Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 3 2026 | Acts 21:1-6   KEY VERSE: “When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, with wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.” (Acts 21:5, NIV) . MESSAGE:   In the previous devotional, we reflected on “When It Is Time to Move,” seeing how obedience sometimes requires stepping forward even when it is difficult. Yet as Paul moved in obedience, something remarkable happened - the fellowship he enjoyed did not end. That same community accompanied him, prayed with him before he departed. This leads us into today’s reflection: when fellowship walks with you. There are three key lessons in today’s devotion.  The First is “fellowship that goes the extra mile” - “All of them… accompanied us out of the city” (v. 5). These believers did not merely say goodbye at the door. They walked alongside Paul until the very last possible moment. Early Christian fellowship was marked by deep loyalty and sacrificial presence. True fellowship is not measured by words but by how far we are willing to walk with one another. The second lesson is “fellowship that kneels together - “…there on the beach we knelt to pray” (v. 5). On the seashore - not in a temple - they created a sacred place of prayer. Their connection was strengthened through shared intercession. Prayer was the heartbeat of their relationships. Wherever believers meet, a sanctuary can be formed. Kneeling together in prayer turns ordinary places into holy ground and ordinary friendships into spiritual bonds. The final lesson is “fellowship that releases with grace” - “After saying goodbye… we boarded the ship” (v. 6). Their prayer did not prevent Paul from going; it prepared him to go. They trusted God enough to release him into His will. Spirit-filled fellowship supports, strengthens, and surrenders to God’s purpose. Loving someone includes the grace to release them into God’s hands when the season changes.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Real fellowship doesn’t stop at the door - it walks with you, prays with you, and entrusts you to God. Accompany someone today with your presence: a visit, a call, a prayer moment. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessing of fellowship that walks, kneels, and prays. Teach me to invest in relationships that glorify You. Let my presence be a source of support to someone today. For Your dear Name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 2: Genesis 6–8 - Judgment, Mercy, and a New Beginning DAILY word study : ACCOMPANIED The word “accompanied” comes from the Greek προπέμπω (propempō), which means to escort, to send forward with care, support, and honour. It goes beyond casual presence and implies intentional support for a journey ahead. The believers in Tyre did not merely say farewell. They escorted Paul and his companions and even involved their families. This act showed active partnership in God’s mission. Fellowship expressed through propempō is participatory, prayerful, and purposeful. Reflect on this: Who has God placed in your life to walk with you in prayer and presence? And who might He be inviting you to accompany, even if only for a season?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 2 2026 | Acts 21:1-6   KEY VERSE : “We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.” (Acts 21:4, NIV) MESSAGE:   As we reflected in “Farewell to Forward Movement,” every God-directed journey starts with obedience - sometimes painful, sometimes uncertain, but always purposeful. Yet God never calls us to walk the path of obedience in isolation. Acts 21:3-4 reminds us that divine journeys are strengthened through divine relationships. As Paul continues toward Jerusalem, we discover that obedience naturally leads to connection - a Spirit-orchestrated fellowship that encourages, guides, and sustains us along the way. This brings us to our next focus: developing a passion to connect with the people God places along our path. Lessons from today’s passage include:  Paul Connected Intentionally. “We sought out the disciples” (v. 4a). Paul did not wait for relationships to fall into place; he sought them out. The Greek phrase implies deliberate searching - he made it a priority. Spiritual growth is richer when we pursue community instead of waiting for it to find us. Christian fellowship must be intentional, not accidental. Paul Connected Purposefully - “And stayed with them…” (v. 4b). He didn’t just greet the believers and move on - he stayed, shared life, listened, and encouraged. The biblical connection is not shallow; it is a relational investment. In a busy world, the greatest gift you can offer fellow believers is your presence. Ministry happens through proximity. Paul Connected Spiritually - “Through the Spirit they urged Paul…” (v. 4c). In that fellowship, the Holy Spirit spoke. Their gathering was not a social networking event; it was a Spirit-filled encounter. When believers gather, the Spirit speaks, warns, strengthens, and guides. True Christian connection should ignite spiritual sensitivity - sharpening us, cautioning us, and aligning us with God’s will.