Monday 21 ISAIAH 30:18-26

January 2025
GRACIOUS ANSWER TO THE CRY
ISAIAH 30: 19

"For the people shall dwell in zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he
will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it he
shall answer thee."

The Magician's Nephew, Digory recalled his terminally ill mother and how his hopes
were all dying away. With a lump in his throat and tears in his eyes he blurted out to
Aslan, the great lion who represent Christ," Please, please - won't you - can't you give
me something "that will cure mother? Then in his despair Digory looked up at Aslan's
face. "Great shining tears stood in the lion's eyes. They were such big bright tears
compared with Digory's own for a moment he felt as if " the Lion must really be
sorrier about his mother than he was himself. My son, my son, said Aslan 'I know
Grief is a great only you and I in this land know than yet. Let us be good to one
another!!!!

The Old Testament contains many accounts of God's people crying out for help.
Although their trouble was often self-imposed due to their waywardness, God was still
eager to come to their aid.

The prophet Isaiah had to deliver a lot of bad news, but in the midst of it he assured to
be gracious to the people that "the hard longs to be to you; therefore he will rise up to
show you compassion..... How gracious he will be when you cry for help !" (Isa
30:18-19). Yet God often looked to His own people to be the answer to that cry for
help (Isa 58:10).

Today, people all around us are in need of someone to take action to help them. It is a
high privileged to become the hands of God as we respond on His behalf to cry for
help.

Prayer Focus
“There is a ray of hope in hopelessness”

Prayer :
Our Loving heavenly father makes us your channels to help others who are in
trouble to stand for them in their difficult situation. Help them to overcome their
circumstances boldly with your strength. Amen
Tuesday 22 2CHRONICLES 30: 1-9

January 2025
RETURN AND BE ACCEPTED
2 CHRONICLES 30:9

“For if ye turn again unto the Lord your brethren and your children shall find
compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again
into this land for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn
away his face from you if ye return to him.”

John Piper in his Sermon on today's text entitled "Do not Avenge Yourselves, but
Give Place to wrath," tells the story of the martyrdom of Graham Staines and his two
sons. On January 22, 1999 Graham Staines and his two sons, Phillip (10) and Timothy
(6) were mobbed by radical Hindus, trapped inside their vehicle in India, and burned
alive. The three charred bodies were recovered clinging are to each other. Graham
Staines had spent 34 years serving the people of India in the name of Jesus. He was
the director of the Leprosy Mission in Baripada, Orissia . He left behind his widow
Gladys and his daughter Ester. Her response was in every paper in India to the glory
of Christ. She said, a few -days after the martyrdom of her husband and sons, "I have
only one message for the people of India. I am not bitter, neither am I angry. But I
have one great desire: that each citizen of this country should establish a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ who gave his life for their sins... let us burn hatred and
spread the flame of Christ's love.

Walking away from something good is an easy thing to do. There are times when
some looks better and so many people choose to change directions and follow new
things. In the process of choosing new direct things sometimes people make mistake.
Afterwards they realize that they chose the wrong directions and in the process hurt
someone else. People who killed Graham Staines and his sons truly don’t deserve
forgiveness unless they turn to Christ and confess.

However God is a loving and compassionate God. He is waiting for every person to
turn to Him. He is willing to forgive and move on. There is nothing you can do or
have done to Stop God from losing you. He will always run to you when you run
towards him. Unlike the world, He will quickly forgive and restore you.

Prayer Focus
If you have walked away, quickly return today and be accepted.
Prayer :
Our gracious master we thank you for your unconditional love that you have
bestowed upon us through your son Jesus Christ. Help us to confound to your
ways, and confess all our sin and shortcomings and be redeemed in your sight.
Amen.
Wednesday 23 HEBREWS 11: 32- 40
January 2025

FAITH BUT NOT FORGOTTON

"And these all having obtained a good report through faith."

