Foursquare Gospel Church Lugbe Zone Youth Fellowship

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Grace for Living Devotional
Thursday June 20, 2024

TOPIC:THE TEAM THAT DELIVERS RESULTS

BIBLE READING:
1 KINGS 4:1-19
1 So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,

3 Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Sh**ha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.

4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:

5 And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:

6 And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.

7 And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.

8 And these are their names: The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim:

9 The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan:

10 The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:

11 The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:

12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:

13 The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:

14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim:

15 Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:

16 Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:

17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:

18 Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:

19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.

KEY VERSE:
Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for one month in the year.
1 Kings 4:7

MEDITATION:
Today’s Bible passage affirms that having a Church Council or Board members is an age-long practice for effective management of people. This is always necessary because the King or Overseer alone cannot produce results. For Solomon, one thing was clear - each officer knew their schedule and responsibility. Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for one month in the year.”

The officers supplied provisions for King Solomon, and for all who came to King Solomon's table, nothing was lacking (1 Kings 4:27). The principle of collective responsibility was evident, yet there was an arrow head who was held accountable to the king. The team therefore delivered results.

If in the Church and government establishments, persons and officials assigned responsibilities are made accountable, and everyone plays their roles according to the books, results will be visible. Sad that sometimes there are visionless, lazy, self-serving, and irresponsible officials. These make leadership unproductive and kill results. Rather, every member of the team should be seen to work with their heart and hands. It is when all the component parts of the body work (team members) jointly and harmoniously that the body (the team) becomes whole and results are produced.

Why is it that some teams in the church don’t produce results despite the efforts and resources committed?

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, raise for you church responsible and committed leaders.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Esther 1-3; Acts 5:1-16

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Grace for Living Devotional
Wednesday June 19, 2024

TOPIC:LYING PROPHETS IN THE CHURCH

BIBLE READING:
1 KINGS 22:6-8, 15-28
1 Kings 22:6-8
6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

7 And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him

8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

1 Kings 22:15-28
15 So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

16 And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord

17 And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

18 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil

19 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.

20 And the Lord said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

21 And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him.

22 And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

23 Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee.

24 But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee

25 And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

26 And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;

27 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.

28 And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the Lord hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

KEY VERSE:
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, and they said, Go up; for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.1 Kings 22:6

MEDITATION:
Today’s bible reading deals with the subject of lying spirits. Israel was to go to war, but the decision needed to be made advisedly under divine guidance. Jehoshaphat may have learnt about this safe procedure from King David (2 Samuel 5:19) who was King many years before him. How wise to learn from godly leaders, past and present! So he counselled Ahab to seek God’s mind before embarking on the battle. Ahab had summoned 400 prophets against one hated, but guileless prophet, Micaiah. The 400 prophets had prophesied that the King of Israel would win the battle. Micaiah heard differently from God: “I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd”. Translation: Israel would be routed in the battle! And exactly what happened! The 400 prophets influenced by lying spirits were of no value to Ahab.

Why would prophets run when God has not told them to run Why the hatred of genuine prophets, and brethren who speak the truth to authority Why do we give heed to falsehood and unscriptural practices in our churches Apostle Paul captures this so aptly in 1 Timothy 3:1-2 – “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” Depart from them!

Why do we have a dearth of genuine prophets and leaders in our churches?

PRAYER:
Oh Lord, let the revival of truth and righteousness fall upon your church.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Nehemiah 12-13; Acts 4:23-37

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Grace for Living Devotional
Friday June 14, 2024

TOPIC:THE REPROACH INIQUITY BRINGS

BIBLE READING:
2 SAMUEL 15:27-32
27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.

29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

30 And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head.

KEY VERSE:
And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot.2 Samuel 15:30

MEDITATION:
Kings are known to be men of honour, immense power and authority. They command great respect among their subjects. Some lead their army to battles as was the case of Saul and David (1 Samuel 11: 2; Samuel 5:2). Their words go out with authority and must be obeyed, especially in the Bible days. When they establish decrees, many times, they are irreversible, like the kings of Medes and Persians (Daniel 6:8). Unguarded lifestyle can bring them down!

In the bible passage of today, we read how King David, who had led Israel to many battles, including the slaying of Goliath, the giant, became a weeping king and going bare-footed, fleeing from his son, Absalom. David had abused the privilege of his kingship, and had committed adultery with the wife of his loyal soldier, Uriah, and masterminded his murder (2 Samuel 11). Though he concealed these sins, God sent His prophet Nathan to go confront him (2 Samuel 12), and announce his punishment, part of which has played out in today’s bible reading.

The Bible admonishes that we should flee every appearance of sin. It begins with temptation when we are drawn away by our own lust. If lust is not tamed, it brings forth sin and when finished brings forth death (James 1:14, 15). Remember, sin is a reproach and can make kings weep and go bare-footed. So beware!

