*Gsa Daily Devotions*
*Author: @s*
*Date : Saturday, 15th Feb., 2020*
*Topic : Entangle not thyself with ephemeral things*
*Text : Matthew 19 : 23*
*Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.*

Though he took a good step in coming to the Lord to ascertain how to get into God's Kingdom, he has already tied his life's existence to that which he has been endowed with, which made Jesus to say that it will be a tedious task for such to be in the Kingdom of God.

Brethren, to be rich is not the issue, the deal lies in making riches the centre of one's life. One can be rich in wisdom, knowledge, power, beauty, having a prudent partner/wife, having a caring partner/husband, having lucrative job/position among others, all these are good, but immediately they displace the priority given to God in one's life, then such should be careful.

Papa Job says in Job 31 : 25 - 28 If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much; If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; And my *heart hath been secretly enticed,* *or my mouth hath kissed my hand: This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above. One should be aware of this so that such does not make getting into God's Kingdom a difficult task.

Beloved, are you rich in wisdom, knowledge, talent, skill, wealth, godly partner among others? Yes, these are good because it is a promise being fulfilled as children of Abraham and I pray that we have more riches in all areas in Jesus name, but don't let them take the place of God in our lives, rather use the riches to advance HIS kingdom.

*Deuteronomy 8 : 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.*

Father, enrich me in all areas of my life and don't let it hinder me from seeing YOU in YOUR glory in the Kingdom of God.

.

Ekiti First Lady, Bisi Fayemi’s Speech, 'Where Is Your Wrapper?' Goes Viral...

Below is the speech:

“I was in Uganda a few years ago for one of the programs we used to run at the African Women’s Leadership Institute. One day, there was a report about something that had happened in one of the local markets. One of the women in the market went into labour unexpectedly. It seemed there was no time to get her to a nearby hospital or clinic, so the women around went into action. Some of them ran around to look for basins, hot water, towels, and razors. A few held her hand and encouraged her to push. Majority of the women around took out their wrappers and held them up, creating a protective ring around the woman, shielding her from prying eyes. Every now and then, this scenario plays itself in other markets around the continent, and the response is mostly the same – women bring out their wrappers to protect one of their own.

Sadly, this is no longer the case these days. Instead of wrappers coming out, it would be cell phones to record every graphic detail. Sure, help might still come, but not before the person concerned has all their pain and agony out there for all the world to see.

Recently, there was the case of a young woman in Ajah, Lagos, who was found wandering the streets. Reports on how she got there vary, but she was stark naked, extremely emaciated and incoherent. Instead of immediately rushing to help, covering her up and getting her medical attention, onlookers laughed at her, threw things at her and recorded her on their cell phones.

Without any idea of who she was or how she got there, judgements were made on the spot about her being the victim of ritualists which she must have brought on herself in her quest to make quick money. A good Samaritan, Keira Hewatch, stepped in and took her to the hospital. Even though many onlookers were not prepared to help the poor woman on the road, they tried to stop Keira from helping her, saying she too might be bewitched. Essentially, they refused to bring out their wrappers to protect and save someone and tried to stop someone else who was willing to bring out hers.

What do these wrappers signify? To me they mean protection, solidarity, sisterhood, empathy, kindness, compassion, duty, all those things and more that make us human beings. In the market places where the scene I described in Uganda happens, there is an unspoken protocol amongst the women – a responsibility to take care of one of their own who needs them. She is in pain. Afraid. But she has sisters around her, rooting for her and helping her.

So, I ask us my dear sisters, where is your wrapper? Where is your wrapper to shield and protect other women and girls who need you? Where was your wrapper for the little girl who was molested by someone in your household and you said ‘Shhhhh’ and looked the other way? Where was your wrapper when someone you know said she was raped by someone she trusted? Did you ask her what she was wearing? Or if she seduced him? Where was your wrapper when your friend needed succour from an abusive husband? Did you gossip behind her back that it served her right, she is too arrogant? Where was your wrapper when your sister or daughter told you that her lecturers were harassing her in the University? Did you tell them that they must have done something to encourage them? Where was your wrapper when a young woman who could have been your own sister, daughter or niece was found on the streets naked? Were you one of the women who stood by and recorded her misery and threw things at her? Were you one of the men who tried to stop brave Keira from helping? What was in it for you to have a very sick woman die untended in broad daylight, with human beings baying for her blood like animals? Even animals care more for their own.