Sean was motherless and his father was hardly home. Sean knew little about what it
meant to have a family, he often felt lonely and abandoned. A couple who lived
nearby however reached out to Sean. They took him into their home and got their
children to be "big brother" and "big sister" to him, which gave Sean assurance that he
was loved. They also took him to church, where Sean, "now a confident young man, is
a youth leader today. Although this couple played such a key role in turning a young
life around, what they did for Sean isn't widely known to most people in their church
family. But God knows, and I believe their faithfulness will be rewarded someday.

In Hebrews 11 where a given list of people who lived their lives in the light of hope.
They trusted God through valleys of dark. Yet the darkness could not blind them to
God's promises, Hope was planted deep within them was a sense of undeniable hope
that God would accomplish what He had promised.

The writer of Hebrews the Apostle Paul tells us that "all these gained approval
through their faith". Imagine the strength that hope provided when they faced the end
of their lives ! Hope taught them to believe that they would soon be in the presence of
God. Today the spirit of God, who resides within each believer, offer the same hope to
each of us. His presence in our lives is the connecting point that keeps us inclined in
hope.

As you embrace the hope of God through faith you are given the ability to endure the
storms of life. Hope is an anchor to the e soul and a gateway to peace and rest through
living God who holds your life within his loving grasp.

Prayer Focus:
"All that matters is the Hall of Faith"

Prayer :
Thank you Lord for helping us to understand the value of faith and hope that
passeth all understanding to be ingrained in us to overcome all the storms of life.
Amen
Thursday 24 EPHESIANS 2:1-10
January 2025

THE GIFT OF GRACE

Thomas while he with others decorated for a special event at church, the woman in
charge griped about his experience After she walked away, another woman
approached him and said Don't worry about her, "She is what we call an E. G. R.-
Extra Grace Required."
Thomas laughed! soon he started using that label every time he had a conflict with
someone. Years later he sat in that same church sanctuary listening to that E.R.C's.
obituary. The pastor shared how the woman bed had served God behind the scenes
and given "generously to others, Asked God to forgive him for judging and gossiping
about her and anyone else he labled as an E.G.R in the past. After all he needed extra
grace I as much as any other believer in Jesus.

Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul states "that all believers were "by nature deserving of
wrath" (v.3). But God gave us the gift Salvation, a gift which we did nothing to
deserve a gift we'd never be able to earn so that no one can boast" (v.9).
As we submit to God moment by moment during this life long journey, the Holy Spirit
will work to change our character, so we can reflect the character of Christ. Every
"believer requires, extra grace. But we can be grateful that God's grace is sufficient
(2Corinthians 12:9)

We are saved by the grace of God alone and not by any action we perform or any
noble characteristic we possess. All of us are Sinners and fallen short of what God
requires. Yet God has demonstrated his great love for us by sending Jesus Christ to be
our Saviour even while the entire world was lost in sin. God sets the condition that
makes faith possible and gives us the gift of faith through grace, Salvation is the act of
God and God alone, gets all the credit.

Prayer Focus:
"We must trust in his Grace"

Prayer :
Heavenly father thank you for giving us the gift of salvation even when the entire
world was lost in sin. Help us to trust in your grace Amen.
Friday 25 ROMANS 6:12-23
January 2025

WHO’S THE BOSS

“For the sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the law, but
under grace.”

A woman was babysitting her two young grandsons; they began to argue over a toy.
Suddenly, the younger (by 3 years) forcefully ordered the elder brother "Cameron, go
to your room!" Shoulders slumped under the weight of the reprimand the dejected
older brother began to slink off to his room. When the woman said, "Cameron you
don't have to go to your room, Nathan is not the boss of you!" That realization
changed everything and cam, smiling sat back down to play.

Paul emphasizes that believers are no longer slaves to sin, Because of Christ's work
on the cross and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; Christians have been given the
power to resist sin and live a righteous life.