When has your sin brought you on your knees What did you learn?

PRAYER:
Oh Lord, create in me a clean heart.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ezra 9-10; Acts 1.

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Grace for Living Devotional
Thursday June 13, 2024

TOPIC:DON'T COVER IT, CONFESS IT

BIBLE READING:
2 KINGS 5:1, 8-10, 14-16, 20-27
2 Kings 5:1
1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a l***r.

2 Kings 5:8-10
8 And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

2 Kings 5:14-16
14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

16 But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

2 Kings 5:20-27
20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well

22 And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.

23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

24 And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.

25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants.

27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a l***r as white as snow.

KEY VERSE:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9

MEDITATION:
Sometimes, we make choices based on our immediate desires, emotions and feelings without thinking deeply to weigh the possible consequences. In today’s bible text, after Naaman, captain of the host of the of the king of Syria was healed of his leprosy by obeying Elisha’s instruction to go take a deep bath in Jordan River, he returned to present gifts to the prophet of God as a show of his appreciation. Elisha politely refused his gifts.

Gehazi, Elisha’s servant was upset that his master took nothing from Naaman. He decided to go after Naaman. Gehazi met Naaman on the way and lied to him that his master had visitors and would need some stuff to take care of them. Naaman obliged and Gehazi returned to their abode quietly as if nothing had happened. When Elisha accosted him, he lied and said, “Thy servant went no whither.”. That lie earned Gehazi an eternal curse: “The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto they seed forever. And he went out of his presence a l***r as white as snow”. Gehazi refused to confess even when accosted through the word of knowledge that was in operation in the life of Elisha. He covered his sin and got leprosy!

What sin are you covering even after you have been found, or the Holy Spirit has convicted you so strongly?

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I confess all my sins before you now; by your blood cleanse me and have mercy on me.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ezra 6-8; John 21

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Grace for Living Devotional
Wednesday June 12, 2024

TOPIC:STAY PATIENT ON THE QUEUE

BIBLE READING:
ESTHER 2:12-16
12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)

13 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.

14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.

15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

KEY VERSE:
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.Romans 8:28

MEDITATION:
There is time for everything. There is a God-ordained time for everyone under the sun to manifest their purpose in life. In the bible passage for today, the maidens took their turns to see the King Ahasuerus, but none was found suitable as replacement for the deposed Queen Vashti. Nobody could jump the queue! Then came the turn of Esther on the queue. She found favour before the king and she stepped into the position of Queen Vashti.

Wait patiently on God’s divine queue. Your turn will come. A story was told of a woman whose son had waited for over five years at home without university admission. She was discouraged, but vowed that whatever it would cost her that year, her son must gain admission into the university. So she went ahead to put pressure upon her connections in one of the best universities and her son was admitted to study Law. She felt on top of the world. During the boy’s second year in school, there was a violent students’ riot during which only the boy was killed! Who knows if one more year of patient waiting to study harder would have spared the boy’s life, and spared the mother a heartbreak My General Overseer once said in a lighter mood that if something great is happening to your neighbour, it is already within your neighbourhood. It could happen to you anytime!

Why do many run ahead of their time in life’s journey?

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, may I not run ahead of my God-appointed time.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ezra 3-5; John 20

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Grace for Living Devotional
Tuesday June 11, 2024

TOPIC:IGNORE GOD'S AUTHORITY AT YOUR RISK

BIBLE READING:
ROMANS 1:17-32
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

KEY VERSE:
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections.Romans 1:26

MEDITATION:
The ‘Marlian gang’ (Marlian is coined from Marley) describes the followers of a young Nigerian singer in his 20’s who is simply identified as ‘freethinker.’ This gang espouses life of ease, unrestrained freedom, create no difference between male and female, and many more. They believe no authority – government or religious or parental, should interfere with, or restrict their ‘personal and human liberty.’ This group is gaining traction among many youths, especially, in urban centres and post-secondary institutions. They freely engage in a lot of self-destructive lifestyles and get caught once in a while by law enforcement agents of government. Yet they are defiant. Nothing, apart from the long arms of the law occasionally slows them down. They seem to have chosen a life pattern that ignores God. What a tragedy!

The Marlian gang mirrors today’s bible reading where Paul cautions and states the consequences of ignoring God’s loving entreaties. “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient”. God has given each of us the right to choose our eternal destiny, yet the future is certain to come as a response to, and outcome of the preparations we make today. Hence it is safe for “the just to live by his faith”. It is a very high risk with eternal consequences to ignore God’s authority. Anything outside God’s authority can only lead to perdition (Proverbs 16:25)

Why do many ignore God’s authority over their lives these days?

