Tag: devotional

Read: ISAIAH 43: 18-21

Meditation verse:

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I  will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

“No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece  pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. And no one puts new wine  into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled,  and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins”  (Mark 2: 21-22). 

To receive the new, you must get rid of the old. Before God announced to the  nation of Israel that He would do a new thing, He first instructed them to forget  the former things. You cannot open a new chapter of your life if you keep reliving  the previous one. Do you desire a new experience in an area of your life? How  are you preparing for it?  

You must adopt a new mindset to enter a new realm. You should identify and  get rid of the former mindset that limited you. Some people are limited by fear,  others by self-doubt, or the need to be approved by others. Many are limited by  pride or ego. You cannot receive a new experience with an old attitude or  mindset. New wine ought to be put in new wine skin.  

Prepare yourself and get ready for the new experience that you desire. Isaiah  54:2 says: “Enlarge the place of your tent and let them stretch out the curtains  of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. Enhance your capacity in the relevant areas. Sharpen your skills, develop your  character, and get rid of destructive habits. It is often said that success occurs  when opportunity meets preparedness.  

Position yourself for it. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill  cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a  lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine  before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in  heaven” (Mathew 5: 14-16). Lastly, earnestly anticipate and expect it. What you  do not expect, you may not receive as you will not notice when it comes.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

Read: 2 CHRONICLES 20: 1-30

Meditation verse:

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a  fast throughout all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:3).

Life is a lively process of becoming; change is therefore one thing you should  expect. Some of these changes will be in the form of battles that you will need  to surmount every now and then. Today’s reading highlights some important  strategies for winning the battles of life.

On hearing the news that several nations had come up against him; King  Jehoshaphat set himself to seek God’s face and ask for help. “God is our refuge  and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 41:1). He is always willing to  intervene in our situations. A verse in the famous song by Alan Jackson says:  “what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege  to carry everything to God in prayer”. Turning to Him for help is always a good  place to start.

In response to Jehoshaphat’s plea, God gave him a command “You will not need  to fight in this battle, position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of  God”. In the place of prayer, the Holy Spirit instructs and directs our hearts.  There will be times when you will need to take action to overcome that battle,  other times you would need to be still and allow God deal with the issue. The  miracle is always in the obedience; do exactly what He has commanded, no  matter how foolish seems.

Finally, God always inhabits the praises of His people. So, praise Him, even  during the challenge. Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go out before the army  as they went to war. Do not wait to see answers to your prayers, before praising  God. By praising Him, you are declaring His authority over that situation. Why  not rise and begin to declare God’s authority over your issue. Praise the Lord,  right now.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

Read: 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10

Meditation verse:

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made  perfect in weakness…” (2 Corinthians 12:9a).

The bible does not specifically state what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was. But  whatever it was, it must have been uncomfortable because he pleaded with God  on three occasions to take it away. He seemed desperate to get rid of. When God in His infinite wisdom refused Paul’s appeal, he did not let the ‘thorn in his  flesh’ prevent him from fulfilling his ministry. He recognized God as His true  source of strength and knew he could depend on His power to remain effective  and useful. By affirming God’s strength, he accepted his reality and refused to  let it stop him. 

There may be challenges or weaknesses in your life that have lingered on for  years and you desperately need God’s intervention. Are you sitting around,  waiting for God to make them disappear? He may decide to allow you to live  with it. He has already been made His grace available to you. Grace is an enabler  that propels you forward even in difficult situations, so appropriate His grace.  You appropriate God’s grace by repeatedly declaring it over that situation and  walking in its consciousness. If for instance, you recognize that you have a  temper and are prone to outbursts of anger, you need to live in the  consciousness that God’s grace is available to help you exercise self-control.  Rather than giving in to angry outbursts when faced with an upsetting situation, why not declare: “Lord, Your grace is sufficient for me, Your strength is here to  help me stay calm. I depend on it over my weakness. I surrender my will to yours”.  

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The  change you desire may not happen instantly, but as you continue speaking God’s  word over that situation, you will ultimately experience victory. This same  principle will work for a recovering alcoholic, a sex maniac or a drug addict who  has surrendered his will to God. If you are battling with fear, self-doubt or low  self-esteem, the grace to forge ahead is in you. Tap into it and press forward.  Make decisions and act, despite your struggles. Do not let them stop you, for when you are weak, then you are strong in the power of Christ.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

Read: HEBREWS 11:1-40

Meditation verse:

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”  (James 2:26).

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For  by it the elders obtained a good testimony” (Hebrews 11:1-2). In today’s reading,  we see the mighty acts of some biblical characters. Through their faith, they  chose to live differently (worked righteousness), were victorious in battles  (subdued kingdoms), obtained long awaited promises and were involved in  seemingly impossible acts: they stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the  violence of fire and escaped the edge of the sword. Through their faith, they  overcame their weaknesses and became valiant in various battles. 

