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Showing posts from April, 2023

The restoring power of the Lord

Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.  We serve a God who is not only powerful but also compassionate. God sees our pain, and He is willing and able to restore us to good health. He is our hope and our healer, and His restoring power is available to us at all times. When we go through tough times, whether it is a sickness, a broken relationship, or a financial crisis, it is easy to lose hope and feel like we are alone. However, as Christians, we must remember that we serve a God who is bigger than any problem we may face. God's restoring power is not just about physical healing, but also emotional and spiritual healing. He can heal our broken hearts, renew our minds, and strengthen our spirits. He is a God of restoration, and He wants to make us whole again. But for God to work in our lives, we must be willing to surrender to Him c...

God built all things

Hebrews 3:4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. Everything we see around us, every building, every structure, every piece of art or creation, is the result of someone's labor and effort. But above all, it is the result of God's creative power and wisdom. God is the ultimate builder, the one who fashioned the world and everything in it out of nothing. He created the heavens and the earth, the mountains and the oceans, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. He formed man in his own image and breathed into him the breath of life. God's creative power is a reflection of his infinite wisdom and love. He created the world in order to reveal his glory to us and to provide for our every need. He designed it in such a way that it would sustain us and allow us to thrive. But God's work of creation did not end there. He continues to build and shape the world today, working in and through us to bring about his purposes. He uses our t...

To die is a great gain

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Death is not something to be feared as believers, but something that should be embraced with great hope and expectation. For the Apostle Paul, death was not the end, but a new beginning. He knew that through his faith in Jesus Christ, he would be reunited with his Savior and Lord in heaven. And this is the same hope that we have today, as believers in Christ. We live in a world that often sees death as something to be feared and avoided at all costs. But for those of us who have put our faith in Jesus Christ, death holds no fear. We know that death is not the end, but the beginning of a new life in Christ. In fact, Paul goes so far as to say that death is gain. This may seem like a strange statement to those who view death as a loss, but for the Christian, death is gain because it brings us into the very presence of God. When we die, we leave behind all the struggles and hardships of this life and enter into the joy of ...

The true sons

Romans  8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'"  A "true son" of God  means being led by the Spirit of God. It means living in freedom, rather than fear. It means being adopted as sons and daughters of God, and calling him our Father. This is a powerful and comforting message for us as believers. We are not alone in this world, for we have a heavenly Father who loves us and cares for us deeply. We have been adopted into his family, and are now his beloved children. We have the Holy Spirit living within us, guiding us and empower...

More than conquerors

Romans  8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Apostle Paul was speaking to the church at Rome concerning the trials a believer would face and endure through the journey of faith  He himself endured countless trials and tribulations for the sake of the gospel. He knew what it was like to face hardship and persecution, but he also knew that nothing could separate him from the love of Christ. And so, he  goes on to say in verse 37: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." This is a powerful statement, and one that we should take to heart as we navigate the ups and downs of life. To be more than conquerors means that we are no...

Garment without blemish

Ecclesiastes  9:8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. In the Bible, clothing is often used as a symbol of righteousness and purity. When we put on a garment without blemish, we are making a statement about our commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God. We are showing the world that we have been cleansed of our sins and that we are striving to live a life that is pure and holy. But what does it mean to have a garment without blemish? It means that we are living a life that is free from sin and corruption. It means that we are striving to be like Christ, who was without sin. It means that we are constantly working to remove any imperfections from our lives, so that we can be a reflection of God's holiness to the world. This is not an easy task. It requires us to be vigilant in our pursuit of righteousness. It requires us to constantly examine ourselves and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It requires us to be humble and to acknowledg...

By His stripes

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. In one way or the other we fall sick, and in this situation we seek help medically. More so are some sicknesses which are beyond medical care and power which is far from physical, as such we need a higher power.  The verse above speaks about the suffering that Jesus endured on the cross for our sake. His wounds, His bruises, and His stripes were not for His own sins but for ours. He took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved, and by doing so, He made a way for us to be reconciled with God. This verse also speaks about the healing that is available to us through Christ. His stripes, the wounds He suffered, were not just physical but also spiritual. Through His sacrifice, He made it possible for us to be healed from our sins and be made whole. we serve a God who loves us so much that He was willing to suffer...

