Higher Everydɑy
FRIDAY JANUARY 17, 2020

A Son Is Given
TEXT: Isaiah 9:1-7

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

The whole earth lay in darkness with the prince of this world having a field day right from the fall of Adam until the glorious birth of the King of kings. No wonder upon the birth of Jesus, "... there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Prophet Isaiah's prophesies of the birth and death of Jesus Christ for the redemption of mankind were fulfilled to the letter. Our text above reveals Jesus as the King to save, rule, judge and give peace to the world. Every sinner that repents of his / her sin and accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour will be saved. Such will come with Him to rule this world in His millennial reign. Jesus' birth was prophesied, angels heralded it and the Father later declared: "... This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). If you are full of the condemnation of sin, open the door of your heart to Jesus for cleansing and forgiveness now.

• Quote: "The angels rejoiced at His birth."

• Chɑllenge: "No more excuse for remaining a sinner."

• Prɑyer: "Thanks be to God for the gift of Jesus."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

Heaven For Pure Hearts
TEXT: Psalm 24:1-10

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully" (Psalm 24:3,4).

If the engine of an automobile is not good, it will not be fit for distant journey. This implies that no matter how pretty the outward of an automobile may be, it will not be sound for use if the engine is malfunctioning. The damage of the engine is largely caused by the absence of the lubricating oil to cleanse the dirt from the engine or shortage of oil to grease the engine so as to work effectively.

Like an automobile whose engine is dirty, so also a person whose heart is dirty with sins cannot gain access to God. The Lord Jesus says: "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murderer, adulteries, fornications, thefts:...which defile a man..."

When sinful thoughts are cleansed from the heart by the blood of Jesus, the outward members of the body will no more sin. King David received an answer to his question that it took inward and outward holiness to see God. The blood of Jesus like the engine oil, purges the "...conscience from dead works..." Heaven is a holy place for holy people.

• Quote: "Heaven is holy place for holy people."

• Chɑllenge: "Blessed are the pure in heart."

• Prɑyer: "LORD, cleanse me from all sins."

See more here:

2019 National December Retreat - Day 3 Bible Teaching: Our Sevenfold Privilege In Christ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb_rZoIiSNM

Higher Everydɑy
SUNDAY JANUARY 19, 2020

Reincarnation Rejected
TEXT: Hebrews 9:27

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement" (Hebrews 9:27).

Satan, in his efforts to deceive people, has brought in the concept of reincarnation through his false teachers. Reincarnation is a false belief that any time a man dies, he will start a new life in a different body. It means he will keep on reincarnating after each biological death. Reincarnation is also known as rebirth or transmigration.

The Bible text of today makes it clear and plain that there is nothing like reincarnation, the false teaching from the pit of hell. The moment you die, you face your Creator. When a man dies, his soul either goes to heaven or hell depending on his acceptance or rejection of Jesus as His Lord and Saviour on earth. While the judgement of hell awaits all unrepentant sinners after death, rewards in heaven await all Christians that died in Christ. Let no one deceive you that if you die in Nigeria, you will be reborn in the US or elsewhere. Man is born to live forever in heaven or hell. The only way of escape from hell us true repentance for sin. There is nothing like reincarnation.

• Quote: "There is nothing like reincarnation."

• Chɑllenge: "You are born to live forever."

• Prɑyer: "Lord, let me have a glorious end."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
MONDAY JANUARY 20, 2020

The Son Only Is Saviour
TEXT: Acts 4:8-13

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

The history of man is a history of rebellion against God, his Maker. God created man and gave him language. But man claims he got his language from sounds, songs, contact with each other, spontaneous response to emotional outbursts, etc. So also humans have set up their own religions to counter the only true way God has approved to have contact with Him.

After the baptism of Jesus, God the Father announced to the whole world: "...This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:5b). The Son also declared: "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" No religious leader can set man free from sin, Satan and sickness, except Jesus. He is the only Saviour. Let no one deceive you that a man or any other thing can redeem your soul. He alone shed His blood for the sins of humanity. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus for the salvation of your soul? Only Jesus can save from sins. Receive Him as your Redeemer.

• Quote: "Jesus saves, heals and delivers."

• Chɑllenge: "To reject the Son is to reject heaven."

• Prɑyer: "Lord, give me grace to believe You to the end."

