Preachify Daily Devotion

Proverbs 13:20

An encouragement to do something differently today that brings a smile to God and others (2 Peter 1:5-8)

How's Your Journey Thus Far? Early this year we listened to one of our podcasts tagged How are you doing? A question that carries a quiet but deep thought. A question that requires a sincere and well thoughtful response of deep reflection of the past, present and future. Truly, many of us have plans for this year that are winding up already, aspirations that seem unachievable. Oftentimes, some people who find themselves not achieving their plans as designed tagged themselves as failure. They see themselves as less; incapable of doing anything thus, seeing themselves as a burden, so useless that no one cares about them. But if I should tell you that someone cares about you, will you believe? Quite alright our journey in life may be rough, not rosy as planned, but God is aware of every thought and intent of our future. He says that the plans He has for us is good not evil - Jeremiah 29.11. So, someone may be standing on the hedge of giving up, you don't have to. Hold to God's unchanging hands. Some are already frustrated with the way things are going in the country, many futures are not certain. In our marriages and relationships, our journey may be rough, not finding it easy. Some are thinking of suicide, but what shall it profit his soul if he loses his soul - Matthew Therefore, if you are thinking about giving up on Christ, let those who understand the situation of Christ, rejoice in His suffering. So to my good family and friends, how is your journey thus far? Are you making progress or retrogression?

DO YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST? Mark 9.24; John 20.28 Welcome: we live in a world where people find it hard to believe the truth. History is being edited, as the truth is losing its place in human history. Instead, they embrace the packaged lies so attractive that no one is willing to raise some concerns. Diverse religions have emerged with their leaders claiming to be true. And we see many who follow these acclaimed messiahs. But in the midst of these falsehood, the important question to answer is do I believe in Jesus? We have the Bible that tells of Him; the prophecies, the reality, the miracles, the crucifixion, the death, the burial, resurrection, all in fulfillment of the scriptures. Yet, there are billions of people who will trample these evidences under foot, and hold unto disbelief, misbelief, and unbelief. Even when we did not see Jesus with our eyes, touch Him with our hands, the miracles recorded are enough to believe in the person and existence of Jesus – John 20.31 My dear friends who perhaps, are still finding it difficult to believe in Jesus Christ as LORD and KING, may I present some of the evidences to you: Jesus is Christ; He went to Galilee, walked on water which no other prophets had done. He died on mount Calvary. The tomb was found empty – 1 Corinthians 15.1-4 Jesus Christ fulfilled the scriptures. He made the blind eyes to see. The deaf ears were open. These testimonies reveal that Jesus Christ is Master over time – Mark 9.24 Jesus Christ brought the dead back to life – Lazarus (John 11.40-43). This is a proof that Jesus Christ is LORD over life. He is now in heaven and He is coming again – 1 Thessalonians 4.13-15; John 14.1-3; Matthew 13.24-30 If your heart is hardened, allow these simple but real truth to bring you to everlasting freedom and joy with Christ. Do not stay too long in your doubt. Will you, after all these proof still hold onto your unbelief? Jesus Christ invites you this morning to be like Apostle Thomas who after he strongly doubted the resurrection of his LORD and Christ came and fell down at the feet of Christ saying: “My LORD and my God!” Do not keep Him waiting for too long, my friend.

WILL I MEET YOU IN THE MORNING? 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18