Our wrappers might all look different, with varying sizes, shapes and colours, but each and every one of us has a wrapper. Bring that wrapper out to shield another woman, or a man. Use it to help get her a contract, help with her rent, pay her children’s fees, help her with capital for a business or simply a discreet shoulder to cry on. Never let a day go by without bringing out that wrapper. The way God works is that the more wrappers you bring out for others, the more will come out for you. We don’t only need wrappers when we celebrate and buy Aso Ebi. We need the wrappers for our trials and tribulations and we all have them.

The women in the market place might never see the woman they helped again. She might never be able to say thank you. Yet she will never forget that other women stood by her and gave her dignity and covered her unclothedness. Are we prepared to cover the unclothedness of others, or do we want to be part of the mob that strips them naked? These days there seems to be a war against women. Not only is sexual violence at an all time high, these crimes are now committed in full view of the public. A young woman is accused of stealing and stripped naked, hands all over her and objects being stuck into her. When this happens, what do we do, will we look the other way? When a woman is being harassed online, do we join in the abuse? The more wrappers we bring out, the safer we will all be. There is another conversation to be had with the men, with our male leaders, with those who have the powers and privileges that weaken our agency and make us forget that we have wrappers in the first place. Today, we are talking to and about ourselves.

Let us all agree to bring out our beautiful, strong, diverse wrappers. Our wrappers of respect, love, dignity, support and endless hope. Thank you for bringing out your wrapper Keira. God bless us all.”

Transubstantiation (Latin: transsubstantiatio; Greek: μετουσίωσις metousiosis) is, according to the teaching of the Catholic Church, "the change of the whole substance of bread into the substance of the Body of Christ and of the whole substance of wine into the substance of his Blood. This change is brought about in the eucharistic prayer through the efficacy of the word of Christ and by the action of the Holy Spirit. However, the outward characteristics of bread and wine, that is the 'eucharistic species', remain unaltered."[1] In this teaching, the notions of "substance" and "transubstantiation" are not linked with any particular theory of metaphysics.[2]

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that in the Eucharistic offering bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ.[3] The affirmation of this doctrine was expressed, using the word "transubstantiate", by the Fourth Council of the Lateran in 1215.[4][5] It was later challenged by various 14th-century reformers, John Wycliffe in particular.[6]

The manner in which the change occurs, the Roman Catholic Church teaches, is a mystery: "The signs of bread and wine become, in a way surpassing understanding, the Body and Blood of Christ."[7] In Anglicanism, the precise terminology to be used to refer to the nature of the Eucharist and its theological implications has a contentious history: "bread and cup" or "Body and Blood"; "set before" or "offer"; "objective change" or "new significance".[8]

In the Greek Orthodox Church, the doctrine has been discussed under the term of metousiosis, coined as a direct loan-translation of transsubstantiatio in the 17th century. In Eastern Orthodoxy in general, the Sacred Mystery (Sacrament) of the Eucharist is more commonly discussed using alternative terms such as "trans-elementation" (μεταστοιχείωσις, metastoicheiosis), "re-ordination" (μεταρρύθμισις, metarrhythmisis), or simply "change" (μεταβολή, metabole).

History Edit
Summary Edit
From the earliest centuries, the Church spoke of the elements used in celebrating the Eucharist as being changed into the body and blood of Christ. Terms used to speak of the change included "trans-elementation", "transformation", "transposing", and "alteration". Augustine speaks of the consecrated bread as "becoming" the body of Christ.

