Nov 30, 2015

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. (KJV) ( Psalm 112:7 ) 

There are times when we trust God but our heart may not! Although we know God loves us, He will never leave us, and He has a plan for us, we still we find it hard to have the peace. In such times it is possible for us to take matters into our own hands, wanting to control situations and leaving no space for God to step in. If we take things into our own hands we aren't stepping out in faith. If we try to build a fail proof life can we ever notice our Heavenly Father at work? When we see trouble, hear bad news, or fear the future with the current affairs around us, do we step in and take charge, or yield to God for a total surrender to steer us through?? Only way to see God in the midst of all uncertainties of our life is to allow Him to work for us, in us! We may have failed a thousand times but if we leave it to God, He can make even our failures for His purpose. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Nov 29, 2015

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory(Psalm 73:24)

Life in a summary; 

When on earth, a child of God needs God to counsel and direct each step. We need God to be by our side always never to leave/forsake us, to help when we stumble, to steer when we lose our way. We need Him to guide us with His counsel. The counsel of a God who is an infallible leader,  an omnipotent, and a wise God who will never give us wrong advice or guide us in a wrong direction. 

Afterward, "He will receive me to glory". After He has directed our ways on earth, He will usher us into your glorious presence in heaven. So  whether it is life or death it is a life with Him!! Death, where is your sting; Grave, where is your victory; Devil, where is your terror? My God will guide me with his counsel, and then receive me to his glory!!

Nov 28, 2015

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (KJV) ( Matthew 5:13 ) 

We know that salt is used as a preservative to keep food for longer than it normally would. If it loses its use the salt will be thrown out with the trash. Although it isn't easy to imagine how salt loses its saltiness, in the context is of a Christian isn't hard to see how a Child of God his/her flavor. When he/she tries to blend in with the world, the essence of a Christian is being trashed by they themselves. It is important to not loose the flavour of Christ for he expects us to go from salvation to sanctification and finally to glorification! Let it always be our prayer to have His flavour and willingly do our best to keep our Saviour's flavour! If we have failed let us take a moment to ask God for forgiveness and return to Him!

Nov 27, 2015

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away(Luke 8:13)

In the parable of the sower, a man goes out to sow seed on his land. The seed falls on different kinds of ground. Ones that fell on stony ground springs up and looks productive. But, because it lacks root structure, it withers! 

Jesus explained the parable as: The seed is the Word of God, grounds are the different ones who hear the Word. The stony-ground receives the Word initially with joy, but then melts in the moment of trial or temptation OR, they fall away when real life hits them.It is not the seed, but the ground, which needs to change!

We must not receive God's Word as just an encouraging story, or a façade to put on for others but receive it deeply and allow it to guide our decisions, emotions, and actions allowing us to face life with a deep rooted faith in the Word of God.

Nov 26, 2015

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing(Psalm 34:10)

In youth there is vitality and strength; our minds are fresh, our spirit is confident and our body is energetic. These are the things God gives us when we are still learning, growing, and maturing. But the power of youth doesn't excuse one from disappointment or pain! The psalmist says even the young lions, with all their prowess and boundless energy, suffer hunger. The strongest, or most talented person on earth won't find lasting satisfaction, or avoid pain, because of their strength or talent alone. But they that seek the Lord whether young or old shall not want any good thing, they will succeed when they seek the Lord. God is able to give what strength alone cannot obtain.

Shall we stop relying on our own decisions, strength, assets to deliver us from defeat ? Only Those who seek the Lord will find every good thing that life has to offer.

Nov 25, 2015

[Jesus] saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him (Luke 5:27-28)

God's ways and thoughts are different than man's. He choose a Matthew a tax collector. We read in Matthew 21:31 that tax collectors are classified with harlots, in Matthew 18:17 we read that they are classified as heathen. Yet, Jesus saw Matthew  he called him while Matthew was still sitting and performing service!

