew 15:29-39

Live near to God, and all things will appear little to you in comparison with eternal realities. – Robert Murray M'Cheyne