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Showing posts from February, 2024

Guard your mouth

Proverbs  21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.  Our words hold tremendous power. Just as a guard protects a precious treasure, we must guard our mouths to protect ourselves from the calamity that careless words can bring. Our tongues are like keys that can either unlock blessings or unleash turmoil. In the rush of everyday life, it's easy to speak without thinking, to utter words without considering their impact. Yet, we are  reminded  that guarding our mouth is a key to keeping calamity away from us. Imagine a world where our words are filled with kindness, encouragement, and love. It's a world where relationships flourish, and hearts are uplifted. But when we neglect to guard our mouths, our words can wound, divide, and sow discord. Let us be mindful of the words we choose, for they shape not only our own destiny but also the world around us. Take a moment before speaking – ask yourself, "Are my words bringing life or causing...

His promises are with those that genuinely serve him

Deuteronomy 3:1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 3:2 And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. 3:3 So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.  Israelites were under the leadership of Moses during their Exodus from Egypt. As they faced challenges and battles, He implores them to heed the commandments and statutes of the Lord. It is a call to sincere and unwavering service, recognizing God as the ultimate authority. Eventually, their genuine service towards God brought about great victories. It is a testament to the power and faithfulness of our God when we genuinely serve Him. In our lives, too, as we navi...

The appointed time will surely come

Habakkuk  2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves facing uncertainties, challenges, and moments of waiting. The prophet Habakkuk, in this verse, provides us with a powerful reminder that God's promises are never in vain. The revelation, the divine plan, has a set time ordained by the Almighty. As we navigate the complexities of life, we may question the delays and wonder why certain promises seem to linger. Habakkuk encourages us to maintain faith and patience, for God's timing is perfect.  The waiting period is not a sign of abandonment; rather, it is an opportunity for our faith to grow, our character to be refined, and our trust in God's sovereignty to deepen. Consider the story of Abraham and Sarah, who waited for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son. Despite their advanced age and th...

Be fruitful and multiply

Genesis  1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. In the context of Genesis, the call to be fruitful and multiply is to become abundance of God's blessings in our lives. His command encourages us to cultivate and multiply our virtues, talents, and the love we share with one another. being fruitful encompasses more than mere reproduction; it beckons us to be productive in every good thing. Our lives are meant to bear the fruits of positive actions, kindness, and productivity in all aspects. In the realm of our daily endeavours, whether in our workplaces, homes, or communities, let us strive to be productive. This productivity is not merely measured in material gains but also in the intangible virtues we cultivate – diligence, integrity, and a spirit of service. In doing so, we fu...

We are all accountable

Romans  14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. As we live our lives daily, it's easy to forget that each step we take, every word we speak, and every choice we make contributes to the grand narrative of our accountability to our Creator. The  words of Apostle Paul's serves as a gentle reminder that we are not exempt from this divine scrutiny. Accountability is not a burden but a gift – a gift that invites us to live with purpose, integrity, and mindfulness. In our daily interactions, let us consider the impact of our deeds not only on those around us but also on the spiritual ledger that awaits our review in the presence of God. The passage from Romans invites us to reflect on the question: How are we managing the stewardship of our lives? Are we using the time, talents, and resources entrusted to us in a manner that honors the Creator? Every thought, every deed, and every moment becomes a must to be accountable for. This accountability extends bey...

New life and energy

Jeremiah  31:25 For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. As believes, we can find ourselves In a world that often leaves us weary and drained, the words of God through the mouth of Jeremiah serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us of God's promise to bring new life and energy into our beings.  It is a promise that extends beyond physical exhaustion; it encompasses the weariness of our souls, the fatigue that can settle in our hearts, and the burdens that weigh heavily on our minds. God's promise is not a temporal transformation but a deep and lasting refreshment. Just as a cool breeze revitalizes a tired traveler or a refreshing drink quenches our thirst, God's love and grace are designed to rejuvenate every facet of our existence.  The weariness we feel is not ignored by our Creator; it is met with divine compassion and an outpouring of life-giving energy. Consider the imagery of a garden in bloom. Jeremiah's words paint a picture...

Walk in the newness of life

Romans  6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Apostle Paul poses a crucial question: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" This question invites us to a complete understanding and reexamining of the purpose of our life in Christ Jesus.  He reminds us that our old selves were crucified with Christ, symbolizing the death of our sinful nature. When we embrace the gospel, we die to sin, and through the resurrection of Jesus, we are granted a new life. This new life is not just a continuation of the old, but a complete transformation – a rebirth into righteousness and holiness. To "walk in the newness of life" means to live daily, conscious of this transformation. It is an intentional decision to align our actions, thoughts, and words with the teachings of Christ. As believers, we are not called to be bound by the chains...

