Being Like Jesus

We ought to publish THE REALITIES OF THE TRUE LIGHT this season, but there’s a change of plan, and we apologise for that. This season, we’re led to share on BUILDING A NICHE. We pray you’ll be blessed and enlightened in Jesus’ name. Amen. So what does it mean to build a niche? To build a niche is to set a name for oneself. And a name is an identity, a reputation; what people know you for. To build or carve a niche is not to set boundaries for yourself. But the niche which you build will make people to set boundaries for you. To set boundaries is to segregate yourself from people, and you can’t make an impact on your generation. But to build a niche, is to be identified and be known for something. Thus, people set boundaries for you on the things you cannot be identified for. For instance, you can’t go to the ophthalmologist when you have a tooth problem; though both the ophthalmologist and the dentist work in the hospital, but because of the tooth problem, you s

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: CAVE OF ADULLAM DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: 1 SAMUEL 22:1-5 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: PSALM 91:1, 2 (NKJV) He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” Caves were frequently used as dwelling places (Num. 24:21) or as a place for retreats (2 Sam. 23:13). Sometimes those who had niches in their sides were occupied as burying-places (Jn. 11:38). The Bible is very meticulous about information. Why did the Bible mention the place where that cave was? Because Adullam; though a Canaanite city, was where the glory of Israel had come. Micah 1:15 I will yet bring an heir to you, O inhabitant of Mareshah; the glory of Israel shall come to Adullam. David escaped for the fear of his life from King Saul and retreated in the cave of Adullam, which the Bible also meti

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: MARANTHA III DATE: 29 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:2, 4, 5 (THE MESSAGE) You know as well as I that the day of the Master’s coming can’t be posted on our calendars. He won’t call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would… But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under open skies and know where we stand. We were not able to exhaust yesterday’s. We were studying the times and seasons of Christ’s return, using Noah’s time as a case-study. And we were buttressing on the increase of wickedness, which we were unable to consummate. When wickedness increase, the love of most believers will grow cold (Matt. 24:12). This had happened in Noah’s time. 2 Peter 3:3-7 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will co

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: MARANTHA II DATE: 28 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 24:36-44 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:2, 4, 5 (THE MESSAGE) You know as well as I that the day of the Master’s coming can’t be posted on our calendars. He won’t call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would… But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under open skies and know where we stand. From our Bible reading, Eugene Peterson puts verse 36 in The Message Bible this way: “But the exact day and hour? No one knows that…” So from this, it is clear that the actual time of Christ’s return is unknown. No one can give the exact date of His return. But Apostle Paul, through his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, has made us to know that the day of His return won’t take us by surprise, because we can know when He wou

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: MARANTHA I DATE: 27 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 24:30-35 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:22 (THE VOICE) May those who have no love for the Lord be cursed. Maranatha, “Our Lord, come!” Maranatha is an Aramaic phrase used by the early Christians as an invitation for the Lord’s speedy reappearance (cf. Rev. 22:20). Maranatha thus, means “Our Lord, come!” or “Our Lord will come;” according to some, “Our Lord has come.” There’s this ten year old girl who had the privilege to see how the coming of the Lord will look like last year. What she saw is biblical, and so I will cite chapter and verse to support her prophesy. Let us not forget God’s promise for these last days. Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. From her writing

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: WHEN PERSECUTION ARISES III DATE: 26 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: ROMANS 8:35-39 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: ISAIAH 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. From our Bible reading, Paul had written that persecution and hardship cannot separate us from Christ's love. Before he wrote, “we are more than conquerors.” And from our verse for meditation, Prophet Isaiah started with, “wait on the Lord”, and waiting on the Lord involves bearing the cross (Matt. 10:38; Luke 9:23), then he went on by saying that they shall never be tired of running and walking. Persecution looks terrifying but God says we should take heart, because there's always a prize for enduring hardship (Matt. 5:10-12). Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lor

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: WHEN PERSECUTION ARISES II DATE: 25 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: JOHN 15:18-22 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: 2 TIMOTHY 3:12 (AMP) Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith]. The question is not ARE WE ALL GOING TO FACE THE PERSECUTION? Because we all will face persecution. But the question should be WHY ARE WE GOING TO FACE THE PERSECUTION? Our verse for meditation explains that if we desire to live a godly live, we must be persecuted. Because if Christ the Messiah was persecuted, then we are in for it too. Persecution does not only mean to eliminate a certain group of people, but it means to afflict, harass or punish someone for his/her belief. And yes, there are people like that that loves to frustrate your efforts in serving God. But Jesus said that we should love them (Matt. 5:43-48).

