BASIC SCRIPTURE BIBLE READING 18th April 2026 PRAYER POINTS AND DECLARATIONS

BASIC SCRIPTURE BIBLE READING 18th April 2026 PRAYER POINTS AND DECLARATIONS

BASIC SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 7: 15-23

BASIC SCRIPTURE BIBLE READING – 18th April 2026

BASIC SCRIPTURE:

• Matthew 7:15–23 (KJV)

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MATTHEW 7:15–23 (KJV)

15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

FINISH READING => Daily Manna by Bishop Dr Chris Kwakpovwe 18th April 2026

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DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION

In this sobering passage, Jesus warns against deception—specifically from false prophets who appear harmless (“sheep’s clothing”) but are destructive (“ravening wolves”). The key test is not outward appearance, speech, or even miraculous works, but fruit (character and conduct). A good tree cannot produce evil fruit, and a corrupt tree cannot produce good fruit. Jesus then delivers a shocking truth: not everyone who calls Him “Lord” or performs spectacular ministries (prophecy, deliverance, miracles) will enter heaven. The only entry requirement is doing the will of the Father. Many who thought they were saved will hear the most terrifying words: “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” This passage calls us to self-examination, genuine repentance, and a life of obedient fruitfulness—not just religious activity.

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PRAYER POINTS

(Based on Matthew 7:15–23)

1. Father, give me spiritual discernment to recognize false prophets and false teachings. Open my eyes to see beyond outward appearance to inward character. (Matthew 7:15)

2. Lord, deliver me from every ravening wolf in sheep’s clothing that may be operating in my church, my ministry, or my life. Expose every deception. (Matthew 7:15)

3. Father, help me to examine people and ministries by their fruits—not by eloquence, miracles, or popularity. Let me not be deceived by signs without holiness. (Matthew 7:16)

4. Lord, I ask You to transform me into a good tree. Let my life bring forth good fruit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. (Matthew 7:17)

5. Father, cut down and cast into the fire every corrupt tree in my life—every habit, association, or mindset that produces evil fruit. (Matthew 7:19)

6. Lord, I repent of every time I have called You “Lord, Lord” with my lips while disobeying Your will with my life. Give me the grace to do the will of my Father in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

7. Father, deliver me from the deception of ministry success without personal holiness. Let me never boast in prophesying, casting out devils, or working wonders if my heart is far from You. (Matthew 7:22)

8. Lord, I pray that on that great day, I will never hear You say, “I never knew you.” Let me be among those You acknowledge as Your own. (Matthew 7:23)

9. Father, expose every work of iniquity hidden in my life. Shine Your light into every dark corner, and cleanse me by the blood of Jesus. (Matthew 7:23)

10. Lord, give me a burning desire to know You intimately—not just to work for You, but to walk with You. Let my relationship with You be real, personal, and obedient.

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DECLARATIONS

(Speak these aloud in faith)

1. I declare that I will not be deceived by false prophets. I have the spirit of discernment, and I test every spirit by the Word of God.

2. I declare that I judge no man by his outward appearance or eloquent speech. I look for the fruit of the Spirit in myself and in others.

3. I declare that I am a good tree planted by the rivers of water. My life shall bring forth good fruit, and my fruit shall remain.

4. I declare that every corrupt tree in my life is being hewn down and cast into the fire. I will not tolerate evil fruit in my character or conduct.

5. I declare that I am not a hearer only, but a doer of the will of my Father in heaven. My obedience is the proof of my love for Christ.

6. I declare that I will not trust in my spiritual résumé—my prophecies, my deliverances, or my wonders. I trust only in my relationship with Jesus.

7. I declare that Jesus knows me. I am His sheep, I hear His voice, and He knows me. I will never hear “Depart from Me.”

8. I declare that I depart from all iniquity today. I renounce every secret sin and every work of darkness hidden in my life.

9. I declare that I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Everything else—including spiritual gifts—will be added unto me in its proper order.

10. I declare that on that day, I will stand before Him not in my works, but in His righteousness. I am known by Him, and I shall be with Him forever.

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CLOSING VERSE (KJV)

Matthew 7:21 – Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Amen.