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Showing posts from November, 2023

Taking Instructions

Proverbs  4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.  We are in a world filled with so much information necessary to navigate our life but it's crucial to discern the valuable instruction that aligns with God's word.  The instruction spoken of in Proverbs is not merely a set of rules; it is the divine wisdom that shapes our character, molds our choices, and ultimately leads us to a life of purpose and fulfillment. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us be diligent in seeking instruction. The imagery of holding onto it tightly and guarding it emphasizes the preciousness of this divine guidance.  It is not a passive acceptance but an active pursuit,  an intentional choice to immerse ourselves in the teachings of Scripture and apply them to our daily walk. God's instruction is the lamp to our feet and the light to our path, as Psalm 119:105 tells us. It illuminates the darkness of confusion, providing clarity in time...

The mighty shall fall

1 Samuel  17:49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. The scripture above  illustrating the divine principle that no adversary, no matter how formidable, is beyond the reach of God's providence.  Goliath, a symbol of strength and intimidation, fell before the shepherd boy David, armed not with earthly weapons but with faith and courage. In our own lives, we encounter giants like challenges, fears, and uncertainties that tower over us. It might be a giant of doubt, a giant of despair, or a giant of adversity.  However, the story of David and Goliath teaches us that with unwavering faith in the Almighty, we can overcome even the mightiest of giants. David's victory was not a result of his physical strength or military prowess but a manifestation of his trust in the Lord. It serves as a powerful reminder that when w...

God never break His covenant

Psalms 89:33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. In a world where promises can be fragile and commitments easily discarded, the steadfastness of God's covenant stands as an unwavering pillar of hope.  The psalmist speaks not just of a casual agreement, but of God's steadfast love and unwavering faithfulness, a covenant rooted in the very character of our unchanging Creator. As we reflect on these verses, let us be reminded of the unbreakable bond God establishes with His people. His love is not conditional, subject to the whims of circumstance; rather, it stands firm in the face of our shortcomings and struggles. The covenant God makes is not contingent on our perfection but is anchored in His perfect nature. In a world that constantly shifts, where uncertainties abound, God's covenant remains a steadfast anchor. The Lord pr...

Loosing Savour

Mark  9:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.  9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.  Salt, a common element in daily life, holds significant spiritual symbolism. It is associated with preservation, flavor, and covenant. Christ's words remind us that as His followers, we are to be like salt in the world, preserving truth, bringing flavor to life, and honouring our covenant with God. As salt preserves food, so also Christians with their godly characters preserve the society from moral decay. The impurities of unrefined salt had no preservation qualities, when Christians lose their preservative influence of a godly example, they are useless for God to preserve the decay of society. When salt loses its saltiness, it is good for nothing, and thus, it is thrown out into the rubbish heap. So it is with a disciple. When ...

Speaking God's word with boldness

Acts  4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,  4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.  4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Peter and John faced opposition for healing a lame man in the name of Jesus. Threatened by the authorities, they sought strength through prayer with fellow believers.  In their petition, they asked for boldness to continue speaking God's word in the face of the hostile opposition. They knew that because the world hated Jesus, it would hate them too.  The disciples' immediate response to adversity was prayer. Likewise, we are called to seek God's strength through prayer, acknowledging our dependence on Him to embolden our proclamation of ...

The chief corner Stone

Matthew  21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? In ancient construction, the cornerstone was crucial for the stability and alignment of the entire structure. It served as a reference point, the first stone laid, and all other stones were set in relation to it. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, Jesus refers to himself as the chief cornerstone – the foundation upon which our faith is built. Just as the builders rejected the stone that became the cornerstone, society may at times reject what is essential for our spiritual foundation. Yet, Jesus, the rejected cornerstone, becomes the cornerstone of our faith. He is the solid rock upon which we build our lives, the unshakable foundation in a world filled with uncertainties. Let us reflect on three aspects of the chief cornerstone: 1. Rejection and Redemption:   ...

