Tag: devotional

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).

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.

When faced with overwhelming odds, Jehoshaphat sought God first. The answer  came: Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Sometimes victory comes  through action, other times, through stillness and trust. Obedience to God’s  specific instruction is key. And praise is a powerful weapon. God always inhabits  the praises of His people. So, sing before you see the victory — because praise  declares that the battle is already the Lord’s.

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: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, 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 exact nature of Paul’s infirmity is unknown. 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 the reality of his weakness 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 the divine enabler that keeps you moving despite your limitations.  Speak it over your struggles. Walk in its reality daily. Over time, His strength will  transform your weakness into a testimony. 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” (Rom 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: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit:

www.rockteachingministry.org

Read: HEBREWS 11

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. 

Faith is more than belief — it is action rooted in trust. The heroes of Hebrews 11  didn’t just believe; they moved. Abraham left his homeland, Shadrach and his  friends defied an idol, and others endured great trials — all because of faith. What are you doing differently because of your faith? 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? Your actions reveal what  you truly believe. Live boldly for Christ. Let your faith shape your choices, even  when the cost is high. 

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: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit:

www.rockteachingministry.org

Read: ISAIAH 49: 14-16

Meditation verse:

“Even to your old age, I am He, and even to grey hairs, I will carry you! I have  made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4).

Have you ever felt like God has forsaken you? Here is His promise to you this  day. “Can a woman forget her nursing child and not have compassion on the son  of her womb? Surely, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See I have  inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me”  (Isaiah 49:14-16). All the promises of God in Christ are yes and amen in Him, to  the glory of God through us (2 Cor 1:20). If you are in Christ, God’s  pronouncements concerning your life, are as good as done.  

The famous spiritual poem “Footprints in the Sand” written by Mary Fishback  portrays an individual who dreamed of having a conversation with God whilst  walking along the beach: “Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For  each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and  one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back  at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my  life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of  footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. “Lord, you said  once I decided to follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed that  during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one  set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would  leave me.” He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you.  Never, ever, during your trials and testing, when you saw only one set of  footprints, It was then that I carried you.” (Mary Fishback). 

In your most vulnerable moments, God is with you. When you feel like giving up,  He is there by your side. Even when you do not feel like it, He is with you. “Yea,  though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For  You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit:

www.rockteachingministry.org

Read: GENESIS 50:15-21

Meditation verse:

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to  those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute  you” (Mathew 5:44).

Jesus urges you to bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you. Joseph understood the principle  behind this command. When faced with an opportunity to avenge his brothers’  wicked act against him, he chose the path of forgiveness. Going through his  brothers’ wicked deed, Potiphar’s wife’s false accusation and the butler’s neglect  in prison, he refused to succumb to bitterness or hate. Being fully persuaded  that God was able to bring good out of every evil he encountered.  

People who despise others without cause are mostly unhappy with themselves  or dissatisfied with their own lives. They hate you because they believe you have  been blessed in areas where they are lacking. In their discontentment, envy and  bitterness, they lash out at you. So, why stoop down to their own level by 

retaliating? You ought to pray for them instead. When you pray for those who  spitefully use you, you can forgive them and act in love towards them, even  when you don’t feel love for them. This singular act identifies you as a ‘son’ of  God and His eyes are always on His children to bless and protect them. If on the  other hand, you hate those who despise you and repay their evil with evil, you  are condescending to their level and acting in disobedience to your heavenly  Father. You will miss the blessings that come with ‘turning the other cheek’ and  will end up being the worse for it in the long run.  

Forgiving does not mean tolerating abuse — wisdom is essential. But choosing  to act in love keeps your spirit free and positions you for God’s reward.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit:

www.rockteachingministry.org

Read: ROMANS 8:1-17

Meditation verse:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ… “(Romans  8:1).

Guilt is one of the enemy’s favourite chains. Yet if you have confessed your sins  and placed your faith in Christ, you are forgiven — completely. Like the woman  caught in adultery, Jesus says to you: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no  more” (John 8:11). 

Don’t let your past poison yourfuture. The apostle Paul could have been crippled  by his past, yet he pressed forward to fulfil his mission. Your windshield is larger  than your rearview mirror for a reason — what’s ahead matters more than  what’s behind. 

Decide to move forward today. Resist the devil and his accusations and he will  flee from you (James 4:7). Realize that you are completely forgiven and move  on to a life of faith, holiness and obedience. God has great plans in store for you.  The plans He has for you are plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to  give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Why not embrace that hope  today? 

If you’re still living in sin, repent now. If you’ve repented, stop rehearsing your  failures. Live free, walk in obedience, and embrace the future God has prepared  for you. When there is no condemnation in our hearts and minds, we are free to  live victorious lives.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit:

www.rockteachingministry.org

Read: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

Meditation verse:

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1  Thessalonians 5:18).

Gratitude is not dependent on circumstances — it is a lifestyle choice.  Developing and maintaining a heart of gratitude to God is one sure way to live a  happier and more fulfilling life. Are you a grateful person? Here is a checklist for  you.