You are not under the law, but under grace. The "Law "here generally refers to the
Mosaic law, a set of commandments given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. The
law highlighted humanities sinfulness because it sets a perfect standard that no one
could fully meet. "By contrast, "grace" refers to God unmerited favour and love
bestowed upon believers in Christ.

Paul's point is that Christians are not under the old system of trying to earn
righteousness through obeying the law but are instead under a new system of grace
where righteousness is a gift received through faith in Christ

The powerful reminder Paul gives us in Romans 6:14 of the Christian’s new identity
and position in Christ. It underscores the freedom and power to live righteously, not
through our human effort to obey a set of rules, but through the enabling grace of God
While our brokenness is very real Christ’s grace enables us to live in a way that please
God and express his transforming power in the world sin is no longer our boss we now
live in the grace and presence of Jesus. His dominion in our lives releases us from the
bondage of sin.

Prayer Focus
“Walk in God's Amazing Grace.”

Prayer :
Our merciful father thank you for rebuilding our broken life while we were in
the in the bondage of sin. Grant us the power to live a righteous life. Amen.
Saturday 26 I TIMOTHY 2:1-8
January 2025

THE PRIORITY OF PRAYER

“For kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

One day Hudson Taylor was travelling on a Chinese junk from Shanghai to Ningbo.
He had beech witnessing to a man called Peter who was resisting the message but was
under deep conviction. In the course of events, Peter fell overboard. Taylor panicked
when he saw that no one made any effort to save the man. Instinctively he sprang to
the mast let down the sail and jumped overboard in hopes of finding his friend.
A fishing board was close by, so Taylor tried to solicit their help but they wouldn't
stop their fishing to look for this drowning man unless Taylor agreed to pay them
sizeable sum, they agreed to help. In less than a minute after dragging with the fishing
net, they found Peter. But it was too late; Peter was dead. They had been too busy
fishing to worry about a drawing man indicates gains and authority of selfishness.
We are to pray for everyone prayer is the weapon of faith and justice, but especially
for those who are kings in high positions. Note, this term "King", would have been
used for the emperor at Rome during this time
That would have been Nero, a cruel and monstrous ruler - who actually would have
put Paul and Peter to death. We are to pray for leaders- those we think are reasonable
and we like.. and those who we don't. Paul is writing this to Timothy as
Nero was persecuting the Church and leading up to the time that he would have Paul
feet to death!
And Paul's reasoning is simple. That we can live peaceable and quite life. In our own
case we worship peaceably because of those who uphold our countries freedom and
liberty afforded us. Today as India celebrates its 74th Republic Day with an enormous
legacy of culture and traditions ruled over by many authorities and persistently ruling
for the betterment of the country. Now it is our boundant duty to pray for the leaders
in authority they are the pivot between us having that regardless of our political
affiliation. God is the one who sets up rulers, and he is the one who governs them.
Let us pray for kings, readers, rulers and in authority so that we may lead a tranquil
and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. So let's not only pray that honourable
leaders to act wisely but also that to ungodly leaders will be saved. Yes God can save
anyone.

Prayer Focus:
“No leader is beyond God's grace when righteous people pray: For when God's
children intercede, The Lord will have His way.”
Prayer: Mighty God you are the leader of every living creature we thank you for
giving us leaders to work for our nation. Help everyone to understand your
godliness and divinity in all their ways. Amen.
Sunday 27 JOHN - 1:1-18
January 2025

PROFOUND FULLNESS
JOHN 1:16.

And of his fullness have received, and all we grace for grace. This verse comes from
the Gospel of John, which is the fourth book of the New Testament. The Gospel of
John is distinct from the other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) and it focuses
on the divinity of Jesus and the deeper philosophical and theological implications of
his life and teachings.

The verse "And of his fullness have all we received, grace for grace" embodies many
significant themes in the gospel of John including the themes of grace, abundance, and
the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The concept of “fullness" in this verse can be
understood as the complete and abundant nature of Jesus Christ. The fullness of
divinity encompasses his divinity, his teachings, his grace, and his abundant nature of
Jesus Christ. The fullness of Jesus encompasses. This divinity, his teachings, his
grace, and his role in the salvation of humanity. This fullness is available to all who
believe in him, and through faith, they can receive his grace and blessings. This
speaks to the universal nature of the Christian message it is not
limited to a select few, but is open to all who all are willing to receive it.