The term "transubstantiation" was used at least by the 11th century and was in widespread use by the 12th century. It was used at the Fourth Council of the Lateran in 1215. With the acceptance in Western Europe of Aristotelian metaphysics, the Eucharistic change was interpreted in terms of Aristotelian substance and accidents. This was used in the sixteenth-century Reformation as a reason for rejecting the teaching. The Council of Trent did not impose the Aristotelian theory of substance and accidents or the term “transubstantiation” in its philosophical meaning, but stated that the term is a fitting and proper term for the change that takes place by consecration of the bread and wine. The term, which for that Council had no essential dependence on scholastic ideas, is commonly used in the Catholic Church to affirm the fact of Christ's presence and the mysterious and radical change which takes place, but not to explain how the change takes place,[9] occurring as it does "in a way surpassing understanding".[7] The term is mentioned in both the 1992 and 1997 editions of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and given prominence in the later (2005) Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Topic : Mind fits for God's Kingdom
Text : Matthew 19 : 14
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Some sets of peoples came to Jesus for one or the other. While some came to get their loved ones healed, some (the Pharisees) came to tempt Him, and then came the little ones (the children ) .

All were attended to by Jesus Christ accordingly without any restrictions even not excluding those who came for the purpose of finding fault in Him. The set of people that came with an  open and innocent mind were the only one resisted from getting access to Jesus Christ.

When you are pure and innocent, expect resistance, but be of good cheer because the Lord will vindicate you.
 
Only those who have the mind like that of children can enter the kingdom of God. 

It is a mind that doesn't hold grudge against anyone. This is the reason why we see children playing together few minutes after they fought one another, whereas if the same thing happened to adults, they can hold unto it for over two years and even more if care is not taken.

It is a heart that is sincere and forgive unconditionally without any form of resentment.

Colossians 3 : 13 NLT says Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

The grace to have this kind of mind, the Lord will give us in Jesus name, amen.

Father, grant me a mind like Christ Jesus, a mind that forgave even at the point of death.

Good Evening friends;
"Overhearing but ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; *only keep on believing*." (Mark 5:36 amp)

What is our fears, uncertainties, worries, doubts, sins, confusions, addictions, sicknesses, death-sentences, pains, hurts, trials, difficulties, emotional traumas, stress e.t.c. ?

Let us seek mercy in order to receive *grace so that we continue to believe in Jesus Christ Crucified*, He overcame all these negative things *for us* by the power of His death on the Cross when He said *It is finished* thus "this is *the grace of God* that Jesus Christ tested death for *every human being*..." (Hebrews 2:9)

At *his own appointed time* (Galatians 4:4) He will bring his own purposes for our individual lives to manifestations.

Great Grace Brethren!!!

For this is the message which you [believers] have heard from the beginning [of your relationship with Christ], that we should [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another;

1 John 3:11 AMP

Speaker: Pastor Benjamin Dorgebetor
Topic: Finding True Love
Text: Genesis 24:64,65; 1 Samuel 18:1; Romans 7:2,3; Proverbs 11:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 ; Psalm 37:4,5: Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 3:5,6; John 10:27;
It's a mutual feeling and though there are battles, challenges and problems that arise along the way, true love will always win and come out victorious. True love is not engulfed in lust.
It does not regard beauty or outward appearance, it's from the heart.
It is unselfish and cares for the other partner.
The question is does it exist today? The answer is YES. True love exists today. Key Points:
- True love exists not only in marriage but in both marital relationships and friendships.
- True friendship will take you to Heaven and not push you into the Lake of Fire (Hell). The question to ask also is: 'Are we true friends to them?'
- What are the characteristics of true love: non-defensive, good intentions, slow to anger, sacrificial, understanding, honest and full of integrity, listens to each other, non-manipulative.
- Don't make a permanent decision in a temporary situation. Don't take things to the extreme. In moments of intense heat, stay calm, tread carefully and be patient and understanding.
- Ensure you develop a relationship with God and He will show you mercy.
- Have a mentality to give rather then think about 'what you can gain?'

