Tag: devotional

Read: Hebrews 11:1-39

Meditation verse:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

I stumbled upon a movie some years back which has made a huge impact on my  faith even till this day. The movie “Faith Like Potatoes” is based on the  autobiography novel of Farmer turned Evangelist, Angus Buchan. It portrays the  inspiring true story of Angus, a local farmer in South Africa who learnt to trust  God with every detail of his farming work. After his conversion, Angus began to live out his newfound faith in God in his work as a farmer. When a chance fire  threatened to spread, Angus Challenged his Zulu Farm assistant to pray with him  for rain. It wasn’t yet the rainy season and the assistant scoffed but Angus  prayed, and it rained. The rains extinguished the fire.

When the land experienced severe drought, such that nothing could grow on it,  Angus challenged the farmers to go ahead and plant their potatoes. Everyone  was skeptical, but Angus knew the God, he had come to believe in. So, the  potatoes were planted, but the surfaces remained very dry. It seemed nothing  was growing underneath. But when it was harvest time, Angus again challenged  the farmers to dig and harvest the potatoes. That little Zulu town experienced a  bumper harvest of big, fresh potatoes like never. 

At the end of the day, each one of us must live out our faith wherever we are  and in everything we do, otherwise our faith is useless. Our Christian faith must  be lived out especially in the marketplace. There is no separation between that  which is secular and spiritual, everything is spiritual. Our business practices,  engagements, associations, decisions, goals, activities, and outcomes must  reflect our faith in Christ. And this faith must be like the potatoes harvested by  Angus Buchan and his co farmers several years ago. Our faith must be big and  real enough for others to see, feel and touch.

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

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: Titus 2:3-4

Meditation verse:

“The things you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust  these to faithful men who will be able to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Mentoring is a developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more  knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable  person. The Mentor may be older or younger than the mentee, but mentors are  usually experts in certain areas. Mentoring is biblical. Proverbs 9:9 “give  instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and  he will increase his learning. Titus 2:3-4 says “older women likewise are to be  reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine,  teaching what is good so that they may encourage the young women to love  their husbands, to love their children. Philippians 4:9 says, “whatever you have  learned or received or heard from me or seen in me, put into practice”. 1  Corinthians 11:1 says, imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 

Mentoring, if well deployed can advance your personal and professional life. A  mentor can provide visibility and good contacts for career growth, spiritual  guidance, platforms for exposure, opportunities for growth, sponsorship,  coaching and sometimes financial assistance. They can also provide psychosocial  functions such as confirmation, validation, acceptance, counselling, role  modeling and friendship. You have a responsibility to be mentored and to  mentor others. Mentoring is essential for posterity, for the future generations  

However, there is a dark side of mentoring as mentees have been known to  suffer different forms of abuse from their mentors including: stealing their ideas,  giving wrong counsel, personality clashes, deception, and dysfunctional  relationships. Not every successful person in your field is fit to be your mentor.  Know yourself and know the kinds of people you can relate with at that level.  Check out the person. Who has he or she mentored before? We all leave trails  and footprints as we journey through life, so look for the footprints of your  potential mentor.

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

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: 1 Samuel 22:1-2, 2 Samuel 23:8-38

Meditation verse:

“So, he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided  them by the skilfulness of his hands” (Psalm 78:72).

David was a generous King who gave willingly to those he led and to God. When  offered a free land upon which to offer sacrifices to God, he insisted on buying  it from the owner saying, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor  will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). He bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

David was a lover and worshipper of God. He put God first in everything he did.  Once whilst still in hiding and needed a drink of water, three of his mighty men  broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of  Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to him. He would not  drink it but poured it out to the Lord. And he said, “Far be it from me, O Lord,  that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of  their lives?” Therefore, he would not drink it. (2 Samuel 23:14-17).  

As a leader, he taught his men to love and worship God, and God brought out  the greatness in them.  

Who are you leading? Who are you mentoring? What kind of leader are you?  Are you a transactional or transformational leader? Are the people under you  becoming transformed for the better?. David’s mentoring and leadership style  is worthy of emulation.

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

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: 1 Samuel 22:1-2, 2 Samuel 23:8-38

Meditation verse:

“So, he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided  them by the skilfulness of his hands” (Psalm 78:72).

When these men came to David whilst he was hiding from King Saul in a cave,  they were distressed, discontented and in distress. And he became captain over  them (1 Samuel 22:2). Fast forward to 2 Samuel 23 and see who these men  became under David’s leadership. They became able soldiers and military  leaders, with very special skills. They fought great battles and were victorious on  all fronts.

They were fiercely loyal to David and became known as “David’s  mighty men”. What did David sow in the lives of these men that occasioned their  transformation? David understood that leadership was for service and not for personal gain. He  accepted these men when they were at their lowest and poured himself into  bringing out the best in them. He knew that leadership was more about what  you can give to people, not what you can take from them.