Having the knowledge of Him

John  8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Our God is a well of wisdom and full of mystery that human knowledge may find difficult to decipher, yet God himself have pleasure in us that we should know more about Him as we walk with Him.  If we should be asked if we we know God, many would randomly respond in the affirmative, but in the real sense we have no knowledge or idea of who He really is, we may claim to believe in Him or have heard of of Him, but do we actually have a personal intimate relationship with Him?  God desires we seek Him, study Him and know more about Him, this will guarantee our growth and confidence in whom we claim to believe. The knowledge about God is the secret of true success it is the source of wisdom that is  beyond our understanding, it is the strength we are endowed with  to endure in hard times. It is the one thing that should demand our constant attention and the focus of our lives. It is of more va...

The Temple of the living God

2 Corinthians  6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, As believers, we are not mere mortals navigating life independently. Instead, we are designated as the dwelling place of the living God. Picture this: the Creator of the universe choosing to reside within the very fabric of our being. What a great privilege!  As temples of the living God, we bear the responsibility to maintain the sanctity of this divine dwelling. Our thoughts, actions, and choices become the offerings we present before the Almighty.  Just as the Israelites revered the physical temple in Jerusalem, so too should we honour our bodies and spirits as holy ground. In verse 17, Paul urges us to separ...

A perfect heart

Proverbs  14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. The pursuit of a perfect heart is a call to inner peace. The scripture reminds us that a heart at peace not only nourishes the soul but also extends its life-giving essence to the entire body. It is a powerful image, inviting us to consider the profound connection between our spiritual well-being and our physical health. To possess a perfect heart is not an invitation to flawless living, but rather an acknowledgment of our constant need for a transformative presence within us.  It is an understanding that the state of our hearts influences every aspect of our existence. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are challenged to cultivate a heart that is steadfast in its peace, even in the face of adversity. The scripture verse also warns against the corrosive nature of envy. Envy, like a hidden toxin, eats away at the very core of our being. It's a stark reminder that a heart consu...

With God

Matthew  19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. We are In a world filled with challenges, uncertainties, and obstacles, but the scripture serve as a beacon of hope and assurance. It remind us that, no matter how insurmountable our struggles may seem, the omnipotent and compassionate God stands ready to guide us through. The phrase "with God" signifies a partnership, a divine alliance that transcends the limits of human understanding. It speaks to the power of faith and the transformative influence of a life lived in communion with the Almighty. When we choose to walk with God, we embrace a reality where the impossible becomes possible. Consider the narratives in the Bible, where individuals faced seemingly insurmountable odds. Noah built an ark against all logic, David defeated Goliath with a single stone, and Moses led the Israelites through the parted waters of the Red Sea. Each of these stories un...

Never keep grudges

Leviticus  19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.  19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. Grudge a persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury. A ’grudge" is not an actual physical thing that can be picked up, carried or visibly seen. But it is something that is "carried" internally, it is real, it is heavy, and the effects of carrying it internally can be seen outwardly in our actions toward others and ourselves.  It can cause great harm to us and others physically and mentally, and though it is not tangible, it can grow and become bigger and in time it could completely rob our lives of certain things. Our Scripture verses are a powerful reminder that harboring resentment and holding grudges is not aligned with the divine principles of lo...

Prophecies

1 Corinthians  14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. Apostle Paul unveils the power of prophecy as a divine communication that transcends mere human understanding. Prophecies, when spoken under the influence of the Holy Spirit, serve a purpose far beyond the individual.  They are not just a personal connection with the divine but a channel through which God imparts strength, encouragement, and comfort to the entire body of believers. As we navigate the complexities of life, prophecies become a beacon of hope, a source of strength that uplifts us in times of trials. They serve as a divine roadmap, guiding us through the challenges and uncertainties we ...