- As husband and wife:
1. Be sure you make eye contact;
2. Learn to understand each other;
3. Make time for each other;
4. Do activities together;
5. Pray together;
6. Take responsibility for your own actions;
7. Stop the 'I' talk and start the 'WE' talk (teamwork - together we ACHIEVE MORE);
8. Communicate your feelings to each other;
9. Stop the attitude of 'tit-for-tat'; avoid destructive / distracting gossip;
10. Stop negative comparisons;
11. NEVER BEAT YOUR SPOUSE;
12. Learn to attract your spouse;

- How to find true love?
1. You must be born again;
2. Rely and please God + walk with God;
3. Surrender your will to God in the smallest thing;
4. Obey God's Will;
5. Relate with good / positive (Christian) people;
6. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit;
7. Don't follow beauty;
8. Delight yourself in the things for the Lord; 9. Patiently wait for God's Will in His Time
Prayers:
- God help me to be a true love to my friends and those around me - If you are married ask God to be a true love to your spouse - God touch me and make me a true love to people around me. Let Your true love exist in my relationship and in my marriage in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.

"And He(Jesus Christ Crucified) marveled because of their unbelief (their lack of faith in Him). And He went about among the surrounding villages and continued teaching." (Mark 6:6 amp)

Am I still standing in my faith in Jesus Christ Crucified now ?

Are you still standing in your faith in Jesus Christ Crucified now ?

Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or unclothedness, or danger, or sword? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].

Romans 8:35,37 AMP

Matthew 27:50-56 refers to those who died believing in God through the Mosaic law; Jesus death and resurrection brought them out of their waiting realm and gave them access into God's presence.
1 Peter 3:18-21; refers to the prison for the disobedient in the days of Noah as a pointer to the fact that Christ died to set free all those who died in disobedience from creation till his death and resurrection including every other human being because "God has concluded all men sinners from the sin of Adam so that through Jesus Christ death on the Cross and Resurrection that He might show all men mercy" (Romans 11:32)

Revelation 20:11-15 confirms that there are other realms from which human souls will come for judgment
"And I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them [for this heaven and earth are passing away]. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life; and the dead were judged according to what they had done as written in the books [that is, everything done while on earth]. 13 And *the sea* gave up the dead who were in it, and *death and Hades* (the realm of the dead) surrendered the dead who were in them; and they were judged and sentenced, every one according to their deeds. 14 Then death and Hades [the realm of the dead] were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire [the eternal separation from God]. 15 And if [e]anyone’s name was not found [f]written in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire."

if you look closely at Verse-13; you will see *the sea*, *death and hades* are *realms* from which human souls will be vomited outside of *earth* will come for the white throne judgment however *hades and death continues to exist until the final judgment when it will be cast into hell-fire(gehenna) which is the second death* including *all the dead whose names are not found written in the book of life* according to verses 14 & 15.

So there are *realms* apart from Heaven, Earth, Hell-Fire were human souls also exist.

This passage Revelation 20:11-15 is not referring to those who *believe in Jesus Christ* whether biologically dead or alive *at the trumpet of the Archangels* rather all unbelievers in the gospel thus they are called *the dead*; anybody who does not believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ Crucified is a dead-being whether biologically dead or alive.

Revelation 20:1-10 will show you how the righteous through faith in Christ will be given crowns and thrones to join the lamb and other saints to judge the unbelievers who were not part of the 1st resurrection now tagged *the dead* from verse-11 to 15.

Hebrews 11:39-40 confirms that the *saints in Christ Jesus Crucified* will not be crowned until all of us who believe and are biologically alive gather in the presence of God together with them which will be at the trumpet of the Archangels as 1 Thessalonians.4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; John 5:25-29.
"39 And all of these, though they gained [divine] approval through their faith, did not receive [the fulfillment of] what was promised, 40 because God had us in mind and had something better for us, so that they [these men and women of authentic faith] would *not be made perfect [that is, completed in Him] apart from us*." (Hebrews 11:39-40 amp)

1 Peter 3:18-21 gives us confirmation that there is *a realm where souls who are disobedient have access to Jesus Christ visitation to proclaim the gospel and lead them into his presence*
however a very clear fact about these human souls is *they are sinners under the motions of sin inherited by every human being through the disobedience of Adam but they did not have the opportunity of hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ Crucified before they died* hence Jesus Christ goes to visit them, proclaim the gospel to them as He did for those in 1 Peter 3:18-21. He continues to do this until the trumpet of the Archangels when we must have shared the gospel to the whole of Creation as a witness to them
thus
Matthew 24:14 Amplified Bible (AMP)
14 "This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come."