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Commit to consistent Christian fellowship (church, small group, ministry team). A believer who refuses connection starves spiritually; a believer who pursues connection grows steadily by the strength of God’s family. PRAYER: Father, thank You for the gift of Christian fellowship. Give me a passion to connect with the believers You have placed around me. Deliver me from isolation and help me seek out meaningful, Spirit-filled relationships. Use me to strengthen others and allow others to strengthen me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 2: Genesis 3–5 - The Fall, the Promise, and the Spread of Sin DAILY word study: SOUGHT OUT The phrase “we sought out the disciples” derives from the Greek aneuróntes, meaning “to search carefully, to find after deliberate effort.” It suggests purposeful action rather than a casual encounter. Paul did not wait for fellowship to come to him. Even while travelling under pressure and uncertainty, he intentionally looked for believers. This shows that the Christian community is something we pursue, not something we drift into. Reflect on this: Who is God inviting you to seek out this season? Growth often comes when you take the initiative to connect, share life, and walk together in faith.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 1 2026 | Acts 21:1-6   KEY VERSE: “After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos.” (Acts 21:1a, NIV) MESSAGE:   Acts 20 closes with one of the most emotional scenes in the New Testament. Paul kneels with the Ephesian elders; there are tears, embraces, and deep sorrow - “they grieved most of all because of his statement that they would never see his face again” (Acts 20:38). A new year always begins with a goodbye. We step forward only after releasing what is behind us. Acts 21 opens with Paul leaving beloved companions and setting sail toward God’s next assignment. This moment captures the spiritual rhythm of the New Year - farewell and forward movement. Today’s passage reveals three important lessons: Farewells Can Be Painful but Necessary : Luke’s words, “we had torn ourselves away,” show that obedience does not erase emotion. Paul loved deeply, yet he still moved forward. As the new year begins, we acknowledge that some things must be released — old seasons, disappointments, habits, and even familiar comforts — not because they were wrong, but because God is calling us onward. Forward Movement Requires Deliberate Action : The text says, “we put out to sea.” Paul did not linger in hesitation. God’s will is fulfilled not by intention alone but by decisive movement. The New Year calls believers to action — to step out in faith, leave the harbour of familiarity, and trust God with the journey ahead. God Already Has the Next Step Prepared.  Paul found a ship ready to sail to Phoenicia. This reminds us that when God calls us forward, He also prepares the way. The new year is not uncharted territory to God. What lies ahead may be unknown to us, but it is already known to Him.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: As you step into this new year, ask yourself: What relationships, habits, or seasons is God asking me to release? You cannot fully embrace God’s new chapter while remaining emotionally trapped in the old one. When God says it is time to move, He goes ahead of us. PRAYER: Lord, as I step into this new year, give me grace to release what lies behind and courage to move forward in obedience. Help me trust You with every step ahead, knowing that You have already prepared the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 1: Genesis 1–2 - In the Beginning, God Created DAILY word study : TORN OURSELVES AWAY The phrase translated “torn ourselves away” comes from the Greek ἀποσπασθέντες (apospásthēntes), meaning to be pulled away, separated by force, or detached with pain. It is used for separation that is deeply felt, not lightly chosen. Luke does not hide the cost of obedience. Paul’s forward movement was faithful, but it was not emotionally easy. This shows us that following God’s direction does not cancel love, attachment, or grief. Faithfulness often requires costly separation, yet it still moves forward in trust. Reflect on this: What obedience might God be calling you into that feels emotionally difficult, yet spiritually necessary, as you step into this new year?