The deep faith Matthew responds is remarkable: "he left all". He forsook his livelihood, his lifestyle, everything connected to his sinful past for Jesus! In John 10:27 it says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." True faith leaves all comfort zones, sinful pasts in order to follow the Saviour. How are we responding to Jesus' call today? How obedient are we to the little things he asks us like, our time, our walk, our heart ? Today can we  one thing that he asks us!

Nov 24, 2015

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isaiah 43:2)

When we experience drowning, crushing, trying power of a trial we need to admit that it is part of life. We may have to face illness, pain or loss in life. There is a wonderful promise in this verse and there is the reality of suffering: when you pass through the waters, when you walk through the fire. The reality is God's children are not exempted from trials. The promise is that He will be with us, trials will not overcome us and we will not be harmed.

No matter what obstacle we face  "Fear not," God says in verse 1, "because I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are mine". He will not let anything harm us. Nothing will overwhelm us, no sorrow will destroy us.

Nov 23, 2015

Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52)

A summary statement of 18 years in the life Jesus, from 12 yrs years old to age thirty. It was a majority of Jesus' stay on earth and it's a marvelous description of how he spent his days!

First, he increased -- a continual growth. Do we reach a plateau in our walk with God, a point in our faith we  stop growing, stop studying, stop seeking a deeper relationship with God?!!

We must not allow years to go by being stagnate spiritually. Jesus increased increased his physical maturity with spiritual maturity. As he grew, his relationship with God also increased. Jesus was filled with love for God, purity of heart, and a desire to please his Father in heaven. Our goal should be the same. May we never stop increasing in the love we have for God and the pleasure we bring to God.

Nov 22, 2015

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD (Proverbs 8:33,35)

I must be honest here, it is not easy always to receive instruction and not be defensive when being advised! But when the instruction is god's true wisdom, our obedience will show our love, dedication and total submission to God. When we obey God against our wisdom, experience and desire it will bring pleasure to our Heavenly Father. Whilst it our natural tendency to become defensive when receiving counsel Bible says only fools convinces himself that his own ideas are always best. Let us listen to godly counsel, hear it, apply it, and not refuse it, to be wise in His sight! Let us not snub away the prompting of the Holy Spirit! Wisdom, is not knowing all the answers, but hearing/ implementing the wise/faithful counsel of God's Word and being submissive to His instructions. If we walk in His wisdom we will receive favor of our Lord.

The one who finds wisdom finds life. The abundant, free, joyful life is only found in the favor of our Creator.

Nov 21, 2015

By [Jesus] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15)

When we praise God we are reminded about how He led us through in the past! This verse says we need to praise God by thanking God; a praise to our God that's continual; one that consists of our lips giving thanks to His name by the name of Jesus.

However busy we may be in life when we are on our knees let us always remember to thank God. Let us not give petitions - "Please..." to God more than we show our gratitude - "Thank you..." It is certainly not wrong in making needs/desires known to Him in prayer. But, let us always consciously, bring in grateful words of praise to His name, for all He has done, can do and will do for us. We must not get into a thoughtless exercise of duty, instead a continual bent of our heart in gratitude when we are in the presence of God. When we learn to appreciate God it stop us from being discontented! It is by the authority and grace of Jesus that we are allowed to enter to God in prayer so let us always be thankful also to the Father for His Son, Jesus !

Nov 20, 2015

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines...yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation

(Habakkuk 3:17-18)

This morning I opened to read a verse after I prayed a personal prayer request. The very first feeling as I saw it was discouragement coz it talked about a fig tree not blossoming, which to me felt I won't get what I asked for! Even though discouraging thoughts flashed my mind, it was snubbed off immediately...

Habakkuk struggled with the fact that God was going to send judgment on rebellious Israel, but he eventually realizes that God is sovereign. God's chastening may not feel good, but it is always right and good. The book ends with this declaration: although suffering may come or pleasures/ provision may run dry, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. The Lord, not my surroundings/circumstances, is my salvation!