So it is correct to believe that there is a realm for the dead human souls who did not hear the gospel of Jesus Christ before they died, but they were sinners based upon inherited flesh/sin from Adam and they have Jesus Christ visit them to proclaim the gospel to them as He did for those in 1 Peter 3:18-21. This realm is called prison according to the bible others may call it purgatory; it will exist till the last judgment when it will be finally cast into hell-fire along with all those human souls whose names were not found written in the lamb's book of life according to Revelation 20:11-15.

People in this cadre may include aborted children and all those who did not hear the gospel of Jesus Christ Crucified from any human being before their biological death, it has nothing to do with those who heard the gospel and rejected it or those who believed the gospel and later returned back to the vomit of sin and flesh whether it is called small sin or big sin. The only producer of sin in human being is *the flesh* and anyone who holds unto the flesh after hearing the gospel then dies in such state has condemned himself unto hell-fire hence no prayer can save such a person
thus
"John 3:18 Amplified Bible (AMP)
18 "Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; *but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already* [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because [a]he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him]."

John 3:36 Amplified Bible (AMP)
36 He who believes and trusts in the Son and accepts Him [as Savior] has eternal life [that is, already possesses it]; *but he who does not believe the Son and chooses to reject Him, [disobeying Him and denying Him as Savior] will not see [eternal] life, but [instead] the wrath of God hangs over him continually*."

This is what John was talking about when he said *sin not unto death* which is any sin you commit while you are still alive, someone can pray for, share the word with you and help you return to the Crucified Jesus Christ for *restoration/salvation/sanctification* because there is no sin while on earth that Jesus Christ cannot forgive (Mark 3:28)
however *sin unto death is a sin that someone dies biologically while committing it* after hearing the gospel there is *no prayer for such a human soul salvation in the grave*
thus
"1 John 5:16-17 King James Version (KJV)
16 "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 a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death."

Great Grace Brethren!!!

" .... *EPHPHATHAH*...BE OPENED" (Mark 7:34)
May our hearts be opened by God's grace and mercy to receive the *gospel of Jesus Christ Crucified* in a more convincing manner today 18th February 2020 and every second we spend in this world through the unlimited manifestations of His Holy Spirit in Jesus Name. Amen.

Great Grace Brethren!!!

*Date : Tuesday, 18th Feb., 2020*
*Topic : Concerted efffort for ultimate breakthrough*
*Text : Matthew 20 : 31*
*And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.*

Today's verse shows how two blind men imbibed the spirit of perseverance irrespective of the resistance they faced in getting the attention of Jesus Christ.

Despite their obvious pitiable state, the multitude forbade them from reaching out to the One who is able to meet their needs and quench the thirst of these physically challenged men.

Brethren, if those who are feeble can be victimized in their effort to get their breakthrough, how much more the fit ones.

Though we may face challenges, resistances, and obstacles in our quest to have breakthrough, rather than letting them to be a cog in the wheel of our success, let us turn them to stepping stones to make our dreams come to reality.

Beloved, the perseverance spirit of the two blind men attracted the attention the Lord and He met their needs as they have desired.

Let us put on the spirit of perseverance in receiving that which we desire provided our desires are according to His will. May God help us.

Father, give me the spirit to persevere.

For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 AMP

All sexual sins Including *homosexuality, gay, lesbianism, anal-sex, oral-sex, manual-sex, masturbation, pornography, contraceptives, withdrawal-methods, adultery, video-sex, party, fornication, lust e.t.c* they are all defilement/sin/evil in the eyes of GOD for both married and unmarried Christians.

Repent and ask Jesus Christ Crucified to set you free from *all sins and the flesh*
thus His Name Shall be called Jesus because He will deliver his brothers and sisters from their sins {Matthew 1:21}

Penetration in Sexual intimacy between Christian couple is between their sexual organs and not otherwise. Anything outside of this comes from the devil. It does not matter who practices it or believes this truth. This is the only method of sexual intimacy that can breed pregnancy which is the primary purpose of sexual intimacy between Christian couples alongside pleasure and deepening of their marital bond. Onan did otherwise he was struck down instantly by death which is the wages of sin. Adam and Eve had sexual intimacy then Eve became pregnant with a child. Great Grace!!!

