Saturday June 28, 2025

IMMACULATE HEART OF THE BVM (MEMORIAL)

Office: Memorial, Psalter week 4

Mass and preface of the memorial

Vestment: White

Today’s Rosary: The Joyful Mystery

Vespers I of the solemnity of Ss Peter & Paul

-FIRST READING-

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, and Sarah shall have a son.”

A reading from the Book of Genesis (Genesis 18:1-15)

In those days: The Lord appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men stood in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the earth, and said, “My lord, if I have found favour in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I fetch a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on — since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds, and milk, and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” The Lord said, “I will surely return to you in the spring, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying; “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, in the spring, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Luke 1:46-47.48-49.50 and 53.54-55(R. 54b)

R/. The Lord has remembered his mercy.
My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. R/.

For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed:
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name. R/.

R/. The Lord has remembered his mercy.

And his mercy is on those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent empty away. R/.

He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his posterity for ever. R/.

ALLELUIA Matthew 8:17

Alleluia. Christ took our infirmities and bore our diseases. Alleluia.

-GOSPEL-

“Many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 8:5-17)

At that time: As Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, begging him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralysed at home, in terrible distress.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion answered him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard him, he marvelled, and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and quash their teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and served him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

The humility of the centurion is noteworthy. His expression has been imprinted on our hearts through our Eucharistic worship when we pray: “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you…” Apart from humility, we see in the centurion the extraordinary love of one who goes to Jesus on behalf of a servant. We see his great respect; his awareness that a Jew who entered his home would be considered as defiled. We see a wise person making good use of his own experience in coming to understand others. Finally, we see the quality that amazes Jesus: his faith. We can discern a composite of virtues in the centurion. Let us reflect in gratitude upon our own stores of these qualities of heart, mind, reason and will, and how we might use them more creatively to build God’s Kingdom.

Personal Devotional

“For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God” Ephesians 1: 7

- I loose myself from all heart attacks rooted in fear, and I command all spirits of fear to leave in the name of Jesus.

- I loose myself from all diabetes rooted in rejection, self-hatred, ancestral inheritance, and guilt in the name of Jesus.

- I break all causes of sickness and diseases, and I command all hereditary spirits of sickness of come out of me in the name of Jesus.

- I paralyze every activities of evil parasites, immune destroyers, demonic wasters and health devourers in my life in the name of Jesus.

Let Us Pray

Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen.

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VIGIL OF S. PETER AND S. PAUL, AP.

At the vigil Mass

This Mass is used on the evening of 28 June, either before or after First Vespers (Evening Prayer 1) of the Solemnity.

Entrance Antiphon

Peter the Apostle, and Paul the teacher of the Gentiles, these have taught us your law, O Lord.

Collect

Grant, we pray, O Lord our God, that we may be sustained by the intercession of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, that, as through them you gave your Church the foundations of her heavenly office, so through them you may help her to eternal salvation. Through our Lord..

-FIRST READING-

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 3:1 -10)

“I give you what I have, in the name of Jesus, rise and walk.”

In those days: Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at that gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognised him as the one who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm19:2-3.4-5 (R. 5a)

R/. Their sound goes forth through all the earth.

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.
Day unto day conveys the message
and night unto night imparts the knowledge. R/.

No speech, no word, whose voice goes unheeded;
their sound goes forth through all the earth,
their message to the utmost bounds of the world. R/.

-SECOND READING-

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians (Galatians 1:11-20)

“God set me apart before I was born.”

Brethren: I would have you know that the Gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA John 21 .17d

Alleluia. Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. Alleluia.

-GOSPEL-

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 21:15-19)

“Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.”

When [Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and] they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you fastened your own belt and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will fasten your belt for you and bring you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Appreciation
God Bless you
Financial appeal
We appreciate your support and contributions for the propagation of God's word
You can also support us to evangelize by donating to this mission. God bless you.