There is only one response to our circumstance, faith in God; which isn't dependable on circumstances; which doesn't require prosperity to persist; which enables us to say "thy will be done' even when we see dark clouds gather! Through reading Habakkuk, I realize that I need to acknowledge ever day that God is beautiful and trust each day that whatever God has is for my very best. Father I need true faith every day to see you as "the God of my salvation" when deliverance seems so difficult to achieve and when you seem to be  distant to my plea!! 

Nov 19, 2015

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet(John 13:14)

What an example of a boss, a leader, a teacher, a master?? It was the night before Jesus' crucifixion, after supper, he got up from the table, took a towel, poured water in a basin, and began to wash his own disciples' feet! Peter insisted Jesus never to wash his feet! The idea of his Lord/Master performing this menial service was unthinkable. Jesus not only completed the task, but commanded that they do the same for one another in the future.

Are we keeping the air about us when it comes to serving like Jesus. The symbol of washing one another's feet is more than words or pats on the back, a willingness to exhort, encourage and admonish one another toward a holy life, a willingness to help one another. Lord help me see like you do, work like you do and serve like you do! 

Nov 18, 2015

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV) ( Luke 12:31 ) 

Our wants are not always our needs! If we seek His kingdom He is sure to meet all our needs :) We may want better jobs, homes, cars, clothes, or other stuff but remember our needs are something which we cannot do without! What is your need today? What are we seeking, are we chasing the world and its pleasures or yielding to the pressures? We need to seek only one thing, His will!! 

Nov 17, 2015

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil(Proverbs 3:7)(KJV)

An advice not to think highly of ourselves, to not trust our instincts and emotions or our wisdom but to 

fear the Lord and depart from evil. If we fear God then we will automatically strive to avoid/ overcome sin. The author warns the young heart not to trust the deceitful ways of sin  but, to fear God and avoid sinful situations. We ought to practice and also teach our children to fear God, and avoid sin. 

Nov 16, 2015

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (KJV) ( James 5:11 ) 

Some things in life extends longer than planned that may drains and exhausts us even to a point of a near tearful surrender. But James says that we will be honored for our endurance. For most of us certain life events or prayer requests that is still in an on-going state of "work in progress' may drain us psychologically! It is the uncertainties that may put us off, it is the waiting that frazzle us. For those  of us who still have many a prayers unanswered, this gentle reminder is timely! Let us keep on patiently enduring to see the end, our Lord is pitiful and of tender mercy! God bless! 

Nov 15, 2015

The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy(James 3:17)

Love this description of wisdom of God! As we read this chapter 3 of James, it teaches us to handle our words n thoughts, in verse 24 we are reminded not to "glory in" or be proud of the bitterness, anger, strife that is in our heart. Regardless of how objective and genuine our grievance may be we must not respond in a way that is dishonours Christ. Heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be approached, is full of mercy, so it looks over personal injuries; it is full of good fruits so it will respond with  love even when attacked or provoked and it is without partiality or favouritism. Heavenly wisdom doesn't judge a person because of past mistakes/flaws! 

Lord grant us your wisdom to reflects the kind of wisdom that comes from above, not the kind that is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish! Father God, I can't exhibit these qualities without Your wisdom. Let our children, families and churches be filled with your wisdom...

Nov 14, 2015

Be of good comfort...and the God of love and peace shall be with you

(2 Corinthians 13:11)

When the world around us has no clue of what's on our mind. Certain commitments we make to Christ may involve certain sacrifices! When no one sees our sacrifices, when there are only criticism or when people don't try to see how hard things might be for us, when we have every reason to be disturbed, shall we genuinely look around to receive the truths of the Bible and hold on to it and believe in His words to be comforted??

Father God, when I wonder why God has not sent comfort my way, help me to see the countless comforts you has sent my way, through your Word! When others see failure and faults in me help me to believe you and to receive your Words allowing them to infiltrate my doubting, discouraged and deflated heart! 