The time of favour

Psalms  102:13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.  The Psalmist here is expressing a deep longing for God to show his favor and compassion to the people of Zion, who were suffering greatly at that time. And yet, even in the midst of their pain and distress, the Psalmist trusts in God's goodness and steadfast love. Likewise, we too may find ourselves in difficult circumstances, wondering if God has forgotten us or if we will ever see an end to our troubles.  But the Psalmist reminds us that there is a time for everything under heaven, and that God's favor and compassion will come at the appointed time. What is this time of favor? It is a time when God chooses to pour out his blessings upon us, to lift us up out of our troubles, and to show us his loving kindness.  It is a time when we can see God's hand at work in our lives, guiding us and directing us towards his good and perfect will. But we must also ...

Fear not

Isaiah  41:12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.  41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.  41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.  41:15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. The Word of God from Isaiah 41 verses 12-15 speaks to us about the power of God to deliver us from fear. It is a message of hope and assurance that we should take to heart and apply to our lives. The passage begins with God's assurance to his people that he is with them and will help them. He says, "You will seek those who contend with you, but you will not find them; those who war against you will be ...

The Lord of peace

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. As we gather here today, I want to draw your attention to a powerful verse from the Bible that speaks of the Lord of peace. In 2 Thessalonians 3:16, the apostle Paul writes, "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."  There is a peace that comes from our Lord and Saviour, such as different from the one man gives. In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, we can find peace in knowing that we serve a God who is in control and who wants us to experience peace in every aspect of our lives. But what does it mean to have the Lord of peace give us peace "at all times and in every way"? It means that no matter what we are going through, we can find peace in God.  Whether we are facing difficult circumstances, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of life, or simply struggling to find...

He that planteth and watereth

1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. Becoming a believer in Christ gives us an important role in the family of Christ and God's kingdom  The scriptural passage reminds us that we are called to be co-workers with God, planting and watering the seeds of faith in the hearts of others.  We may have the privilege of sharing the gospel with someone, teaching them about God's love and grace. We may water the seeds that have been planted by others, by nurturing and guiding new believers in their faith. But ultimately, it is God who gives the increase, who causes the seeds of faith to grow and flourish. As we plant and water, it is important to remember that we are not the ones who bring about the growth. We are simply instruments in the hands of God, doing our part to serve His purpose. It is God who brings the increase, and we must give Him all the glory and honor for the work th...

The Lord's ear is not heavy

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.  The verses above contain a powerful reminder that the Lord's ear is not too heavy to hear our prayers, and that no matter how distant we may feel from God, He is always near to us. Isaiah 59:1-3 says, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perversity." In these ver...

Eyes have not seen

 1 Corinthians 2:9. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."  Our imagination can never comprehend most time the wisdom and workings of God among men, the verse above reveals that God has prepared something extraordinary for those who love Him, and it is beyond what we can comprehend. This means that our current reality, with all its challenges and difficulties, is not the end of the story. We may be struggling with sickness, financial troubles, or broken relationships, but God has a greater plan for us. A plan that is beyond our wildest dreams. This verse reminds us that we cannot limit God's power and grace to our own understanding. We must trust in His plan, even if we do not fully comprehend it. Our role is to love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls and to trust Him completely. So, what is it that God has prepared for us? We can only imagine, but we know that it is something wonderful. It is a futu...

Favour to the wicked

Isaiah 26:10 Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD. The verse above talks about a very common problem that we face in our lives: seeing the wicked prospering and receiving favour despite their wrongdoing. We may wonder why this is happening and question why God is allowing it. But the truth is that the wicked may receive favour in this life, but they will not learn righteousness. Instead, they will continue to deal unjustly in the land of uprightness. This reminds us that God's ways are not our ways. We may think that the wicked deserve to be punished for their wrongdoing, but God's mercy and grace extend even to them. However, we must also remember that God's justice will prevail in the end. The wicked may seem to be prospering now, but they will face judgment in the end. Furthermore, we must not envy the wicked and their prosperity. The Bible t...

Kingdom Heir

Romans 6:17 says, "But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed."  This verse reminds us of the incredible transformation that takes place when we become followers of Christ. We were once slaves to sin, but through our faith in Jesus Christ, we have been set free from that bondage. As believers, we have been adopted into God's family and have become His children. This means that we are also heirs to His kingdom. This is an incredible privilege and responsibility that we should not take lightly. As kingdom heirs, we have a responsibility to reflect our Heavenly Father's character, love, and grace to the world. To be a kingdom heir means that we have a new identity. We are no longer defined by our past sins, but instead, we are defined by our relationship with Christ. We are called to live as citizens of the kingdom of God, to honour and glorify Him in all that we d...

