Tag: devotional

Read: 1 Samuel 14:1-52

Meditation verse:

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

In the previous chapter, Israel faced a grim situation. The Philistines had  launched an attack, and King Saul was left with only 600 men. To make matters  worse, none of the soldiers had weapons—except Saul and his son Jonathan. 

“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” (1  Sam. 13:22). From every human perspective, the battle was already lost. 

But Jonathan chose not to sit in despair. Instead, he took a bold step of faith. He  said to his armour-bearer, “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). That one step of faith  triggered a divine intervention. God caused confusion in the enemy’s camp and  gave Israel victory. 

What if Jonathan had never moved? What if he had waited for better odds or  more resources? Israel’s deliverance came not because they were well equipped, but because one man believed in a God who is not limited by  numbers, strength, or strategy.

When you’re facing impossible odds—whether  in your finances, career, relationships, or health—remember that God’s ability  to save is not confined by your resources. He doesn’t need a crowd to work a  miracle. He can do it through one person—through you. You may feel under resourced, outnumbered, or unqualified, but God is not restrained by your lack.  He only needs your faith and obedience. 

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “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.” Faith is not just believing that God can—it’s acting as  though He will.

What is the “first step” God is nudging you to take today? Is it a  conversation you need to have, a project you’ve delayed, or a bold prayer you’ve  been afraid to pray? Don’t wait for ideal conditions. Step out, trusting that the  God who saves by many or by few is with you.

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: Exodus 10:1–29

Meditation verse:

“Now the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go into Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart  and the hearts of his servants, that I may show these signs of Mine before him.” — Exodus 10:1.

Sometimes, God allows people to say no to you—not to harm you, but to set the  stage for something greater. In Exodus 10, God clearly tells Moses that He  intentionally hardened Pharaoh’s heart—not only to display His power in Egypt,  but also to strengthen the faith of the Israelites before their journey to the  Promised Land.

God says, “…that I may show these signs of Mine before him,  and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and your son’s son the mighty  things I have done…” (Exodus 10:2). This shows us that closed doors, delayed  answers, and human resistance can be divinely orchestrated. What appears as  opposition may be God’s way of showcasing His glory in your situation. 

Not every person who refuses you help is wicked. Sometimes, God Himself  hardens hearts to prevent you from depending on man so you can experience  His miraculous provision and intervention.

Proverbs 21:1 reminds us: “The king’s  heart is in the hand of the Lord; like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He  wishes. “God governs not only events, but the inner will of people. He can move  someone to help you—or restrain them—depending on the bigger picture He  sees. Philippians 2:13 confirms this: “For it is God who works in you both to will  and to do for His good pleasure.”

So, when you face rejection, don’t panic. Don’t grow bitter. Don’t lose faith. That  ‘no’ may just be the prelude to God’s ‘yes’—in a much bigger and better way  than you imagined. He may be setting the stage to perform a sign, strengthen  your faith, or give you a testimony worth telling generations. 

If you’re still holding a grudge against someone who didn’t show up when you  needed them, let it go. Release them and trust the sovereignty of God. Psalm  60:11 says, “Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless.” When  every door seems shut and every voice goes silent, declare boldly: “The Lord is  my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).

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 Corinthians 12:17–20

Meditation verse:

“If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were  hearing, where would be the smelling?” — 1 Corinthians 12:17.

A winning team is not made up of people who are alike—but of individuals with  diverse skills, perspectives, and personalities, working in unity. As the Apostle  Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12, the body functions effectively because its parts  are different yet complementary. Leadership expert John Maxwell once said, 

“Great things happen when all the players on the team take the role that  maximizes their strengths.” Research confirms this: “the most successful teams  are those that embrace diversity and allow each member to contribute from their  area of strength”. 

In marriage, for instance, husband and wife have different roles and strengths,  but both are equally valuable. One is not superior to the other. What matters is  that each person honours the other’s uniqueness and works together toward a  common goal. Every member of a team matters. When one person fails to show  up or play their part, the whole team suffers.

In football, if the goalkeeper or  striker is missing, the entire team is affected. The same principle applies in  families, churches, businesses, and communities. Ephesians 4:16 reinforces this  truth: “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint  supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share,  causes growth of the body…” 

In healthy teams, the language is not “me” or “mine” but “us” and “ours.” When  one person wins, the whole team wins. When one stumbles, everyone feels the  impact. Responsibilities and rewards must be shared. But a team also needs a  leader. Without leadership, even the best-equipped team will drift.