The phrase "grace for grace is significant in that it speaks to the continuous and
unending nature of God's grace. It implies that as believers receive grace from God,
they are also empowered to extend grace to others. Grace is central to the Christian
faith, as it represents the unmerited favour and love that God bestows upon humanity
It is through grace that believers are forgiven, healed and transformed. This verse
emphasizes the abundance of God's grace.
The concept of "receiving" in this verse implies an active, intentional act on the part of
believers. It suggests that the fullness and grace of Jesus is obtained, but they must be
deliberately accepted and embraced. In terms of symbolism, the fullness of Jesus can
be seen as a symbol of abundance, completion and sufficiency. The idea of grace for
grace symbolizes the never ending flow of God's grace, which we can always receive
in every situation and circumstance.
"It speaks to the universal nature of God's love and the continuous outpouring of his
grace upon his children. This verse invites us to receive and embrace the fullness of
Jesus and in doing so, to experience the transformative power of his grace in their
lives.”

Prayer Focus: “Embrace the abundance of never ending flow of God's grace.”
Prayer: Dear lord thank you for making us realise your continuous outpour of
grace and love. Transform us through the power of your grace in the matchless
name of our lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Amen.

Monday 28 JAMES 4:1-12

BATTLING EGO
JAMES 4:6

"But he giveth more grace. Where fore he saith, "God resisteth the proud, but
giveth grace unto the
humble"

When a general returned from a victorious battle, ancient Rome would stage a parade
to welcome the conqueror home. The parade I would include the general's troops, as
well as trophy captives who had been brought along, as evidence of the victory. As the
parade made its way through the city the crowds would cheer their hero's success. To
prevent the general's ego from becoming unduly swollen, a slave rode along with him
in his chariot, why? So that as the Roman throngs heaped praise on the general, the
slave could continually whisper in his ear, "You too are mortal".

When successful, we too may lose sight may of our own frailty and allow our hearts
to fill with destructive pride. James pointed us away from the danger of pride by
pointing us to humility and to God. He wrote "God resists the proud, but gives grace
to the humble (James 4:6). The key to that statement is grace. Nothing is more
wonderful! The word alone deserves thanks and praise - especially for the grace. He
has lavished on us

Our achievements, success, or great new are not rooted in ourselves. They are the
produce of God's matchless grace, upon which we are eternally dependent. However, I
learned that humiliation can be good thing if it leads to humility, for this is the
key that opens God's heart. The scripture says "God opposes the proud but shows
favour the tremble" (James 46). He showers the humble with grace. God himself said,
These are the ones I look on with favour: those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word" (Isaiah 66:2). As we humble ourselves before God, He
lifts us up. (James 4:10)
Humiliation and shame can bring us to God for his shaping. When we fall, we have
fallen into His hands

Prayer Focus:
"God's grace is infinite love expressing itself through infinite goodness".

Prayer :
Loving God grant us new mercies every morning, grace for everyday new hope
for every trial. And encourage us all the way.
Amen

Tuesday 29 HEBREWS 4:14-16

HELP NEEDED
HEBREWS - 4:16

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain
mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

During the world War II, the British Isles represented the last line of resistance against
the sweep of Nazi oppression in Europe. Under relentless attack and in danger of
collapse, however, Britain lacked the resource to see the conflict through victory. For
that reason, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill went on BBC radio and
appealed to the world: to give us the tools and we will finish the "job". He knew that
without help from the outside, they could not endure the assault they were facing.