Account Name: OBTech Missal
Account No. 5404019432 PROVIDUS BANK (NGN)
Account No. 5404033159 PROVIDUS BANK (USD). Swift Code: UMPLNGLA

Or donate directly here

Email Address

Amount

Naira (NGN)

PRAYER FOR NIGERIA IN DISTRESS

All powerful and merciful Father,
You are the God of justice, love and peace.
You rule over the nations of the earth.
Power and might are in your hands and no one can withstand you.
We present our country Nigeria before you.
We praise and thank you for you are the source of all we have and are.
We are sorry for all the sins we have committed
and for the good deeds we have failed to do.
In your loving forgiveness,
keep us safe from the punishment we deserve.
Lord, we are weighed down not only by uncertainties,
but also by moral, economic and political problems.
Listen to the cries of your people who confidently turn to you,
Our God of infinite goodness,
our strength in adversity,
our health in weakness,
our comfort in sorrow;
be merciful to us your people.
Spare this nation Nigeria from chaos, anarchy and doom.
Bless us with your kingdom of justice, love and peace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Friday June 27, 2025

Sacred Heart of Jesus (Solemnity)

Office: Prop., Te Deum

Mass Proper; Gloria. Creed.

Preface of Sacred Heart

Vestment: White

Today’s Rosary: Sorrowful Mystery

Vespers II of the Most Sacred Heart

World day of prayer for the sanctification of priests.

-FIRST READING-

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 34:11—16)

“I will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down.”

“Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when some of his sheep have been scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring them out from the peoples, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the fountains, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them with good pasture, and upon the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on fat pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the crippled, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will watch over; I will feed them in justice.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 23:1-3a.3b-4.5.6 (R. 1)

R/. The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me;
he revives my soul. R/.

He guides me along the right path,
for the sake of his name.
Though I should walk in the valley of the shadow of death,
no evil would I fear, for you are with me.
Your crook and your staff will give me comfort. R/.

R/. The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

You have prepared a table before me
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil;
my cup is overflowing. R/.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell
for length of days unending. R/.

-SECOND READING-

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 5:5b- 11)

“God shows his love for us.

Brethren: God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. While we were yet helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man — though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation.

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA Matthew 11:29ab

Alleluia. Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart. Alleluia.

Or the following: John 10:14

Alleluia. I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own, and my own know me. Alleluia.

-GOSPEL-

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 15:3-7)

Share my joy. I have found my lost sheep.

At that time: Jesus told the Pharisees and the scribes this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. ’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Celebrant:

Gathered as one body of Christ on this solemnity of the sacred heart of Jesus, let us pray that our hearts may be filled with a sincere love for God and one another.

FOR THE LEADERS OF THE CHURCH: That they, aware of their missionary identity, may strive to follow Christ faithfully and to proclaim his gospel to all peoples. Let us pray to the lord.

FOR CIVIL LEADERS: that they may strive towards building a nation in which the freedom of each person to worship according to the dictates of his or her conscience is guaranteed. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST FAITH CHRIST: that they, like the lost sheep, may be redirected to the heart of Jesus, where they will dwell forever. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY: that we may hunger and thirst for Jesus in the most holy Eucharist and be fed and nourished by him. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR OTHER INTENTIONS: (the sick, church projects or other activities).

FOR THE DEAD, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF OUR PARISH COMMUNITY AND FAMILY MEMBERS: that they may find eternal rest with the Lord. We pray O Lord.

We pray in silence for our private intentions.

Celebrant:

God our Father, you are king and most high over all the earth. Graciously hear the prayers we offer to you and grant that we may always enjoy the inexhaustible graces that flow from the sacred heart of Jesus. Through Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen.


TODAY’S REFLECTION

In today’s Gospel, the good shepherd goes in search of the lost sheep, and, after finding it, rejoices with his neighbours. Through this parable, Jesus reveals his compassionate love towards those who go astray.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is also a symbol of God’s tender love, compassion and mercy. Although we claim to have faith in the Sacred Heart, we sometimes hold the mistaken belief that God is like a policeman, watching our every move and punishing us when we fail.

Our devotion to the sacred Heart of Jesus should lead us rather to trust more in the love and forgiveness of God, who desires our salvation and well- being. As disciples of Christ, we should also make an effort to become more compassionate and forgiving towards those who go astray.

PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL

“But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received.” Isaiah 53:5

- Pray for God to give you the grace to accept the reality of persecution in Christian faith.

- Father, destroy every spirit of fear in my life.

- O Lord Jesus, banish every ignorance and sentiments within me that makes me to get discouraged when persecution comes.

Dear Lord, do not let me be separated from you because of hardship, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger or death. Help me to remain faithful to you. (Pray seriously).