WAIT FOR IT! Habakkuk 2:2–3 Life often places us in seasons where answers are delayed, expectations seem suspended, and the future feels uncertain. It is in such moments that the word of the Lord to Habakkuk becomes deeply relevant: write the vision, make it plain, for it is yet for an appointed time. This is not a denial of fulfillment, but a divine assurance that God’s promises are governed by His perfect timing. Waiting is not wasted time in the hands of God; it is a sacred process where faith is refined and character is built. When God says wait, He is not ignoring you. He is preparing you, aligning circumstances, and working behind the scenes for a greater manifestation. Why then should we wait? We wait because God’s timing is never late and never mistaken. The vision is certain, even if it tarries. What feels like delay is often divine arrangement. Waiting teaches dependence, strips away self-reliance, and anchors us in trust. It shifts our focus from what we want now to what God knows is best. While waiting, we are not idle. We are called to pray like Daniel, maintaining a consistent and disciplined communion with God even when answers seem delayed. We are to trust like Job, holding onto God in seasons of loss and confusion without abandoning faith. We must be faithful like Abraham, continuing to walk with God even when the promise seems far off. And we must believe like Esther, embracing courage and confidence that God will come through at the right moment. However, there are dangers to avoid in the waiting season. Do not change your vision because of pressure. Do not modify your vision to suit circumstances. And do not abandon your vision because of delay. The temptation to adjust what God has said will always come when the wait feels long, but altering the vision leads to missing the purpose. God’s instruction to write it plainly was to ensure clarity and consistency, not confusion. Hold onto what God has revealed, even when nothing around you seems to support it. The delay is not denial. The waiting is not punishment. It is preparation. So stand firm, remain steadfast, and keep your eyes on the promise. At the appointed time, it will speak, it will not lie, and it will surely come. Amen.

HIS INTENTIONS FOR ME Genesis 7:1-10 In a world often shaken by uncertainty and chaos, the account of Noah offers a powerful reminder that God’s intentions for His people are always rooted in preservation and purpose. When God called Noah into the ark, it was not merely an escape from destruction, but a divine plan for continuity and hope. The ark itself had no rudder, no human system of navigation, and no visible means of direction. Yet it floated safely through the storm because God Himself was in control. This introduces a profound truth for every believer: even when life feels directionless, God’s hand is steady upon the course of those who trust Him. The context of Genesis 7 reveals a world filled with corruption and impending judgment, yet in the midst of it all, Noah found grace in the sight of the Lord. God gave specific instructions, and Noah obeyed, entering the ark with his household. Once inside, the control shifted entirely to God. The rains came, the floods rose, and the earth was covered, but the ark was not abandoned. God steered it through waters of chaos until it rested in safety. In the same way, there are seasons in our lives when we are shut in with God, unable to control outcomes, surrounded by storms we did not create. It is in those moments that faith must rise, reminding us that God’s intentions are not to destroy us, but to carry us through. The lesson is clear and deeply comforting: we are not called to control our destinies, but to trust the One who holds them. When life feels overwhelming and uncertain, we must remember that the absence of control does not mean the absence of God. Just as the ark had no rudder yet never lost its way, so our lives, surrendered to God, will not drift into destruction. God’s intentions for you are good, even when His methods are beyond your understanding. Therefore, hold on in faith, walk in obedience, and rest in His sovereignty. He who began a good work will see it through to completion, and no storm can overturn what God has purposed. Amen. Oghenevwede Arison Ubiuku Evangelist, Church of Christ Rayfield Jos, Plateau State. 07060510595

Bible reading from PSALM 84

TEXT Ezekiel 18.21-23

TEXT Ephesians 4.32 Forgiveness is not for the weak!

TEXT 2 PETER 3.9&10 Revelation "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

TEXT PSALM 90.9-12 God owns it all!