Nov 13, 2015

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. (KJV) ( Psalm 22:11 ) 

Whether in an intense challenging phase of life or not let us always remember to invite our Heavenly Father to walk with us. There is no one else who can walk with us like He does. There is no ear that will always be near to listen than His. There is no one who will bring us blessings and answers when it is most needed than Him! He only has the power to change our attitudes and also others' towards us as well! He only can be with us when no one can reach us, let us hold on to Him!

Nov 12, 2015

The letter of Hebrews encourages us to persevere. Our confidence is based on what Christ did/does for us, by giving us a freedom, boldness and confidence. ‘We can now – without hesitation – walk right up to God into “the Holy Place”. Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice’ (vv.19–20, MSG).

We are to persevere because we have one another to help. As the writer urges us to ‘hold unswervingly to the hope that we profess’ (v.23), he does so in the context of community. Gather together often with other Christians to encourage one another: ‘Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping together as some do but spurring each other on’ (vv.24–25, MSG).

• This really matters
  He warns against deliberately continuing to sin (v.26). This means something like sinning ‘defiantly’. He warns of ‘a mighty fierce judgement ... if you turn on God’s Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole ... God has warned us that he’ll hold us to account and make us pay ... Nobody’s getting by with anything’ (vv.26–31, MSG).

This is often applied to people outside of the church but actually it was written in the context of the Lord judging his own people. This is not something his readers have fallen into. He reminds them of the time when ‘you stood your ground’ (v.32).

• The rewards are great
  He encourages them to ‘Remember those early days when you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse – some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing that they couldn’t touch your real treasure’ (vv.32–34, MSG).
• Be patient
  Life is short and life is long. On the one hand, life is short. In a short time, we will either have died or Jesus will have returned: ‘For still a little while (a very little while), and the Coming One will come and He will not delay’ (v.37, AMP).

On the other hand, life is long. In the course of a lifetime there will be tests, trials and difficulties which require stickability: patience, endurance and perseverance. ‘For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away (and enjoy to the full) what is promised’ (v.36, AMP).

The writer has full confidence that his readers will persevere: ‘But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved’ (v.39).

Nov 11, 2015

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool

(Isaiah 1:18)

If we turn to God in repentance all our past mistakes will be washed away. It doesn't sound reasonable that an apology can undo a wrong committed. Saying sorry for adultery or murder doesn't undo the unfaithfulness or loss. How does repentance to God make our sins be clean and white before God?

It's because of a suffering Servant - Jesus was "wounded for our transgressions"; our punishment was put upon him, and it was by His wounds we would be healed and clean. We can't do anything to take away our past sins but when we turn to him in repentance, our sins will be washed completely away by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. What is our relationship with God? 

Nov 10, 2015

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2)

The things we learn as we look to Jesus on the cross is how to suffer pain, endure injustice and much more. Jesus is the author and finisher of our life saving faith because of what he accomplished at the cross. His work on the cross puts away our sins and transfuses us with his righteousness we only need to ask Him. There is no real salvation outside of Christ's work on the cross.

It was only for this Jesus endured the suffering and ignominy of the cross; the salvation of His people! After which Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. He sits there now, at the right hand of God, as the only intercessor and mediator of his people. 

Nov 9, 2015

Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone (Hosea 4:17)

God made such a sad statement  "Let them alone." because  the people of Ephraim became so attached to idols.Jesus made similar statement concerning Jewish leaders, who consistently rejected God's revelation: "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind" (Matthew 15:14). We must not have personal idols or have selfish ambitions that cause us to reject the authority of Christ upon our lives.

God informs Hosea that, God won't speak to the people of Ephraim anymore to Hosea because they persisted in rebellion and idolatry for long, and were unrelentingly, God determines to leave them to their misery. It is a terrifying reality that if we are so hardened in sin God will no longer even speak to us!,Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Hebrews 3:7-8). Let us be willing to correct our mistakes before our hearts turn cold and are unrelenting! 