Let Us Pray,

O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness, and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us to have perfect trust in your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to you, we shall see your hand, your purpose, your will through all things.

Appreciation
God Bless you
Financial appeal
We appreciate your support and contributions for the propagation of God's word
You can also support us to evangelize by donating to this mission. God bless you.

Account Name: OBTech Missal
Account No. 5404019432 PROVIDUS BANK (NGN)
Account No. 5404033159 PROVIDUS BANK (USD). Swift Code: UMPLNGLA

Or donate directly here

Email Address

Amount

Naira (NGN)

PRAYER FOR NIGERIA IN DISTRESS

All powerful and merciful Father,
You are the God of justice, love and peace.
You rule over the nations of the earth.
Power and might are in your hands and no one can withstand you.
We present our country Nigeria before you.
We praise and thank you for you are the source of all we have and are.
We are sorry for all the sins we have committed
and for the good deeds we have failed to do.
In your loving forgiveness,
keep us safe from the punishment we deserve.
Lord, we are weighed down not only by uncertainties,
but also by moral, economic and political problems.
Listen to the cries of your people who confidently turn to you,
Our God of infinite goodness,
our strength in adversity,
our health in weakness,
our comfort in sorrow;
be merciful to us your people.
Spare this nation Nigeria from chaos, anarchy and doom.
Bless us with your kingdom of justice, love and peace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

*What some don't actually know about*
*CHURCH*

CHURCH is our *UNIVERSITY*.

*GOD* is our *CHANCELLOR*

*JESUS* is our *VICE CHANCELLOR*

*HOLY SPIRIT* is our *LECTURER*

*ANGELS* are our *GUIDANCE*

*BIBLE* is our *HANDBOOK*

*CLERGY* is our *CLASS REP*

*Trials, oppositions and temptations* are our *EXAMS*.

Telling people about *CHRIST LOVE* is our *ASSIGNMENT*

*PRAYER* is our *TOOLS*.

*SALVATION* is our *FIRST DEGREE*

*SANCTIFICATION* is our *SECOND DEGREE*

*HOLY GHOST BAPTISM* is our *PHD*
*HOLINESS* is our *MOTTO*

*WORTHY* is the *LAMB* is our *SLOGAN*

*JESUS* only is our *MESSAGE*.

*ENROLL* today.
There is room for ALL

*ADMISSION* is *FREE*
Please don't change the *SYLLABUS*

Shine as Light!

*Jesus* answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, *Except* a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of *God.*
The only criteria for making it to God's kingdom is " *BE BORN AGAIN"*
Does born again mean:
*Going to church ?
*Sweeping the house of God ?
*Giving offering ?
*Being the highest donor ?
*Being a prayer warrior ?
*Doing Usher work ?
*Being a good preacher?
*Coming to church early?
*Taking care of the less privileged?
*Going to church meetings?,
*Taking care of your pastor?
*Being a chorister or having the best voice?
*Bishop, pope, conference president, Rev. Father, Arch Bishop, Rev. Dr this and that, Convention president General overseer, etc?
* To be *BORN AGAIN** is to live your life like that of *JESUS* *CHRIST*
Do away with your evil ways as states in (Gal. 5:19-21)

*LET US PRAY*
Heavenly father, the world is full of sin, temptations and trials everywhere, Pls, do not let our hearts to draw back unto pedition. May we keep anchoring our faith into your Kindy work of *SALVATION*

Good morning

What is grace? It is the free and unmerited favor of God, his gifts to us. One such example was the salvation brought to us by Christ. It is state of being favored and of being the chosen people. One such further example would be the Israelites, who God led to their promised land. We today, have inherited this grace. We today, are simultaneously unworthy of him, yet we are his chosen. Rejoice, rejoice in his grace.

Psalm 27:1-3
His presence makes you stronger.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.” (Verses 1-3)

Every second of every minute of every hour of every day is time that we can spend in the presence of the Lord – if we desire to go there.

