PRAYER FOR MERCY AND FORGIVENESS.
Daniel 9:5-18
I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Psalm 32:5
The people of Israel sinned against God and did great wickedness in His sight. This led to the prophecy from Prophet Jeremiah about them being taken captives. The prophecy was fulfilled when King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Israel and took them captive. The years of captivity as prophesied had elapsed and they were still held captive. Daniel took it upon himself to ask God for mercy. He admitted the wrong done by Israel. “We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.” Daniel 9:5. He begged for pardon and restoration, and God answered him.
How often do we acknowledge our faults? What do we do when we offend God or people? God expects us to acknowledge our sins, be sober and ask for mercy. God seeks “…a broken and a contrite heart…” (Psalm 51:17). He is ever ready to forgive and restore us to Himself no matter how far we may have strayed. Just like the prodigal son, God is still interested in us. Change from your evil ways and seek forgiveness. We are to pray for forgiveness for not just ourselves but our families, nation and the church. Your prayers can bring restoration and forgiveness.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for all my shortcomings. Help me to intercede for forgiveness for my family, nation and the church in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 146 1Samuel 17:38-58,- 1 Sam,18; John 16:5-33;-John17:1-5; Psalm68:1-6
GOD ANSWERS PRAYER
Daniel 9:20-22, 10:12-14
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us. 1 John 5:14
Most times, we pray when faced with difficulties, and it seems like God does not hear us. No, God hears and He answers. Israel was in captivity in Babylon, and their time of restoration was long overdue. Daniel prayed, and God sent His angel with the answer and Israel was restored from captivity. We may have prayed for something for days, weeks, months or even years and it seems like all hope is lost. Don’t relent, keep praying. Daniel prayed again in Daniel chapter 10, and this time the answer was delayed, but he did not give up. Rather, he persevered and after three weeks, he got his answers.
The believer is to be consistent in prayers and trust the Lord to answer. Thus, we have to continue praying and not lose heart. Scripture says, “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1). Prayer should be made in line with the will of God found in His word. Daniel’s prayer was for the will of God to be established for his people. Trust God to answer prayer and search out His will from the word. God can help you withstand any force or opposition. There is no challenge that God cannot handle. He hears and answers prayers.
Prayer
Father, I know that You hear and answer me when I pray, give me the grace to persevere and not lose hope in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 147 1Samuel 19,-1 Samuel 20; John 17:6-26; Psalm 68:7-14
STRENGTH FROM KNOWING GOD
Daniel 11:20-32
And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32
Daniel chapter 11 is filled with prophecies of different wars. Wars between the kings of the North and the South. I am sure that when the people heard about these wars, their hearts began to fail them. Amid all these wars, the scripture declared in Daniel 11:32b ”…but the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits“
When you know who God is, that knowledge keeps you courageous and strong. Amid the troubles and fear-peddling of the day, believers are to find their peace in the knowledge of God’s character and power. This knowledge will infuse you with the needed strength to do what God has called you to do. If you only know what is in the world, the natural systems of things, and what is in the news, you will be filled with doubts and fear. Knowledge of God is what gives inner strength to stand for God and carry out great exploits in His name. The apostle Paul was a man of exploits because he continuously desired to know more of God (Phil. 3:10). Do you prioritise the knowledge of God?
Prayer
Father, I am strengthened because I know You. I shall not be afraid or depressed because of the conflicts in the world in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 148 1 Samuel 21;-1 sam 23;-John 18:1-24; 24; Proverbs 13:10-19
THE CLIMAX OF THE WICKED
Daniel 11:36-45
Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Psalms 91:8
Every movie has a climax. Every story has an ending. The reign of the wicked is not left out. In God’s sight, a wicked man is someone who disobeys His commands and disregards the sacrifice of Jesus. The king in our text exalted himself above God. He spoke blasphemies against God and worshipped idols. Despite all these, the Bible recorded that he prospered (Vs. 36). That is why it is no surprise that a lot of people who despise the Lord seem to be prospering in society today. They prosper through disobedience to God and dubious means. Sometimes we are tempted to follow them, and sadly, some aspire to be like them.