Evil deeds

John  3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.  Light and darkness symbolises the spiritual condition of humanity. The light represents the truth, righteousness, and the presence of God, while darkness symbolises sin, deception, and the works of evil.  It is crucial for us to understand that evil deeds thrive in the shadows, where the light of truth is absent. People, influenced by the darkness of sin, may avoid the light because it exposes their deeds. This avoidance is not merely a fear of exposure but a deliberate choice to distance oneself from God's truth. As followers of Christ, we are called to be bearers of this light, to ...

The ancient of days

Daniel  7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.  7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. "The Ancient of Days" signifies a God who transcends time, a being of infinite wisdom and eternal existence. As we contemplate these verses, we are reminded that our God is not confined by the limitations of human understanding. Instead, He stands as the everlasting source of guidance and stability in a world that constantly changes. In verse 9, we read about the Ancient of Days taking His seat on a throne. This imagery conveys a sense of authority and sovereignty. God is not a passive observer of the events unfolding in our lives; rather, He is a...

Circumcised Heart

Deuteronomy  30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. God spoke to Abraham and have him a painful task which signifies a renewed covenant. "This is my covenant which you shall keep between me and you and thy seed after you — every male child among you shall be circumcised. (Genesis 17:10)  The biblical explanation for this commandment states quite clearly that the circumcision acts as an outward physical sign of the eternal covenant between God and the Jewish people. God gave Abraham and his descendants the mark of circumcision as a physical reminder that they were cut out from the world, that is, set apart to serve the one, true Lord (Gen. 17:1–14).  The circumcision of the physical body does not totally transcribe to being righteous before God, on several occasions were the Jews (the circumcised) commit evil before God by worshipping othe...

The Tabernacle of God

Revelation  21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  The Tabernacle of God is not merely a physical structure but a profound symbol of the intimate relationship between the Creator and His creation. It signifies God's desire to be in communion with us, to dwell within our midst. Just as the Tabernacle in the Old Testament served as a meeting place between God and His chosen people, the heavenly Tabernacle in Revelation signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It is a reminder that God's ultimate purpose is to be in a perfect, unbroken fellowship with humanity. The mention of God's dwelling place among the people carries a powerful message of hope and assurance. In a world filled with uncertainties and challenges, we find peace in the promise that God is not distant or detached. He is not a God...

Faithfulness

Luke  16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.  16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?  16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? As believers, faithfulness is not contingent on the magnitude of our responsibilities. Whether small or great, our actions matter. Each task, each responsibility, is an opportunity to exhibit faithfulness. It is through our unwavering commitment to the seemingly insignificant that we demonstrate our trustworthiness. Faithfulness extends beyond our spiritual lives; it encompasses our earthly commitments as well. How we handle material possessions reflects our character and readiness for spiritual blessings. Our faithfulness in relationships, whether personal or professional, speaks volumes about our integ...

The book of Life

Revelation  20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. The Book of Life is not a mere ledger of names but a divine record of our faith, deeds, and allegiance to the Almighty. It stands as a testimony of our relationship with God and the acceptance of His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. As we navigate the pages of our own lives, let us ask ourselves: Is our name written in the Book of Life? Have we embraced the teachings of Christ, allowing His love to transform our hearts and guide our actions? This scripture compels us to ponder the eternal significance of our choices. It is a call to seek righteousness, show compassion, and extend forgiveness virtues that resonate with the teachings of our Savior. Each decision, each act of kindness, and every word spoken contributes to the narrative that is being written in the Book of Life. We must recognize that our earthly journey is temporary, but the consequences of our choices echo...

Grace and Favour

Esther  2:17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. Esther's story unfolds in a kingdom where favour seems elusive, yet, in the divine economy, grace is always at work. Esther, an ordinary woman, found herself in the extraordinary position of being chosen as queen. It wasn't merely chance; it was a manifestation of God's grace and favour. Grace, an unmerited favour, reflects God's boundless love for us. In Esther's life, we witness grace as the invisible hand guiding her steps. Her humility, courage, and virtue were qualities that caught the king's attention but were ultimately gifts from God. Favour, on the other hand, is the approval, support, or kindness shown to someone. Esther's favour with the king was a testament to God's orchestration of events. It wasn't just about Esther's ...

