TheNewsGuru

Tag: devotional

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Be grateful for and engage each day

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Be grateful for and engage each day

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Job 38:12-15

    Meditation verse:

    “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

    Every day is a gift from God. It is a privilege to wake up to another day. The psalmist says “I lay down and slept, I awoke, for the Lord sustained me (Psalm 3:5). It’s a 3-step process. First you lie down, then you sleep, after which you wake up. Not everyone enjoys the privilege of all three steps. We hear of instances where people go to bed at night, sleep but do not wake up to see the next day; they die in their sleep. Others lie down but are unable to enjoy a good night sleep. Still yet, there are those who do not even get to lie down. They are harassed by the terrors of the night. 

    If God sustained you through the night and enabled you to see a day, it is a privilege because it means your assignment on earth is not yet over. Each day comes with its own purpose and work, else it would not exist. Psalm 104:19-23 says:

    He (God) appointed the moon for seasons; the sun knows its going down. You make darkness, and it is night, in which all the beasts of the forest creep about. The young lions roar after their prey and seek their food from God. When the sun rises, they gather together and lie down in their dens. Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening”. 

    Therefore, esteem each day as a gift from God, be grateful to Him and ask Him to direct your path. Then engage the day fully in a manner that will enable you profit maximally from it. “In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6). As you live out each day of your life in this new month, let God see by your deeds that you are grateful to be alive and be a part of the day; do good to others and put in your best, working diligently at whatever your hand finds to do. Remember that there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you will end up someday. (Ecclesiastes 9:10).  Happy New Month!

     

    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.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: A good way to die

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: A good way to die

    By Oke Chinye

    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).

    Here is how the bible describes the life, times, and death of King David. He died in a good old age, full of days. This meant he lived life to the fullest and had many experiences. He died full of riches; He was very wealthy not just in terms of possessions, he was also in his spirit. He died full of honour: meaning he was a person full of integrity and wisdom. He was well respected. Lastly, he died leaving a great legacy behind, in the person of a son who would sit on his throne and reign in his place. What a great way to die.

    Living and dying this way does not happen by chance. It takes intentional and purposeful living to achieve this type of testimony when all is said and done. David was very intentional in his devotion and service to God as well as the people he led. He danced before God with all his might until line ephod was uncovered (2 Samuel 6:14-22). He refused to offer to God that which cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:10-24). He shepherded God’s people with integrity of heart and with skilfulness of his hands (Psalm 78:72). He was always quick to own up to his sins (Psalm 51:10). Little wander God referred to him as a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

    Whilst you have the right to choose how to live your life, you do not have the right to choose the consequences of your actions. As you make plans based on the goals you want to accomplish, or the vision you have for your life, do you ever pause to consider the footprints you are leaving behind?

     

    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.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Live your dream

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Live your dream

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: GENESIS 37:1-11

    Meditation verse:

    “Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “look, I have dreamed another dream…” (Genesis 37: 9).

    Before you can live out your dream, you must become aware of it. You must first catch a revelation of what it will look like. How do you become aware of it? One way is by God revealing it to you. God revealed Joseph’s great future to him in a dream. Joseph dreamt that his brothers and parents bowed down to him. God can show you your dream by speaking to your spirit. Suddenly you become aware of who you are meant to be or what you are meant to be accomplish.

    You can also become aware of your dream by envisioning it. To envision is to build up an image of a desired future. It is imagining or visualizing a future possibility. Envisioning is a spiritual as well as a psychological concept. The power behind it is: ‘we become what we see because we are teaching the brain to move towards what it has seen’. The brain captures a picture of what the eyes have seen and wills the body to move towards it. Abraham envisioned his greatness before it happened. God said to him 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 will give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you” (Gen 13:14-17).

    Next, you must make happen what you have become aware of. You must create what you have envisioned. Come up with a plan of action and set goals and timelines for what you want to accomplish. Be sure to take steps each day that move you towards your dream. if you don’t take steps to accomplish it, it remains ‘just a good plan’. People do not wander around mount Everest and get to the top. Every worthwhile venture in life began with a dream and then a step of faith. Are you living your dream?

     

    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.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Have a vision for your life

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Have a vision for your life

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: HABAKKUK 2:1-4

    Meditation verse:

    “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18, KJV).

    You must have a vision for your life. A visionless life is a blind and aimless one. If you put a blindfold on your eyes and attempt to walk from one end of your room to the other, you will find yourself groping in the dark, stumbling and knocking down objects in the process. You will also proceed at a much slower pace, using your hands to navigate the space in front of you. And the chances are you will end up in the wrong place. Just as your eyes give sight, your vision brings light to your life. It is your compass for life. It gives direction, meaning and purpose to your life. If you write down your vision, it will become your plans. If you follow through with your plans, you will achieve your dreams. 