Life is like that. Often we are inadequate for the troubles life throws at us, and we
need help from outside of ourselves. As members of the body of Christ, that help can
come at times from our Christian and sisters (Rom. 12:10-13) and that is a wonderful
thing. Ultimately however we seek help from our heavenly Father. The good and great
news is that our God has united us to come confidently before him. "Let us therefore
come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in
time of need.

God's thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9), and He sees things differently, than
we do. We see our own ability to deal with problems: He shows us our weaknesses to
teach us to rely on His strength. We take pride in our success and begin to think we
don't need God's help: He allows us 1 to fail so he can teach us that true success
comes through His grace. At such times, our greatest resource is prayer for it brings us
into the very presence of God. There we find in His merry and grace, the help we
need.

Prayer Focus:
"Don't let Prayer be your last resource in time of need; make it your first"

Prayer:

Merciful God you have given us your promise, that you hear and answers
prayers. You will heed to our supplication .We cast on you our care.
Amen
Wednesday 30 1 PETER 3:13-22
January 2025

COURAGE TO BE FAITHFUL
1 PETER 3: 14

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and not be afraid of
their terrors, neither be troubled".

Hadassah, a young Jewish girl living in the first century you is a fictional character in
Francine Rivers Book 'A Voice in the Wind' Fear is Hadassah's constant companion.
After Hadassah becomes a slave in a Roman household, she fears persecution for her
faith in Christ. She knows that Christians are despised, and many are sent to their
execution or thrown to the lions in the arena. Will she have the courage to stand for
the truth when she is tested? When her worst fear becomes reality, her mistress and
other Roman officials who hate - Christianity confront her. She has two choices:
recant her faith in Christ or be taken to the arena. Then, as she proclaims Jesus as the
Christ, fear falls away and she becomes bold even in the face of death.
The Bible Reminds us that sometimes we will suffer for doing what is right- whether
for sharing the gospel or for living godly lives that are against today values. We are
told not to be feathered (1 Peter 3:14), but to "revere Christ as Lord in our hearts" (v.
15). Hadassah's main battle took place, in her heart. When she finally made up her
mind to choose Jesus she found the courage to be faithful.

When we make the decision to honour Christ. He will help us to be bold and to
overcome our fears the midst of opposition. In 1 Peter 3, the apostle wanted to prepare
Christians for the threat of persecution that faced them daily. He instructed them to
live a life marked by love and free from evil. If persecution still came, Peter knew it
would be better "to suffer for doing well than for doing evil".

Prayer Focus:
“Let us be bold as we witness for God".

Prayer :
O Lord, we pray for your children all around the world who are suffering in
lacking faith in you. May we too have the faith to do your will for your glory.
Amen
Thursday 31 2 TIMOTHY 1:6-14
January 2025

FROM HOLEY TO HOLY

2 TIMOTHY 1:9

"Who hath saved us and called us with an holy not according Calling to our
works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ
Jesus before the world began"

There's a little church in the mountains "west of Boise, Idaho, that recently celebrated
its centennial. One part of the celebration was an enactment of the history of their
church. Townspeople dressed in period costume portrayed the pastors who served
their church over the years.

One of the former ministers was played by an old logger who had lived through much
of the history of the church. The logger had come to faith in Christ as a result of that
pastor's ministry. He told of the efforts of the pastor to reach • him- a hard drinking,
hard-living man with no interest in gospel, a man who once said he "had never met a
preacher he liked".

The minister was playing one day and complaining that he had never win the logger to
Christ, and that even if he did he wouldn't know what to do with him. The Lord's
answer came to him in a way he could understand: "Don't worry about a thing you
catch him, I clean him."

It is a priviledge to tell people about Christ. Salvation is "a holy calling not according
to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace. If we keep fishing we will
"catch" some, and God will make the foulest clean - just as he has done for us.

Prayer Focus:
"You have fished for men's souls for years, yet little success you can claim; keep
casting the net where God leads, - You faithfulness honours his name "

Prayer :
Heavenly Father, fan into flame the gift in me, that I might share with love and -
power my testimony of how you work in my life. Amen.