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, as you bid me, help me to follow you closely.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ezra 1-2; John 19:23-42.

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Grace for Living Devotional
Thursday June 6, 2024

TOPIC:MURMURING IS UNPROFITABLE

BIBLE READING:
EXODUS 16:1-8
1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:

7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us

8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.

KEY VERSE:
If the Lord rains down bread from heaven, will you walk in His way.Exodus 16:4

MEDITATION:
We are in a world where we feel we should get everything we want. We forget so often the consequences of the fall of man due to sin in the Garden of Eden. Since then, man started to sweat and labour hard to get what he wants.

This is the truth the Israelites forgot when they left Egypt. They felt that since God had delivered them from slavery, every other thing they needed would be supplied with ease. As they travelled through the wilderness, they seemed to be ignorant that in the desert, food and water were not easy commodities, so they murmured against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of bringing them into the wilderness to kill them with hunger and thirst. While they murmured and grumbled they forgot they were doing so against the God who sent Moses.

Perhaps you are fond of murmuring and grumbling against your leader, it is an ungodly practice that you must stop. Your action is against the God who has allowed those leaders to be set over you (Romans 13). If you have observed any ungodly practice in the leadership, prayerfully and without bitterness or arrogance challenge it with the aim of getting the system work better for God’s glory. Murmuring and grumbling are sinful and unprofitable.

God hears and He is gracious all the time. Moses cried unto God. Quail and manna (meat and bread) were sent to feed the Israelites despite their sin. So quit murmuring and grumbling, and pray instead.

What are some of the reasons people murmur against their leaders?

PRAYER:
Father Lord, please forgive me of every sin of murmuring and grumbling.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Chronicles 23-25; John 16:16-33.

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Grace for Living Devotional
Wednesday June 5, 2024

TOPIC:FIGHTING CORPORATELY AND COURAGEOUSLY

BIBLE READING:
JOSHUA 1:16-18
16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

KEY VERSE:
And they answered Joshua, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.Joshua 1:16

MEDITATION:
Rick Warren, in his book, “Purpose Driven Life,” opined that life is all about wars. Humans are almost always engaged in battles. Right from our conception till death, there is clear evidence that we are presently engaged in some form of warfare, or just entering a battle, or just coming out of one. When Exodus 15:3 says, “God is a man of war, the Lord is his name.” it means God is a committed warrior. From Genesis to Revelation, we see battles between light and darkness, life and death, hope and hopelessness, righteousness and unrighteousness. The list is endless. If we belong to God, we need not shy away from the battles of life because, sooner or later, they will come. The good news is that we have an anchor in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who has never lost any battle.

In today’s Bible reading, the children of Israel pledged allegiance to God’s servant, Joshua, to obey him in all things as they obeyed Moses. They also promised to kill any traitor amongst them. This was the height of corporate readiness and courage to fight a common enemy. The courage to go into every battle cry by Joshua was definite. Their confidence on their leader Joshua was not in doubt, who in turn had an unassailable relationship with God, so they chorused, “only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.” (Joshua 1:17).

How often do we stand with our leaders in battles?

PRAYER:
O Lord, make me a weapon of war in the corporate battles of your church.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Chronicles 20-22; John 16:1-15.

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria
Grace for Living Devotional
Monday June 3, 2024

TOPIC:THE ZIBAS IN RELATIONSHIPS

BIBLE READING:
2 SAMUEL 16:1-4; 19:24-30
2 Samuel 16:1-4
1 And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

2 And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

4 Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

2 Samuel 19:24-30
24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

25 And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth

26 And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.

27 And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

28 For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king

29 And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

30 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

KEY VERSE:
And he answered, my lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.2 Samuel 19:26

MEDITATION:
Today’s bible reading tells the treacherous story of how Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s lame son, now eating on King David’s table was slandered by his servant Ziba, whose hidden agenda was to inherit part or all of his master’s property.

Often times some believers pretend not to know when they are neck deep in, and surreptitiously planning how to undo fellow brethren, colleagues at work or family members for selfish reasons ranging from greed like the case of Ziba, or outright hatred or malice or envy or falsehood (Philippians 1:15). Apostle Paul, writing to the Galatian Christians said, “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife (Galatians 2:4). We must be careful not to serve God out of greed, envy and pretence.

King Solomon the wise has the following to share from his experiences: There are six things that the LORD hates, even seven things that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift to run to evil (Proverbs 6:16-18). One thing is certain that the Zibas in the church will not cease. God forbid it that I will be one of them. It is a personal choice.

What are some of the reasons brethren behave like Ziba in the church

PRAYER:
Father Lord, help me to hate all that you hate.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Chronicles 13-16; John 14