Nov 8, 2015

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him

(Acts 12:5)

We read that James was beheaded by Herod and Peter was awaiting his execution in jail... BUT prayer was made. The chapter ends like this: "the word of God grew and multiplied" (24) it was at the point of prayer that this end was reached! 

This prayer was without ceasing, it was made by the church- the body of Christ. If we the body of Christ do not pray for one another who will pray for us? This prayer was unto God-  the one true and living God. And this prayer was made for Peter. If we the body of Christ pray like this we can be assured that such a prayer will be a turning point in the midst of our needs, wounds and losses.

Nov 7, 2015

And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.(Ezekiel 37:3)

In the vision Ezekiel had dry bones depicted demise and death. The dry bones were the people of God.The vision continues with a prophecy of resurrection and restoration for the people. There is hope for God’s people, there is hope for the Church. When circumstances look like as if there is a dryness, a lack of hope, a sense of being abandoned..What is our reaction? Will the dry bones that we see come to life again?? 

Speak words of life instead of negative words. God can revive things that have been dry and dead. When the word of God and the Spirit of God come together, there is resurrection life and the knowledge of God. What is impossible with human beings becomes possible with the power of God. Without God the church would indeed crumble away as the world tells us. But with God, these dry bones will live again.

Nov 5, 2015

But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. (Isaiah 66:2b). 

One way to please the Lord is through constantly learning, and submission to His word. When we read the Word of God we realise all that we are is because of His mercy and grace. There is nothing to be proud of!! Our sovereign God did not spare His own Son for the sake of our sins! Even if we were the only person in the whole world still He would send Jesus to save us. Can we think of any relationship wherein one would sacrifice their only beloved child for the remission of the sin of another? The more we read, we understand all that we have is His Grace if we get close to God and His Word it will keep us humble and contrite. Let us reverently be responsive to what He says, Psalm 2:11 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Nov 4, 2015

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (KJV) ( Colossians 4:2 ) 

We undervalue the blessings God has given us when we focus on things we don't have. The feelings of resentment may start to build up.  Instead of making only requests whilst praying we must take time to think through the ways HE led us so far, the ways we are blessed and truly thank God from the depths of our heart.  If we truly 'see' we will realize the blessings in our life is only because we are loved by God. If we have once seen God's favor in our lives, can we stop praising? As I pray this morning I truly say thank you Lord for your journey mercies, love and favor last night and I trust in you to carry me through each day!!! Teach us to continue to pray to watch our prayers with a thankful heart !! 

Nov 3, 2015

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22–23)

No matter what we are going through today, we can take comfort from these verses! Indeed His faithfulness is great. 

Nov 2, 2015

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22–23)

If we choose to live by the Spirit, we will not follow the lusts of the flesh that continually tempt us. Instead, we will produce the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control!! These are the characteristics we see in Jesus. I feel so heavy that I fail terribly to bear all these fruits. There are moments when I can't hold my peace, when things are unfair, when what happens around looks chaotic, there are moments where I fail to be more patient n show long suffering. Our company clinic tests our patience on some occasions with grumbling on the inside we adults put on a face of pretence which clearly isn't hidden from God. I ask myself how am I doing with regards to these fruits??As Ezekiel 22:14 says "Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the LORD have spoken it, and will do it."

Nov 1, 2015

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.(Ephesians 5:15–17)

One of our most valuable possession is time. We may get more money not  more time. Paul says not to fritter away our lives, like fools. Our life is short that we must make the most of every day God has given us. We must understand the will of our Lord in order not to be unwise. Which means we should enquire or seek His will by surrendering ourself completely, willing to take up the paths He sets for us even if it seems a drag! To seek His will we need to know Him first, or atleast get to know him.Let us sit, learn at His feet to understand what He wants of us and how to  make the most of each hour of every day He gifts us (let's not overlook this gift it is an unmerited gift actually)