See more here:

2019 National December Retreat - Day 3 Revival Session - The Supplication and Sacrifice of Jesus


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsZQM5uiDRY

Higher Everydɑy
TUESDAY JANUARY 21, 2020

The Promise
TEXT: Acts 2:1-5

"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me" (Acts 1:4).

A promise is a pledge that is binding on the maker of the promise. It must be redeemed else it becomes frivolous. The promise of the power from on high was given to believers by the Lord who can never lie. He fulfills His promises to all who meet the conditions. Knowing that the work of global evangelization could not be done with human power and wisdom, the Lord Jesus commanded His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem for baptism in the power of the Holy Ghost.

About 120 of His disciples went up into an upper room praying for the dynamite from heaven. "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind...And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Holy Ghost baptism is what you need to bring sinners to Christ in your school. The promise of the Holy Ghost is to all believers. Sanctification experience, consecration, thirst for and prayer of faith are what it takes to receive the gift.

• Quote: "The promise of the Holy Ghost is to all believers."

• Chɑllenge: "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?"

• Prɑyer: "Fill me with Your Spirit, Oh Lord."

See more here:

2019 National December Retreat - Day 4 (Faith Clinic) The All-Sufficient Name of Jesus


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGBk5ku5l4s

Higher Everydɑy
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22, 2020

Seek And Find
TEXT: Matthew 7:7-11

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7).

The story of a man and his three children may throw some light on the concept of prayer that is the focus of our meditation today. The older son delayed to table his need until his generous dad gave it to a neighbour's child who came pleading on his knees for the same thing. The younger son lost a gift that was hid in a heap of clothes to another person for lack of thorough search. The only daughter stood aloof at the door until a stranger banged the door heavily. She went away with the girl's desire from her dad too.

The acronym "ASK" shows the three levels of prayer that Christians can make to God: "A" for ASK, "S" for SEEK and "K" for KNOCK. The children in the anecdote could not get their desires met from their generous father because they failed to ask, seek and knock. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. Children of God should not give in to self-pity or complaints. Learn to table your troubles before God in persistent prayer until He grants your request.

• Quote: "Table your troubles before God in persistent prayer."

• Chɑllenge: "A closed mouth is a closed destiny."

• Prɑyer: "Create hunger for prayer in me, Oh Lord."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
THURSDAY JANUARY 23, 2020

Fight To Keep Your Faith
TEXT: Jude 1-10

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3).

In 2 Timothy 4:7, Apostle Paul probably gave Christians a practical example of Jude's message in his exhortation to the saints: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Paul defended his faith in Christ by overcoming the tempter and his temptations to the end. The world today is soaked with many challenges against the faith of God's children. Satan is busy luring the redeemed of the Lord from the narrow road that leads to heaven. False prophecies, false teachings, satanic doctrines, worldliness, pornography and immorality are samples of Satan's baits. Failure of parents to meet the basic needs of children in school due to economic hardship has been used by Satan to lure a number of youths into cults, immoral acts and stealing.

Children of God must overcome all evils. Heaven is too precious to be compromised with anything on earth. Therefore, Jesus' boys and girls must reject any trick of Satan to delete their names from the Book of Life. That's the admonition of Jude the Apostle to the saints.

• Quote: "Children of God must overcome all evils."

• Chɑllenge: "Will you overcome?"

• Prɑyer: "Oh God! Keep me to the end."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
FRIDAY JANUARY 24, 2020

Christians' Weapon Of Warfare
TEXT: Ephesians 6:10-18

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10,11).

While the developed nations of the world daily invent and manufacture deadly weapons to fight enemy nations, other nations spend billions of dollars to purchase those weapons. The weapons are used to defend their nations from external aggressions and to maintain internal security so that there would be peace, progress and development. And the Christians? According to Gordon Lindsay, "The minister is engaged in a continuous warfare."

The text above reveals the secret of Christian's victory over Satan and his cohorts in their journey to heaven. In 2 Corinthians 10:4, the Bible declares, "...the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." The Christian warfare is not physical and so depends not on physical weapons. To triumph in spiritual warfare, they must always put on the whole armour of God. The weapons in the armoury consists of currency of the new birth experience, faith, holiness, truthfulness, the word of God, witnessing for Christ and prayerfulness. Victory is sure for Christians that use the spiritual weapons against Satan and the world.

• Quote: "Victory is sure for Christians."

• Chɑllenge: "To be forearmed is to be first warned"

• Prɑyer: "Give me grace, Lord, to daily put on your armour."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 2020

Feed For Life And Fitness
TEXT: 1 Samuel 30:11-20

"And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights" (1 Samuel 30:12).