Serving two masters

Luke  16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. In whole chapter Luke 16, Jesus shares the parable of the shrewd manager, emphasizing the importance of wise stewardship and the responsible use of wealth. Amidst this parable, Jesus imparts a timeless lesson: the principle of serving only one master. He uses the example of serving two masters, highlighting the inevitable conflict that arises when divided loyalties are present. When Jesus speaks of serving two masters, He addresses the divided heart that results from trying to please conflicting interests. As Christians, we are called to follow God and walk in His ways. However, the world tempts us with its allurements and distractions, such as wealth, power, material possessions, or the pursuit of fame. If we try to serve both God and the world, we risk losing our focus and compromising our faith....

The shield of faith

Ephesians  6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. In the verse above, we are urged to take up the shield of faith to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. A shield is powerful in all weapons of war, it signifies protection, defense, and resilience against the assaults of the enemy.  Just as a shield guards a warrior from the fiery arrows of the adversary, our faith serves as our spiritual shield in the face of life's challenges. The "fiery darts of the wicked" represent the trials, temptations, and doubts that assail us daily. These arrows can take various forms, doubts about our worth, temptations that lead us astray, and trials that threaten to overwhelm us. However, the shield of faith, when wielded with conviction, has the power to quench these fiery attacks. Faith is not merely a passive belief; it is an active trust in the promises of God. It is a confidence that, no matter the...

Coming boldly to the throne of grace

Hebrews  4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  The throne of grace  is often associated with power, authority, and majesty. However, in this passage, we see it in a different light. It is not just any throne; it is a throne of grace. What does this mean? The throne of grace is where God's infinite love and boundless mercy meet His sovereignty and holiness. It's a place where we encounter the very heart of God, full of compassion and understanding. It's a place where our deepest needs, fears, and struggles are met with divine grace. The second part of Hebrews 4:16 teaches us to "come boldly." To come boldly means to approach with confidence, without hesitation or fear.  This is a significant contrast to the Old Testament, where access to God was restricted to a select few and even then with great fear and trembling. In Christ, we have the privilege of approaching God boldly bec...

Standfast in Liberty

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. In our world today the word freedom is often misunderstood and misinterpreted, the words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians are a beacon of truth and guidance for all believers. It is important to recognize that the freedom we have in Christ is not a license to live as we please, but rather, it is a call to live in a manner that reflects the love and grace of our Saviour.  Paul begins by affirming that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. The very purpose of His sacrifice on the cross was to redeem us from the bondage of sin and the law.  In Christ, we find freedom from the guilt, shame, and condemnation of our past. We are no longer slaves to sin, but rather, we are set free to live a life that is pleasing to God. However, the freedom we have in Christ is not a passive state. Paul implores us to "stand firm." We are called to sta...

know whom you believe

2 Timothy  1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Paul's statement begins with, "For this cause, I also suffer these things." Throughout his life, Paul faced trials, persecution, and hardships.  Yet, he was unshaken and not ashamed. Why? Because he had an unwavering trust in God's faithfulness. In our own lives, we will face challenges, but we must remember that our faith is not in the circumstances but in the faithful God who can see us through. Paul's declaration, "for I know whom I have believed,"  reminds us that our faith is not blind or based on mere tradition. We are called to know, intimately and personally, the God we believe in. This knowledge comes through prayer, study of His Word, and a deep, personal relationship with Him. He also proclaims, "and am persuaded that ...