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: WHEN PERSECUTION ARISES I DATE: 24 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 24:9-22 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: LUKE 18:8 (NLT) I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith? Persecution is going to arise before the Son of Man returns (Matt. 24:9, 30, 31). And it is already happening. Some Christians in the Northern part of Nigeria and some other parts of the world are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. Now why will God allow us to pass through persecution before the Son of Man returns? I believe it's because He wants to probe our hearts and test our faith. 1 John 2:19 These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. This is an excerpt of a revelation I got while praying in the Spiri

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: PREPARE TO MEET THE LORD II DATE: 23 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 25:1-13 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: AMOS 4:12 (CEB) Truly, Israel, I will act in this way toward you; therefore, I will do this to you. Prepare to meet your God, Israel! In verse 5, it was said that the bridegroom was late in coming. The New Living Translation puts it as THE BRIDEGROOM WAS DELAYED. Christ is the bridegroom that is coming for the Church the body of Christ; we Christians, the Bride (Rev. 19:7). Christ's coming is delayed for a purpose. He wants every nation to be saved (Matt. 24:14; Rev. 5:9). But many will think that Christ's second coming is a fantasy. 2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-10 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, "What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: PREPARE TO MEET THE LORD I DATE: 22 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 25:1-13 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: MATTHEW 25:13 (ERV) So always be ready. You don’t know the day or the time when the Son of Man will come. This chapter is a continuation to Matthew 24. It was a question that His disciples asked Him that brought about this parable. Matthew 24:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" His disciples were asking for signs of His second coming and signs of the end times. Jesus gave them a lot of signs which we are already experiencing some now; because we are in the end times. In today's reading, Jesus said in verse 3 that five were wise and five were foolish. But remember they were all virgins. A virgin is someone who is pure. So in other

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: DIVINE DIRECTION II DATE: 21 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: PSALM 23 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: PROVERBS 16:25 (AMP) There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but its end is the way of death. Yesterday we were discussing on the theme: DIVINE DIRECTION, and we see that humility towards God brings directions. Still on the theme, we are looking at it in another phase. You may think God’s ways are the ways of destruction, but no, it is not. From our Bible reading, verses 3 and 4, even though you’re led to the darkness valley; fear not, he’s there with you; leading you in those paths of righteousness. It may be unpleasant, but yes, it’s the way of life. Before Jesus Christ declared himself as the ‘LIFE’, he first of all called himself as the ‘WAY’. You may doubt as human if he’d promised to lead you beside the still waters. He said, ‘I AM THE TRUTH’; meaning doubt not, I am no

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: DIVINE DIRECTION I DATE: 20 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: LUKE 18:18-23 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: PSALM 37:23 (AMPC) The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]. The ‘good’ man mentioned here is not one that practises goodness, but one that substantiates goodness. To act ‘good’ is not being good, but living in goodness is it. To act ‘good’ is hypocrisy. An example from the scriptures is the case of the rich young ruler from our Bible reading. He has been keeping the law; acting ‘good’ and righteous, through his own effort. But Jesus Christ showed him one way to substantiate goodness— letting go (of your own ability of being good) and letting God (of His own ability of being good; working in you). Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and act in order to fulfil his good purpose. Letting go,

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: BURNING THE BRIDGES DATE: 19 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: 1 KINGS 19:19-21 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: LUKE 9:23 (AMP) And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. To ‘burn the bridges,’ means to cut off every form of connection or relationship with someone or something. That is, it is a sign of saying, ‘NO GOING BACK,’ ‘NO ALTERNATIVE PLAN.’ When Elijah casted his mantle upon Elisha, the son of Shaphat, the prophetic power came upon him. By that single act, Elijah gave him a new identity and set him apart for a prophetic mission. Earlier in verse 16 from 1st Kings 19, God had told to anoint Elisha as a

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE TWOFOLD CALLING DATE: 18 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-21 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: 2 TIMOTHY 4:5 (VOICE) But you must stay focused and be alert at all times. Tolerate suffering. Accomplish the good work of an evangelist, and complete the ministry to which you have been called. The name “Christian,” was first mentioned in Acts 11:26, “… The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” It was derived from the Greek word, “Christianos” which in the English rendition is “Christ-like”, that is possessing the nature and character of Christ. The early disciples learned to conform into the image of Christ. A disciple is someone who accepts and spreads the teaching [of Jesus Christ]. In other words, a disciple is a follower of Christ. In the English dictionary, “Christian” is someone who follows Christ. So a Christian is a disciple of Christ. We can see from scriptures, the practic

