ARE YOU A CHILD OF GOD?
*SATURDAY, AUGUST 22ND 2026* TOPIC: *ARE YOU A CHILD OF GOD?* BIBLE PASSAGE: *1 JOHN 3:1-9* *KEY VERSE:* _*Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.*_- 1 John 3:1 Today’s bible passage is a powerful reminder of who we are in Christ and how that identity shapes our lives. It calls us to reflect on God’s immense love, to embrace our distinctiveness from the world, and to pursue a life of purity and righteousness. The simple question for you is, are you a child of God? Apostle John tells us in John 1:12 AMP who a child of God is: _”But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name”.*_ Hitherto, every human being is God’s creation but something unique must happen to translate the person to becoming a child of God: you must be born again to lay claim to being a child of God (John 3:3). This identity isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift, a manifestation of divine grace (Eph. 2:8-9) To be a child of God means that we are deeply loved and cherished by Him as our Father. It means that we have a special relationship with God, where He cares for us, guides us, and provides for us. Being a child of God also means that we have a new identity in Christ. We are forgiven of our sins, redeemed, and made new through His sacrifice on the cross. This new identity empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God, turning away from sin and walking in righteousness. The greatest thing that can happen to one on earth, is to become a child of God. Christians often feel out of place or misunderstood. This is a natural consequence of our new identity in Christ. Have you ever felt that your values clash with societal norms? This feeling underscores our distinctiveness as God’s children. John calls us to a life of purity, driven by the hope of becoming like Christ. Purity isn’t just about moral conduct; it’s about aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will., The one born again, daily purifies himself by God’s word. No true child of God continues to live in habitual sin (v.9; cf Romans 6:1-2).Anyone who claims to be a child of God, but still living in sin, he/she is a liar. *ACTION:* _Being a strong member of the church without a definite encounter with Christ is not salvation. It’s important that we make real peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ._ *PRAYER:* _*Heavenly Father, help me to constantly pursue righteousness and holiness in line with my new identity as a child of God. Good morning have a miraculous day
THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21ST 2026 TOPIC: *THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE* BIBLE PASSAGE: *1 JOHN 2:24-29* *KEY VERSE:* _*And this is the promise that he has promised us – eternal life*_ – 1 John 2:25. The need to hold fast to what we have heard and believed about God and our salvation is very important and always stressed in the Bible (v.24). There is a tendency to always forget and follow another unhelpful path and the devil is a master at orchestrating this. Paul cautioned the _*”foolish Galatians”*_ wondering who had _*”bewitched”*_ them to depart from the teachings he gave them (Gal. 3:1,3). If we must make heaven, it is important that we continually stand on the truth of God’s word and not be tossed about by every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14). Let us be careful as some Christians are fond of running around to _*”where it is happening”*_ because their approach to Christianity is driven by the ‘miraculous’ and superfluous. Beware of seducing spirits (v. 26). Apostle John tells us that God has promised us eternal life (v.25). What a comforting and reassuring news. Every covenant that God made with his people was attached to a promise. When Jesus came he established a new covenant in his blood, to cover both the Jews and the Gentiles (Matt 26:27-28) and the promise of this new covenant is eternal life (cf Jn.3:16; 6:40). That eternal life is in God’s son, Jesus Christ (1 Jn.5:11). Thus, this promise is Christ and he is enough for anyone who believes. In Christ, we have the fullness of the Godhead and we are complete in Him (Col. 3:9-10). In Christ, God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3-4). So, _*”I need no other argument; I need no other plea; it is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me”,*_ a songwriter declares. The promise of eternal life can only be found in Christ Jesus by grace through faith. Have you appropriated this great promise in your life? What Jesus came from heaven to deliver to us is not just earthly riches, but rather eternal life which this world cannot offer us. Believers have received the anointing (power of God) to sustain them in this promise of eternal life in Christ (v. 27-28). Christians must continue to walk in righteousness for that is the sure evidence that we truly belong to Christ (v. 29). *ACTION:* _Ensure you don’t live a life that will miss this great promise. Pursue knowing Christ daily with all your life and you will end great with confidence._ *PRAYER:* _*O Lord, help me pursue knowing Christ with all my life. May nothing drift me away from this promise of eternal life, in Jesus name. Good morning God bless you abundantly
DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD
*THURSDAY, AUGUST 20TH 2026* TOPIC: *DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD* BIBLE PASSAGE: *1 JOHN 2:15-23* *KEY VERSE:* _*Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.*_ – 1 John 2:15. Having dealt with the believers vertical and horizontal love relationship with God and man respectively, Apostle Paul turns our attention to a critical _”no go area”*_ of love. He declares _*“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Fatherfd] is not in them.”*_This is a call to prioritize eternal values over temporary pleasures. The world offers fleeting satisfaction, but true fulfillment is found in a relationship with God. By setting our hearts on things above, we align ourselves with His eternal purposes. The worldly systems are in enmity with God and worldliness threatens our fellowship with God. The «world” here is not just the global earth or humanity (c/f John 3:16), but rather it is the community of sinful humanity that is united in rebellion against God. The allures of this rebellious worldly system is captured in three categories, _*”the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”*_ (v.16). Whatever we can describe as the _*”things of the world”*_ will find a safe categorization within these three components. A good example is in advertising commercials that are often packaged to appeal to our sensuous nature leading to sin. The unbridled desire for wealth and fame have led many youths into money rituals, ‘419 schemes/’yahoo-yahoo boys, kidnapping, armed robbery, sexual perversions like LGBTQ+, etc. Are you sure you don’t love the world when you can skip fellowship to watch a football match; when your eyes are glued 24 hours on social media; and yet when you spend three hours in a church service you get irritated? _z”Remember Lots wife”*_ (Lk. 17:32) who placed her affection upon the things of the world as her heart never left Sodom (Gen. 19:17,26) and she turned into a pillar of salt. This paints a picture of one who has come to Christ, but his heart is in the world. Again, the Israelites perished the wilderness because they lusted after the things of the world (Num. 11:1-6). Though they left Egypt, Egypt never left them. Is that your experience? Repent. The spirit of the antichrist is the spirit of this age and any professed believer who love the world and its sinful pleasures and distort the gospel and the message of the cross, place themselves under this rebellion of Satan against Christ and His righteousness (v.18-23) *ACTION:* _Can you honestly say you don’t love the world? Correct yourself now._ *PRAYER:* _*O Lord, deliver me from the love of the world. Teach me to love you more than anything in the world, in Jesus name.*_Good morning have a blessed day
DEALING WITH HATRED IN YOU
*WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19TH 2026* TOPIC: *DEALING WITH HATRED IN YOU* BIBLE PASSAGE: *1 JOHN 2:7-14* *KEY VERSE:* _*Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.*_ – 1 John 2:9 In today’s passage, John reiterates the imperative of loving one another in Christ. He qualifies this kind of love as a “new commandment” in the sense that the Lord Jesus Christ had demonstrated it in the way He loved and forgave His accusers up to when He hung on the cross. John’s call for us to love one another becomes more compelling and instructive when you consider that early in his life he was known as one of the _*”sons of thunder.”*_ He once wanted to call down fire from heaven upon those who rejected Jesus (Luke 9:54). Hatred is the opposite of love and the scripture reminds us that both cannot co-exist together. Hence in v. 8-11, John insists that a believer cannot claim that he loves God when he/she demonstrates hatred towards another person. Comparing hatred to darkness and love to light shows us the serious implications of these two dispositions. Remember that hatred can also be expressed by indifference; true love will demonstrate itself for one another. Are you living in hatred and yet claim to be a child of God? Look around you in the church, your residential area and your place of work or business, is there anyone that you hate even if for a reasonable cause? God’s word says that we should rather love so that we will not be in danger of hell fire (c/f 1 John 3:15). We need to behave like our heavenly Father who loves the sinner but hates his sin. Jesus said: _”But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you..”*_ Matt 5:44. That is God’s standard and his demand on us. Apostle John now admonishes different groups in the church – little children, fathers, young men – and reminding them that before God each group has a place of connection and level of spiritual maturity. Yet in this diversity of experience and growth in Christ, we ought to love one another and work together at our different levels to promote the kingdom of God. While the elderly and more experienced in faith _*“dream”,*_ the young and agile youths would _*“see visions and prophesy”*_ as soon they fight spiritual battles to protect themselves and the church (v.12-14; Joel 2:28). Let all hands be on deck, devoid of every possibility of hatred, knowing the spiritual battles before the church is real. *ACTION:* _Is there anyone on earth you hate? Go and make peace today. Show the person love._ *PRAYER:* _*O Lord, help me never to hate anyone in my life. Purge me of any form of hatred. Fill me with love for everyone, in Jesus name.*_Good morning have a lovely day
THE AUTHENTIC MASSAGE
*MONDAY, AUGUST 17TH 2026* TOPIC: *THE AUTHENTIC MASSAGE* BIBLE PASSAGE: *1 JOHN 1:5-10* *KEY VERSE:* _*This is the message which we have heard from him and declare to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all.*_ -1 John 1:5 There is something that makes a mesage an authentic one which preachers and everyone of us must look out for. The faith we are proclaiming has Jesus Christ as the source. The authentic message is that one traceable to what Christ said: _*”This is the message we have heard from him”*_ V.5a). Who gave you the message you are preaching? Authentic message comes from what we heard Jesus say, and saw him do. That’s why he sent his disciples who now say to you: _*”this is what we heard from him”.