What are you doing differently, because of your faith in Christ? How is your faith  standing you out? Are you overcoming that sinful desire or winning that battle  over addiction or saying no to wrong relationships or refusing to falsify the  records at work because of your faith in Christ? Faith without works is dead.  Your faith must lead you to do that which will glorify God or refuse to do that  which will dishonour Him. By faith Abraham obeyed God and left the security of  his homeland to a place he knew nothing about. By faith Shadrach, Meshach and  Abednego refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, choosing to face the  burning fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-17).  

There will be times in your life when you will have to choose the lonely or  uncomfortable path because of your faith. The Christian race is not an easy one.  Jesus said: “in the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have  overcome the world” (John 16: 33b). Trials and temptations will come, but you  are already an overcomer. Put on your shield of faith daily. Live a victorious life,  not one of compromise and defeat. You are in the world. but not of the world.  Let your faith single you out, wherever you go. “But the just shall live by his faith”  (Habakkuk 2:4). “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who  comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who  diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

Read: 2 timothy 3:16-17

Meditation verse:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for  reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Each day is a gift from God. Be grateful to Him and expect the best (Psalm  118:24). 
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 
• Do not despise the day of small beginnings. Start from where you are and  make use of what you have, no matter how insignificant it may seem  (Zechariah 4:10). 
• Commit your plans to God, do your best and you will succeed (Proverbs  16:3). 
• Work is honourable, it is the means through which you get your need met,  so, work hard. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12) 
• Avoid comparing yourself with others or judging yourself by their  standards, it is unwise (2 Corinthians 10:12). 
• Do not be weary in doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:13) 
• Humility will attract God’s favour, so be humble. (Proverbs 3:34, 22:4). • Let your life be an example of what you profess. Walk worthy of your  calling; in love, purity, faith and conduct” (1 Timothy 4:13-16) • Do not take yourself too seriously. Ease up and learn to laugh at yourself  (Proverbs 17:22). 
• Godliness with contentment is great gain. There is joy in being content  with what you have. (1 Timothy 6:6) 
• Don’t sweat the small the small stuff. Be willing to let go of little things  and forgive easily (Colossians 3:13, James 1:19b). 
• Live is a lively process of becoming. Have a plan for your life, but be open  to new experiences (Eccl 11:1-6) 
• Make integrity and consistency your watchword. Let your word be your  bond (Mathew 5:37). 

• Endeavour to reach out to the less privileged (Proverbs 28:27). • Why worry, when you can pray (Philippians 4:6).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

Read: NEHEMIAH 1 & 2

Meditation verse:

“And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the  province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also  broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:30).

Nehemiah had just received a disheartening news; the city of Jerusalem was in  ruins. The wall of Jerusalem was broken down and the gates were burnt down.  The surviving Jews were in a desperate situation; without the city gate and walls,  they were easy prey for further invasion. On hearing the news, the prophet  wept, but then he realised that weeping would not change anything, so he  turned to God in prayer and fasting. However, he did not stop there. He knew  the walls had to be rebuilt and was willing to put himself forward instead of  waiting for someone else to do it. “And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king,  and if your servant has found favour in your sight, I ask that you send me to  Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it” (Nehemiah 2:5). 

There is so much decay around us. There is so much that needs to be fixed in our  world today. Broken individuals who are victims of drug addiction, prostitution,  rape, bullying and sexual molestation who need help. There are broken families,  hungry and homeless children. There are nations with broken systems infested  with corruption, decay, insecurity, crime, terrorism, and other forms of  lawlessness. 2 Timothy 3:1-3 (NLT) says that: “In the last days there will be very  difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will  be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and  ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and  unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel  and hate what is good”. We are currently living in such times. 

The question then is what are you and I doing about the brokenness that is  around us? Have we set ourselves to wait on God in fasting and prayer? “If My  people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek  My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will  forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Have we identified an  aspect we can help and put ourselves forward to begin? Remember the famous 

saying: “There was a task that needed to be done. Anybody could have done it,  but nobody did it because everybody was waiting for someone to do it”. Be a  Nehemiah today. Identify a broken wall around you, ask God for help, then step  out and begin to rebuild.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

Read: Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Meditation verse:

“You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you  sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you  rise up (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Every parent has a God ordained responsibility to raise his or her child in a godly  environment in which the knowledge of Christ is evident. Parents should be (in  words and deeds), the image of Christ, which the child sees because children learn mostly by observation and association. Parents are the first people they  observe as they spend most of their formative years with them. Bring up your  children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Implant God’s word in their  hearts from a very early age and encourage them to pray, using bible verses.  