All sexual sins Including *homosexuality, gay, lesbianism, anal-sex, oral-sex, manual-sex, masturbation, pornography, contraceptives, withdrawal-methods, adultery, video-sex, party, fornication, lust e.t.c* they are all defilement/sin/evil in the eyes of GOD for both married and unmarried Christians.

Penetration in Sexual intimacy between Christian couple is between their sexual organs and not otherwise. Anything outside of this comes from the devil. It does not matter who practices it or believes this truth. This is the only method of sexual intimacy that can breed pregnancy which is the primary purpose of sexual intimacy between Christian couples alongside pleasure and deepening of their marital bond. Onan did otherwise he was struck down instantly by death which is the wages of sin. Adam and Eve had sexual intimacy then Eve became pregnant with a child.

Repent and ask Jesus Christ Crucified to set you free from *all sins and the flesh*

thus His Name Shall be called Jesus because He will deliver his brothers and sisters from their sins {Matthew 1:21}

Mark 9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Transfiguration
1 And Jesus said to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, there are [a]some of those who are standing here who will not taste (experience) death before they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

2 Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured (changed in form) before them [and began to shine brightly with divine and regal glory]; 3 and His clothes became radiant and dazzling, intensely white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were having a conversation with Jesus. 5 Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Rabbi (Master), it is good for us to be here; let us make three [sacred] tents—one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not [really] know what to say because they were terrified [and stunned by the miraculous sight]. 7 Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and [b]a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him and obey Him!” 8 Suddenly they looked around and no longer saw anyone with them, except Jesus alone.

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus expressly ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they [carefully and faithfully] kept the matter to themselves, [c]discussing and questioning [with one another] what it meant to rise from the dead. 11 They asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first [before the Messiah comes]?” 12 He answered them, “Elijah does come first and restores and reestablishes all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things [grief and physical distress] and be treated with contempt [utterly despised and rejected]? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has in fact come [already], and they [d]did to him whatever they wished, just as it is written [in Scripture] of him.”

All Things Possible
14 When they came [back] to the [other nine] disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and scribes questioning and arguing with them. 15 Immediately, when the entire crowd saw Jesus, they were startled and began running up to greet Him. 16 He asked them, “What are you discussing with them?” 17 One of the crowd replied to Him, “Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him [intending to do harm], it throws him down, and he foams [at the mouth], and grinds his teeth and becomes stiff. I told Your disciples to drive it out, and they could not do it.” 19 He replied, “O unbelieving (faithless) generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me!” 20 They brought the boy to Him. When the [demonic] spirit saw Him, immediately it threw the boy into a convulsion, and falling to the ground he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he answered, “Since childhood. 22 The demon has often thrown him both into fire and into water, intending to kill him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” 23 Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!” 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out [with a desperate, piercing cry], saying, “I do believe; help [me overcome] my unbelief.” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering [around them], He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again!” 26 After screaming out and throwing him into a terrible convulsion, it came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse [so still and pale] that many [of the spectators] said, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he stood up. 28 When He had gone indoors, His disciples began asking Him privately, “Why were we unable to drive it out?” 29 He replied to them, “This kind [of unclean spirit] cannot come out by anything but prayer [to the Father].”

Death and Resurrection Foretold
30 They went on from there and began to go through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know it, 31 because He was teaching His disciples [and preparing them for the future]. He told them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed and handed over to men [who are His enemies], and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise [from the dead] three days later.” 32 But [e]they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him [what He meant].

33 They arrived at Capernaum; and when He was in the [f]house, He asked them, “What were you discussing and arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet, because on the road they had discussed and debated with one another which one [of them] was the greatest. 35 Sitting down [to teach], He called the twelve [disciples] and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all [in importance] and a servant of all.” 36 Taking a child, He set him before them; and taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives and welcomes one child such as this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives not [only] Me, but Him who sent Me.”