*_ The phrase _*”God is light”*_ (v.5) is a profound statement about the nature of God. Light symbolizes purity, truth, and holiness. When John says, _*”in Him there is no darkness at all,”*_ he underscores God’s perfection and the absence of any form of evil. This sets a high standard for believers, as walking in the light means striving to live in a manner that reflects God’s purity. If you walk in darkness, no matter how you claim to belong to God, you are simply a liar. Living in God’s light involves following Jesus and adhering to His teachings (c/f. Psalm 119:105; John 8:12). This passage is a reminder that God’s light not only exposes our flaws but also offers a path to forgiveness and restoration. So, what decides where you belong is not what you say, but your life. Another critical phrase is _*”if we confess our sins”* (v.9). Confession here is not merely an admission but an acknowledgment that leads to repentance and transfomation. John assures us that God is _*”faithful and just to forgive us our sins,”*_ emphasizing that forgiveness is rooted in God’s charater and promises. The act of confessing our sins can be particularly relevant in an age where admitting faults is often seen as a weakness. Rev. Michael Johnson recalls _”…a story of a young man who struggled with addiction. He felt trapped in darkness until he began attending a local church and confessing his struggles to a supportive community. This act of stepping into the light brought him healing and a renewed sense of purpose.”_ Our text, therefore, invites us to live transparently, embracing God’s light and confessing our sins. Let us strive to walk in the light, being honest with ourselves and others, and trusting in God’s faithful forgiveness as we navigate our daily lives. *ACTION:* _Think of your life as a journey, one where clarity and honesty light your way. Don’t hide your struggles; face them head-on._ *PRAYER:* _*O Lord, help me to focus my life on what I received from you. If there be any un-confessed sin in my life, Lord expose it, in Jesus name.*_Good morning receive Grace upon Grace today Amen
TOPIC: HOLD FAST THE PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS
SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 1:9-14 9: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10: But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he can keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13: Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14: That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: REJECT FALSE TEACHINGS THAT CONTRADICT THE GOSPEL In an age of competing ideas and distorted teachings, believers are called to remain firmly grounded in the truth of God’s Word. As Paul neared the end of his earthly ministry, he charged Timothy to “hold fast the pattern of sound words” he had received (v. 13). Timothy was not to alter, dilute, or abandon the gospel to suit the culture or avoid persecution. Instead, he was to faithfully preserve and proclaim the truth entrusted to him. Paul reminded Timothy that salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace. Before the world began, God purposed our redemption in Christ Jesus. This charge is equally relevant today. Believers must not only know the truth but also preserve it. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, death has been defeated, and eternal life has been brought to light through the gospel. This glorious message is a sacred trust that every believer must guard and faithfully pass on to the next generation. Paul instructed Timothy to hold fast to the pattern of sound words with faith and love in Christ. God’s truth must be preserved without compromise. We are called to study Scripture diligently, obey it wholeheartedly, and teach it faithfully. The treasure of the gospel has been entrusted to every believer. We cannot preserve it through human wisdom alone; we depend on the Holy Spirit, who gives us discernment, courage, and strength to defend and proclaim the truth (v. 14). ASSIGNMENT Meditate on a particular Scripture and apply it to your life. PRAYER Father, help me to hold firmly to the pattern of sound teaching in this age.
DEVELOP HOLY ANGER AGAINST SIN AND GAIN GOD’S APPROVAL
TOPIC: DEVELOP HOLY ANGER AGAINST SIN AND GAIN GOD’S APPROVALBIBLE PASSAGE: NUMBERS 25: 6- 15 KEY VERSE:Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest has turned my anger away from the Israelites; for he was zealous as I am for my honour among them, so that in my zeal I did not put an end to them”- Numbers 25:11 In the midst of the eroding morality, rapid spread of ungodliness, God delights in people that will rise up against ungodliness. I refer to such as the _”Phinehas generation”_ The Bible says that at Shittim, Israel were seduced by the Moabite women into the immoral worship of the gods of the Moabites (Num. 25:2-2). Sexual immorality and idolatry prevailed so much, God’s anger was kindled against Israel and He ordered the killing of those who were involved in the act. While the people of srael were weeping because of the anger of the Lord, Zimri, an Israelite, in contempt for the Holy things and word of God brought his lover Kozbi, a Midianite woman, into the inner tent of the Israelites; evidently with an immoral intention (v.14-15). He did this in the public glare of the people of Israel. The attitude of Zimri reflects the shameless display of immorality prevailing in our society today. People walk around almost naked in the name of fashion. Sexual activities are openly displayed with impunity in the name of modernity or liberality. Many are clapping for these immoral behaviours thereby increasing the anger of the Lord. Phinehas, the son of Eleazor and grandson of Aaron the priest, developed a holy anger for the shameless act of Zimri and Kozbi (v. 7-8). He executed a summary judgement on the Israelite and the Midianite woman. This act of Phinehas turned away God’s anger. The Holy anger he displayed earned him a pledge of a covenant of Peace from God. He was granted the position of perpetual Priesthood (v. 12-13). Believers must eschew evil wherever it may be found. ACTION:Hate sin and evil, and turn away God’s anger. PRAYER:Lord, give me grace to work against sin and evil. Turn away whatever evil that is determined against me and my family.