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE WHY QUESTION III: WHY WE GO TO CHURCH DATE: 17 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: PSALM 133:1-3 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: HEBREWS 10:25 (TLB) Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near. The name ‘church’ in the Greek is ekklesia, which simply means ‘called out,’ that is, the assembly of the called (elects); it implies that members have said “yes” to God’s call in their lives. In other words, a church is a gathering of Christian believers. Why do we go to church? If your answer is just because God says so, you will end up like Martha, doing so many religious activities, which can even wear you out. Fine! Without controversy, God says so. But do you know why? If your answer also is just to hear the Word of God, which stirs up your faith in Him, then technology has done well in helping us

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE WHY QUESTION II: WHY WE STUDY THE BIBLE DATE: 16 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: 2 TIMOTHY 3:15-17 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: MATTHEW 4:4 (THE MESSAGE) Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” Do you know why we study the Bible? They say, ‘a word a day, keeps the devil away.’ That could be true if there’s a right application of the Word. The devil is never intimidated by your studying of the Word. He even tempted Jesus by the Word. First, let’s understand this: The Bible is not the Word of God; the Bible contains the Word of God. The Word of God is Christ Himself. Revelation 19:13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. We see Christ from Genesis 1:1 (As we have discussed in THE CREATION STORY), even unto Revelation 22:21. We may not see clearly, Christ earthly min

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE WHY QUESTION I: WHY WE PRAY DATE: 15 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 6:5-13 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: LUKE 18:1 (THE MESSAGE) Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. Prayer is an invocation and an act of supplication to God. That is prayer is a way of communicating with God. From our Bible reading, we see Jesus saying, ‘When you pray…’ That is, we ought always to pray. If Jesus had said, ‘If you pray...’ that would be different; prayer would have been optional. But ‘When you pray…’ is an instruction. But Jesus said later on, ‘When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God…… [For] your father knows what you need even before you ask’ (Matthew 6:7, 8). Now, if God knows what we need, then why pray? Luke included in his account what led Jesus to say ‘When you pray…’ Luke 11:1 It happened that while Jesus was prayi

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: ETERNAL SALVATION II DATE: 14 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: 1 JOHN 5:13-21 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: 1 JOHN 5:16 (KJV) If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is sin unto death: I do not say that he shall for it. Yesterday, we looked at the concept of eternal salvation, which means basically, forever saved. And if we are forever saved, then why the controversy that our salvation can be lost? First, we need to understand that eternal salvation only assures us genuine believers that our sins are forgiven forever, and there’s no more condemnation. Even as believers, when we sin; because all wrongdoing is sin, eternal salvation has given us that confidence to approach the throne of grace to obtain mercy. Eternal salvation is not a licence to sin, but an assurance of our salvation. Even when a believer shou

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: ETERNAL SALVATION I DATE: 13 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: HEBREWS 5:7-9 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: HEBREWS 5:9 (NKJV) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. The concept of eternal salvation is best understood by their root words: Eternal in the Greek is aionios, which means perpetual (also used of past time or present and future as well) — everlasting; forever. And salvation in the Greek is soteria, which means to rescue, to deliver or to save. So literarily, eternal salvation means one that is forever saved. So with this, does our Bible reading support the idea that once we are saved, we are forever saved? Meaning our salvation cannot be lost? Are we eternally secured? The belief of eternal security have been traced down by some Bible scholars to the very words of Jesus in John 10:28 & 29. John 10:28, 29 And I give them eternal life, and the

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY XI: TRUE WORSHIP DATE: 12 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: GENESIS 4:1-16 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: JOHN 4:24 (CEV) God is Spirit, and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship him according to the truth. In today’s creation story, we are looking at ‘TRUE WORSHIP’. And our case studies are CAIN & ABEL. Cain, a farmer, offered God an offering from his yield. Abel, a shepherd, offered God an offering from his yield too. But the Lord accepted Abel’s. Why? Because Abel did what was right. And what was that right thing Abel did? It was said of Abel’s offering that he brought unto God a fat portions from some of the first born of his flock (Gen 4:4) but Cain’s offering was not detailed as Abel’s. The Bible says that Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord (Gen 4:3), meaning he brought this offering without the faith see that phrase again met

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY X: HOW TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S PRESENCE (PART TWO) DATE: 11 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: GENESIS 2:16-20; 3:1-8, 24 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: PHILIPPIANS 4:8 (CEV) Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. Yesterday, we were unable to consummate on this theme. We were answering the question from the creation story, and so we will continue from there. In verse 16 from our Bible reading, God gave man His Word. Because in verse 17, the tree of knowledge of good and evil will one day serve as a temptation for Him. Therefore, we need God’s Word to experience His presence. In verse 18, God saw that it was not good for that man to be alone, so he made him a helpmeet. This signifies our fellowship with our brethren. Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasan