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 31 2025 | Luke 2:33-38   KEY VERSE: “There was also a prophet, Anna… She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.” (Luke 2:36-37, NIV) MESSAGE:   Simeon shows us that a life anchored in God’s promise can come to rest in peace when Christ is revealed. Anna, however, teaches us that a life anchored in perseverance continues in faithful witness. Her story invites us to pause and reflect, especially as the year draws to a close. Anna’s life is a powerful testimony to perseverance in faithfulness. Widowed early and advanced in years, Anna remained devoted to God through decades of worship, fasting, and prayer. Though unnoticed by society, she was fully known by God. Her faith was not shaped by changing seasons but sustained through them. Anna’s story assures us that God honours long obedience carried out in quiet places. As the year closes, her life calls us to consider not how quickly time has passed, but how faithfully we have walked with God. Anna teaches us three vital truths: Faithfulness Is Sustained Over Time. Anna did not serve God for a season; she served Him for a lifetime. Her perseverance reminds us that genuine faith is not measured by brief moments of enthusiasm but by consistent devotion over many years. Faithfulness that endures reflects a heart anchored in God, even when circumstances change. Perseverance Positions Us for Divine Encounter. Luke tells us that Anna arrived “at that very moment.” Her spiritual disciplines kept her attentive and ready. Perseverance shaped her awareness. Those who remain faithful over time are often positioned to recognise God’s work when it unfolds quietly and unexpectedly. Faithfulness Produces Fruitful Witness.  When Anna recognised the Christ, she gave thanks to God and spoke to all who were looking forward to redemption about the child. Perseverance did not lead her into spiritual exhaustion but into joyful testimony. A life steadily offered to God becomes a vessel for witness when His promises are fulfilled.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: As this year draws to a close, reflect on the places where perseverance has been difficult and faithfulness has felt unnoticed. Like Anna, choose to remain devoted to God beyond seasons of ease or recognition. Bring the year’s unfinished prayers, quiet obedience, and long-standing commitments before Him. Close the year by recommitting your life, worship, and witness to God, trusting that steadfast faith prepares you to recognise His work and testify to His salvation in the days ahead. PRAYER: Faithful God, thank You for sustaining me through this year. Strengthen my heart to remain steadfast in worship and obedience. As I step into a new year, keep me faithful, attentive, and ready to witness Your work. I place the days ahead in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 365 Revelation 17–22 - Babylon Falls, Christ Reigns, and All Things Made New DAILY word study: NEVER The phrase ouk aphístēmi is the Greek expression for never in Luke 2:37, meaning “not to withdraw,” “not to depart,” or “not to abandon one’s post.” Luke uses this phrase to describe Anna’s enduring posture of worship, fasting, and prayer. It reflects spiritual steadfastness that endures over many years. Her perseverance prepared her to recognise God’s saving work when Christ appeared. Reflect on this: A faith that remains steady develops spiritual clarity. As this year comes to an end, where is God inviting you to remain faithful and present in devotion, trusting that perseverance prepares you to recognise His work?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 30 2025 | Luke 2:29-32   KEY VERSE: “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:” (Luke 2:30-31, NIV) MESSAGE:   Having recognised God’s salvation and embraced the Christ Child, Simeon now speaks of what he sees. What God reveals to faithful hearts is meant to be declared for the world to hear. In Luke 2:29–32, Simeon breaks into a song of praise - often called the Nunc Dimittis. His words reveal that the child Jesus is not only Israel’s hope but God’s salvation for all people. Advent reminds us that the coming of Jesus Christ fulfils God’s promise to bless the nations. Let us learn the following lessons: Christ Brings Peace Beyond Death  (Verses 29–30). Simeon declares that he can now depart in peace because his eyes have seen God’s salvation. True peace flows from seeing and trusting Jesus Christ. Simeon’s peace comes not from circumstances but from encountering Christ. God’s Salvation Is Public and Universal  (Verse 31). This salvation is not accidental or improvised; God Himself prepares it. Advent affirms God’s intentional and sovereign plan of redemption. Jesus Christ is revealed to all peoples, which declares that the gospel is for every nation, tribe, and tongue. Mission Flows from Revelatio n (Verse 32). Jesus is described as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and “the glory of Israel.” Jesus Christ fulfils God’s covenant promises to Israel while extending salvation to all nations. Simeon’s song proclaims what God has done. Those who truly see Jesus Christ are compelled to bear witness to Him. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How does seeing Jesus Christ as God’s salvation bring peace to your heart? What does it mean for you that Jesus is light for all people? Seeing Christ brings peace, and knowing Him moves us to proclaim Him. Advent calls us to rejoice in God’s salvation and to share the light of Jesus Christ with the world. PRAYER: Sovereign Lord, thank You for the salvation You have prepared in Jesus Christ. Fill my heart with peace and my life with purpose. Help me proclaim Him as light for the nations and glory to Your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 364 Revelation 13–16 - The Beast, the Bowls, and the Call to Endure DAILY word study: SALVATION The word Salvation comes from the Greek sōtērion (σωτήριον), which means God’s deliverance and rescue. It points to God’s saving intervention that brings forgiveness, restoration, and peace. In Simeon’s mouth, salvation is no longer a distant promise. It has become visible in Jesus Christ. Simeon is declaring that God’s long-prepared rescue plan has arrived in a Person he can hold. Reflect on this: If salvation has a face and a name, then faith is not only trusting what God will do. It is receiving who God has given—Jesus Christ.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 29 2025 |   KEY VERSE: “ . . . and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.” (Luke 2:25-27a, NIV) MESSAGE:   Jesus was set apart for God’s mission from His earliest days, yet that mission would unfold in God’s time. Advent is a season of waiting with expectation. In Luke 2:25–28, we meet Simeon, a righteous and devout man who had waited faithfully for the consolation of Israel. Unlike many who missed the significance of that ordinary day at the temple, Simeon recognised God’s salvation when it arrived. Simeon’s story reminds us that God not only sends His salvation, but also prepares hearts to recognise it, and that those who wait in faith are given eyes to see God’s work when it appears. Today’s passage reveals the following profound lessons: God Honours Faithful Waiting (Luke 2:25).  Simeon is described as righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and his long wait was not wasted. The Holy Spirit was upon him, indicating that his waiting was not passive but Spirit-shaped and hope-filled. Advent reminds us that patient faith is often rewarded with deeper revelation.   The Holy Spirit Helps Us Recognise God’s Work (Verses 26–27) .  The Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Messiah. On this particular day, the Spirit led him into the temple courts at just the right moment. God’s timing is always precise. Without the Spirit’s guidance, Simeon might have missed the moment. Advent teaches us to depend on the Spirit to discern God’s activity.   Salvation Produces Worship (Verse 28). Simeon’s first response to seeing Jesus is praise. Simeon takes the child Jesus in his arms and praises God. He recognises what others could not see - that this child is God’s promised salvation. True recognition leads to worship. Encountering Christ always leads to worship.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Those who wait on God in faith will recognise His salvation when it appears. Waiting is not wasted time when it is guided by the Holy Spirit. Like Simeon, a life shaped by hope, obedience, and attentiveness to God enables us to recognise Christ and respond with worship when God fulfils His promises. PRAYER: Faithful God, thank You for the gift of hope and the guidance of Your Spirit. Teach me to wait with trust, to recognise Your salvation when it comes, and to respond with worship and praise. As I journey through Advent, help me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 363 Revelation 9–12 - War in Heaven, Witness on Earth DAILY word study: WAITING The word waiting comes from the Greek Prosdechomai, which means to look forward to with expectation, to welcome eagerly, or to await with readiness. It conveys a hopeful anticipation rather than delay or resignation. Simeon was not simply passing the time. His waiting was marked by righteousness, devotion, and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit. This kind of waiting keeps the heart prepared to recognise God’s salvation when it appears, even in unexpected form. Reflect on this: How is your waiting shaping your faith today? Are you waiting with expectancy that prepares you to recognise God’s work when He reveals it?