Dire Warnings
38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he was not accompanying us [as Your disciple].” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is for us. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he will not lose his reward.

42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe and trust in Me to stumble [that is, to sin or lose faith], it would be better for him if a heavy millstone [one requiring a donkey’s strength to turn it] were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble and sin, cut it off [that is, remove yourself from the source of temptation]! It is better for you to enter life crippled, than to have two hands and go into [g]hell, into the unquenchable fire, 44 [h][where their worm does not die, and the fire is not put out.] 45 If your foot causes you to stumble and sin, cut it off [that is, remove yourself from the source of temptation]! It would be better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell, 46 [i][where their worm does not die, and the fire is not put out.] 47 If your eye causes you to stumble and sin, throw it out [that is, remove yourself from the source of temptation]! It would be better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm [that feeds on the dead] does not die, and the fire is not put out.

49 “For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good and useful; but if salt has lost its saltiness (purpose), how will you make it salty? Have salt within yourselves continually, and be at peace with one another.”

*Topic : Forsaken all for multiple returns and life eternaal*
*Text : Matthew 19 : 29*
*And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.*

Following up to the last daily devotions on Saturday that dealt with entangling not thyself with ephemeral things, today's devotion is admonishing us to take a step further to forsake all.

This advice was not given without the provison of a soft landing. Our Lord Jesus Christ promised us that jettisoning all to do His bidding, not only we will be rewarded back in 100 folds, but also we will have eternal life.

What does it mean to forsake all?

Does it mean to abandon our loved ones, careers, education, ambitions among others?

No!

Then what does it mean?

Forsaking all because of Him is not to allow anything to come between you and Him. As a career person, you will not allow your progress in that career to affect your relationship with Him, like skipping the assembly of the brethren often and often . You will not oblige those that you cherish when they advise you not to do the will of the LORD.

It is serving the Lord above board no matter the challenges from all quarters.

The question for the moment is, wll you forsake all because of Him?

Remember that as you answer affirmatively, you are reaping back in 100 folds plus eternal life.

Though the spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak, God shall release the enablement to do this for us in Jesus name, amen.

Father, help me to live above all that may want to come between YOU and I.

If you are reading this, i think your silence on that pressing issue is deafening. Though why you keep mute, I have devised a mean to unraven the mystery (if there is any) behind the whole thing. In view of this i want to seek your consent in carrying it out because i don't want to do it with you unaware. Kindly revert so that things can be sorted and the issue settled finally. Thanks.

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and any other commandment are summed up in this statement: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor [it never hurts anyone]. Therefore [unselfish] love is the fulfillment of the Law.

Romans 13:9-10 AMP

Isaiah 48:10-11 King James Version (KJV)
10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; *I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction*.

11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.

1 Peter 4:12-16 The Message (MSG)
Glory Just Around the Corner
12-13 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.

14-16 If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!

1 Peter 4:12-14 King James Version (KJV)
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].

1 John 4:18 AMP

25 Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings [against Him and others]. 26 [But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions.”]

(Mark 11:25-26)

Because Jesus Christ lives and intercedes for us *forever* so also we are like HIM in this world hence *perpetual intercessors* for ourselves and every other human being then we are not permitted to live *with unforgiveness even for a second in this earthly existence*.....

Great Grace Brethren!!!

As I journey thro’ the land singing as I go
Pointing souls to Calvary to the crimson flow
Many arrows pierce my soul from without within
But my Lord leads me on, thro’ him I must win

Refrain
Oh! I want to see him, look upon his face
There to sing forever of his saving grace
On the streets of glory, let me lift my voice
Cares all past home at last: ever’ to rejoice

Happy Sunday Brethren.

OUR FATHER,
who art in Heaven,
Holy is your name,
YOUR KINGDOM COME,
YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH {Our Individual lives and community} as it is done in heaven,
Give us this day {23rd February 2020} our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,
And LEAD us NOT into TEMPTATION, but DELIVER us from EVIL. AMEN.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
the Lord is with you,
Blessed are you among women,
And Blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus Christ.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Something about purgatory:
http://www.cin.org/users/james/files/how2purg.htm