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY IX: HOW TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S PRESENCE (PART ONE) DATE: 10 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: GENESIS 2:4-15 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: PSALM 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. The answer to the question— How to experience God’s presence, can be traced down to the creation story, where the first account of this experience was recorded. The first man that God ever created on earth, experienced God’s presence. And I believe that that’s one of the reasons that He created us for; to experience His presence, so that we could worship Him in a better way. From our Bible reading, verses 4-6 explains what God did before he formed man in verse 7. God was designing the garden; making it beautiful, so that man would enjoy its dwelling. This explains what God did for us over two thousand years ago. He sent His

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY VIII: BEFORE YOU SAY ‘I DO’ DATE: 9 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: GENESIS 2:15-25 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: GENESIS 2:24 (AMP) For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. In today’s devotional, we will be addressing on the issue of marriage, which apostle Paul called it a great mystery (Eph. 5:32). First, what is marriage? Marriage is an institution set up by God in the midst of witnesses, to cause an intimate union between a man and a woman in order to find fulfilment for a life time. Marriage is an institution, just like a school, where a couple learns more about Christ and His bride, and about His relationship to the church. And that’s why this union is only temporary, because in heaven there’s no marriage (Matt. 22:28-30). The primary purpose of going into marriage is not for procreation or compan

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY VII: THE SABBATH DATE: 8 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: GENESIS 2:1-3 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: HEBREWS 4:9-11 (AMP) So there remains a [full and complete] Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has once entered His rest has also rested from [the weariness and pain of] his [human] labours, just as God rested from [those labours uniquely] His own. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience [as those who died in the wilderness]. In our today’s devotional, we are looking at Sabbath as a system, not as a day. Sabbath simply refers to rest. And according to Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man,” refers to a system God had given to His people. But, “man for the Sabbath,” refers to a day of worship. And in verse 28, Jesus Christ addressed himsel

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY VI: THE REALITIES OF THE TRUE LIGHT (PART THREE) DATE: 7 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: GENESIS 1:1-5; 14-19 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: JOHN 8:12 (AMP) Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” God declared Jesus Christ as Light, just as the way he declared Him as His beloved Son (Matt. 3:17; 17:5). Something had made God to make that declaration. In Matthew 3:13-17, God declared that to John the Baptist. And in Matthew 17:1-5, God declared that to Peter. But looking carefully at both verses, Matthew 17:5 has an additional phrase, ‘Listen to him.’ Do you know why? (Please subscribe to our blog. It will be shared there on Christmas day). So what made God to declare Jesus Christ as the Light? Genesis 1:2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face o

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY V: THE REALITIES OF THE TRUE LIGHT (PART TWO) DATE: 6 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: GENESIS 1:1-5; 14-19 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: JOHN 8:12 (AMP) Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” Yesterday, we were unable to consummate on the theme of LIGHT. We only discussed on the two lights in verse 14-16. Now, what or who is the light in verse 3? Let’s see the pretext and also verse 3. The Good News translation for verse 2 says: The earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the Spirit of God was moving over the water. Eugene Peterson; the writer of ‘The Message Bible’, writes: Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God’s Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery aby

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY IV: THE REALITIES OF THE TRUE LIGHT (PART ONE) DATE: 5 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: GENESIS 1:1-5; 14-19 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: JOHN 8:12 (AMP) Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” Light is translated from the original Greek word; ‘phos,’ which is a Septuagint of the Hebrew word, or, which refers to making manifest, that is, making easy to understand, and clear. From our Bible reading today, there are two lights mentioned (Gen. 1:3, 14, 15). What is (are) the difference(s) between these two lights? In verse 3, God declared single light, but in verses 14 and 15, God declared lights (plural) — more than one. Verse 16 had the specific number (2 lights). And these lights were meant for signs, seasons, days and year. So what or who is the light in verse 3? Becaus

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM) TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY III— THE CONCEPT OF WHO GOD IS (PART THREE) DATE: 4 SEPTEMBER, 2019 BIBLE READING: GENESIS 1:1-31 MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: JAMES 1:17 (ERV) Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. From our Bible reading, we see that everything God made was good (vs. 10, 12, 18, 21, 25 and 31). And our verse for meditation says, ‘Everything good comes from God…’ Scattered across scriptures, the Word of God shows how good He is. The psalmist says, ‘Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.’ (Ps. 73:1). Jesus says, ‘… No one is good— except God alone.’ (Luke 18:19). Also, Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, ‘For everything God created is good…’ (1 Tim. 4:4). But this question is often asked, ‘why does God allow