The leader  sets the tone, direction, and culture of the group. In a marriage, the husband is  called to lead with love and vision. In a church, it’s the pastor. In an organization, it may be the manager, director, or CEO. The leader ensures that goals are clear,  tasks are assigned, and members are cared for. 

Finally, winning teams are forward-looking. They are not satisfied with past  victories. They keep growing, stretching, and pressing on toward new goals. A  stagnant marriage, ministry, or workplace loses momentum. Without vision,  there is decline—and eventually, death: dead relationships, dead churches,  dead dreams. Where there is no vision, people perish (Proverbs 29:18).

So,  whether you’re leading a home, a team, or a ministry, ask yourself: What are we  building together? Where are we going next?

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: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

Meditation verse:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour.”  — Ecclesiastes 4:9.

God never designed us to live or work in isolation. From the beginning, He  created humans for fellowship, partnership, communication, and collective  productivity. Whether in marriage, ministry, business, or community, the  principle remains the same: we are better together. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us  that “two are better than one.” This truth applies to every sphere of life— 

relationships, marriages, teams, and organizations. The popular saying, “No man  is an island,” aligns perfectly with the scriptural call to live in unity. Psalm 133:1  declares, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in  harmony.” 

But unity and teamwork don’t happen by accident. A successful team—whether  in a family, church, workplace, or government—must be intentional. It must be  anchored in shared values and a clear, common goal. In marriage, the goal is to  build a loving, stable home, raise godly children, and support one another  through life’s seasons. In a workplace, a team may aim to complete a project,  reach a sales target, or deliver a service. Whatever the context, effective 

teamwork requires shared vision and mutual commitment. 

Disunity begins when individual members of a team pursue hidden agendas. A  husband engaging in an affair, a wife diverting funds for personal indulgence, or  a team member undermining collective efforts—all these actions reveal  conflicting visions that tear at the fabric of unity. True partnership calls for  singleness of purpose. “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos  3:3).

A divided house cannot stand. That’s why Jesus, in His final prayer for His  disciples, pleaded: “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in  You” (John 17:21). Unity is not just a good idea; it’s the backbone of unstoppable  progress. God Himself acknowledged this at the Tower of Babel: “Nothing they  plan to do will be impossible for them” (Genesis 11:6), because they were united  in speech and purpose. 

So, whether you are part of a family, ministry, business, or friendship circle— remember you were not meant to go it alone. God blesses unity. Teamwork  anchored in godly vision and mutual respect will always bring a greater reward.

In your current partnerships, are you walking in unity and shared vision, or are  there hidden agendas that are disrupting the flow?

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 Peter 5:6-11

Meditation verse:

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,  after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”  — 1 Peter 5:10.

There is nothing you’re going through that is entirely new or unique. Life’s trials  may feel overwhelming, but they are not exclusive to you. The Bible assures us  of this in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as  is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted  beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of  escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 

Struggling with finances? Others have been there—and come through. Facing  marital challenges? Many have gone through worse and come out stronger.  Battling illness? There are testimonies of healing from even terminal diagnoses. 

Years ago, I went through a failed surgery and had to seek treatment abroad.  The hospital that treated me had just discharged another patient who had  recommended it, and after my own healing, I passed the same information on  to someone else. The cycle of comfort continues. 

Even if your struggle is with sin, God understands—and has made provision.  Every temptation is common to man, and God is faithful to provide strength and  a way of escape. Jesus Christ Himself was tempted in every way and yet did not  sin (Hebrews 4:15).

He bore your sins, your sickness, your shame. He became  poor so you might be rich, and by His stripes you are healed. In Him, you are  complete. 

So don’t despair. Don’t fall into the trap of self-pity or believe the lie that your  situation is hopeless. You are not the first, and you will not be the last.

More  importantly, you will not be defeated. God has made a promise to you: “After you have suffered a while, [He will] perfect, establish, strengthen, and  settle you” (1 Peter 5:10). 

Hold on to that word today. Walk in the consciousness that you are not alone,  and that the God of all grace is working behind the scenes to restore and  establish you.

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: Psalm 103:1–22

Meditation verse:

Meditation Verse:

“He does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number.” — Job  9:10 (NKJV).