Teach them biblical principles of relationships such as sacrificial giving, kindness,  sharing, mutual respect, acceptance, diligence, forgiveness, and self-control.  These are very important values that can serve them for life. Ensure that rules  for acceptable behaviours are in place and let each child know the boundaries  that cannot be crossed. For instance, let them know that inflicting physical  injuries or using vulgar languages on one another is prohibited. Be sure to  enforce discipline when such lines are crossed. “Foolishness is bound up in the  heart of a child: The rod of correction will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). 

Raising godly children in the current digital age is a nightmare. Never has raising  children been as challenging as it currently is. We are living in an era where all  information, including those which are perverse, make their way to the Internet,  available for our young ones to see. Movies, videos, songs, and games  unashamedly promote violence, sex, pornography, and other satanic activities.  Social media friendships through the various online platforms have replaced  face-to-face communication, exposing our children to dangers from sexual  predators, cyber bullying, and cyber-attacks. Technology is impacting negatively  on family relationships, as children would rather spend countless hours on their  devices, than with their parents or other family members.

Whilst the benefits of technological advancements cannot be overemphasized,  the dangers are equally glaring. You must teach your children how to safely  navigate the Internet if they are to escape being ensnared. You need to be a  watchman or guardrail on this highway of online information by monitoring and  supervising their Internet use. Rules must be put in place and adherence to these  rules, strictly monitored. For instance, there should be time limits for the use of  devices and certain online platforms should be out of bound for younger  children. Parental control apps should be utilized to restrict what your children  can access. 

Romans 12:2 cautions against conforming to the traditions of this world. It is  imperative that your children realize that not every lifestyle advertised on the  Internet should be copied. Raising godly children requires wisdom,  commitment, sacrifice, and discipline, but it is potentially very rewarding. If you  invest in your children, you will reap a fulfilled old age, if you do not, you will  reap bitterness and regret in your old age. “A wise son makes a glad father, but  a foolish son is the grief of his mother” (Proverbs 10:1). Choose wisely. HAPPY  CHILDREN’S DAY.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

Read: John 17:1-19

Meditation verse:

“I brought glory to You here on earth by completing the work You gave Me to  do” (John 17:4 NLT).

Whilst it is good to begin a project, true satisfaction, joy, and pride come from  completing that which you started. The glory is in the finishing. No bible  character exemplified the need to focus on finishing as well as the joy of finishing  than our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Whilst on earth, He focused on the  assignment given to Him by His Father. So, He said things like: “My food is to do  the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). “I must work  the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one  can work” (John 9:4). “I have food to eat of which you do not know” (John 4:32- 34). And on finishing, He said, “I brought glory to You here on earth by  completing the work You gave Me to do” (John 17:4 NLT).  

Paul the Apostle also lived this truth. He said: “For me to live is Christ, and to die  is gain” (Phil 1:21). “For if I preach not the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for  necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Corinth  9:16). “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ  Jesus (Phil 3:14). And on finishing He said “I have fought the good fight, I have  finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown  of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that  Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing (2 Tim 4:7- 8). Both shaped the history of Christianity in very profound ways.  

The bible puts it aptly by stating that: “the end of a thing is better than its  beginning” (Eccl 7:8). Without focusing on the goal, you may not get there. See  how an athlete on a race keeps his eyes fixed on the finished line. He refuses to  be distracted by those running beside him. Keep your eyes on the task at hand.  Refuse to be distracted by exigencies or distractions of the times. We are living  in very difficult and unprecedented times, but you must keep pressing towards  the mark. Then when all is said and done, you can boldly say “I fought a good  fight, I have finished my course”.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

Read: 1 Samuel 14:1-52

Meditation verse:

“For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few” (1 Sam 14:6b).

In the preceding chapter, the Philistines had gone out to raid the people of Israel.  Israel’s king, Saul had only six hundred men with him. As if this was not bad  enough, the men had no weapons. “So, it came about, on the day of battle, that  there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who  were with Saul and Jonathan. But they were found with Saul and Jonathan his  son” (1 Sam 13:22). It was such a hopeless situation.  

However, rather than remaining in that hopeless situation, Jonathan decided to  take a bold step of faith. “Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his  armour, ‘come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be  that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many  or by few” (1 Sam 14:6). And the Lord delivered the philistines over to Israel and  saved Israel that day. A question you may wish to ponder over is ‘what if  Jonathan had not taken that step of faith?  

When faced with overwhelming odds in your life, remember that with God, the  resources you have will always be enough. His ability to come through for you  does not depend on what you have at your disposal. He can save with many or  with few or even with nothing. A lot of times we limit God and His ability to help  us. You need to take your eyes off your inadequacies and focus on GOD’S  ADEQUACY. If you have been asking God to intervene in a situation, He just  might be waiting for you to take that first step of faith, before showing up for  you. “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God  must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek  Him” (Hebrew 11:6). God responds to faith in action. 

So, what are you going to do differently today, knowing that The Almighty is  already backing you up?

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.