    Your vision is central to your life and can also serve as a foundation for your personal transformation and growth. This is because it determines the direction, intensity, and duration of your actions. How else will you measure your satisfaction and accomplishments in life if you did not have a plan or goal to judge by? Your vision also clarifies what roles are important so that your time is not wasted on irrelevant and insignificant activities. Having a vision and writing it down is the first step of your journey towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life. When your actions are based on your life’s vision, chances are you would stick with them and go on to succeed. 

    You need to be intentional about identifying and writing down your vision. Habakkuk stood his watch and set himself on a rampart to receive a clear vision from God and then God instructed him to write it down so he could run with it. 

    Put own your vision in a vision board. A vision board is a visual representation of your vision. It contains images and texts that represent what you are trying to accomplish. Position your vision board in a strategic place where you can see and affirm it daily. When you visualize and affirm your vision daily, your internal energy and creativity will flow in that direction and eventually, your dreams will be actualized.

     

    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.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Their accusations will work out for your good

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Their accusations will work out for your good

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: JOHN 9: 1-41

    Meditation verse:

    “And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi who sinned, this man or His parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2).

    Jesus’ disciples began questioning Him as they passed by a certain blind man. They wanted to know why the born was born blind. Was he the one who sinned or was it his parents? They had concluded that the man was in that condition because of the sin he or his parents committed. In responding, Jesus explained that neither the man nor his parents had sinned, but he was in that condition so that the awesome power of God could be made manifest through him. Jesus then proceeded to restore his sight. Perhaps, He would not have stopped to heal the man, had the disciples not began debating his condition?

    Similarly, Jobs friends accused and judged him when calamity befell him. They said to him “is not your wickedness great, and your iniquity without end?” (Job 22:5). But God turned the tides around. He asked them to go to Job and offer for themselves a burnt offering so that he could pray for them. The same friends who had accused him were now knelling before him. “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed, the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42: 10). Joseph’s brothers accused him of wanting to usurp their seniority. They called him a dreamer and sold him to slavery. Again, we see God turning the tides around. Joseph ended up in Potiphar house and then in prison and eventually as prime minister of Egypt. And the same brothers who had despised him, came, and knelt before him. “Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, ‘behold, we are your servants” (Genesis 50:16). 

    God can turn the tides in your favour when you are wrongly accused. He is the righteous judge who will always justify you. When others deride, accuse, or put you down, He can take all of that and turn it around for your good. If you are currently being ridiculed or have been unfairly treated, allow God to fight for you. And soon you will say like Joseph: “but as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20).

     

    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.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: What is your “if only”?

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: What is your “if only”?

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Mark 5:25-34

    Meditation verse:

    “For she said, “if only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well” (Mark 5:28).

    This woman had been sick for 12 years with the issue of blood. She had spent all her savings on doctors, all to no avail. She was sick, impoverished, weak and perhaps dying. Her finances had dried up and now her blood was drying up. What else was there to live for, one may ask? But this infirm woman refused to give up. She had a flicker of hope deep within her: “if only I can touch just the hem of His garment”. This became her focus; to press through whatever obstacles ahead and lay hold of Jesus’s garments.

    In the Jewish custom, the rabbinical laws treated a woman who was menstruating like an outcast. She was forbidden to touch anyone or be touched. Yet, in her broken, weak, and lonely state, the woman with the issue of blood broke protocols, pushed past the barriers of religion and custom, and touched the garment of the Master. And instantly, she received her miracle.

    Amid that challenge that you are currently passing through, do you have an “if only” solution that is backed by an unshakeable faith? If you do, then your story is not over. Your “if only” can strengthen you to persevere and equip you with the courage you need to push through whatever obstacle is standing in the way. It is not what others say that defines your destiny, it is what you say. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). Why not push through and apply your “if only…”?

     

    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.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Faith is the missing link

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Faith is the missing link

    By Oke Chinye

    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).

    The eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews is dedicated to the subject of faith.  Reading through the whole chapter, faith is clearly the missing link needed to live a victorious life in any area of human endeavour as a child of God. Abraham  became the father of nations by faith. Sarah’s dead womb conceived and bore  a child by faith. Moses was preserved at birth from the King’s deadly command  by faith. The children of left Egypt for the promised land, crossing the red sea by  faith. The walls of Jericho came crashing down by faith. Samson defeated the  philistines by faith. David defeated Goliath by faith. 

    Through faith, Kingdoms were subdued, promises were obtained, acts of  righteousness were wrought and mouths of lions were stopped. The weak  became strong, turning to flight armies of the wicked. The dead were raised back  to life again and people endured all kinds of hardship through faith.  

    God does not change. His word is forever settled, and His principle are sure.  Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever”. If you  are currently experiencing defeat in any area of life, faith may be the missing  link. “For without faith, it is impossible to please God, 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

    or call +2348155525555

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

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Count your blessings; do not take them for granted

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Count your blessings; do not take them for granted

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Psalm 127:3-5

    Meditation verse:

    “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a  reward” (Psalm 127:3).