Recovering the lost virtue

1 Samuel  30:8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. David, a man after God's own heart, who had lost everything he had and was greatly distressed. But in the midst of his distress, David recovered the lost virtue of courage and was able to find his way back to God's plan for his life. He had been on the run from King Saul for years, and had finally found refuge in the city of Ziklag. But while he and his men were away, the Amalekites raided the city, taking everything and everyone captive, including David's wives and children. David and his men were devastated and greatly distressed, and they wept until they had no more strength left. But in the midst of his distress, David did not lose faith in God. He did not give up or give in to despair. Instead, he turned to the Lord for strength and guidance. In 1 Samuel 30 verse 8,...

The Lord's mercy

Lamentations 3:22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. Prophet Jeremiah expressed his heartfelt during a time of great turmoil and sorrow for the people of Israel. They had been exiled from their homeland, and their city lay in ruins.  Despite this, Jeremiah recognized that the Lord's mercy had not abandoned them. It was because of the Lord's great love that they had not been consumed. The Lord's mercy is something that we should never take for granted. It is an expression of His great love for us, and it is the reason why we are not destroyed by our own sin and the consequences of living in a fallen world.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:4-5, "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." When we consider the Lord's mercy, we should be filled with gratitude and awe. It is not ...

Corrupt Communication

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  Corrupt communication means any form of speech that is harmful, negative, or dishonest. It includes lying, gossiping, insulting, and using foul language. When we engage in such communication, we not only hurt others but also damage our own character. The Bible emphasizes the power of words. Our words have the ability to build others up or tear them down. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Therefore, it is important that we choose our words carefully and speak in a way that edifies others. why should we should avoid corrupt communication?  Firstly, it displeases God. Colossians 3:8 says, "But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." As believe...

All to the glory of God

 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." The verse in 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us that everything we do should be done for the glory of God. It does not matter if we are eating or drinking or doing something else entirely. We should strive to do everything in a way that brings glory to God. But what does it mean to bring glory to God? It means that we should be living our lives in a way that reflects God's character and attributes. We should be loving, kind, patient, and forgiving. We should be honest and truthful in our dealings with others. We should be diligent and hardworking in all that we do. When we live our lives in this way, we bring glory to God because we are showing others what it means to be a follower of Christ. We are demonstrating the love, grace, and mercy of God in our interactions with others. We are shining a light in a world that is often dark and filled with despair. But how ...

The God we serve

Daniel  3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. In the verse above, we see a remarkable example of faith in God that we can learn from. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with a difficult choice: bow down to the image of gold or face death in the fiery furnace. They chose to trust in the God they served, even if it meant facing a painful and terrifying death. And in doing so, they discovered that the God they served was not only able to save them, but also worthy of their worship and praise. In verse 17, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declare their faith in God, saying, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand." They did not waver in their faith, even when faced with the threat of death. They knew that the God they served was powerful enough to save them, and...

The cloth of Jesus

Mark  5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.  5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. The story in the verse above reflect the miraculous healing that took place when a woman touched the cloth of Jesus.  This story is a powerful reminder of the amazing power of faith and the unwavering love of Jesus Christ. This woman had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years and had spent all her money on doctors without finding a cure. She had heard about Jesus and believed that even just touching the hem of his garment would heal her. Her faith was so strong that she did not even try to speak to Jesus directly or ask for his help. She knew that all she needed was to touch the cloth of his garment, and that was enough for her to be healed. What is it about this cloth that had such power to heal? It wasn't the cloth itself that had the power, but rather the f...

A Merry heart and a broken spirit

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. A merry heart is a heart that is full of joy, gladness, and laughter. It is a heart that is not weighed down by the cares and worries of this world. A merry heart is like medicine to the soul. It brings healing and refreshment to our spirits. On the other hand, a broken spirit is a heart that is sad, downcast, and discouraged. It is a heart that has been wounded by the challenges and difficulties of life. A broken spirit dries up the bones, meaning it drains the life out of us, leaving us feeling tired, weary, and hopeless. As Christians, we are not immune to the challenges and difficulties of life. In fact, Jesus told us that in this world, we will have trouble. But He also said that we should take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). So, how do we cultivate a merry heart in the midst of life's challenges? The answer is found in our relationship with God. When we trust ...