SOAKING PRAYER

BE AN EXAMPLE IN CONDUCT 1 Timothy 4.12; Titus 2.7-8 [email protected] WELCOME: Every Christian is called by God through the gospel to live in a way that shows who we truly are in Christ. Christians need to understand that our conduct is a visible epistle that seal the spiritual transformation of the Holy Spirit in our lives (2 Corinthians 3.2-3). Our unbelieving and misbelieving friends watch how we speak in public, how we act in the open, how we respond to every circumstances that arose, and how we live daily. Therefore, we must ensure that our conduct will serve as a mechanism through which the world come to know Christ even more (2 Corinthians 6.3; Hebrews 12.15). AS CHRISTIANS, 1. OUR CONDUCT SHOULD REFLECT OUR TRUE NATURE OF THE NEW MAN We are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new life must show the world how we behave by putting off the old nature of the flesh (Galatians 5.19-20; Ephesians 4.17-35; Colossians 3.3-9; 1 Thessalonian 4.7). The likeness of Christ as the new man must reflect our true nature; rather than keeping some grudges and malice, we are to make peace so long as it depends on us (Romans 12.18), rather than hate and hypocrisy, we are to love without hypocrisy, genuinely forgiving just as God in Christ has forgiven us (Romans 12.9; Ephesians 4.35), rather than being cruel and violent, we are called to be kindly affectionate to one another (Romans 12.10; 1 John 3.17-19). 2. OUR CONDUCT SHOULD REFLECT CHRIST Christ is our perfect example (1 Peter 2:21). Our lives must show His character, even when we face opposition or persecution. Our conduct must not reflect ourselves, but Christ's character of endurance in persecution, times of crises, hardship, difficulty, and uncertainties. Our conduct must also reflect Christ character of truthfulness, integrity, obedience in total humility (Philippians 2.1-8). Our conduct should also reflect Christ character of compassion (Matthew 9.36), compassion to lend a helping hand to those in need of rescue (James 2.15-17), but above all, compassion for dying souls (2 Timothy 4.2; 2 Peter 3.15; Colossians 3.12; Matthew 9.35-38). 3. OUR CONDUCT SHOULD LEAD OTHERS TO CHRIST People may not read the Bible, but they read our lives. Our good works must lead others to glorify God - Matthew 5.14-16 Even unbelievers can be won by pure conduct - 1 Peter 3.1-2 Our blameless life shines in a dark world - Philippians 2.14-16; 1 Peter 2.12 Conduct toward outsiders must be wise and gracious - Colossians 4.5.6 CONCLUSION Christ calls us to be examples in conduct. The world is watching, the church is watching, and God is watching. Let us choose to walk in a way that honours God, reflects Christ, and leads others to the truth. May our lives be a clear message that points people to Jesus.

Devotion - AS YOU GO... We need to have the consciousness that as we go out today: 1. We are going for WORSHIP - Psalm 122.1 2. We should go prepared 3. We should know who we are going to worship - John 4.22-24

SERIES: DEALING WITH CRISES Devotion - Coping In Crises Time 1. Trust in the Lord - Proverbs 3.5-6 2. Be patient - Habakkuk 2.1,3; James 1.2-3 3. Live righteously - Hebrews 12.14; 1 Corinthians 15.24 Conclusion - 2 Corinthians 4.7-10