Grateful people are content with what they have. They believe that everything  they own is a blessing from God. They eschew the self-entitlement mindset,  believing they have received all by God’s mercy and grace. 

Grateful people attract peace to their lives. “Thankfulness creates gratitude  which generates contentment that causes peace” (Todd Stocker). 

Grateful people are cheerful givers. Because they believe they have freely  received from God, they are willing to freely give back to others.  

Grateful people easily forgive others. They acknowledge their own humanity  and are willing to overlook the shortcomings of others. By extension, they are  accommodating of others. 

Grateful people have no need to compare themselves with others. They are  content with who they are and what they have. “…But they, measuring  themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are  not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). Grateful people are wise. 

Gratitude attracts God’s presence, and where He dwells, blessings overflow  (Psalm 22:3). When thankfulness shapes your perspective, you live from  abundance, not lack. It turns your focus from what’s missing to what God has  already done. “When you are always thankful to God, your tank will always be  full.” 

Make gratitude your habit. Keep a list of daily blessings. Speak thanksgiving out  loud. Your heart will be lighter, your faith stronger, and your life richer.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit:

www.rockteachingministry.org

Read: ACTS 10:1-23

Meditation verse:

“And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat” (Acts 10: 13).

Peter’s physical hunger set the stage for a spiritual revelation. He was very  hungry and wanted to eat, then he fell into a trance, whilst waiting for his meal.  He saw a vision of a great sheet descending from heaven containing all kinds of  four-footed animals, wild beasts and birds. Then he heard God say, “rise up, kill  and eat”. As he waited for a meal, God gave him a vision that would transform  his ministry.  

Hunger — whether physical, emotional, or spiritual — can be God’s way of  creating space for His vision in your life. True pursuit requires desire. Without  hunger, you will give up easily when obstacles arise. God stirred the Israelites’  hunger for the Promised Land by describing it as “flowing with milk and honey.”  This vision kept them pressing forward despite giants in the land. 

It is difficult to go after what you are not hungry for or what you have no desire  for. The hunger becomes the motivation that pushes you further. The greater  the hunger, the greater your desire to satisfy it.  

What emptiness or longing do you feel right now? Which area of your life is there  currently a vacuum or deep void? What stirs a deep dissatisfaction in you? What  is your greatest yearning right now? Could it be God awakening you to a purpose  or assignment? The hunger you sense may be the key to unlocking your calling.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be  filled” (Matthew 5:6).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit:

www.rockteachingministry.org

Read: 1 Chronicles 29: 26-30

Meditation verse:

“So, he died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honour, and Solomon  his son reigned in his place” (1 Chronicles 29:28).

The Bible sums up King David’s life in a few powerful phrases: “he died a good  old age, full of days, full of riches, full of honour, and leaving behind a successor.  He lived fully, was wealthy in both material and spiritual riches, carried a  reputation of honour, and passed on a legacy to the next generation. What a  testimony! 

Such an ending doesn’t happen by chance — it is the product of intentional  living. David’s devotion to God was wholehearted. He worshiped with abandon  (2 Samuel 6:14–22), refused to offer God what cost him nothing (2 Samuel  24:24), led with integrity and skill (Psalm 78:72), and was quick to repent when  he sinned (Psalm 51:10). No wonder God called him “a man after My own heart”  (1 Samuel 13:14). 

While you may choose how to live, you cannot choose the consequences your  life will produce. Every choice leaves footprints. As you plan for your future, ask:  Am I living in such a way that my final chapter will be one of honour, fruitfulness,  and godly legacy? If your answer is no, what adjustments can you begin to make  from today?

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit:

www.rockteachingministry.org

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Meditation verse:

“God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others with the  comfort we ourselves receive from God” – 2 Corinthians 1:4.

Several years ago, I attended an all-women’s career development program at  Harvard Business School in Boston. In a hall of about forty women from different  nations and continents, we were asked to introduce ourselves and share our life  journeys.

As I listened, I marvelled at how different we looked—yet how similar  our stories were. The themes that emerged from our introductions were  strikingly alike: empty nest syndrome, longing for a life partner, searching for a  fulfilling career, feeling stuck, infertility, financial strain, marital struggles. The  list went on. 

We all drew comfort from realizing that whatever we were facing, someone else  had either been through it or was still going through it. The truth became clear:  our outward differences were far less important than the inner struggles that  united us. That realization was deeply empowering. Scripture reminds us that  God’s comfort is not just for us to keep—it’s for us to share: “God comforts us  in all our troubles so that we can comfort others with the same comfort wherein  we have been comforted.” (2 Corinthians 1:4). 

Your life experiences—both victories and struggles—are rarely just for you. They  are meant to be a light for someone else. Your pain can become someone’s  hope. Your mess can become your message. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13  that no trial or temptation is unique to us—others have faced it too. And God is  faithful to provide a way of escape. So, don’t sink into self-pity. Instead, allow  God to transform your story into a testimony that heals, encourages, and  inspires. 

Someone is waiting to hear your story. 

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this  devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit:

www.rockteachingministry.org