BEWARE OF SEDUCTION
TOPIC: BEWARE OF SEDUCTIONBIBLE PASSAGE: NUMBERS 25: 1-5 KEY VERSE:While Israel was staying in shitim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women*_ – Numbers 25:1 When Balak failed to achieve the defeat of Israel through sorcery or means of mantic curse, Balaam advised that seduction of the men of Israel should be enmployed (Num. 31:16). Sexual relationship with the Moabite women led the men of Israel to break faith with God and they began to worship Baal. How did this happen? The Bible says in Numbers 25:2 that the women of Moab called the people of Israel to the sacrifices of their gods where they ate and then bowed down to the gods of Moab. This led to Israel’s involvement in sexual immorality and a breach of covenant with the Lord. This was a foretaste of the people’s ruin in the unfolding of their history. Seduction refers to the action of persuading or tricking someone into doing something by making it attractive. It means enticing someone to sexual intercourse. Notice the gradual process of luring the men of Israel, first, with a flirtatious relationship leading to worship of the gods which of course ended in sexual immorality. The devil has not changed that strategy even today. Believers must be careful about certain relationships even with the same sex that could seduce them unto iniquity. Remember that all that glitters is not gold. Every dint of worldly seducdon has behind it the aim of leading the child of God into sin and drawing the anger of God. It is always knowingly or unknowingly orchestrated by the agencies of the devil itching to keep one in continuous enmity with God. ACTION:Beware of flirtatious relationships that can lead you into sexual sins._ PRAYER:Help me Lord, to remain pure in thy sight and overcome any seductive spirits from the enemy.
USE YOUR MOST POWERFUL TOOL
BIBLE PASSAGE: MATTHEW 18:18- 20 KEY VERSE:Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven*_ – Matthew 18:19 In today’s passage, the Lord Jesus taught what I refer to as the most powerful tool with which the believers work. The name *’Emmanuel’* depicts the era of God’s presence with us. For one to be anointed means the person has the presence of God. The powers of evil cannot withstand God’s presence. Matthew 18:20 establishes that this important divine presence is always present where two or three persons gather in the name of God. Again in Psalm 68:1, the scripture says that when God arises, His enemies (which includes the enemies of His will in our lives) are scattered. The presence of God which makes His enemies to scatter is capable of scattering whatever is standing against His purposes and intentions for our lives. Jesus further stresses that when we gather in His name in agreement as touching anything we ask in prayer, the same shall be done. The first thing is gathering in His name, the next is having an agreement about something, and the other is asking God of that which we agreed on. This means the presence of God will act on what we agreed and ask for. These are the most powerful tools the believer works with. Believers agreeing together in spirit is a powerful unstoppable force. That is why Satan fights Christian families, he doesn’t want men and women to be unified in marriage. The devil wants to be fussing and fighting all the time because that will hinder our prayers (1 Peter 3:7). Prayer of agreement is one of the most powerful tools God has given us as believers. Jesus Himself guaranteed that it will bring results every time. It is most especially powerful in marriage, when a husband and wife come into agreement. Let us therefore agree in prayer as a family, as a church and as a people concerning whatever that is before us. God will definitely establish our heart desires. Always ensure that there is harmony among those praying. Let your prayer be based on God’s word, fix your mind on the word of God, act on your faith as if it is done, by speaking the desired end result. ACTION:Put your power tools to work and see answers to your prayer. PRAYER:_*Lord, I confess that I have not been adequately equipping myself properly in prayer. Help me to apply these power tools in my life to get results.
GOD IS LOVE
This website and all its content — including text, images, graphics, logos, audio, video, and digital materials — are the property of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Ijesha-Tedo Parish, except where otherwise stated. No part of this site may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or stored in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the Parish Session. You may, however, quote short excerpts for non-commercial or educational use provided that proper credit is given to The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Ijesha-Tedo Parish and a link to this website is included.