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Showing posts from August, 2024

In all thy ways

Proverbs  3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. God desires to be present in every aspect of our lives, not just in our moments of worship but in every thought, every decision, and every step we take. The scripture text above shows  us how to live in alignment with God’s will. It calls us to acknowledge God in all we do, and the promise is that He will direct our paths. 1. What Does It Mean to “Acknowledge God ”? The word “acknowledge” in this verse is an  intentional pursuit of God’s presence and guidance in every aspect of our lives. To acknowledge God means to: Recognize His Sovereignty: We are to continually remind ourselves that God is in control, not just of the universe but of the minute details of our lives. He is not a distant observer but a loving Father who desires to be intimately involved in every moment. Seek His Wisdom: We acknowledge God when we seek His direction before making decisions. It’s easy to lean on our own un...

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...

A way in the wilderness

Isaiah  43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  The wilderness is often a symbol of hardship, trials, and desolation. It’s a place where resources are scarce, and direction can seem unclear. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the Promised Land. Jesus was led into the wilderness for 40 days to be tested by the devil. The wilderness can feel lonely, isolating, and challenging, much like the seasons we go through in our own lives. Maybe today, you find yourself in a wilderness, a season of confusion, loss, fear, or uncertainty. It could be financial struggles, health crises, relational conflicts, or spiritual dryness. You might feel disoriented, wondering where God is in the midst of it all. But hear the word of the Lord: God is doing a new thing! He is making a way in the wilderness!  When God declares He is doing a new thing...

Brotherly Love

Romans  12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; The first part of the verse calls us to be "devoted to one another in love."  Apostle Paul is telling us that the love we share in the body of Christ is not just a surface-level affection but the one that is rooted in deep devotion. This love is not the type of love that says, "I'll love you as long as you love me." No, this is a love that is active, persistent, and unconditional. It’s a love that reaches out to those who are difficult to love, a love that continues even when we are hurt or disappointed. In a world that often teaches us to look out for ourselves and prioritize our own desires, brotherly love calls us to something radically different. It calls us to put others first and to care for them as if they were part of our own family.   When we talk about what brotherly love looks like, we need only to look at the example of Jesus Christ. Throughout H...

The redemptive power of God.

1 Peter  1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: At the heart of God’s character is His desire to redeem us. To redeem means to buy back, to restore, or to rescue from bondage. From the very beginning, God’s plan for humanity was one of relationship, not separation. Yet, through sin, we became estranged from God, living in a world marked by brokenness and pain. But God, in His infinite love, could not leave us in that state. God’s redemptive power is displayed most clearly in His willingness to step into our brokenness. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us not with material wealth but with something far more valuable—His own blood. This act of self-sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of His love for us. Redemption, therefore, is not just an event bu...

The secret of the Lord

Psalms  25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Whenever we hear the word secret, we subtly lean to hear about it. Secrets speak of intimacy, of knowledge, and of deep trust between individuals. The message from the above scripture speaks of the  creator of the universe sharing  His secrets with those who reverence Him.  The "secret" of the Lord refers to more than hidden knowledge; it speaks of a close, intimate relationship with God. The Hebrew word translated as "secret" can also be understood as counsel or intimacy, suggesting that God shares His heart with those who fear Him. This secret is not just information but a revelation of God's character, His plans, and His purposes for us. To understand God’s secret, we must recognize that it is not accessible to everyone. This isn't a secret in the sense of keeping something good hidden from others; rather, it’s about proximity.  Imagine a king sharing his ...

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 the registry of all those who have been saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It contains the names of those who belong to God His chosen people, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.  The "Book of Life" is mentioned several times throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, as the divine record of all those who belong to God.  It is more than a list; it signifies the secure and eternal belonging of the saved to their Creator. In Revelation 20, we are given a glimpse of the final judgment, the great white throne, and the gathering of all humanity before God. In this moment, books are opened, including the Book of Life. This book will be the decisive factor in determining the eternal destiny of each person.  For those whose names are written in it, eternal life in the presence of God awaits. But for those whose ...

Calling unto God at all times

Jeremiah  33:2 Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name;  33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.  33:4 For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword; We receive an invitation from God to call him, The God who invites us to call upon Him is none other than the One who made the earth, who formed and established it. This is not a distant deity or a passive force.  This is the living God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Jeremiah speaks these words at a time when Judah is under siege, their cities and homes torn down to defend against enemy forces. Yet, in this time of desperation, God reveals His unchanging nature. He is still in control, He is still powerful, and He is still attentive. When God says, ...

Beware of greed

Luke  12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.  12:13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  12:14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?  12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Greed is an intense and selfish desire for something, in the scripture passage above, Jesus gave a warning: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.” This isn't just about money. Greed can manifest itself in countless ways—greed for power, recognition, control, security, and more. Jesus' caution preaches to us  that greed can sneak into our lives in subtle ways, and we need to be vigilant.  Greed is more than a desire for more—it is a symptom of a deeper issue. Greed reveals a heart that is not content, a heart that bel...