SERIES: DEALING WITH CRISES Devotion - The Bible And Crises Types Yesterday, we were able to look at one of the four scholarly researched types of crises; accidental or Situational Crises which has to do with an event that's less or not expected. We saw this in the life of the religious man - Job who never knew of the debate that went on between God and Satan concerning his life. And we saw that many of us are in the position of Job too when we lost our loved ones, encounter new diseases, experience of rape and violence, social disturbance like war and killings etc. we become worried in the midst of these accidental crisis. But the consolation is that God is aware and He will take control of the situation. Therefore this morning, we will consider the remaining three types of crises namely: 2. Developmental crises is an event that's mostly expected hence, creating a room for adjustment. Like moving to school, getting married, handling criticism, facing retirement, adjusting to declining health and staying alone when your children have all become adults, the death of one's friends can all be crises that demand new approaches to coping. Consider Abraham and Sarah, who coped with their unknown journey to an unknown destination but with a known God. Handling barrenness for years alongside criticism. We might also wonder how an elderly Zacharias and Elizabeth handled their unique son like John the Baptist, or how Mary and Joseph were able to raise their unusual and brilliant son, Jesus. It appears these were developmental crises leading to a turning point that demanded adjustment and a prolonged period of decision making that also led to increased growth. 3. Existential crises overlap the other two. These are situations that all of us face when we encounter disturbing truths, often about ourselves. For example, thinking about not getting married, not achieving your goals at old age, dealing with the thought of incurable illness, seeing that your life is complex, having no direction, facing the fact that you are now a widow or widower again. Realizations like these take time and effort to assimilate. They are changes in self perception that can be denied temporarily, but in time they must be faced realistically if life is to go on and be fulfilling. After a great spiritual victory, Elijah ran into the wilderness with a conclusion that his life is a failure. Jonah had similar thoughts as he debated with God. In the midst of his crises, Job must have wondered why all these crises were happening. Did the disciples also wonder about the uncertainty of their future in the hours following the crucifixion? The beautiful part of all these crises is that God is aware. 4. National or Community Crises extend beyond individuals to involve large groups of people. When a country is attacked by insurgency like we are experiencing in Nigeria currently. It affects everyone through the economy and health and other sectors. People can't go to the farm which has resulted in the hiking of prices of food. Public properties are being destroyed and young girls abducted. People are being killed everyday and it should be of concern to everyone in the Nation or community where this crisis is happening. We shouldn't feel unbothered when others are being inflicted with pain, because it may get to our doorstep tomorrow. The terrorists are already in Kwara State, who knows if your State will be next. In all of these, people wonder why? The truth is that crises may be as a result of disobedience against God's law by the leaders and the people like the nation of Israel. It could be the bad decision of the leaders like David. Though the Bible talks about all types of crises, it does not give clear and complete reasons to explain why crises occur. However, we may agree that every event has a divine purpose and ultimately is under God's control. We know that crises can be a learning experience that mold character, teach us about God and His resources, and stimulate sound growth. But the ultimate reasons for specific life crises may never be known, at least while we live on this earth. It is my earnest prayer that God will help us to trust in Him in our crises time in Jesus' name. Amen! Oghenevwede Arison, Ubiuku Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a Faith-based Christian Counselor. [email protected] +2348050470484 (Whatsapp)

SERIES: DEALING WITH CRISES Devotion - The Bible And Crises Types Topic: Accidental or Situational Crises Much of the Bible deals with crises. Adam, Eve, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Samson, Jepthah, Saul, David, Elijah, Daniel, and numerous other people faced crisis that the Old Testament describes in details. Jesus faced crisis especially at the time of the crucifixion, and also the disciples. Paul, and many other believers as well. Several of the epistles were written to help individuals and congregations meet crises. Contemporary writers have identified three types of crisis, each of which has both modern and biblical examples. So, let us meticulously identify each one of them. 1. Accidental or Situational Crises: this crisis occurs when there is a sudden threat, disruptive event, or unexpected loss. Examples include the death of a loved one, the outbreak of diseases, the experience of serious violence like killings, rape, and abduction. Social disturbance like war, and depression. All are situational crises that can affect an individual, and family members. Think about Job. Within a short period of time, Job lost his family, wealth, health and status. His marriage appears to have been strained and his critics soon learn about Job's anger and inner turmoil. He was confused at the spot about why a caring God would let such crises happen to a good Job. Yes, you and I may have been in similar situations of the accidental crisis. How did we respond? Did we go about hating God or trusting His word? Given the current situation in the country, many people are confused about why God will sit on His throne and watch evil befallen His children. The truth is, when crises happen to us, we are expected to trust more in God's word and a call to live a holy life. Oghenevwede Arison, Ubiuku Minister and a Faith-based Christian Counselor. [email protected] +2348050470484 (Whatsapp)

HIS CALL, MY LIFE! 1 Thessalonians 4.1-7 What is God's call for my life? Do God have a purpose for my life? Yes, He does have a fine purpose for you. That you live in holiness, love, mercy and not as the gentiles walk in the passion of their own lust. God desires that we control our bodies in holiness and honor for thus He has called us. Will you obey His voice and heed His call today?

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

THE BOOK OF JUDE

Who is a Saint?

Thy Faith Has Made Thee Whole. Mathew 9.20-22

THE DAY OF RECKONING 2 Corinthians 5.10-11 What are you doing with the time God gave you? What about the strength, the money and skill? Are you using it for His service or for your own pleasure?

Why Me?