THAT MOUTH ODOR IS NOT JUST YOUR MOUTH.
It’s your metabolism dragging you by the gum.
Let me explain before you spray mint all over this post.
Some of you think your toothbrush is your salvation…
But you’re brushing a mouth that’s leaking inflammation, insulin resistance, and undigested trauma.
You don’t just have bad breath.
You have bad metabolic signals.
And your mouth — that same mouth you use to eat bread and lie — is snitching.
Bleeding gums
Constant mouth odor
Gum pain or swelling
You “brush daily” but still can’t kiss with confidence?
That’s not just dental wahala.
That’s a full-body health alert.
You’re not just fighting mouth bacteria.
You’re feeding them.
With your sugar.
With your processed junk.
With the constant eating.
With the stress you refuse to rest from.
With the bread you swear by, even though your gums are dying.
Gum disease is linked to:
– Type 2 diabetes
– High blood pressure
– Belly fat
– Alzheimer’s
– PCOS
– Chronic fatigue
– Fertility problems
Yes. You’re brushing your way to infertility.
Because those bacteria in your mouth don’t stay in your mouth.
They enter your blood.
They enter your brain.
They enter your gut.
They enter your destiny.
This is why DOF screams:
– Water floss.
– Eat better.
– Kill sugar.
– Check your gums.
– Don’t kiss with insulin resistance.
Because you can’t unfat yourself if your mouth is still leaking chaos into your bloodstream.
Your breath is data.
Your gums are gossiping.
And your toothbrush is overwhelmed.
So what should you do?
Eat protein and vegetables
Use a water flosser (life changer!)
Stop eating nonsense before bed
Hydrate, don’t soda-ate
Heal your gut = Heal your mouth
Take mouth hygiene serious like you take skincare
Get a diet plan that works WITH your healing, not against it

"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 vs 3)

*THE RESTORER'S DAILY GUIDE*

DATE: MONDAY 21ST JULY 2025

THEME: *WHY SUFFERING PRECEDES BREAKTHROUGHS?*

MEMORIZE
Hebrews 5:8
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

READ
Hebrews 2:5-10, 14-18
For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
*You cannot have the crown without the cross.*

MESSAGE
Why does God allow suffering before every breakthrough?

There is something very powerful that suffering does in us more than anything else.

Before every breakthrough, there will be suffering, not maybe or possibly, but certainly. This is not because God is cruel, but He is preparing you for something greater than you could ever imagine.

Suffering is not His absence. It is His presence.

It is in the fire where your character is forged, where your faith is stretched, where pride dies, where humility is born.

So many run away from the pain crying, God, where are you in all of these troubles. Guess what, He is right there with you in the tears, in the agony, in the silence, He is closer in your suffering than in your comfort.

When nothing seems to make sense to you, that is when its making the most sense to God.

The enemy trembles when a child of God walks through the fire and holds on to their praises unto God.

God does not allow suffering to destroy you but to strip you of everything that cannot stand in His presence.

Every idol, every illusion, every false hope, every arrogance must be removed.

The storm comes not to drown you but to expose and to remove everything that was never meant to stay.

When it's past, what remains will be unshakeable; that is breakthrough.

Look through the scriptures, Joseph was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery and forgotten, before he ever wore the robe of royalty.

Moses wandered in the desert for forty years before he parted the red sea. David was hunted and hidden in caves before he wore the crown.

And Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour endured the cross, despised the shame before wearing the crown of glory. He endured a horrible death before His glorious resurrection.

You cannot have a resurrection without the crucifixion.

*You cannot have the crown without the cross.*

We live in a world where everyone wants instant blessings, but God is not in a hurry; He is raising soldiers, not entertainers. Soldiers are trained in battlefields, not banquet halls.

God is not absent in your suffering, He is present but silent because the teacher is usually silent during the exams...

No matter what you may be going through today, hold on. It will soon be over, and you will step into your own breakthroughs in Jesus' name. Amen.

ACTION STEPS
1. Thank God for everything that God has allowed you to pass through in your life.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the lessons you have missed that you still need to move forward.
3. Pray for the wisdom of relevant applications of truth for your transformation.

REMEMBER
*You cannot have the crown without the cross.*

PRAYERS
Dear heavenly Father, Thank you for today's devotional guide. I receive grace to accept the responsibility of honouring you and becoming the best version of me that is capable of being used of you for the assignment you created me for. Thank you for your mercies and faithfulness in my life. Accept my thanksgiving in Jesus' name. Amen.

AUTHOR: JEDIDIAH DAVID

DAILY READING: 1Samuel 14-16; Psalms 45-46; Proverbs 19; Luke 19;

HYMN
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me ;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me near - - - er, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died ;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine ;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

3
Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend.

4
There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea ;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

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