Fitness therapy is becoming popular because of the growing health challenges of people. Also, people now have more awareness of the need to keep fit to face the challenges of life. Due to this, special diets are recommended by fitness experts and medical personnel for people to take to keep healthy and fit.

On David's return from the battle field, he discovered that the Amalekites had invaded his abode, Ziklag, and burned it with fire. They also abducted their women and took their property. While pursuing the invaders, they found a sick servant of an Amalekite whom they gave food and water to regain his strength and health. He later led them to the camp of their enemies whom they defeated and recovered all they lost. There are lessons to derive from the story. God's children need to feed well on a balanced diet to be healthy to do their work and serve God effectively. Also, for spiritual growth and strength to triumph in battles of Christian life and ministry, believers must feed daily on the Word of God.

• Quote: "Feed daily on the Word of God."

• Chɑllenge: "Man needs to feed well on a balanced diet to be healthy"

• Prɑyer: "Lord, feed me for life and fitness."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
SUNDAY JANUARY 26, 2020

In The Mold Of Their Master
TEXT: Acts 4:11-19

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).

A lioness will spend nothing less than between two and three years to take care of her cubs. The cubs are trained from around three months of age to hunt for prey. From that tender age, the cubs are taught the act of boldness and courage as they watch the lionesses and the lions courageously tearing bigger animals into pieces. Gradually, they are transformed into bold and fearless adult lions and lionesses.

The disciples of Jesus followed Him for about three and a half years. As young converts, they passed through mentorship and training under Jesus. They learnt the Word, courage and boldness from Him. They became bold like their Master, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, when He filled them with the Holy Spirit. The Jewish leaders in the text were shocked to hear the unlearned and fearful Peter preaching Christ boldly not minding their threatening. Christian boys and girls are to boldly and shamelessly preach Christ to their sinning friends, teachers, etc., like Peter did. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit and for boldness to witness for Christ.

• Quote: "Pray for the power of the Holy Ghost."

• Chɑllenge: "The Holy Ghost fills believers with boldness"

• Prɑyer: "O Lord, give me boldness to preach the gospel."

See more here:

2019 National December Retreat - Day 4 (Bible Teaching) | Conditions of Security in Christ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHIZ9dQ4kRU

2019 National December Retreat - Day 1: The Uniqueness Of Jesus


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmvntvLYGm0

Higher Everydɑy
Monday 27 January, 2020

Privy To Satanic Plot
TEXT: Acts 5:1-10

"Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out" (Acts 5:9).

Recently, a 23-year old African mother of two, agreed with her friend to sell her baby for #200,000.00. After selling the baby, on the advice of her friend again, she used the money to buy a phone. Such was a satanic agreement to commit evil against an innocent child. Of course, the duo would not go unpunished according to the law. If the earthly government would not spare her citizens who connive to do evil, a more grievous punishment awaits believers who conspire to do evil. Sapphira agreed with her husband to tell a lie to the Spirit of God. Telling lies or conspiring to lie is sin before God. The Bible says, "...though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished," also, "...and he that speaketh lies shall perish" (Proverbs 16:5; 19:9).

Today, youths team up to rape, rob, abduct, destroy property and practice cultism. Though such youths may be expelled from school, they will equally experience eternal punishment in hell if they fail to repent and surrender their lives to Christ.

• Quote: "Telling lies or conspiring to lie is sin."

• Chɑllenge: "No sinner will go unpunished"

• Prɑyer: "Give me grace to obey You, Lord."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
TUESDAY JANUARY 28, 2020

Trouble With Tattoos
TEXT: Leviticus 19:26-29

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:28).

In 10 years, Bramble, a 21-year-old, had had over 40 operations and over 150 tattoos on his body to make him look like a ghost. Before his interview with Daily Mail Australia, he had had his eyeballs tattooed, ears chopped off, tongue split, navel removed, etc.
The all-wise Creator of man is aware of the life-threatening effects of body mutilation and piercing, such as skin infection, formation of keloids, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, tetanus, burning, swelling and sepsis. But Satan is out there deceiving wayward ladies and gents to disfigure their bodies in disobedience to God.

Tattoo is a new trend among youths. The so-called celebrities of sports, the entertainment industry and worldly churches are well tattooed with all sorts of satanic inscriptions and designs. Apart from the side effects of tattoos, all who engage in the abomination "shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Beware! Body tattoo is satanic and deadly. God's Word is clear on the matter; avoid tattoos.