He did not lead from afar but surrounded himself with these men. And because  he was in their midst, he knew their strengths and weaknesses and knew how  to add value to them. He had a consultative leadership style. He conferred with  his officers and commanders and carried everyone along. He said to the whole  assembly, “If it seems good to you, let us…” (1 Chronicles 13:1-3). He was not an  “I will” leader. Learn to carry your team along. He listened to them and  encouraged them to contribute to decision making.  

David led these men by example, and he was a very competent leader. So, it was  easy for them to learn from him. Excellence does not occur by happenstance, it  takes practice, diligence, and commitment. In learning from their leader, they  became mighty men. He loved these men with his heart and had a great  reputation. Even those who were previously in Saul’s camp as well as some of  his kinsmen defected to David’s camp. And he received every one of them.

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

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: Acts 9:36-43

Meditation verse:

“For I know that he whom you bless is blessed and he whom you curse is cursed” (Numbers 22:6).

Your reputation, whether good or bad will always precede you. And depending  on which it is will either bring you honour or shame. Proverbs 22:1 says “a good  name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver  and gold. A good reputation can open doors for you. It can cause men to favour  you. It can lift you to the highest pedestal in your life. It can even save your life.  a bad reputation on the other hand can cause you great harm.  

There was a certain disciple in Joppa, named Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. This  woman had a reputation for doing good works and charitable deeds. Then she  became ill and died. Guess what, the people of Joppa refused to bury her. They  laid her in an upper room and made frantic efforts to locate the apostle Peter  who was in a nearby city. When Peter arrived, the people showed him the tunics  and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. And of course,  she was brought back to life.  

In Numbers 22, Balak King of the Moabites, was afraid that the children of Israel  would defeat Moab. So, he sent for the prophet Balaam saying “please come at  once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall  be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom  you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” Balaam had a reputation  for prophesying with precision. 

What are you known for? What footprints are you leaving on the sands of time?  How are you affecting the lives of those around you? Are you adding value or  causing harm? Who exactly do people say you are? Why not create a reputation  for kindness, good works, excellence, diligence, or generosity. Why not become  that person who is known for adding value to those around. If your presence is  not felt, your absence will not be missed.

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

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: Luke 8:16-18 

Meditation verse: 

“His lord said to him, well done good and faithful servant; you were faithful over  a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your  lord” (Mathew 25:21).

The story is told of a CEO who was about to retire and needed to select a  successor from amongst his top managers. He sent for them and gave each a  seed to plant in a seedling bag. The bag was to be placed by the window in their  different offices. He informed them that in a year’s time, the person with the  biggest plant would become the next CEO. As time went by seeds of all but one  of the managers began to sprout. Everyone laughed at the manager whose seed  showed no sign of growing. He felt dejected and wondered why his seed had  failed to thrive like the others. He had watered it daily and positioned it to  receive adequate sunlight.

Eventually, a year passed, and it was time to present their plants to the retiring  CEO. One after the other, they presented their thriving plants with pride, and  everyone scoffed as the manager with the dead seed showed up with an empty  seedling bag. The CEO inspected all the plants and to their utmost surprise  announced that the manager whose seed did not grow will become the next  CEO. He said “every one of you except him has proven to be dishonest. I gave  you seeds which had been boiled in hot water, there is therefore no way the  original seeds I gave to you would have grown. What you did was to swap my  seeds with another when you discovered what I gave to you was not growing.  Only this man stuck with the seed that I gave to him even when it would not  grow. How can you become the next CEO when you lack integrity?”.

Luke 8:17 says “for nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything  hidden that will not be known and come to light”. The folly you commit in secret  may become known in a manner and time you least expect. And it may lead to  a significant loss. Who are you when you believe no one is watching? Remember,  God sees and rewards all. Integrity pays.

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

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: Ephesians 6:10-20

Meditation verse:

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling  down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).

As believers in Christ Jesus, we are at war with the kingdom of darkness. Our  fight is not against flesh and blood, so using natural means of fighting would  prove ineffective and useless. Today’s reading highlights the weapons of our  warfare as believers in Christ: 

The Girdle of truth: This is a clear understanding of God’s word and the ability  to use the appropriate word for the appropriate situation. `There is an “it is  written” for every challenging situation. 

The breast plate of righteousness: We are the righteousness of God in Christ  Jesus. A breast plate protects the heart. Putting righteousness on as a  breastplate, means that we understand that Jesus is our righteousness, and we  walk in complete obedience to his word. 

Shod your feet with preparation of the gospel of peace: This implies faithfully  proclaiming the word of God. Active ministry in God’s word. 

The shield of faith is faith in the finished work of redemption. The helmet of salvation speaks of our hope in the soon return of Jesus Christ.  The sword of the spirit is the word of God. This is the only offensive weapon.  