Abiding in Christ

John  15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. Jesus invites us into a deeper understanding of our relationship with Him. The call to abide in Christ is an invitation to a life of intimacy, dependency, and communion. Just as a branch draws its life and sustenance from the vine, we are called to draw our strength, purpose, and identity from our connection with Christ. Abiding in Christ involves aligning our will with His, seeking His presence in prayer, and immersing ourselves in His Word. Just as a branch stays connected to the vine, we are called to stay connected to Christ through a living and vibrant relationship. As we abide in Christ, we experience transformation. The process of abiding involves pruning—removing the unnecessary and unfruitful aspects of our lives. It's a call to surrender, allowing Christ to shape us into vessels of His love, grace, and righteousness. Through ...

The Shipshreck

Acts  27:9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,  27:10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.  27:11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. Apostle paul had been arrested due to his fervent preaching of the gospel, he was to be sent to Rome by sea.  On their journey, He perceived through the help of the Holy spirit there would be danger on the sea which could cost so many damages to their belongings and life and He warned the centurion against it.  The shipwreck was experienced because of the disobedience and nonchalant attitude towards the warnings of Paul  The disobedience of the centurion serves as a cautionary tale for us all. Despite Paul's earnest warning regarding the impend...

Doing things through Christ

Philippians  4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Apostle Paul recognises the essence of a Christian life—a life not bound by personal limitations but liberated through the boundless strength found in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to live a life that above the ordinary, tapping into a supernatural source of strength that originates from our relationship with Christ. Firstly, let us recognize the significance of the phrase "I can do all things." It implies not just success in our endeavours, but triumph over challenges, perseverance in adversity, and the ability to navigate life's complexities with unwavering faith. Through Christ, we find the courage to face trials head-on, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. This verse prompts us to reflect on the source of our strength. It is not drawn from our own abilities, but rather from our connection to Christ. When we align our will with His, when we surre...

Always be happy, kind and patient

Philippians  4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians encourages  the  believers to be happy kind and patient in their daily life. This encouragement reveals the evidence of the fruit of the spirit in the life of a believer.  The call to rejoice is rooted in our relationship with the Lord. Regardless of the challenges that life may present, our joy is found in the unwavering love and faithfulness of our Savior. It is a joy that transcends the temporal, offering a deep-seated peace that surpasses all understanding. As we embrace this joy, Paul urges us to extend kindness to one a...

God's Santuary

Exodus  25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. God, in His infinite wisdom, desires to be close to His people. The sanctuary mentioned in this verse is not merely a physical structure but a symbolic representation of the sacred space where God's presence dwells. As believers, we are called to create a dwelling place for God in our hearts, minds, and communities. Just as the Israelites were instructed to build a sanctuary, we are called to construct a space within ourselves where God can reside. It is a sanctuary built not with bricks and mortar, but with faith, love, and obedience. Our lives become the sacred temple where God's spirit abides, guiding our thoughts, actions, and decisions. In the New Testament, we learn that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This reinforces the idea that God desires to dwell within us. Therefore, we must strive to keep our hearts and minds pure, allowing His presence to transform us from ...

Moving Forward

Exodus  14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.  14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:  14:16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. In the passage above, we witness the Israelites standing at the edge of the Red Sea, feeling trapped and surrounded by uncertainty. Yet, in the midst of their fear, God speaks these words of assurance through Moses. In our lives, we often find ourselves at our own imaginary Red Seas, facing challenges, uncertainties, and obstacles that seem insurmountable. It is in these moments that we must remember the call to be still and trust in the Lord. The stillness is not an idleness but a deliberate surrender of our fears and anxieties to God. God's promise in verse 14 serves as a foundation for moving forward – "The ...

God's Supplication

Philippians  4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Apostle Paul's writing from a Roman prison reveals a powerful truth about God's character and His unending love for His children. The word "supplication" denotes a humble plea or request, and here we witness not our supplication, but God's supplication on our behalf. God, the benevolent provider, is not limited by earthly constraints; rather, He taps into the boundless wealth of His glory to meet our every need. This divine supplication goes beyond our material desires but cut across the totality of our existence — physical, emotional, and spiritual.  we often find ourselves in moments of need, whether it be financial troubles, emotional struggles, or spiritual emptiness. It is in these very moments that God extends His hand of supplication, ready to meet us where we are and provide abundantly. However, it is crucial to understand that God's provision is ...