I once listened to a pastor share a striking story about God’s invisible blessings.  Late one night, she was working at her desk when she felt prompted to check  on her sleeping children. When she got to their room, she found her youngest  at the very edge of the bed—just moments away from a dangerous fall. She  gently moved the child back to safety and returned to her work. A little while  later, she was nudged again to check on them.

This time, she found one child  with his knees pressed against the nostrils of another, unknowingly blocking his  sibling’s breathing. Again, she adjusted their sleeping positions and quietly went  back to her work. The next morning, the children woke up happy and healthy.  Over breakfast, they thanked her for the meal—but no one mentioned the  events of the night before. How could they? They had been completely unaware  of the danger they had been in, or the interventions that had saved them. 

That story is a powerful picture of what God does for us daily. We often  remember to thank God for the big, visible blessings—answered prayers, open  doors, promotions, and healing. But what about the blessings we never saw?  What about the dangers God silently shielded us from? The delays that  protected us? The closed doors that turned out to be divine redirections? The  psalmist reminds us: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits…”  (Psalm 103:2). And Job declares: “He does great things past finding out, yes,  wonders without number.” (Job 9:10). 

Every day, we sleep and wake because the Lord sustains us (Psalm 3:5). We eat,  walk, breathe, and move—often without realizing how many invisible systems  in our bodies are functioning in divine harmony. During the pandemic, we were  reminded that even something as basic as breathing can become a luxury.

If God  were to pull back the curtain and show you the number of times He intervened  in your life silently—keeping you safe, redirecting your steps, healing you in  ways you didn’t perceive—it would leave you in awe. So, as you rise each day,  pause and give thanks—not just for what you see, but also for what you don’t.  Thank Him for the blessings behind the scenes. He is working wonders without  number. What “invisible blessings” are you grateful for 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 6:14–18

Meditation verse:

“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” — Amos 3:3 (NKJV).

For everything you do in life, there’s a way that feels natural—and a way that feels forced. To  illustrate this, try a simple exercise: take a sheet of paper and write your full name with your  dominant hand. Now, switch hands and do the same.

Notice the difference? With your  dominant hand, the process is smooth, the writing is clear, and you’re done in no time. But  with the other hand, the task feels awkward. It takes longer, and the outcome is often messy. 

This is more than a physical demonstration—it reflects how your personality influences your  entire life. Psychologist Carl Jung identified four key dimensions of personality: where you get  your energy (introversion or extroversion), how you relate to the outer world (structured or  flexible), the kind of information you trust (facts or intuition), and how you make decisions  (logic or emotion). These preferences shape your natural wiring. They explain why certain  environments, careers, and relationships energize you, while others drain or frustrate you. 

Life works best when you’re in alignment with how God uniquely designed you. This means making intentional choices: 

Choose environments that allow your gifts to flourish, not spaces where you constantly feel  out of place. 

Choose friends who uplift and challenge you positively, not those who belittle or break you. Choose a career that plays to your strengths and passions, rather than one that only looks  good on paper. 

And most importantly, choose a spouse who walks in agreement with your values, purpose,  and spiritual direction. 

Your life partner plays a significant role in whether your life journey feels like walking with  your dominant hand or struggling with the other. Two cannot walk together unless they  agree—emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and purposefully. God never intended for life to be  lived in constant strain. He created you with a specific temperament, gifting, and calling.  When you align your choices with that divine design, you find joy, ease, and fruitfulness. But  when your choices are not aligned, every day is a struggle. Are there areas in your life— 

relationships, career, or environment—that feel forced or misaligned? What one change can  you make today to move closer to what fits your God-given design?

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: 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 1:3 (NKJV).

Nehemiah received devastating news: Jerusalem, the city of his fathers, lay in  ruins. Its protective walls had been broken down, its gates reduced to ashes, and  its people left vulnerable and disgraced. Overcome with grief, Nehemiah wept.  But he didn’t stop at sorrow.

He turned to the only One who could make a  difference—God. Through prayer and fasting, he sought divine intervention. Yet,  Nehemiah didn’t stop there either. He made himself available. He went to the  king and said, “Send me… that I may rebuild it.” 

The world today mirrors Nehemiah’s Jerusalem in many ways—broken systems,  broken people, and broken values. There is moral, spiritual, and societal decay  all around us. Killings and kidnapping. Children go hungry. Families fall apart.  Injustice and lawlessness abound. Many live in fear, pain, and hopelessness. As  2 Timothy 3:1–3 (NLT) warns, we are indeed in difficult times, when people are  selfish, cruel, and resistant to truth. 