Rest in the Lord

Psalms  37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. We are in a world filled with hustle and bustle, demands and distractions, it can be challenging to find true rest and peace. But the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, invites us to rest in Him, and in doing so, we find a profound and lasting sense of tranquility.  It is easy to become overwhelmed and anxious. Yet, God's Word reminds us to "rest in the Lord." This call is an invitation to come before Him in quietness, to lay our burdens at His feet, and to find refuge in His presence. What does it mean to rest in the Lord? It's an invitation to release our burdens, worries, and anxieties into His caring hands. To trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty, knowing that He is in control. When we rest in the Lord, we acknowledge that we are not in this journey of life alone, but that God is our refuge an...

It will be well with the righteous

Isaiah  3:10 Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.  3:11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. These words were spoken by the prophet Isaiah in a time of great turmoil and uncertainty. The people of Israel were facing challenges and difficulties, much like we do in our own lives. But in the midst of these trials, Isaiah brings a message of assurance for the righteous. The first part of these verses tells us that the righteous will experience well-being. This is a promise from God Himself. It's a reminder that when we live in alignment with God's will, when we seek His righteousness, and when we do what is pleasing to Him, we can have confidence that He will watch over us and provide for us. Even in the darkest of times, there is a glimmer of hope for those who walk in righteousness. God said through Isaiah that the righteous will "enjoy the fruit of the...

Cease from anger

Psalms  37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. In a world that often tempts us to anger, frustration, and wrath, this verse serves as a guiding light, reminding us of the importance of managing our emotions, particularly the destructive force of anger. Anger is a natural emotion, and at times, it can be a valid response to injustice or wrongdoing. However, unchecked and uncontrolled anger can lead us down a path of darkness, causing harm to ourselves and those around us. It can cloud our judgment, damage our relationships, and hinder our spiritual growth. The command to "cease from anger" is not a call to suppress our emotions or deny their existence. Rather, it is an invitation to harness the power of self-control, to pause and reflect on our feelings, and to choose a better way. It is an acknowledgment that anger, when left unattended, can lead to actions and decisions that we may later regret. Forsaking wrath and ceasing from ang...

Fear not

Genesis  15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Before God's reassuring words, Abram had faced trials and uncertainties. Likewise, in our lives, we often experience challenges, doubts, and fears.  But it is important to remember that God's message of "Fear not" comes after the "things" we go through. God sees our struggles and is ready to address them. God's message was not a human invention or a mere coincidence. It came directly from the Lord. This reminds us that God communicates with us through His Word, prayer, and inner conviction. When we seek Him, we can hear His voice and receive His guidance. The first thing God says to Abram is "Fear not." In a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty, these words resonate deeply. God is not the author of fear; He is the source of courage and strength. When we trust in Him, our fears can be r...

You shall give account of every idle words spoken

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. In this verse above, Jesus teaches us a crucial lesson about the power of our words. He tells us that not only are we responsible for our actions, but we will also be held accountable for the words we speak.  The term "idle words" in this context refers to words that are empty, frivolous, and without purpose. It encompasses gossip, slander, lies, and any speech that does not edify or bring glory to God. Our speech is a reflection of our hearts, and it has the power to impact the lives of those around us. In Matthew 15:18, Jesus further emphasizes the connection between the heart and the mouth when he says, "But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them." Therefore, it is not just about what we say, but the condition of our hearts when we speak. We must consider the weight of our words ...

Things God has in preparation

1 Corinthians  2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. The words from the verse above remind us of the mysterious and incomprehensible nature of God's wisdom. His plans and purposes are beyond our human understanding. The verse tells us that no eye has seen nor ear heard the blessings and rewards God has prepared. Often, we fixate on what we can see and understand in the physical realm.  We may become discouraged when we don't see immediate results. But God's blessings often unfold in ways that are hidden from our sight, and we need faith to trust in His unseen workings. God's plans go beyond what our hearts can even imagine. Our dreams and desires are limited, but God's love for us is boundless. He knows what is best for us, and His plans far exceed our own limited understanding. The promise of these hidden blessings is tied to our love for God...