Saturday 12^th July, 2025

Bible Reading: Hebrews 13:8

Memory Verse: But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal:  2 Timothy 2:19a (ESV)

I’m amazed, encouraged, and provoked when people talk bold of their faith in Christ Jesus. When I see men like Cosmas Maduka, Pastor (Mrs) Ibukun Awosika, Dr. Stephen Akintayo, just to mention but a few, talk bold and flaunt their Christian faith in the public, it indeed tells me that God still has men and women who will not allow the sentiments of the world stop them from preaching Christ with their lives and values even in the marketplace.

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has also joined the online Christian crusade. He revealed that he will always dedicate 10% of his earnings to God, regardless of how much he makes. Ighalo shared that he has been tithing since his early football days at Julius Berger in 2005, when he earned ₦15,000 as a 16-year-old.

He said: “My first salary when I was playing for Julius Berger in 2005 was ₦15,000. I was 16 years old then. My pastor taught me about tithing, and since then, I have never missed paying my tithe,” he said.

However, the former Manchester United forward admitted that he struggled with the practice when he moved to China, where his salary increased significantly.

“The devil tried to play on my mind when I saw the amount I had to tithe. When the month-end came, I hesitated before sending the money,” he confessed.

Through prayer, he overcame his doubts, saying God reminded him to stay faithful to the principles that had always worked for him.

“But I prayed one day, and God told me, ‘Don’t change the winning formula. If you can be faithful with little, you will be faithful with any amount.’ 

“Now, no matter how much I earn, 10% belongs to God,” he stated. Addressing sceptics who criticize tithing, Ighalo insisted that he follows the practice based on faith, not public opinion.

“I know some people say you’re just giving money to the pastor, but that’s not my problem. I do it according to the word of God,” he concluded.

Quote:  Don’t have a transactional relationship with God. Don’t change your winning formula – Odion Ighalo 

Prophetic Decree:  May your conviction stand the test of time, in Jesus name. 

Prayer Focus 

1. Lord, I repent of anyway the world has shaped my perspective about your ordinance.

2. I receive the grace to take a bold stand for Jesus in the public sphere, in Jesus name. 

3. I receive the grace to keep at my winning formula, in Jesus name. 

4. My Father, emboldened me and my convictions, in Jesus name. 

5. Covenant of mercy, speak grace unto me, in Jesus name. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Amos 6-9