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 28 2025 | Luke 2:22-24   KEY VERSE: “When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” (Luke 2:22, NIV) MESSAGE:   The Saviour who entered human life in obedience to God’s law is now publicly presented in the place of worship. Luke draws our attention to a quiet yet weighty moment in which faithfulness, dedication, and belonging take centre stage. In Luke 2:22-24, Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, in accordance with the requirements of the Law of Moses. This moment shows that God’s saving work unfolds within the covenant He has already established and that Jesus was acknowledged from the beginning as wholly belonging to God. God Recognises Those Dedicated to Him (Verse 22) Mary and Joseph completed the days of purification and brought Jesus to Jerusalem in faithful obedience. Their actions show reverence for God’s instructions and trust in His purposes. Before Jesus is seen or heard by the world, He is first presented before God. Advent teaches us that God’s work begins with dedication offered in faith. Obedience Places Us Within God’s Purposes (Verse 23 ) Luke recalls the instruction that every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord. Jesus is publicly acknowledged as one who belongs to God. Though eternally God’s Son, He enters fully into Israel’s covenant life. God continues to work through ordinary people who walk faithfully in obedience. Jesus Is Acknowledged as God’s Own (Verses 22–24) The presentation in the temple affirms that Jesus’ life is set within God’s redemptive purposes. He is not presented for privilege, but for a path that will unfold through faithfulness and sacrifice. Advent reminds us that God prepares His work quietly before it is revealed fully.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What does Jesus being set apart for God’s mission teach you about the nature of salvation? From the beginning, Jesus belonged wholly to God and entered human life in faithful submission to His purposes. Advent invites those who have never consciously dedicated their lives to God to do so, and calls believers to renew their commitment with fresh devotion. As we reflect on Christ’s consecration, we are reminded that obedience and availability place us within God’s unfolding redemptive plan. PRAYER: Mission-Sending God, thank You for setting apart Your Son to accomplish my salvation. As I reflect on His coming, set our lives apart for Your purposes. Help us walk in obedience, availability, and faithfulness as participants in Your mission. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 362 Revelation 5–8 - Seals Opened and Prayers Heard DAILY word study: PURIFICATION The word purification comes from the Greek katharismós, meaning "cleansing" or "ritual purification". It refers to the prescribed rites in the Law of Moses that marked readiness to stand before God in worship and covenant faithfulness. This purification was not about removing sin from Jesus. Rather, it shows that from the very beginning, Jesus fully entered human life within God’s covenant order. God’s plan of salvation advanced through obedience to His law, not by bypassing it. Reflect on this: God’s work of redemption often begins quietly through faithful obedience. Where might God be inviting you to honour His ways as part of His larger purpose in your life?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 27 2025 | Luke 2:21   KEY VERSE: “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” (Luke 2:21, NIV) MESSAGE:   The shepherds returned to their fields praising God, but the story of Jesus’ early life continues quietly within faithful Jewish obedience. Advent now draws our attention from public testimony to covenant faithfulness, showing us that the Saviour who came for all people entered fully into the life and obligations of humanity. In Luke 2:21, we see the infant Jesus circumcised and named in accordance with the Law of Moses. This brief verse reveals profound truths about the incarnation and God’s redemptive purpose. Jesus Entered Fully into Life under the Law “On the eighth day…” reflects obedience to God’s covenant instructions given to Abraham and reaffirmed in the Law (Gen. 17:9–14; Lev. 12:3). At this stage of His life, Jesus was lovingly brought under the Law through the faithful obedience of Mary and Joseph. This moment highlights His complete identification with humanity, entering the covenant community as every Jewish child did. God Works through Faithful Human Obedience “…when it was time to circumcise the child.” The actions of Mary and Joseph show quiet, faithful submission to God’s commands. God’s saving purposes advance not through spectacle, but through ordinary obedience. In this way, the Law is not ignored or bypassed. The divine promise unfolds within the framework that God Himself established. God’s Saving Purpose Is Publicly Affirmed “…he was named Jesus.” The name given earlier by the angel is now formally declared within the covenant community. Jesus, meaning “The Lord saves,” identifies the child’s mission from the very beginning. Before any public ministry begins, God’s purpose is already being affirmed through obedience, faith, and trust in His word. Luke invites us to see that God’s work of salvation begins quietly. The Son of God enters human life fully, submits to the structures of God’s covenant, and is identified openly as the One through whom God saves. Advent reminds us that God’s redemptive work is often carried forward through faithful obedience long before it is seen in public power. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What does this moment teach us about faithfulness in ordinary obedience? Before Jesus taught, healed, or spoke publicly, He entered human life through the faithful obedience of others. Advent invites us to value simple, quiet acts of faithfulness that align with God’s Word. Where might God be asking you to trust Him through obedience rather than visibility? As you prepare your heart this season, remember that God often advances His purposes through humble, consistent faithfulness. PRAYER: Faithful God, thank You for sending Your Son to enter fully into our human life and to walk in obedience from the very beginning. Teach me to honour Your ways, even when they feel ordinary or unseen. Help me trust that You work through faithfulness, patience, and submission to Your will. Shape my heart to walk humbly in the path You have set before me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 360 Revelation 1–4 - The Glorious Vision Begins DAILY word study: NAMED The term "named" derives from the Greek onomázō, meaning "to call," "to designate," or "to publicly affirm an identity." It implies recognition and intentional declaration. When Jesus is officially named, heaven’s message is affirmed on earth. The name given before His conception is now spoken within covenant obedience. His identity as Saviour is not delayed until adulthood; it is declared at the very beginning of His life. Reflect on this: Jesus did not choose His name; He lived into it. As we reflect this Advent season, we are reminded that obedience aligns us with God’s purposes, even before we fully understand where the path will lead.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 26 2025 | Luke 2:15-20 KEY VERSE: “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,….”  (Luke 2:17, NIV) MESSAGE:   The angels’ song fades, but the message remains. Heaven’s worship now calls for an earthly response. The shepherds show us what it means to respond faithfully to the good news of Christ’s birth. In Luke 2:15-20, they move from fear to faith, from hearing to seeing, and from seeing to testifying. Their response teaches us that encountering Jesus Christ leads to obedience, worship, and witness. Obedience is the First Step of Faith (verses 15–16). The shepherds said, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see.” They did not wait for further signs. They acted on what they heard and responded immediately, without delay or hesitation. They went with haste and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger—just as they had been told. God’s Word proves faithful and trustworthy, inviting us to trust it enough to move. Encounter Leads to Witness (verses 17–18). After seeing the child, the shepherds spread the message. Encounter compelled proclamation. Advent reminds us that the gospel is meant to be shared, not stored. Those who heard were amazed, showing that simple testimony can have a powerful impact. While the shepherds spoke openly, Mary responded with reflective faith, treasuring and pondering these things in her heart (verse 19). Advent makes room for both witness and quiet reflection. Worship Sustains the Journey (verse 20). The shepherds returned to their fields, praising God. Encountering Christ does not remove us from daily life; it transforms how we live it. Their circumstances remained the same, but their hearts were changed. True worship flows from obedience and gratitude. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Those who truly encounter Jesus Christ cannot remain silent. They move beyond merely hearing the good news to obeying it, living it, and sharing it. Like the shepherds, we are invited to seek Jesus Christ with urgency, treasure Him in our hearts, and testify with joy. PRAYER: Lord God, thank You for revealing Your Son to me. Give me a heart that responds in obedience, a mouth that testifies with joy, and a life that glorifies You. Help me to live as a faithful witness wherever You place me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 360 2 John, 3 John, Jude - Final Letters: Truth, Love, and Contending for the Faith DAILY   word study : SPREAD THE WORD The phrase “spread the word” comes from the Greek γνωρίζω (gnōrizō), meaning to make known, to declare openly, to cause others to understand. This word goes beyond casual talk. It describes intentional sharing that clarifies and makes the truth accessible. The shepherds did not invent a message; they passed on what had been revealed to them. Witness flows from revelation, not persuasion. Reflect on this: Who needs to know what Christ has done in your life, simply and truthfully, as the shepherds did?