    I watched a movie about a couple who couldn’t have children of their own. They  decided to adopt and ended up with three children given up for adoption by  their mum who was an addict and couldn’t look after them. Living with their  adopted children turned out to be difficult at the early stages. The eldest child  was bitter, and she took her bitterness on her adopted parents. She became  difficult to control and would not listen to their instructions; reminding them at  the slightest opportunity that they were not her parents. All three children  refused to call the couple ‘dad’ and ‘mum’. The couple refused to be deterred;  they continued to pour their love on their adopted children; treating them as  they would their own. Whilst out at a park one day, the little girl said, “thank  you dad” to her adopted father; he was completely taken aback. And when all  three children eventually turned around, it was obvious it meant the world to  the man and his wife. 

    As I reflected on this movie, I recalled I had been on a phone conversation with  one of my girls just before I saw the movie and she had ended our conversation  with “bye mum, I love you”. I also recalled the many times I had heard words  like “thank you, mum”, “bye mum”, “good morning mum” and “I love you mum” 

    from my children. Was I overwhelmed with joy like the couple in the movie? Did  I see it as a big deal? If truth be told, the correct answer is no. I had heard those  words so many times, I had begun to take them for granted. I did not have to  beg God for a child or wait for several years to get one. He had blessed me with  four without my asking. I was grateful to Him but over the years, have I not 

    began to take these blessings for granted? 

    I learnt a valuable lesson that day as I pondered on the story line of that movie.  I learnt never to take anything or anyone in my life for granted. Every role that I  occupy is a privilege and a blessing. I am blessed to be the wife of a good man. I  am blessed to be the mother of four adorable children. I am blessed to be a 

    daughter, sister, friend, and child of God. And I am not taking any of these for  granted. You shouldn’t either.

     

    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.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Wisdom for living a more fulfilling life (2)

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Wisdom for living a more fulfilling life (2)

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Proverbs 1:1-7

    Meditation verse:

    “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom  and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).

    • It is okay to fail sometimes. When this happens, learn your lessons and move on (Proverbs 24:16). 
    • Learn to appreciate others more, even for little gestures (Philippians 4:18-19). 
    • Listen to your heart when making decisions, but use your head also (Proverbs 16:19) 
    • Listen twice as much as you speak. If you can’t improve on the silence,  don’t speak (James 1:19). 
    • 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). 
    • Never give in to pressures, simply because the majority is asking (Proverbs  1:10). 
    • Never take any relationship for granted. You do not know who God has  positioned in your life to help you succeed. (Proverbs 17:17, Luke 6:31). 
    • Project yourself, as you would like to be perceived and addressed (Esther  2, Daniel 6:3) 
    • Reach out to others and be friendly, no one is an island (Ecclesiastes 4:9- 12).
    • Strive to maintain a balance in your life. Take responsibility for every  aspect of your life (Ecclesiastes 3:1-9). 
    • Success has many friends, but failure is a loner. Work hard to succeed.  (Proverbs 14:20, 19:4). 
    • There is joy in being content with what you have (1Timothy 6:6). 
    • You can’t always have what you want. Be willing to let go every now and then (Philippians 4:12). 
    • 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

    or call +2348155525555

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

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Wisdom for living a more fulfilling life (1)

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Wisdom for living a more fulfilling life (1)

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Proverbs 1:1-7

    Meditation verse:

    “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will  attain wise counsel” (Proverbs 2:5).

    • Be true to yourself always. Believe in who you are and act confidently  (Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13). 
    • Be competitive but avoid comparing yourself with others or judging  yourself by their standards (2 Corinthians 10:12). 
    • Being overly sensitive or touchy puts you in a vulnerable position  (Ecclesiastes 7:21-22). Do not take everything personal. 
    • Change what you don’t like about yourself, but accept what you can’t  change (Psalm 139:14, Romans 9:20) 
    • Commit your plans to God, do your best and you will succeed (Proverbs  16:3). 
    • 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). 
    • Do not take yourself too seriously all the time. Ease up and learn to laugh  at yourself sometimes. (Proverbs 17:22). 
    • Do not bottle-up issues. Politely let others know if you find their actions  offensive (Mathew 18:15). 
    • Don’t sweat the small the small stuff. Be willing to let go of little things  and forgive easily (Colossians 3:13, James 1:19). 
    • Do what you are passionate about or love what you do, and you won’t  have to work too hard (Proverbs 22:29, Ecclesiastes 3:13).
    • Each day is a gift from God. Be grateful to Him, engage the day fully and  expect the best (Psalm 118:24). 
    • Endeavour to give to others, especially the less privileged (Proverbs  28:27). 
    • Have a mentor and be a mentor (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22, 24:6). 
    • Have a short/medium/long term financial plan. Save for a rainy day (Proverbs 6:6-8, 13:16) 
    • Humility will attract God’s favor, so be humble. (Proverbs 3:34, 22:4).

     

    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.