That I may know Him

Philippians  3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Whenever a celebrity is being talked about, many people would sort to know who the personality is, some people might even carryout a detailed study about the person's life just for the purpose of knowing who he/she is.  Christ is our model, our celebrity whom we Christians chose to believe in, if so then He is what He claims to be, being the saviour, deliverer, powerful and miracle working God, then our greatest desire is to know Him. Every other desire pales insignificance to this one. What is the greatest desire of a Christian? Throughout Scripture, the great men and women of God say that their passion is to truly know Him. Moses says to God: "I pray You show me Your glory" (Exodus 33:18). David prays: "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God" (Psalm 42:1). And Paul says that his ...

Loving God First

Deuteronomy  6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. God commanded the children of Israel after the Exodus to love him with all their heart and soul and might, and by extension to all believers who has chosen Christ as their lord and person saviour.  These words are not just a commandment; they are  invitation to enter into a covenant of love with the Almighty. The essence of this verse is clear – it calls us to prioritize our love for God above all else. But why does the scripture emphasize "all your heart, soul, and strength"? Firstly, loving God with all our heart means engaging our emotions and affections. It's not a mechanical obedience; it's a deep, heartfelt connection.  When we love God with all our soul, it involves our entire being – our thoughts, desires, and innermost self. And with all our strength implies dedicating our actions, talents, and resources to serve God.  Secondly, the...

Beware of fake Prophets

Matthew  7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Jesus implores us to be vigilant and discerning, for there are those who disguise themselves as bearers of truth, yet harbor deceptive intentions. The analogy of sheep's clothing  emphasizing how false prophets may appear harmless or even righteous on the outside, but their true nature is revealed by their actions. To truly understand the gravity of this warning, let us reflect on the concept of fruits. Just as a tree is known by its fruits, a person, especially a prophet, is known by the impact and outcomes of their teachings. Are the fruits of their ministry filled with love, compassion, and righteousness? Or do they yield bitterness, strife, and deceit? In our pursuit of spiritual discernment, we must not be swayed by mere appearances. A charismatic disp...

Rebuke the storm

Mark  4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. After a long day of ministerial work, Jesus beckoned on the disciple to go over the other side of the town, and the only means of transportation is to go by the sea.  Not long while on the journey there arose a great storm of wind, it troubled the water and its waves beat into the ship (Mark 4:37) Everyone should have thought that the wind should have respected Jesus who has power over every elements of earth (air, water, fire), at least for the main time Jesus would travel on the sea.  Trouble came, the disciples were afraid, nobody wants to die, at instance they knew they have Jesus, but yet the presence of Jesus is not enough for them not to be afraid.  Jesus latter came to their rescue, challenged them of their lack of faith, rebook the storm and declare peace unto the sea.  Dear reader, now here is the lesson.  First, ...

Fruitful

Genesis  17:6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. God's promise to Abram is not just about bearing physical descendants; it extends to a spiritual truth that resonates with each of us today. As God's children, we are called to live a fruitful life that goes beyond mere numerical increase. To be fruitful, as mentioned in this passage, implies a life marked by abundance, productivity, and influence. God desires for us to bear fruit in various aspects of our existence – in our relationships, in our endeavours , and in our spiritual journey. Firstly, let us reflect on the fruitfulness in relationships. Just as Abram was promised descendants, our lives are interconnected with others. We are called to cultivate meaningful connections, sow seeds of love, and bear the fruit of unity and harmony. Our families, friendships, and communities should be nurtured with care, reflecting the love of God. Secondly, consi...

Honour thy Elders

1 Timothy 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. Honour means to have deep admiration for someone, usually because of their abilities, achievements, or special qualities. An elder is someone who is older, and often this is also someone who has authority or high regard, the could be our parent, teachers, boss, etc  An elder is also defined as an official in a church, such as someone who serves as a spiritual leader or shepherd, sometimes with a preaching or pastoral role. In many areas, the scripture talks about respecting our elders among us. Leviticus 19:32 urges the people to “stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” Proverbs 31:23 mentioned how the husband of a woman with noble, honorable character is “respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the eld...

Faithful in the least

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. In these words, Jesus encourages us to cultivate faithfulness in the small things, recognizing that our actions in seemingly insignificant matters reveal the true condition of our hearts. It's a call to embrace a life of integrity, consistency, and trustworthiness, regardless of the scale of our responsibilities. When we demonstrate faithfulness in the least, we align ourselves with God's principles. It's easy to overlook the small details, thinking they don't matter much. However, Jesus is telling us that the way we handle minor tasks, minor responsibilities, and even the small interactions with others matters greatly in the eyes of God. Consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25: 14-30 . The servants who were faithful with a few things were entrusted with more by their master. Similarly, as we prove ourselves faithful in...

