A CROCODILE SMILE And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law (1 SAMUEL 18:22) Not too long ago, a country's army within the West African subregion launched an operation which is code-named, "Operation Crocodile Smile" in a particular region of the country to combat the frequent incidence of vandals sabotaging oil installations in the region. We all know that crocodiles don't smile; therefore, this code was used metaphorically to denote something more serious.  Saul, a master schemer, sent his servants to David to persuade him to become the king's son-in-law and to tell him how much the king and his servants loved him. Meanwhile, he was busy laying a terrible snare for his life. For the bride price, he asked for him for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, intending to have him killed in the process of securing them. Against all odds, David got even more than what was required and Saul was compelled to give his daughter, Michal, in marriage to him. But this was the beginning of the games on his life. Saul had been David's arch enemy right from the day he killed Goliath to dwarf his achievements and reputation as Israel's king. And when the women rose up in songs heralding the exploits of this young lad, Saul was envious, and unjustly planned to have David eliminated. He played nice in order to make him relax and not be on his guard so that he would kill him. But God delivered David from his evil plans. As believers, we must realize that the murky waters of life are infested with hidden enemies like crocodiles, waiting to make a kill. Therefore, we should walk carefully and prayerfully under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to overcome in the battles of life. Through prayer and watchfulness, we must not succumb to the wiles of the devil. It is folly to succumb to the subtil strategies of evil men by: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi Download Devotional Bible @ https://devb.page.link/get-app Amazon @ amzn://apps/android?p=apps.syst.com.devbib

1John.4.19 - We love Him, because He first loved us. [AMP] We, though, are going to love--love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. [MSB] We love because he first loved us. [NIV] We love each other as a result of his loving us first. [NLT] We love Him because He first loved us. [NKJV] [ALL] Download Devotional Bible @ https://devb.page.link/get-app Amazon @ amzn://apps/android?p=apps.syst.com.devbib

1John.4.8 - He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [AMP] The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love--so you can't know him if you don't love. [MSB] Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. [NIV] But anyone who does not love does not know God--for God is love. [NLT] He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. [NKJV] [ALL] Download Devotional Bible @ https://devb.page.link/get-app Amazon @ amzn://apps/android?p=apps.syst.com.devbib

Our Greatest Need God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. John 3:17 (TLB) You can put a public school and university in the middle of every block of every city in America—but you will never keep America from rotting morally by mere intellectual education. Education cannot be properly called education which neglects the most important parts of man’s nature. Partial education throughout the world is far worse than none at all if we educate the mind but not the soul. To think of civilizing men without converting them to Christ is about as wise as to think about transforming wolves into lambs merely by washing them and putting on them a fleece of wool. “Happy are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.” The mercy the world needs is the grace, love, and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is His transforming and regenerating power that the world needs more than anything else. Merciful Lord, may my life be filled with Your outflowing love for others. by: Evang. Billy Graham Download Devotional Bible @ https://devb.page.link/get-app Amazon @ amzn://apps/android?p=apps.syst.com.devbib

Gospel Hymn Book 1. To God be the glory, great things He hath done, So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And open'd the Life Gate that all may go in. Chorus: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son; And give Him the glory! Great things, He hath done! 2. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood To every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. 3. Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see. Amen. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adediranife.cachymn

CAN GOD CHANGE HIS MIND? II Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, l said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy fathers should walk before me forever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 1 Samuel 2:30 As evident in today’s Bible reading, when we go contrary to the will of God, He could decide not to fulfill His promises. I have always known God’s promises to me and my Father-in-the-Lord concerning the RCCG, yet, I did not just relax believing that regardless of what I do, He will fulfill it. Has God made any promises to you?. That doesn’t give you the liberty to misbehave. If you offend Him, He can still change His mind. In the Bible, Samuel is one person who had seen God change His mind severally. First, as a child, He witnessed how God rejected Eli, destroying his family and legacy in one night. He also saw how God rejected Saul after having chosen him by Himself. He saw how God chose a small boy to be king and tormented Saul even while still on the throne. This made Samuel, in wisdom, decide never to offend God. His solid reputation is evident in his speech to the Israelites in 1 Samuel 12:3-4: "Behold, here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken?, or whose ass have I taken?, or whom have I defrauded?, whom have I oppressed?, or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith?, and I will restore it you. And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man’s hand." Samuel knew that if God changes His mind about blessing anyone, the end of such would be worse than ever so he refrained from displeasing God. Samson however, failed to play his part so he lost out on God’s promises over his life. I plead with you today, if you are sure about God’s promises for you and His great plan for your life, do everything possible to avoid offending Him. Indeed, ears have not heard and eyes have not seen the greatness of God’s plan for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). Don’t miss out on this. Ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness in any area you might have offended Him. Commit to pleasing Him always and His promises over you would be fulfilled. by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye Download Devotional Bible @ https://devb.page.link/get-app Amazon @ amzn://apps/android?p=apps.syst.com.devbib

