ICGC-Rome

*LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL*
_By Pastor Mensa Otabil_

Sunday 5th July 2026

*WHEN GOD LEADS THE WAY*

*Scripture Reading:* Exodus 13:17-22

> _And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night._ *Exodus 13:21*

The Lord went before them. That means God led and they followed. When we walk with the Lord, it is important that we allow Him to take the lead in all that we do.

The Lord manifested Himself as a pillar by day and night. It was not two different pillars. It was one pillar that manifested in different forms during the day and during the night.

*• By day:* A pillar of cloud to lead the way. The daytime is the time when you can see clearly. This is the time when you have light and are not in darkness. This refers to the instances when God's word is clear on a situation — the general will of God. When the Word of God is clear on a subject, OBEY.

When His word has already given you light on a situation, He will not give you more light; He will impress on you to move ahead in obedience. There are issues in our lives that God has clearly spoken to. Some sins are clearly spelt out in the Bible — adultery, stealing, lying, killing. Some actions are clearly spelt out in the Bible — prayer, Bible study, worship, giving financially to God.

You don't need more light to do these. On such issues we don't ask God for guidance. We simply obey His will. Clouds do not provide light. Note that the pillar of cloud was given to lead the way. It just tells you to move ahead in the light that God has already provided.

*• By night:* A pillar of fire to give them light. The nighttime is when you cannot see clearly. This is when you're in the dark and the will of God is not clearly known. This refers to the instances when there is no direct scriptural word regarding a situation. When the Word of God is not clear on a subject, seek clarity.
For example, when you want to choose a marriage partner or make an investment, you cannot find a passage in scripture that clearly points you to an individual or a particular company. Although the Bible gives us broad guidelines on such matters, it does not give names and dates.

In such cases, we must trust the Lord to give us light to illuminate our darkness. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, the Lord can shed light on the dark areas as we decide. Allow the Spirit of God to be your pillar of fire. He will show you what to do when you don't know what to do.

*PRAYER*

_Heavenly Father, you are my guide. Light my path with your Spirit. Lead the way and I will follow. In Jesus' name, Amen._

*40 Days Of Power Day 4*
Sunday June 28

*SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE*
*Scripture Reading:* Colossians 3:1-2

> _1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth._

*Morning Reflection*
*Colossians 3:1-4*
> _1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory._

*Consecration*
* Thank God for raising you with Christ and giving you a new life whose true identity is hidden with Him in God.

* Worship the Lord for the eternal inheritance that belongs to you in Christ Jesus.

* Ask God to set your heart on His Kingdom above earthly pursuits

* Pray for loved ones who have drifted from the faith; ask the Lord to draw them back to Himself and restore their passion for Him.

*Guidance*
* Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind daily through God's Word.

* Pray for wisdom to prioritize what is eternal and make decisions that reflect God's Kingdom.

* Ask God to help the children and young people in your family develop a love for Christ and a desire to seek Him from an early age.

* Pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you to reject worldly influences and live with an eternal perspective.

*Protection*
* Ask the God of peace to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

* Reject every influence of fear and worldly thinking that seeks to distract you from Christ.

* Pray that every stronghold of unbelief and spiritual complacency will be broken over your life and family.

* Ask God to preserve your household in unity and faith as you seek Him together.

*Declaration*
My heart is fixed on the Lord and my mind is governed by His truth. I seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Earthly distractions will not control me, and worldly pressures will not move me from my devotion to Christ.

My life is hidden with Christ in God, and I walk daily in His peace and victory in Jesus' name. Amen.

*Global Missions*
* Pray that believers in Belarus will remain steadfast in their faith and that every restriction against the Gospel will ultimately serve to advance God's Kingdom.

* Ask God to use the Church in Belgium as an instrument of reconciliation, renewal, and spiritual awakening among its diverse communities.

* Pray that the truth of God's Word will overcome religious confusion and nominal Christianity in Belize, leading many to genuine faith in Christ.

* Ask the Lord to break the influence of traditional spiritual strongholds in Benin and draw many people into the freedom found in Jesus Christ.

* Pray that God will raise workers, translators, and disciple-makers in Bhutan so that every people group may have access to Scripture and the message of salvation.

*Work and Career*
* Commit your work and career to the Lord and ask Him to help you pursue success without losing sight of eternal priorities.

* Pray for wisdom to manage your responsibilities in ways that honor God.

* Ask the Lord to establish the work of your hands and use your career as a platform for advancing His purposes.

* Pray that your financial decisions will reflect trust in God's provision rather than worldly security.

*Kingdom*
* Thank God for equipping you with everything necessary to live a fruitful and effective life in His Kingdom.

* Ask for grace to remain faithful in your service to God.

* Pray that God will strengthen and establish believers throughout His Church.

* Ask the Lord to make your family united in devotion to Christ, with hearts fixed on His Kingdom.

*Declaration*
The Kingdom of God will continue to advance among the nations, and many will turn their hearts toward Christ. The Lord is establishing His people in righteousness. As I seek first His Kingdom, He orders my steps and causes my life to bear fruit that will endure for eternity in Jesus' name. Amen.

*Scripture for Reflection*
*Philippians 4:8-9*
> _8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you._

*Declaration*
I set my mind on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. My thoughts and desires are submitted to His lordship. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I reject worldly distractions and embrace God's purposes for my life. I will walk in peace and spiritual focus, bringing glory to Christ in all that I do in Jesus' name. Amen.