The way that leads to life

Matthew  7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Jesus uses powerful imagery to convey a critical message about the choices we make in our journey through life. The "wide gate" and "broad road" symbolises the enticing things of the world, where comfort, pleasure, and popularity often dominate our decisions. It is a path that seems easy and inviting, but Jesus warns us that it leads to destruction. On the other hand, the "small gate" and "narrow road" represent the way of righteousness and discipleship. This path may seem challenging, requiring sacrifice and commitment, but Jesus assures us that it leads to life. The narrow road is the way of following Christ, embracing His teachings, and living in obedience to God's Word. In...

The day of the Lord is near

Zephaniah  1:14 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.  1:15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, The day of the Lord  refers to the ultimate time when God  will punish and restore the whole world through Christ's second coming. It is a day of the world's sanitisation from sin and the works of the devil.  In verse 15, Zephaniah paints a vivid picture of that day, a day of wrath, distress, and darkness. It is a day when the consequences of our actions will be laid bare before the Almighty.  Zephaniah's message is not one of fear alone but a call to turn towards God. In the face of impending judgment, there is hope in the Lord's mercy for those who turn to Him.  This great day of the Lord serves as a reminder of our respon...

Don't be a hypocrite

Matthew  6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Hypocrisy is the practice of claiming to have higher standards or more noble beliefs than what it is.  In these verses, Jesus warns against practicing our righteousness for show, particularly when it comes to prayer.  He cautions us about those who love to pray in public places, seeking attention and admiration from others. Instead, Jesus encourages a genuine, sincere connection with God that surpass mere outward appearances. How often do we find ourselves putting on a shade, pretending to be more righteous than we truly are? Are we motivated b...

God, our Strength

Habakkuk  3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  3:19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.  It is true of a believer that the joy of the lord is our strength, that joy is the confidence we have in God that whatever may come our way, He is readily available for us.  Habakkuk, despite the challenging circumstances around him, chooses to rejoice in the Lord. This is a powerful testament to the unwavering strength we find in God, our Savior. Life is filled with trials and tribulations, much like those experienced by the prophet. Yet, Habakkuk's response is not despair but joyful trust in the Sovereign Lord. It serves as a reminder that our strength does not come from our circumstances or our own abilities, but from the unchanging and ever-present God. The imagery of God making our feet like the feet of...

Wounded for our transgressions

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. Nothing can be compared  to the sacrificial love of our Saviour, coming to die for our iniquities, he was pierced and crushed for our sake. Being pierced and crushed speaks to the depth of Christ's suffering on our behalf. It emphasizes the gravity of our transgressions and the weight of our sins that led Him to endure such pain. As we live daily, we must understand that Jesus willingly bore the wounds of our wrongdoing. His sacrifice was not just a random act of compassion but a deliberate choice to bear the consequences of our sins. By doing so, He brought us the gift of peace—reconciliation with God and restoration to a right relationship with Him. Healing through His wounds speaks of the transformative nature of Christ's sacrifice. It goes beyond physical healing to encompass the healing of our brokenness...

A Jealous God

Deuteronomy  4:23 Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.  4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.  4:25 When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger:   Moses implores the Israelites to take heed and not forget the covenant that the Lord their God made with them during his final farewell message. The warning against idolatry is clear - God desires our undivided love and devotion. The jealousy of God, mentioned here, is an invitation to an exclusive relationship, akin to a loving spouse who desires faithfulness. Our God is not a distant deity, but a relational G...

Fruit meet for repentance

Matthew  3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Repentance is an essential starting point of the Christian journey. We begin our walk with God by admitting that we need Jesus’ sacrifice and expressing our sorrow for the sin in our life. If we’ve had a genuine moment of repentance, we should necessarily see the fruits of repentance in our lives Many of us could easily claim to be very religious, but if we are not bearing the fruits of repentance, we are very distant from God just like the Pharisees and Sadducees  There Are two  Fruits Of Repentance This Passage Points Us Toward: 1. Verse 9 says, “And do not think to s...

God's Restoration

Joel  2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. Restoration is an act of Repairing, Rehabilitation, Rebuilding, Reconstruction and Redecoration of something to a good condition or operation. Restoration is also an act of returning something or someone to a satisfactory state. Restoration can take place in both Physical realm and Spiritual realm.  In the time of prophet Joel, God promised restoration.  a declaration that no matter how much has been lost, He is in the business of making all things new. The years that were seemingly wasted, the dreams that appeared shattered, and the hope that seemed distant—all can be restored by the gracious hand of God. God's restoration is not just a temporal fix but a great and total transformation. It is about healing the wounds, repairing brokenness, and bringing forth beauty from ashes. Just as a skilled artist ca...