Followers of Christ

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 

A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

Followers of Christ

Tuesday, 1 October

And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Matthew 4:18-19 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

MORE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

The call to follow Jesus is a great one because following a great man is a making process for greatness. Transforming fishermen to fishers of men as promised by Jesus to His disciples is a quantum leap. From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that no one follows Jesus and remains the same. This implies that if your life is not changing, and you claim to be following Christ, you need to check whether you are truly following.

Peter was following Jesus, but a time came when he began to follow from afar (Matthew 26: 58). Unfortunately, this led to Peter denying Jesus. In order not to backslide in our walk with Christ, wisdom demands that we close any gap that may exist between us and Him. Some practical examples of gap are: withdrawing from prayer, constant missing of fellowship and not finding time to read the word of God. Most times people don't go back from following Christ in a day; it happens by gradual drawing back. Drawing back is not allowed in the Kingdom, and God will not delight in anyone who draws back (Hebrews 10:38).

Following Christ begins with being born again and culminates in our entering into Heaven to be where He is. John 12:26 says, If any man serve me, let him follow me and where I am there shall also my servant be…. In following Christ therefore we can get to His destination. This is true because who or what you follow determines where you end up. Young people must particularly pay attention to the truth that they can't follow just anybody.

The picture of us following Christ may look like a big assignment and it is, but it is not an impossible task. Following Christ can be broken down into some miniatures: Hebrews.12:14, follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man will see the Lord. 1 Timothy 6:11, But thou o man of God, flee these things: and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. From these scriptures we know what to follow that is equivalent to following Christ: peace, holiness, righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness. We must also flee some things so as to be able to follow the things that really matter in our heavenly race.

Prayer/Action

* Receive abundant grace to follow.

* Ask for grace to cut off the bridge that may take you back to Egypt and hinder you from following Jesus effectively.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: I give a powerful hallelujah shout to the God who made October a reality for me and Nigeria, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

Abba Father

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

Abba Father

Friday, 20 September

 

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Romans 8:15-19 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

 

MORE LESSON: Mathew 6:8-15 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

Abba is an Aramaic word that means "Father" or "Daddy." It's a term of endearment, intimacy, and affection. When Jesus went to pray before His crucification, He said, "Abba, Father" as recorded in Mark.14:36: And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. This word reveals the loving, personal relationship He had with God the Father.

Also, Jesus taught His disciples that any time they want to pray, they should start with "Our Father". Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. God is a supernatural being but He is also a loving Father to us the moment we accept Jesus. Our God is a God of relationship who wants to relate with us as a Father not in an official relationship.

As our Abba Father, God is loving and kind as Psalm 136:1-3 puts it: O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. He is Present and near as David testified in Psalm 139:7-12:

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. He provides and cares for us as Matthew 6:25-34, and is forgiving and merciful (Psalm 103:8-14).

The questions are: Do you know God as a Father? Can you boldly call Him Father? You must get to that point with God where He is no longer far from you. Build your relationship with God until you experience Him as Father.

We can approach God with confidence and trust, knowing He is our Abba Father. We must cry out to Him with intimacy and affection, knowing that He deeply loves and cares for us. Say to yourself with confidence: "GOD IS MY FATHER”

 

Prayer/Action

* Thank Abba Father for adopting you as His child. 

* Appreciate God for His love, care and presence in your life. 

* Ask God for grace to always cry out to Him with confidence and affection.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Today, the strangers shall fear and flee out of their hiding places, in the powerful name of Jesus.

 

TODAY’S FASTING FOCUS: Enemies shall not exact upon me; Psalm 89:22

It's a Shadow

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

It's a Shadow

Thursday, 19 September

 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Amos 5:8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name:

 

MORE LESSON: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

In life, there are so many things that look so real but without reality or substance. Nevertheless, there are other things that look so abstract but are much more real than things that can be touched physically. God ...calls those things which do not exist as though they did: Romans 4:17 (NKJV) that is, declaring shadow a reality whereas there are some things in existence today that are actually shadows of things yet to be (Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1). Believers in Christ Jesus, everything outside of God's counsel are shadows that cannot happen unless you permit them. One of God's servants admonishes us to declare old anything you don't want to see again. So when it comes to pain, death, affliction, hunger, lack, and deprivation, they are shadows that must pass away. A shadow cannot hurt, it cannot kill, it cannot destroy.

One day I was standing at the street corner and the shadow of a huge, heavily loaded truck passed right over me. Did it hurt? Of course not. Shadows can’t hurt. That is why the Bible tells us that believers walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). But when an unsaved person dies, he walks into torments of the awful jaws of death itself.

It is only in God that all things are real, because they are good and perfect. This is why the book of James calls God the ...Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning: James 1:17. God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 23:19.

Moreover, our text today makes us to understand that there is no shadow in God, ...He turns the shadow of death into morning....: Amos 5:8 (NKJV). Child of God, this is your portion. Declare every hurtful and negative situation shadows today and they will pass away. Declare what must be and the angels of God will bring them into your life right now, in Jesus' name.

 

Prayer/Action

* With your mouth, use the Word of God to nullify every situation in your life that is against the will and the glory of God - PROCLAIM SCRIPTURES.

* Come against every evil shadow in your life, family and destiny.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, take Your place in my life and let every other name fade away now, in the glorious name of Jesus.

The Good Shepherd

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

The Good Shepherd

Wednesday, 18 September

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 

MORE LESSON: John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

 

The Good Shepherd is a beautiful picture of God's love and care for us. It's a beautiful expression of trust, comfort and guidance; it offers a profound message that resonates with people of all ages. Just as a shepherd tends his flock, God attends to our needs, providing for our well-being and guiding us through life's challenges.

As the Good Shepherd, God does these several things for us.

1. He provides for our needs. In verse 1 of Psalm 23, David began by declaring God as his Shepherd, emphasizing God's care and provision. As a shepherd tends his flock, God guides and nurtures us.

2. God gives us rest and refreshment (vs 2-3). He takes care of our physical and spiritual needs, leading us to places of abundance and peace. He revitalizes our souls, quenching our thirst for spiritual nourishment.

3. Our God also guides us on the right path (vs 3). God directs us on the path of righteousness, not for our own sake, but for His glory and honour.

4.The Good Shepherd protects us from harm (vs. 4). In the midst of uncertainty and darkness, God's presence reassures us of safety. His guidance and protection bring comfort, dispelling fear and anxiety.

5. God showers us with His goodness and love (vs. 5-6). God's abundance and blessings are evident even in the presence of adversity. He anoints us with His favour, filling our lives with joy and gratitude.

6. David concluded by affirming God's unwavering goodness and love, which pursue us throughout our lives. We find solace in God's presence, both in this life and eternally.

Above everything God has done for us, He gave us Himself by dying on the cross. This gift of God is the greatest gift any man will ever receive. John.10:11 assures us: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

I want to remind us today that God is our compassionate Shepherd, guiding us through life's triumphs and struggles. May we find peace and reassurance in His loving care. May we trust in the Good Shepherd's care, following His leading and resting in His love. May we find comfort in His presence and may our cups overflow with His goodness and love, in Jesus’ name.

 

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for His love and care.

* Ask God to provide your needs and give you rest. 

* Declare that you will not walk away from your Shepherd.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: As I serve the Lord with all my being, He will bless my bread and my water and take sickness away from me and my household, in Jesus' mighty name.