• Quote: "Body tattoo is satanic and deadly."

• Chɑllenge: "Tattoo is a new trend among disobedient youths"

• Prɑyer: "Lord, help me to keep your temple holy."

See more here:

2019 December Retreat - Day 4 Revival Session | The First Faith and The First Love for Jesus


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMsmxHf6lYE

Higher Everydɑy
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29, 2020

Working With Talents Works
TEXT: MATTHEW 25:15-23

"And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more" (Matthew 25:20).

The author of, You and Your Talents, wrote: "There are multitudes of people in the world that would have been great achievers as a result of their natural talents. But unfortunately, due to their ignorance or laziness to maximally develop them, they daily live a wretched life. They fail to utilise their potentials for their own profit. Some buried theirs. Some died with theirs. What will you do with yours?"

It is obvious from today's Bible text that God has endowed everyone with some measures of talents and potentials. Eloquence, painting, singing, writing, solving complex problems, organising people and events, planning and teaching abilities are some of the potentials that may be left fallow in some people. The servant in the text was given five talents and worked on them to gain five extra. While preachers like Billy Graham and Jonathan Edward used their talents from their youth to advance the kingdom of God, geniuses like Thomas Edison and Ben Carson exploited theirs to make fortune and a better life for mankind. Work on your talents to impact your world.

• Quote: "Work on your talents to impact the world."

• Chɑllenge: "What are you doing with your talents?"

• Prɑyer: "O God! Help me to discover and profit with my talent."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2020

Push For His Power
TEXT: Acts 4:29-33

"And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:33).

Someone has rightly used an acronym PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens), to describe a persistent and fervent prayer that does not accept 'NO' for an answer. The secret of the early Church's success in the evangelization of their own world is shared in our Bible text above. They preached the gospel with signs and wonders, and many souls in their thousands were won unto the Lord. The breakthrough they recorded in soul winning was as a result of the power of God upon them. In Jerusalem, they had tarried on the Lord to be baptized with the power of the Holy Ghost. They pushed for the energy and strength of God to do exploits for His kingdom.

School and campus outreaches today need nothing less than the power of the Holy Ghost for success. Christian youths with passion for souls need to PUSH for the power of the Holy Ghost. Such a concentrated and desperate prayer is needful for immersion in the power of the Holy Ghost. What are you still waiting for?

• Quote: "They pushed for the energy and strength of God."

• Chɑllenge: "Can you tarry for this power until something happens."

• Prɑyer: "Empower me for service! Oh Lord."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
FRIDAY JANUARY 31, 2020

Forgetful Woman
TEXT: Isaiah 49:13-16

"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee" (Isaiah 49:15).

A young mother had her first baby through surgery. On regaining consciousness from anesthesia, she started to breastfeed and care for her baby assisted by nurses. When discharged home, she ensured maximum care and comfort of the baby. Unfortunately, she forgot to keep the baby's immunization appointment for some weeks. Realising her mistake and the importance of childhood immunisations, she promptly got the baby immunised and determined never to forget future appointments. This shows how a caring mother can forget the need of her suckling child. Like this mother, you too can forget important needs in your life. It shows human limitation.

In our Bible text, God promises never to forget His children. Are you one of God's children? To be a child of God and partake of His promises, surrender your life to Christ today by confessing and forsaking your sins, if you have not done so. Christ will receive you and you will be sure of God's all-round blessings of protection, provision, success, favour and victory in your life, and also a blissful eternity with Him.

• Quote: "God promises never to forget His children."

• Chɑllenge: "My God will not forget me."

• Prɑyer: "Thank You Father for remembering me."

See more here:

2019 National December Retreat - Day 5 Faith Clinic | Looking unto Jesus


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpEfeR_mcQo

Higher Everydɑy
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2020

Health Is Wealth
TEXT: Psalm 105:31-37

"He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes" (Psalm 105:37).

A writer wrote about James Cash Penny, a businessman, who suffered huge financial losses during the Great Depression of the 1930s. This endangered his health, and Penny felt he had nothing to live for. While in hospital one night, demoralised and expecting death, he heard singing from the hospital chapel. The lyrics were:

"Be not dismayed whatever betide, God will take care of you, Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you."