Time of temptation

1 Corinthians  10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  Temptation is a universal experience. From the moment we wake up until the time we lay our heads down to rest, the world presents us with countless opportunities to fall, even as much as we have identified with God, the devil strive daily through temptations to stray us from God's path, and to surrender to sin. But God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, equips us to stand firm during these moments of trial.  In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul offers a word of hope for those struggling in the time of temptation. This verse doesn’t just inform us about the nature of temptation; it gives us the assurance that we are not alone and that God is at work even in our weakest moments. Apostle Paul tells us in the passage above that...

it's of the Lord's Mercy

Lamentations  3:22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. It was a time of deep sorrow and suffering, a time when the Israelite were taken captive and Jerusalem became desolate. The words of Jeremiah showcase  a raw and honest portrayal of human pain.  Yet, in the moment of this  tears and anguish, there is a powerful declaration of hope: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not." The Scriptural text above serves as a reminder that When we feel overwhelmed, lost, or on the brink of despair, it is the mercy of the Lord that holds us, that keeps us from being consumed by the trials of this world. This  Mercy is more than just a feeling or an act of kindness. It is an essential part of God's character.  God's mercy is not dependent on our actions or our worthiness. It is not something we earn, but something that flows freely from His nature.  "It is of the Lord...

Death and life

Proverbs  18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. We have an incredible power God has given us through our words. With our tongues, we can either build up or tear down, bless or curse, speak life or speak death.  Proverbs 18:21 makes it clear that words carry significant weight. In the beginning, God spoke the world into existence. Words have creative power. Just as God used words to create, we too use words to shape our reality and the lives of others. Like how a word of encouragement can lift someone's spirit, or how a harsh criticism can crush it. Words can heal, restore, and build bridges, but they can also wound, destroy, and create barriers. The words we speak reflect the condition of our hearts, and Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:34, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." To speak life is to align our words with God’s truth and His purposes. Speaking life means choosing words that ...

Don't live like fools

Ephesians  5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  To walk circumspectly means to walk carefully, thoughtfully, and with great awareness. It is to live with intention and purpose, not allowing ourselves to drift aimlessly through life. Many are times people fall into the trap of living carelessly, without considering the consequences of their actions. They go through life on autopilot, making decisions based on convenience, emotion, or the opinions of others rather than seeking God’s wisdom. This is the way of the fool. But the wise person walks with their eyes open, aware of the spiritual dangers around them. They are attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, carefully choosing their steps to avoid the snares of the enemy. They understand that every decision, no matter how small, has the potential to bring them closer to God or further away from Him.  In the Bible, a fool is not ne...

Without the fear of God

Proverbs  1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.  1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. The fear of the Lord is not about living in terror of God. Instead, it is about having a deep respect, reverence, and awe for His majesty and authority. It is recognizing His power and holiness and responding with worship and obedience. This fear is the foundation of true knowledge because it places God at the center of our understanding. Without the fear of God, our pursuit of knowledge becomes misguided. We risk becoming wise in our own eyes, relying on human understanding rather than divine wisdom. Proverbs warns us that those who despise wisdom and instruction are fools. In our world, where information is abundant, it is crucial to discern and apply knowledge with God's guidance. Proverbs 1:9-10 illustrates the dangers of ...

In God was life

John  1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not All things were made by God. He is the Creator of the universe, the architect of the world, and the giver of life. Every breath we take, every heartbeat, is a gift from Him. Our existence is not a mere accident or a result of random chance; it is the intentional work of a loving Creator. In God, life finds its origin and purpose. Without Him, nothing would exist. This truth invites us to acknowledge our dependence on God for our very being. It calls us to recognize that life is not just about physical existence but about living in relationship with the One who gave us life. He is the  Light of All Mankind "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." The life that God gives is not just biological; it is a life that illumina...

Loving God exceptionally

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.  6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. The heart is the seat of our emotions, desires, and will. When God calls us to love Him with all our heart, He is asking for our deepest affections and ultimate loyalty. This an all-encompassing love that prioritizes God above all else. To love God with all our heart means that our desires, decisions, and emotions are aligned with His will. It is about placing God at the center of our lives, where every other love, whether it be for family, friends, or possessions is secondary. This kind of love transforms our priorities and shapes our identity as followers of Christ. Also, w...

Walk not in the way of sinners

Proverbs  1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Temptation is a reality that we all face. It comes in many forms and often appears attractive, promising pleasure, success, or an easy way out of our difficulties. Sinners,  that is those who have chosen a path away from God's commandments will often seek to draw others into their wayward ways. They may appeal to our desires, our fears, or even our need for acceptance. But Solomon, in his wisdom, alerts us to the true nature of these enticements: they are traps designed to lead us away from God and into sin. The instruction given was never to consent with their persistent pressure to lure us into their sinful act. While we may not be able to avoid being tempted, we do have control over our response. The Bible is filled with examples of those who resisted temptation and those who fell into it. Joseph, when enticed by Potiphar's wife, chose to flee rather than sin against God (Genesis 39:12). On the other hand, ...