Speaking in tongues. When we pray in tongues, we are speaking mysteries to  God who understands all mysteries. Speaking in tongues also builds up our spirit  man.

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

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: Philippians 3:12-16

Meditation verse:

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if  we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Before commencing a building project, a building plan as well as a 3-D model of  the building is created. The 3-D architectural model is a three-dimensional  representation of what the building will look like when completed. Once  construction starts, the builder keeps the building plan and the 3-D design,  referring to it every now and then to ensure that the plan is being followed.  

Everything we do in life is and should be handled as a project. Starting a  business, committing to a marriage, writing a book, and building a house are all  important projects we get into at some point in our lives. We often hear that  ‘beginning a project is the easiest part, whilst committing to and completing it  are the hardest parts. And we see evidence of uncompleted projects all around  us; abandoned buildings, half written books, broken marriages, failed businesses  and what have you. One reason for this, amongst others is the absence of a plan  or 3-D architectural model.  

If you do not know where you are going, how would you get there? Worse still,  if you do not know where you are going, you are bound to end up someplace  that you do not like. Learn to always keep the end in view. Paul the apostle had  this mindset when he said “Not that I have already attained, or am already  perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has  also laid hold of me. Forgetting that which is behind, reaching out for what is  ahead, I press towards the prize of His high calling in Christ Jesus” (Philippians  3:12-14). Paul had a visual image of perfection that he sought to attain.  

Do you have a 3-d model for your marriage? do you have a visual image of what  you want that business, ministry, marriage, or whatever endeavour you are  currently involved in? Do you even have a plan for your future? It Is not just failing to plan that is bad, but failing to plan and staying committed to the plan  is planning to fail.

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

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: GENESIS 13:14-17

Meditation verse:

“All the land that you see, I will give to you and your off spring forever” (Genesis  13:15).

Everything in life is created twice. First in the mind and then in reality. Your mind  sees it and your body takes you there. The brain is a pattern matching organ,  what it visualizes, it wills the body to accomplish. There is a deep tendency to  become what your mind pictures, provided you hold the mental picture strongly  enough and the objective is sound. Visualization breeds expectation. And when  you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind which attracts  the best to you. Visualization enables you to focus on a future realization. This  expectation supplies fuel to the body. Sustained expectation of the best sets in  motion forces which cause the best to materialize. 

There is a connection between your mind and the outcomes you get out of life.  You conceive in the womb of your destiny and birth whatever you focus on.  When God was leading the children of Israel to the promised land, He repeatedly  told them that the land was beautiful and good, flowing with milk and honey.  He wanted them to create a mental image of the place. In Genesis 13:14-17, God  said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look  from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and  westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants  forever”. 

You can visualize yourself navigating that present difficulty. You can visualize  yourself succeeding in that business. You can visualize yourself overcoming that  obstacle. You can visualize yourself pushing the boundaries of your limitations  and going beyond expectations. You can visualize just about anything.  Visualization can work against you also. If you visualize negative trends, the  brain goes in search of such occurrence and brings them to your reality. It is  called self- fulfilling prophecy. Never forget, the brain is a pattern matching  organ. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7).

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

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: PROVERBS 18:21

Meditation verse:

“I have made you a father of many nations, in the presence of Him whom he  believed- God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist  as though they did” (Romans 4:17).

The late Kenneth Hagin, founder of Kenneth Hagin Ministries and Rhema Bible Training Centre once shared the story of a woman who came to him to request  that he prayed for her son who was living a wayward life. He returned home  daily at 4am, including Sundays and showed no interest in the things of God. He  said she seemed surprised when he told her he would not pray but requested  that she return home and stop telling him what was wrong with him, but rather  start speaking out what she wanted to see happen in his life. He was to meet  the women several months later, and she shared how the amazing  transformation that had taken place in the son’s life. She said a few months after  she began following his instruction, her son returned home one early morning  and asked to follow her to church, but she refused, saying he needed to rest 

since he was tired. But he insisted on going. This was to happen a few more  times until he stopped his wayward lifestyle and was now a brand-new creature. 

When we see things in our children’s ways that do not align with our values, particularly for Christian parents, we are tempted to correct, rebuke, preach to  or even threaten them with consequences. But as we may already have noticed,  we hardly get anywhere with these methods. Kenneth Hagin’s story is quite  instructive. Some of us may need to adopt his method. Stop saying what is  wrong with the child and start saying what you want to see happen. Proverbs  18:21 says “death and life are in the power of your tongue and they that love it  will eat the fruit thereof”. Realign that child’s life with the power in your tongue. Speak God’s word over his or her life. Even if you cannot see any change,  continue speaking. The word works, so work it. Decorate your home and family with your words.

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

or call +2348155525555

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