This led to Penny's salvation and miraculous healing; and he was never again plagued with worry. He died at 95 leaving behind 1,660 departmental stores. Without health, Penny lost his wealth, but in health he regained it. Indeed, health is wealth.

Beloved, God wants you to prosper and be in health. Good health is of inestimable value. You require good health to achieve your life goals. Take care of your health. Practise basic health rules. Surrender your life to Christ and live for Him. When ill, pray for healing, and seek prompt medical attention. God will grant you divine health, success and prosperity.

• Quote: "Good health is of inestimable value."

• Chɑllenge: "You need good health to achieve your life goals."

• Prɑyer: "Lord, grant me good health, success and prosperity."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2020

High Point Of Hospitality
TEXT: 1 Samuel 30:8-17

"And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights" (1 Samuel 30:12).

A story was told of Mama Grace, an old Christian widow living alone. Her children lived away from home. Mama Grace was kind and well known for her faith. One night, she was visited by four armed robbers who were violent, with death threats. Maintaining her cool but praying, she welcomed them and offered them food and drinks. Having eaten, their leader persuaded them to leave Mama Grace untouched. They requested prayer from her. Mama Grace witnessed Christ to them and prayed for their salvation before they left her. Like in our text, God used Mama's hospitality to favour her before the robbers. Indeed, hospitality attracts favour.

Dear Christian youth, it is easy to practice 'Tit for Tat.' But this is contrary to the Christian way of life. The Scripture admonishes you to "...Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you," Matthew 5:44.
Show love in a godly way to fellow students who dislike you. Utilize every opportunity to bring unbelieving youths to Christ, and God will favour you.

• Quote: "Show love to all."

• Chɑllenge: "Be kind to those who hate you."

• Prɑyer: "Help me Lord to be hospitable to all men."

See more here:

2019 National December Retreat - Day 5 Faith Clinic | Looking unto Jesus


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpEfeR_mcQo

Power Night (January 16, 2020) The Efficacy of the Healing Stripes of Jesus


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nICEtt9s69g

Higher Everydɑy
MONDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2020

Afflictions Of The Righteous
TEXT: Psalm 34:15-22

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19).

A writer described the Caribbean Pines as wiry, primitive looking trees which thrive in rugged environments and can withstand prolonged periods of drought and fire. Planted in a cultured setting, they usually shrivel and die. Joni Eareckson Tada says: "Like the Caribbean Pines, our souls usually don't thrive during good times. Our hearts grow complacent, our need of God becomes less urgent, our hope of heaven dims, and our prayer life dries up...In a beautiful setting with our needs met and every resource at our fingertips...our soul shrivels...We need occasional blast of storm or fiery trial if our faith is to mature." Yes, we need occasional fiery trials to boost our faith.

Our text does not promise a bed of roses for Christians, but assures divine deliverance from them all. As a Christian youth, be ready to face challenges in your faith journey. Determine to consecrate your life to God in every situation. Remain undaunted and uncompromising in your relationships, studies, examinations, social and spiritual life, and you will experience miracles in your afflictions.

• Quote: "You will experience miracles in your afflictions."

• Chɑllenge: "Be ready to face afflictions in your faith journey."

• Prɑyer: "Help me Lord to wholly depend on you always."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 04, 2020

Optical Illusion
TEXT: 2 Kings 3:22

"And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood" (2 Kings 3:22).

Optical illusion is "An illusion caused by the visual system and characterized by visual perception that appears to differ from reality," writes Wikipedia. Illusions come in different forms. Richard Gregory suggests three main classes: physical, physiological and cognitive illusions, and in each, four kinds: ambiguities, distortions, paradoxes and fictions.

Allan Quak asserts that: "We can become distracted by the illusions of wealth, power and prestige. Pursuing such illusions may give us temporary satisfaction, but not eternal security. We need to stand on the foundation which will not crumble." This is both an instructive and timely warning for Christian youths.

Our text presents a typical example of optical illusion. God had determined the destruction of the Moabites. Hence, He made them to act on a false perception. Christian youths should watch out for false illusions of wealth, fame, power and prestige. These are deceptive and will only give you worldly pleasures and satisfaction.

Focus on Christ, the Foundation that can't crumble. Be diligent in your studies and fellowship, and God will guide your way and judgments. To avoid optical illusion, surrender to Christ.

• Quote: "Focus on Christ."

• Chɑllenge: "To avoid optical illusion, stand with Christ."

• Prɑyer: "Lord, help me to depend on your leading always."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2020

Filthy And Guilty Man
TEXT: Job 15:14-16

"How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?" (Job 15:16).