Living By Faith Saint Eric Hall

What About Heaven? John 14.1-3; Revelation 7.15-17

JUST AS I AM! Over the years since I became a Christian, I often find pleasure whenever I listen to this song; “Just As I Am”. It is mostly sung during or just after the serving of the Lord’s supper. Little did I know it was solely written to invite perishing souls to Christ. In 1836, Charlotte Elliott wrote this song just after her conversation with an evangelist. She felt at that moment she was an invalid, discouraged and full of doubt. She wondered if she ever had anything to contribute so, she went to an evangelist and said; “what can I bring to God?” And the evangelist in his softest of tune said to Charlotte; “All you need to bring is YOURSELF!” These words changed her thinking about her life, purpose and who she was before God. Thankfully, these words have changed so many lives and hearts today. Will you allow these words to have a change in your life today? This song is divided into three simple points; Just As I Am O Lamb of God I Come May we open our Bibles to a profound account that portrays the truth of these words; Luke 5.12-17; “While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” But, now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” When we come to the Lord, we all show up wherever we are with the things we carry — our baggage, our attitudes, habits, relationships — all the stuff of our lives. I brought a metaphorical backpack filled with good and bad desires and a past full of stories, some of which I was ashamed of. I came believing in Jesus, dying to myself, and rising from baptism without any more sin. But you know what followed me home? Some of those things that were in my backpack! Because I was a new man, but I was also the same guy as two minutes before. Before God, everything changed — I had no more guilt! I was a child of God! And yet, I had the same relationships and some of the same ways of thinking. But I started a journey that day with Jesus, living honestly before him so that he could continue to work in me, help me, and change me as I sought him because we find what we seek. What are you pursuing? Make sure you’re seeking the right thing! If you want to change what you’re seeing, change what you’re seeking! I wish someone had told me years ago that you eventually start to find what you seek. If you hunger and thirst after righteousness, you’ll be satisfied. Trying to get it together before coming to the Lord is like lighting a flashlight without a battery! Just As I Am! Luke stacks three stories together, lining them up next to each other like a triptych. First, Jesus heals a leper — someone disgraced, diseased, and disassociated from the rest of his community (Luke 5:12-16). Then, before mending a lame man, he forgives him of his sins, helping us to see the greater need we all have for healing (Luke 5:17-28). Finally, he calls Levi, the tax collector, to follow him, completing the trio of outcasts and bringing us full circle from fixing a disease to bringing true restoration and wellness (Luke 5:27-30). These stories — the leper, the lame man, and Levi — move us from physical healing to a grand declaration about the spiritual healing we need at the end of the passage (Luke 5:31-32). There, we learn who qualifies for Christ’s salvation: “Jesus answered, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance’” (Luke 5:31-32). If you need Jesus (which you do!), you qualify for his rescue! He calls YOU to repent so he can heal you. A recent update on Charlotte Elliot’s classic hymn adds a new chorus. “I come broken to be mended; I come empty to be filled. I come desperate to be rescued I come empty to be filled I come guilty to be pardoned By the blood of Christ the Lamb And I’m welcomed with open arms Praise God, just as I am” It’s a painful but ultimately healing truth to meditate upon and accept. We come to Christ broken and wounded (Jer. 31:12-13; Ps. 51:17). We come guilty, desperate, and empty (Jer. 30:14-15; Luke 5:27-32; 15:14-16). But praise God, that’s not the end of a Christian’s story. As the song says, we come broken to be mended, not to wallow in brokenness. O Lamb of God Another classic hymn asks, “What can wash away my sins?” The first word of the hymn’s answer is “Nothing.” What a tragedy if we ended the chorus that way! Thankfully, that’s not the whole answer. Instead, we sing: “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” Nothing else will do the job. But the sacrificial death of God’s perfect lamb, Jesus Christ, can cleanse and heal us (John 1:29). Jesus invites us to come just as we are, but he loves us too much to leave us that way. As the song says, we come broken to be mended, not to wallow in brokenness. Find healing and wholeness in Him (Luke 5:12-26; Jer. 30:17,9; Isa. 53:5). He can rescue and fill you (Luke 5:27-32). He will pardon and welcome you (Luke 15:20-24)! I Come But none of that can happen until we come to him. Come believing you bids you to come and that he’s the One who heals. Come to Christ, trusting that his sacrifice is enough. Come Repenting (Luke 5:32). We come as we are to become as He is. And come confessing Him (Matt. 10:34-35). Come to the Lord dying to yourself, buried in water, and rising in Him (Rom. 6:1-6). Come and surrender all to Him daily (James 4:8-9). He will take you as you are, whoever and whatever you are, and you will be changed — day by day — as you walk with him. “Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot.” Don’t wait. Come to Christ today.