Blasphemies

Mark 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Blasphemy is any speech or action that shows disrespect or irreverence towards God or anything considered sacred. But what is it about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that is so serious that it can never be forgiven? Firstly, we must understand the significance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and is often referred to as the Comforter, the Advocate, or the Spirit of Truth. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to receive salvation and eternal life. When someone blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, they are rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit in their life. This is not just a one-time mistake or a momentary lapse in judgment. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a deliberate and ong...

Multiplicity

Ezekiel 36:30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. The word multiplicity means the state of being multiple or manifold, and it can be found in many aspects of our lives. It can refer to the different roles we play, the many relationships we have, or the various talents and skills we possess. In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 36, verse 30, we read: "I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field, so that you will never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations." This verse speaks of God's promise to bless his people with abundance and plenty, to multiply the fruit of their labor and the increase of their crops. But this promise of multiplication is not just about material wealth. It is also about the many ways in which God multiplies his blessings in our lives. He gives us multiple gifts and talents, multiple opportunities to serve him, a...

Obedience

Isaiah 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: As believers, we are called to live a life of obedience to God's commands. Obedience is not always easy, and we may face challenges and temptations along the way. However, the rewards of obedience are great, as we will see from Isaiah 1:19. In this scripture, God promises blessings to those who are willing and obedient.   Obedience is not just blindly following rules, but it is a heart posture of submitting to God's authority and trusting in His wisdom and guidance.  It involves surrendering our will and desires to God and choosing to follow His commands, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. Obedience is an act of faith, as it requires trusting that God knows what is best for us and has our ultimate good in mind.  Obedience is crucial in our relationship with God. It is a demonstration of our love for Him and a reflection of our faith in Him. Without obedience, our faith is empt...

Lukewarm works

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Jesus Christ gave His verdict concerning seven churches in a vision; the verse above speaks of the church in Laodicea being lukewarm in their works for God  What does it mean to be lukewarm in our works for God? It means that we are not fully committed to following Him. We are not on fire for Him, but we are also not completely indifferent to Him. We are somewhere in between, and that is a dangerous place to be. Being lukewarm in our works for God can manifest in many ways. Perhaps we attend church on Sunday mornings, but then we go about our week without giving God a second thought. Maybe we pray occasionally, but our hearts are not fully in it. Or maybe we give a little bit of our time or money to help others, but it is not a true sacrifice on our part. The problem with being luke...

Ashamed of nothing

Philippians  1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. These words  of Apostle Paul above speak to us of a profound truth about our faith, that we should be ashamed of nothing in our commitment to Christ.  We should be bold and unafraid to proclaim the gospel, no matter the cost, for it is our duty as followers of Christ to spread His message of love and salvation to all. Too often, we may feel ashamed or embarrassed about our faith in the face of opposition or ridicule. We may be tempted to hide our beliefs or water them down to fit in with those around us. But Paul's words remind us that we should never be ashamed of our faith, no matter what others may say or do. In fact, Apostle  Paul himself faced many trials and tribulations in his ministry, but he never wavered in his commitment to Christ. ...

Wisdom, knowledge and Understand

Proverbs  2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.  Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions and to use our knowledge and understanding in a way that is beneficial to ourselves and others.  It is not just about having a lot of information, but about knowing how to apply that information in a practical way. The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom, and it teaches us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. In other words, when we acknowledge God as the source of all wisdom, we are more likely to make wise choices in our lives. On the other hand, Knowledge is the accumulation of information and facts. It is important to seek knowledge and to be curious about the world around us. However, knowledge alone is not enough. We also need understanding to make sense of the knowledge we have acquired. Understanding is the ability to comprehend and make sense of the knowledge we have acquired. It is about being able to se...

Consent not with sinners

Proverbs  1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. In our daily lives, we are often surrounded by people who may not share our values and beliefs. These individuals may encourage us to engage in activities that are contrary to our principles and morals. They may pressure us to indulge in things that are not pleasing to God, such as gossiping, lying, stealing, or engaging in sexual immorality. However, as followers of Christ, we must remain firm in our faith and resist the urge to give in to such temptations. We must not allow the opinions or actions of others to sway us from the path of righteousness. We must remember that sin is a slippery slope, and it can quickly lead us down a dangerous path. The Bible warns us that the wages of sin is death, and it is only through the blood of Jesus Christ that we can be forgiven and saved. Joseph refused to dance to the tone of sin played by Potiphar's wife, He reaffirm his good morals and righteous living in God which he was ro...