In the face of such darkness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to weep and do  nothing. But tears alone will not fix the brokenness. Like Nehemiah, we must  weep, pray, and then act. God is still looking for modern-day Nehemiahs—men  and women who will notice what is broken around them and be moved to  rebuild.

Maybe for you, it’s speaking up for the oppressed, mentoring a hurting  teenager, restoring a fractured family relationship, or advocating for justice in a  corrupt space. You may not be able to fix everything, but you can fix something. 

The call is simple yet profound: see the brokenness, seek God’s help, and step  out in faith to rebuild. You don’t need all the answers; you just need a willing  heart. Remember the popular 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 the one who does it. Be the Nehemiah who says, “Send me.” What “broken wall” has God placed on your heart? What small step can you take  today to begin the work of rebuilding?

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: Joshua 13:14–33

Meditation verse:

“But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord God of Israel  was their inheritance, as He had said to them.” — Joshua 13:33 (NKJV).

Among all the tribes of Israel, the Levites stood apart. While every other tribe  received land as an inheritance, the Levites did not. Instead, they received  something far greater: God Himself.

Their calling was to serve in His temple,  attend to holy matters, and minister to His people. Because of this sacred  responsibility, they were released from the burdens of land ownership and  enterprise that would otherwise distract them. God arranged for their  sustenance through the other tribes, assigning them cities and commanding the  people to support them. 

This arrangement wasn’t a disadvantage—it was a divine privilege. To have God  as your portion means you are sustained directly by His hand. It means trusting  Him entirely for your provision, your path, and your purpose.

Today, God still  calls men and women into “Levitical” assignments—a life set apart for full-time  ministry or service in His kingdom. This call may come as a persistent burden, a  scripture that ignites your spirit, a confirming word through others, or a life defining moment that shifts your course. But with the call often comes  hesitation: How will I survive? What will I eat? Who will support me? 

But the same God who called the Levites still provides today. If He truly calls, He  will faithfully sustain. He may send people into your life to support you. He may  open doors to part-time work that doesn’t interfere with ministry. Like Paul,  who supported himself as a tentmaker while preaching the gospel, God may  equip you with skills that enable you to fulfil your calling without compromise. 

If you’re wrestling with God’s call, consider this: Delaying obedience not only  hinders your growth, but it also deprives others of the impact of your ministry.  There are people waiting for the light you carry. Your “yes” could be the answer  to someone’s prayer.

To accept this call is to choose faith over fear, purpose  over comfort, and surrender over self-will. It may not always be easy, but it will  always be worth it. When God is your portion, you are never without. His  resources are limitless, His faithfulness unshakable, and His reward eternal. He  is the CEO of the universe.

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: Psalm 119:89–106

Meditation verse:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NKJV).

When God gives you a word of promise, He expects you to do something with  it. His word is not just for comfort—it is a guide, a lamp for your feet. And your  feet are meant for movement.

In a dark room, holding a lamp doesn’t serve you  much if you remain still. You must place it before you and move forward. That’s  how you avoid stumbling, falling, or getting lost. Likewise, when you walk in the  light of God’s word, you are kept from confusion, error, or wasted effort. 

It took me several years to fully grasp this principle. At the end of each year, I  would retreat into fasting and prayer, asking God for a theme or a word to guide  the coming year. And He was always faithful to respond.

One evening, while  reviewing these past themes, I was struck by a sobering realization: I hadn’t truly  acted on many of them. I had expected results without corresponding action – like waiting for a harvest without sowing or tending the seed. 

For instance, one year’s theme was “Purposeful Advancement Towards a Life of  Significance.” But had I created a plan to intentionally grow in key areas of my  life? Had I sought out opportunities to use my gifts and show up where it  mattered?

Purposeful implies intentionality, strategy, and effort—and  significance requires visibility and value. In another year, the theme was “Grow  unto Perfection.” But did I dedicate more time to studying God’s Word? Did I  reflect on what childish patterns I needed to lay aside? 

Every specific word from God is an invitation into a specific journey of  transformation. But unless you act on that word, nothing changes. God has  already released His zeal to accomplish what He has spoken. The question is: will  you run with it? 

Don’t just receive the word—respond to it. Let it shape your decisions, your daily  habits, and your direction. His Word will light the way, but only as you take the  steps.

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