Be sure the spirits are of God

1 John  4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. We are in  a world filled with diverse voices, ideologies, and spiritual influences, it is more crucial than ever that we test the spirits. We are called not to blindly accept every teaching, prophecy, or spiritual manifestation, but to discern whether they are truly from God. The term "spirit" here refers to the various influences, teachings, and messages that claim to be inspired by God. We live in a time where information is abundant, and many voices claim to speak on behalf of God. Yet, not all that glitters is gold. Not every voice is from the Lord. We must recognize that false prophets and deceptive spirits have been a problem throughout the history of the Church. From the time of the early Christians to today, the enemy has always sought to lead God's people astray. The Bible is complete with warnings about these f...

God revealth His secret to His prophets

Amos  3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Deuteronomy  29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. The second scripture passage for today (Deut. 29:29) unveiled a crucial aspect of God, "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God." This statement acknowledges that  There are aspects of God's will and purpose that remain hidden from human understanding. God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). There are mysteries that we cannot comprehend, and certain things God chooses to keep within His own counsel. But this does not mean God is distant or unapproachable. The same verse goes on to say, "but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law....

They will surely gather

Isaiah  54:14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.  54:15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. In the journey of faith, we just  opposition will arise. This opposition may come from various sources—people, circumstances, or spiritual forces. However, the promise we find in the scripture text for today is both comforting and empowering. God assures us that although adversaries may gather against us, they will surely fall. This gathering of adversaries can take many forms—challenges in our personal lives, conflicts in our relationships, struggles in our spiritual walk, or even broader societal pressures. The very fact that opposition arises should not surprise us, for Jesus Himself said, "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ...

Helping others to succeed

Ecclesiastes  4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. In our society, it's easy to forget the strength found in unity. God created us for relationships, to live and work together. When we join forces, our combined efforts produce far greater results than we could achieve alone. Let us consider the illustration of two oxen yoked together. Alone, each ox can pull a load, but together, their combined strength multiplies their effectiveness. Similarly, when we help others succeed, we enhance not only their lives but also our own, creating a  great effect of blessings. The second part of Ecclesiastes 4:9 says that together, "they have a good return for their labor." This return is not just material but also emotional and spiritual.  When we support each other, we provide encouragement, share burdens, and hold each other accountable. This mutual support is vital for overcoming challenges and achieving success. Think about Moses and Aaron. ...

The author and finisher of Faith

Hebrews  12:2 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. This message calls  us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. We are in a world filled with uncertainties, distractions, and challenges, this verse provides us with a clear and reassuring focus: Jesus Christ, the beginning and end of our faith journey. The word "author" describes Jesus as the originator, the one who initiates our faith. He initiates the first steps of our faith journey. Our faith is not self-generated; it is a divine gift given to us by God through Jesus Christ. When we come to faith, it is because Jesus has drawn us to Himself. He plants the seed of faith in our hearts, enabling us to believe and trust in Him. Also the word "finisher" signifies that Jesus brings our faith to completion. He perfects, sustains, and sees ou...

Gathering in God's name

Matthew  18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. In the book of Matthew, Jesus  emphasizes the importance of fellowship and unity among His followers. The scripture text speaks about humility, forgiveness, and the care we should have for one another. It’s a call to live out our faith not in isolation but in the company of fellow believers. Jesus tells us that where two or three gather in His name, He is there with them. This promise highlights several important truths: Christ assures us of His presence whenever we gather in His name. This is not merely a symbolic presence but a real, spiritual reality. Whether we are few or many, the Lord Himself is with us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us. Gathering in God's name means coming together with a common purpose: to honor, worship, and serve the Lord. This unity is powerful. It reflects the unity of the Trinity and becomes a witness to the world of God's love and tr...

God loves a cheerful giver

2 Corinthians  9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Giving is one of the act of faith that strengthens the body of Christ, but in doing so, we must give cheerfully and not grudgingly.  Apostle Paul emphasizes that giving should come from the heart. "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give." This teaches us that our generosity should not be driven by external pressures or obligations but by a genuine desire to bless others.  Giving, when done from the heart, reflects our love for God and our fellow human beings. It is an expression of our faith and trust in God's provision. But on the other hand we are warned not to give reluctantly, this is when we give with hesitation, holding back and perhaps even resenting the act of giving.  Similarly, giving under compulsion means we are motivated by guilt, pressure, or a sense of duty rather than love....

Be not conformed to the world

Romans  12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Conformity implies molding ourselves to fit the standards, values, and behaviors prevalent in society. The world, in this context, represents a system driven by human desires, materialism, self-centeredness, and moral relativism.  When we are told not to conform, we are being warned against adopting these worldly patterns and behaviors that distract us from God's truth. He sees the danger in losing our distinctiveness as Christians, blending in with the world to the point where our faith becomes indistinguishable from secular society. Apostle Paul doesn’t just tell us what to avoid; he points us toward a higher calling which is  transformation. This transformation is the inner change that begins with the renewal of our minds. It involves a complete reorientation of our thoughts, attitudes, and v...