Daniel 11:36b tells us that their prosperity is “Till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.” The scripture tells us a climax is coming, that we should wait for it. Then at the end of Daniel 11, the climax was prophesied – that he shall come to his end and no one will help him (Dan 11:45). The climax of the wicked has and will always be the same: destruction. Therefore, stay righteous and patient, and the Lord will bless you.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me not to be carried away by the prosperity I see. Teach me to be diligent in my service to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 149 1 Samuel 24,-1Sam.25; John 18:25-40; Psalm 68:15-20
ETERNITY
Daniel 12:1-4, John 3:15-22
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2
The greatest fear of man is death. We are often concerned about what happens after death. Scripture says, “It is appointed unto man to die once and after that judgement.” (Hebrews 9:27). This judgment will be done by God based on how we lived on earth. The result of this judgment determines where you spend eternity: everlasting life or everlasting contempt. Knowing that we all will die (if Jesus tarries), we ought to prepare ourselves for eternity. For us to have eternal life, we must have the life of Christ in us. We must believe in Him and obey all that He has commanded us in the scriptures.
When we have Christ in us and obey His commands, we need not worry about death. As Apostle Paul said, “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). We should not live in fear, but rather live a life that pleases God. If we have not made peace with God and accepted the finished work of Christ, then we are treading on dangerous grounds. Death can happen at any time and Christ can also come to take His saints. Now is the right time. Do not delay. Receive Christ so that you will spend eternity in the presence of God rather than in eternal condemnation. Where would you be spending eternity?
Prayer
Lord, cause me to live a life worthy of eternal life. Give me the grace to please You in all my endeavours in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 150 1 samuel 26,-1 Samuel 28; John19:1-27; Psalm68:21-27
BE BETTER, NOT BITTER
2 Samuel 1:6-12
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:44
When David heard of Saul’s death, he mourned. We probably would have expected him to celebrate the death of his great enemy and rival, but David mourned. Out of pure jealousy, hatred, spite, and ungodliness, Saul took David away from his family, home, career, and security. Saul was utterly unrepentant to the end, yet David mourned, wept, and fasted when he learned of Saul’s death. With such life-changing news and with the throne of Israel now vacant, it seemed like the royal anointing he received some 20 years before might now be fulfilled with the crown set on his head. Nevertheless, David expressed little thought of himself.
This contrast powerfully demonstrates that our hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness are chosen by us and not imposed on us. As much as Saul did evil against David, he chose to become a better person rather than dwell in bitterness. All the men who were with David had their reasons to hate Saul, but they followed the example of their leader, David, and answered Saul’s hatred or venom with love. How do we react or respond when faced with similar situations, especially when our persecutors meet with disaster? We should respond to every hate with love. If we go about carrying bitterness in our hearts against the person or await the person’s doom, then we’re no different from the unbelievers out there. Are you becoming better or bitter?
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to do away with bitterness in my heart against people who hate me.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY151 1 Samuel 29,-1Sam.31; John 19:28-42,-John 20:1-9; Psalm 68:28-35
GENUINE LOVE
2 Samuel 1:13-17
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
From our text, the young Amalekite probably thought that David was preparing to reward him for what he did. Despite the many opportunities to legitimately defend himself, David refused to reach out to destroy Saul. David knew that since God put Saul on the throne, it was God’s job to end his reign. Ordering one of his men to kill the young Amalekite showed that David’s grief over Saul was real. He didn’t put on a false display of grief and then secretly honour the man who killed Saul. David showed great love and generosity in his heart towards Saul. It showed that he didn’t try to kill Saul either in his heart or with a sword. He wanted no one to rejoice over the death of Saul but rather mourn the death of King Saul. This is a powerful testimony of how David kept his heart free from bitterness even when he was greatly wronged.
David fulfilled 1 Corinthians 13:5 which says, “…love thinks no evil.” David knew the principle stated in 1 Peter 4:8, which says: “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” Although many factors might excuse what the Amalekite did. Some of these factors were: he obeyed the request of King Saul, Saul was in rebellion and hardened against God, Saul repeatedly and constantly tried to kill David, etc. Yet none of these excuses mattered since it is God’s prerogative to end a person’s life, especially His anointed. David responded with a genuine love for King Saul and accorded him honour even after his death. Paul enjoins us thus: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honouring each other.” (Rom 12:9-10). Do you have a genuine love for others or do you secretly rejoice at their unfavourable predicaments?
Prayer
Lord, please help me to genuinely love everyone the way you want me to in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY152 2 Samuel 1,-2Sam.2:1-7 –John 20:10-31;Proverbs 13:20-25;-prov 14:1-4
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