SUFFICIENT GRACE

WHY THE DESERT ROUTE?Deuteronomy 8.1-2

The Doctrine of Repentance Matthew 3.8; Luke 3.8Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

Overcoming Sin Addiction Studies in Jeremiah 2 Topic: Sin Stains

Overcoming Sin Addiction Studies in Jeremiah Chapter 2 Topic: Sin Enslaves Jeremiah 2.14-20

Series: Overcoming Sin Addiction Topic: The Foolishness of Sin Studies From Jeremiah 2

Overcoming Sin Addiction Studies From Jeremiah 2.

Bless The Lord, All Ye People!Psalm 103.20-22

Bless The Lord, O My Soul For His Compassion - 2Psalm 103.11-16

Bless the LORD, O My Soul For His Compassion!Psalm 103.6-10

BEWARE OF DECEPTION!Matthew 24.4-5; 24-26

DO YOU GIVE THANKS OR MURMUR?These days I often see that we seldom sadden or identify murmuring as a sin, we forget that murmuring is ungrateful and we usually do it without realizing it.Murmuring is the same as slandering, mumbling, speaking in a low voice, speaking ill of someone or something.So I ask how many times have you mumble today, this morning?The Nation of Israel did murmur for things that are of low esteem before God (Exodus 17.3), they murmured against His Prophet and priest(Numbers 14) and the response from God was not easy to bear 1 Corinthians 10.9-11; 5.Murmuring has lead so many to their unnoticed destruction. Their disappointment and regrets.We complain about so many things that we don’t even notice, because the more we complain, the more we will complain, but also the more we thank, the more we will be grateful. In 1 Thessalonians it is written that we should always be grateful, because that is what God wants from those who are united to Christ.Sometimes most people murmur against the preacher when he's taken a little longer in his sermon. People murmur against the song leaders, prayer moderators and most times secretaries for longer announcement. We need to be careful lest, what befall the Israelites in the wilderness...Don't be an obstacle to the worship of others through your murmuring. Be grateful for being saved as a Christian. Moreover, it's the Lord's day and we are to give Him our all in service.We may not realize it, but murmuring takes us away from God, because when we murmur we cannot see everything he has done in our lives. Our Lord is faithful to us and does not rejoice in ingratitude, being grateful is an act of worship and that shows confidence in God. Let us be thankful for the things we can see and have rather than murmuring for what is not there:We have a roof over our headsWe have food, clothing and waterGood healthBusinesses and jobsWe have Christ, the church and brethrenWe have the BibleWe have our familiesJust continue with the listIndeed, as the song rightly says; WHEN I THINK OF THE GOODNESS OF JESUS AND ALL HE HAS DONE FOR ME, MY VERY SOUL SHALL SHOUT HALLELUJAH, PRAISE GOD FOR SAVING ME!CONCLUSION: Philippians 2.14May the LORD help us to be thankful everyday of our lives in Christ name, Amen!