Man, including youth boys/girls, is filthy and guilty before God because of the sin of Adam and Eve. Sin is a universal problem irrespective of age, race or religion. Romans 3:23 says: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

Contemporary youths engage in all forms of vices. They glamorise sins such as formication, stealing, examination malpractices, lying, deceit, pornography, internet fraud, cultism and kidnapping. Are you free from these vices? Be honest in your self-assessment because there is nothing hidden from God.

According to our text, the sinful is abominable and filthy, and drinks iniquity like water. God is grieved because of your sinfulness. He is angry with the wicked every day for He is of purer eyes than to behold evil (Psalm 7:11; Habakkuk 1:13). Jesus is the solution to the sin problem as only His blood can cleanse from all sins. Humbly come to Him now, repent, confess your sins and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour. In Christ, filthy and guilty man has hope of eternal life.

• Quote: "In Christ, filthy and guilty man has hope."

• Chɑllenge: "Come to Jesus today and be cleansed from all your sins."

• Prɑyer: "O Lord, deliver me from all my unrighteousness."

See more here:

Higher Everydɑy
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2020

The Blessed
TEXT: Psalm 1:1-6

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalm 1:3).

Commenting on 'The Blessed Man,' a writer said: "A blessed man or woman tends to stand out because their character is deeper, their ideas are fresher, their spirit softer, their courage greater, their leadership better, their concerns wider, their compassions more genuine, and their convictions more concrete.

"They're joyful in spite of difficult circumstances, and show wisdom far beyond their years... Their ideas and actions can be trusted because they have a spiritual root system that goes down to streams of living water. Consequently, what they put their hands to do prospers..." Beloved, does this reflect your life?

Our text today describes the all-round success of a blessed person who is endeared to God's heart. You can become this blessed child of God if you repent of your sins and totally surrender your life to Christ. Such blessedness so dominated the lives of people like Joseph and David that tough times did not hinder their progress. God's Word was at the foundations of their lives and guided their actions. Join this indomitable group and God will bless you with all-round success and prosperity.

• Quote: "Join this indomitable group."

• Chɑllenge: "Surrender your life to Christ for all-round blessings."

• Prɑyer: "Help me O God, to avoid all evil ways in Jesus' name."

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Higher Everydɑy
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Living Water
TEXT: Isaiah 12:1-6

"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3).

A writer wrote, "Water is necessary to sustain life... Whether we are referring to the natural water...which is essential to the life of all the created beings therein, or to the Living Water which is given to the Spirit born children of God. No creature has the ability to give itself life or to sustain its own life by its own power.

"Rather, it must be given the essential elements which are designed to sustain life. So, it is spiritually. Man does not in any sense have this life in 'himself,' it must be given him by Him who is Life... Without Christ no man has life." Is this not true? Beloved, Jesus Christ is the Living Water. Without Him you do not have life. Water is essential to your existence. Without it, death is imminent. More importantly, without Christ, the Living Water, you are dead in your sins. Receive Christ into your life now and you will be sure of eternal life, and like the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, also bring other souls to Christ.

• Quote: "Christ is the Living Water."

• Chɑllenge: "Receive Christ, the Living Water today."

• Prɑyer: "Dear Lord, fill me today with the Living Water."

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Higher Everydɑy
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2020

Promises For Perilous Times
TEXT: Isaiah 41:10-17

"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them" (Isaiah 41:17).

Jim Feeney asserted, "We live in perilous times in a dangerous world. God's protection from harm is a reassuring promise in the face of the dangers we face." The Bible is replete with God's miraculous deliverance of His people in perilous times. Joseph walked out of prison to become a Prime Minister; the Israelites walked through the Red Sea on dry land; Daniel was delivered from lions in the lions' den. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the midst of the fiery furnace unhurt, and Paul was delivered from shipwreck. God provided water and food enough in the wilderness for Israel. He is still the same and will deliver Christian youths in perilous times.

In our text, God promises not to forsake you in times of trouble. You may be facing family, academic, financial, or health challenges. No matter their intensity, call upon the Lord, He will answer and deliver you. Hold firmly unto God, meditate on and obey His Word. God will not forsake you in perilous times.

• Quote: "God will not forsake you."

• Chɑllenge: "Call upon God in times of trouble, He will deliver you."

• Prɑyer: "Lord, help me to trust you in perilous times."

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