Prepare yourself for a memorable trip filled with enjoyment. Discover the sensational attraction of Uganda, an attractive nation situated in the heart of Africa. With its abundant eco-friendly views and diverse wildlife, Uganda gives a distinctive adventure that will certainly take your breath away. Don't think twice-- pack your items, bring your video camera, and immerse on your own in the phenomenal marvels of Uganda. Start a remarkable experience by diving right into the impressive landscapes of Uganda's secured locations. parks to find, you'll be dealt with to a variety of ecological communities that are as the lush, tropical forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you can behold the evasive all-natural haven. Conversely, head to Queen Elizabeth National Forest, where an electrifying safari experience waits for, using the chance to experience the famous Huge 5 in their magnificent elegance. Thrill-seekers will certainly discover Uganda to be a supreme play ground, offering a variety of exciting experiences that will leave them breathless. Browse the unstable waters of the-water rafting expedition, or fly through the cover thick forests on a heart. Conversely, for an extra leisurely speed, embark on a peaceful boat cruise ship along the Kazinga Network, where the bordering landscape is including incredible wild animals. But the experience doesn't quit there - submerse yourself in the rich culture of Uganda by visiting the lively markets and dynamic roads of Kampala, the country's lively capital. Discover the traditional craft markets, example tasty neighborhood food, and interact with friendly locals that will certainly welcome you with open arms. Don't neglect to check out the Uganda National Gallery to find out about the nation's remarkable history and heritage. If you're a nature enthusiast, Uganda has something unique in store for you. Head to the lavish eco-friendly hills of Kabale and embark on an expedition to the impressive Lake Bunyonyi, likewise known as the "Switzerland of Africa". Here, you can relax in a serene lakeside cottage, go kayaking in the crystal-clear waters, or raise the surrounding hillsides for a breathtaking view that will certainly take your breath away. For the supreme wildlife experience, do not miss the possibility to track the evasive tree-climbing lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These distinct killers are recognized for their uncommon habits of relaxing high up in the branches of fig trees, using an unbelievable sight that you won't discover anywhere else on the planet. Review the long lasting memories, lovely views, and kind people you came across throughout your journey as it nears its conclusion. Uganda beckons with its enchanting mysteries and exhilarating experiences for daring travelers such as on your own. Why wait any kind of longer? Prepare your baggage, reserve your traveling ticket, and gear up to discover Uganda in a whole brand-new means. Amazing experiences are on the horizon - are you prepared to embrace the possibility? https://mulamuzimotel.com

THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:8 One of the gems that made Joshua took over the mantle of leadership from his master was the excellent spirit he carried. Joshua excelled in all matters that most of his age mates and contemporaries. Those who remain in the crowd cannot become excellent in life, because excellence is a private matter, but with a public pronouncement. The spirit of excellence will never permit you to do things at a level which others are comfortable with. You cannot be flocking around the multitude and achieve greatness in life and ministry. This is why Jesus was always withdrawing His disciples to Himself at the point of every exploit. He did not want them to be carried away with the songs of the crowd. He knew the crowd well and he knew that those who were shouting “hail hail” be the ones to say “crucify Him” the next day. Excellence is necessary for anyone to become a useful vessel in the hands of the Almighty God. Excellence is what releases the gem in a man’s life and makes him the envy of his generation. The spirit of Excellence is a crucial requirement for being useful and relevant in the scheme of things. It is what puts you on edge in God’s programme and makes you a formidable force. “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” Hebrews 1:9 Exploits in life have never been a function of a higher educational qualification or popularity; it is through the spirit of excellence. When you carry the presence of God, it releases the spirit of excellence in you which in turn gives you the wisdom to access the mysteries of life. The presence of God gives you deep insight and wisdom for every difficult situation of life and makes you become a master over situations and circumstances through His presence. You cannot have an excellent spirit and lack understanding. Your level of knowledge will begin to command the attention of all and sundry as we saw when the Queen of Sheba came visiting King Solomon. Excellence is a goal, so you have to strive for it. Excellence is the attainment of the highest level of perfection in anything you do. It means operating in a class of your own. Those who do things the way others do them cannot become excellent. You have to be willing to go the extra mile. You have to identify your goal and begin to pursue it with vigour. Joseph understood this early and it worked continuously for him until he becomes a reference point in a strange land. Daniel understood this early and he focused on it and remained a formidable force in the reign of three kings. The kings were leaving him behind, but the grace of God upon his life made him relevant under different circumstances. The spirit of excellence will help you to concentrate on your assignment until you become a standard. However, this spirit can only come from God. If you don’t know God, there is no way you can do exploits (Daniel 11:32). I pray that from this moment, as you surrender totally to God, you will begin to experience the miraculous in Jesus’ name. Father, remove every hindrance on my way to greatness in Jesus name. by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye Download Devotional Bible @ https://devb.page.link/get-app Amazon @ amzn://apps/android?p=apps.syst.com.devbib

Ps.5.12 - For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor). [AMP] You are famous, GOD, for welcoming God--seekers, for decking us out in delight. [MSB] For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. [NIV] For you bless the godly, O LORD, surrounding them with your shield of love. [NLT] For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. [NKJV] [ALL] Download Devotional Bible @ https://devb.page.link/get-app Amazon @ amzn://apps/android?p=apps.syst.com.devbib

Phil.4.8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [KJV] Download Devotional Bible @ https://devb.page.link/get-app Amazon @ amzn://apps/android?p=apps.syst.com.devbib