TOO BUSY FOR CHRISTLuke 10.38-42When we choose to listen to the Lord, we take the best path. Spending our time at the feet of Christ is the best choice, and nothing else matters when we have this closeness to Him.In Luke 10, we see God clearly express this truth to Martha and Mary. Hear the following!“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” Luke 10:38-39Mary left behind everything that had to be done in the house, as she knew what a great opportunity it was to have Jesus there with them. They could hear the Master, face to face, sitting with them. But in our own situation, we don’t encounter Jesus in the flesh, like they did, but we have Him with us every day and at all times. He lives in our hearts, and we can talk to Him at any time of the day.The Lord knocks on the door to sit with us too and invites us to be at His feet, listening to everything He has to teach.All of the teachings that Mary was receiving from Jesus, all of His words spoken to her, none of that would be taken away from Mary because she chose to listen to the Lord.DON’T BE DISTRACTED!“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”. Luke 10:40Martha, unlike Mary, did not leave everything to listen to the Lord.I don’t want to say anything bad about Martha here, but I want to make you think about how many times you were distracted by people around you. When you were at the feet of Jesus, worshiping and listening to His voice, but another person or situation stole your attention with things that soon pass.On the other hand, how many times have you acted like Martha? So distracted by things around you that you didn’t notice the presence of the Son of God? Or even, sometimes, also distracting those next to you? Especially, during worship hours, devotions and special moments with Christ.The house would later get dirty again, the mess could happen again, but that visit was important, and it could be the last time it happened face to face in their home. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the presence of Jesus.HE IS HERE!“Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42When Martha questions Jesus and asks for Mary’s help in organizing the house, Jesus points to the best choice: being in His presence.Nothing else matters when He is present. Our status, degrees, professions, skills, brilliance, and positions don't matter when Christ is involved.Every day, we are covered with so many worries that we miss the presence of God. HE IS HERE! And we can feel Him when we seek Him. But we are too busy with our jobs, studies, home, friends, spouse, family... taking away our attention from the Lord.We need to leave everything for His sake, understanding that when He is there, He cleans, organizes, renews, and transforms. We don’t need to worry about fluffing the pillow if He is in the middle of the room with open arms to welcome us.May we not miss the opportunity to truly live in Christ, in relationship and depth of His love, Amen!Lesson for preachify devotion by Ubiuku O. Arison, Evangelist.

HOW DO YOU THINK?Proverbs 23.7

THANKSGIVING FOR LIVING.Psalm 100.1-5Much emphasis is given in the Bible about showing gratitude to God. Failure to show gratitude is a sign of immaturity which most times, leads to the sin of disobedience.The Christian life should be characterized by thanksgiving.

SPIRITUAL DWARFISMHebrews 6.1-7

Topic: Excuses Text: Luke 14:15-24

GOD IS CALLING THE PRODIGAL!Luke 15.16-18

PATIENT IN TRIALSDeu 8.1-4 (NKJV)¹ "Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers.² And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.³ So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.⁴ Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years.

Walking With GodGenesis 5.24May we walk with God this new month as we strive to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.Welcome to May!

WHAT HAVE YOU BROUGHT FOR THE LORD?Isaiah 53.1-5Oftentimes, many of us have been asked this question whenever we return from a trip, be it a long or short trip.Some of the times we do our best to present something presentable to those we are meeting either for the first time or those we just can't stop giving.However, we are posed with same question concerning our relationship with the Savior who sought and bought us even while we were still helpless and sinners (Romans 5.6,8), dead in our trespasses (Ephesians 2.1-2), "What have you brought for the Lord? (Acts 6.9).A lot of times we do sang these pledging and thoughtful songs in worship, but then how often do we internalize the messages? (1 Corinthians 14.15).I want to believe that it was the Lord himself, using it as a reminder to help us allow this song to resonates in us His precious sacrifice.He gave His all for us. He died that we might live.He took and accepted the shame and hate made for us, the chastisements and cruelty, so that we can be loved.He received our stripes and reproach on His body so that we will be healed and made whole.Why not choose to bring your all, body, soul and spirit to Jesus Christ this moment just as you are.Jesus gave His all for you (Mark 10.45), some brought back shame and re-crucifixion through their conducts.Let us ask ourselves this sincere question,"He gave His all for me, what have I given to Him?""He brought everything for me, what have I brought to Him?" Not a soul, not a transformation.May we create the avenue for spiritual songs such as this to resonates His precious sacrifice for us.“He died to rescue us from God’s wrath because we could never pay the massive debt we owed to the Father.”Bring something for the Lord today.