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 25 2025 | Luke 2:13-14   KEY VERSE: " Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”_  (Luke 2:14, NIV) MESSAGE:   The birth of Jesus Christ elicits a response that transcends human words. On this holy night, Luke records a moment when heaven openly expresses its joy through worship. The angelic chorus in Luke 2:13-14 reveals that Christmas is an act of divine glory made known and divine peace offered to humanity. As the angels praise God, they invite the world to recognise what this moment truly means: God’s redemptive purpose is unfolding, and peace is now extended through the coming of Christ. Today’s passage has the following lessons for us: Salvation Leads to Worship (verse 13). Heaven’s immediate response to Christ’s birth is praise. Suddenly, the single angel is joined by a vast heavenly host praising and worshipping God. Salvation is not an afterthought in heaven; it is the centrepiece of God’s redemptive plan. The angels’ presence underscores the universal importance of Christ’s birth. True Advent reflection naturally leads us to worship God for His saving work. God’s Glory Comes First (verse 14a). The first focus of the angels’ song is God’s glory. The angels glorify God before they speak of peace on earth. This reminds us that salvation ultimately magnifies God, and reorders our priorities - God’s glory before our comfort. Christ Brings True Peace (14b). The coming of Jesus Christ brings peace - not merely the absence of conflict, but reconciliation between God and humanity. This peace is God’s gift of grace that is spiritual and eternal, to those who receive His favour through faith in Jesus Christ. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Advent reminds us that the highest purpose of Christmas is God’s glory - and the greatest gift we receive is peace with God through Jesus Christ. As we join the angels in praise, we are invited to live lives that glorify God and reflect the peace Jesus Christ brings. PRAYER: Glorious God, I join the angels in praising You for the gift of Your Son. Receive my worship this Advent season. Let Your peace rule my heart, and may my life reflect the glory of Jesus Christ who has come to save. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 359 1 John 1–5 - Love and Assurance DAILY word study: PEACE The word translated as "peace" is eirēnē, which conveys the idea of wholeness, harmony, and restored relationships. It reflects the Hebrew concept of shalom—life ordered as God intends. This peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of reconciliation. Through Jesus Christ, God restores peace between Himself and humanity, creating a new standing grounded in grace and favour. Reflect on this: Where might God be inviting you to rest in the peace He has already provided through Christ?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 24 2025 | Luke 2:8-12   KEY VERSE: “… Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  (Luke 2:10-11, NIV) MESSAGE:   God entered our world quietly, wrapped in humility and laid in a manger. Yet heaven could not remain silent. What began unnoticed in Bethlehem is now announced openly in the fields nearby. Advent moves us from the manger to the message - from God’s humble arrival to heaven’s joyful proclamation. In Luke 2:8-12, God chooses shepherds—ordinary, working men on night duty—as the first recipients of the birth announcement of Jesus Christ. This passage reveals the heart of God: the good news of salvation is not reserved for the powerful or privileged, but offered freely to humble and open hearts. Today’s devotional has the following lessons for us: God Reveals Himself to the Humble (verses 8-9). Shepherds were socially overlooked, yet God chose them first. Advent teaches us that humility positions us to receive divine revelation. The shepherds were not in the temple or palace; they were in the fields, doing ordinary work. God met them right where they were. The angel of the Lord appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. God’s glory broke into their routine, reminding us that divine encounters often come unexpectedly. Advent assures us that God enters ordinary life with divine purpose. The Gospel Is for Everyone (verses 10-11): “Good news of great joy for all the people” reminds us that salvation is universally offered, though personally received. “Do not be afraid.” Their fear was met with grace. The angel’s announcement shows that the gospel confronts fear and awakens joy. Jesus Christ is the Heart of the Gospel Message (verses 11-12). The angel’s announcement centred on who Jesus is and why He came. The message is clear and Christ-centred: a Saviour, Christ the Lord, has been born. Advent proclaims salvation, not merely information about God. Advent keeps Jesus Christ - not tradition or celebration - at the centre. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What does God’s choice of shepherds teach you about His heart for people? How have fear and uncertainty affected your response to God’s good news? How will you respond to the good news with faith and share the hope of Christ’s coming with others this Advent? PRAYER: Lord God, thank You for the good news of great joy found in Jesus Christ. Help me to hear Your voice amid ordinary life, to release my fears, and to rejoice in the Saviour who has come for all people. Make my heart a field where Your glory may shine. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 358 1 Peter 3–5, 2 Peter 1–3 - Suffering, Shepherding, and Steadfast Truth DAILY word study: GOOD NEWS The phrase “good news” derives from the Greek εὐαγγελίζομαι (euangelizomai), meaning “to announce joyful news,” a message of victory or deliverance. In the ancient world, euangelion was used to announce royal victories or the birth of an emperor. Here, heaven uses the same word to announce the birth of a Saviour. This indicates that Christmas is not merely comforting news, but decisive news. God has acted to save. Reflect on this: The gospel does not wait for people to rise to God. It comes to people in the fields, in the dark, in ordinary places, and invites them into joy.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 23 2025 | Luke 2:1-7   KEY VERSE: “… The time came for the baby to be born… and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.”  (Luke 2:6-7, NIV) MESSAGE:   The angel’s announcement revealed an eternal King whose kingdom would never end. Luke now shows us how that glorious promise entered human history - not with royal display, but through quiet obedience, humble circumstances, and divine timing. The celebration of Christmas reminds us of the miracle of God stepping into human history. In Luke 2:1–7, the eternal Son of God enters the world - not in a palace, but in a manger; not announced to kings, but witnessed by humble servants. This passage teaches us three enduring truths:   God’s Timing Is Always Perfect (Verses 1–3, 6). A decree from Caesar Augustus sets events in motion. Though Caesar appears powerful, he is unknowingly serving God’s sovereign plan. Advent reminds us that God rules over history - even through earthly systems. Though the journey was difficult, Jesus was born exactly when and where God intended. God’s Power Is Revealed Through Obedience in Ordinary Life (Verses 4–5, 7). Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem in obedience to the law. God’s purposes often advance through simple faithfulness rather than dramatic acts. The manger teaches us that salvation does not come through earthly grandeur but through divine humility. God Draws Near to the Ordinary (Verses 6–7). Jesus was born in humble surroundings, laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. The Saviour enters the world, identifying fully with the lowly. Advent declares that God’s glory is revealed through humility. By entering a poor home and a crowded town, Jesus Christ shows that no life is too small for God’s saving work. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How does the humility of Christ’s birth challenge your understanding of greatness? How can you make room in your life for Jesus Christ today? PRAYER: Gracious God, thank You for entering our world in humility and love. Help us trust Your timing, embrace Your ways, and make room in our hearts for the Lord Jesus Christ. As we celebrate His birth, teach us to walk in obedience and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 357 James 2–5, 1 Peter 1–2 - Living Faith in a Suffering World DAILY word study: BORN The word “born” comes from the Greek τίκτω (tiktō), meaning to bring forth, to give birth, to produce. It speaks of something long-awaited, finally entering reality. In Luke 2, the eternal Son of God is not merely appearing; He is fully entering human life through real birth, real pain, and real vulnerability. This underscores that God’s salvation plan shifted from promise to presence. What God prepares in eternity, He brings forth in time. Reflect on this: What God has planned for your life will come forth in His appointed moment, just as surely as Christ was born in Bethlehem.