Tag: devotional

Read: Exodus 14:1-31

Meditation verse:

“And the Lord said to Moses, “why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel  to go forward” (Exodus 14:15).

Prayer is powerful. It is our lifeline to God, our source of strength, clarity, and  guidance. But there are times when prayer must give way to action. In Exodus  14, the Israelites stood trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s advancing  army. In their panic, they cried out to the Lord. But God’s response was startling: 

“Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” It was not a  moment for more supplication—it was time to move. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “to everything there is a season, a time for every  purpose under heaven.” There is a time to pray, and there is a time to act. Some  breakthroughs only come when we step out in faith—when we move forward  even if the waters haven’t parted yet.

Many of us have fasted, prayed, and  waited for doors to open, yet we hesitate when it’s time to knock. Is it possible  that God has already given you clarity, and now He’s waiting for you to take the  first step? Fear, uncertainty, or waiting for “perfect conditions” can keep us  stuck in spiritual paralysis. But faith often requires movement. 

“God will not steer your heart in a direction unless He has already made  provision for you.” As a younger Christian, I used to pray for miracles while doing  nothing, hoping God would work supernaturally around my inaction.

But I’ve  learned that prayer prepares the ground, while action plants the seed. In prayer,  we receive instruction, boldness, and vision. But it is obedience that activates  the answers. If you’ve been praying about a particular area and see no change,  ask yourself: Have I acted on what God already revealed? Have I taken the step  of faith He’s waiting on? 

This is still a new season, and God’s word to you is clear: “Go forward.” Lay aside  fear and passivity. Choose to obey the leading of the Spirit and take bold steps  in the direction of God’s leading. Stop delaying what God has already affirmed.  Go forward, trusting that He has gone ahead of 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: Mathew 25: 14-30 Ecclesiastes 11:1–6

Meditation verse:

“He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not  reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

In the parable of the talents, Jesus tells the story of three servants entrusted  with different amounts of money. The servant who received five talents  immediately put them to work and gained five more. Another with two talents  did likewise and doubled his portion.

But the one who received only one talent  chose to play it safe. Out of fear, he buried his talent in the ground. The master  did not commend him for being cautious—he rebuked him for being wicked and  lazy. Playing it safe, in this case, wasn’t prudence—it was disobedience. 

Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of loss. These are the winds that keep  many people from stepping into purpose. But the greater risk is not trying at all.  It’s going through life with untapped potential, buried gifts, and unfulfilled  assignments.

Ecclesiastes 11 paints a clear picture of risk and faith: “Cast your  bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days… He who observes  the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap… In the  morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand…” 

(Ecclesiastes 11:1–6). If you wait for perfect conditions, you may never begin.  Life itself is uncertain. Growth demands faith, movement, and action—even  when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. 

Are you standing at the edge of a decision, weighing the risk? Is God nudging  you to launch that project, apply for that opportunity, or step into that new  season? Then lift your eyes to Jesus—He is reaching out, ready to steady your  steps. Let His presence quiet your fear and strengthen your faith. It’s time to  jump.

Today, reject fear and choose faith. Declare that you are bold, courageous,  and obedient to God’s leading. Take the leap, trusting that His hand will uphold  you. Move forward—into purpose, growth, and destiny. Now jump!

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 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12

Meditation verse:

“How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9).

From the very beginning of creation, work has been part of God’s divine design. When God  created Adam, He placed him in the Garden of Eden “to tend and keep it” (Genesis 2:15).

The first man was a landscaper and caretaker. After the flood, Noah became a farmer and planted  a vineyard. Abraham was a prosperous rancher and herdsman. His son Isaac followed in his  footsteps, becoming a successful farmer and shepherd. David, Israel’s greatest king, began as  a shepherd boy.

The Apostle Paul worked as a tentmaker so he wouldn’t be a financial burden  to the churches. And even our Lord Jesus Christ worked as a carpenter alongside His earthly  father, Joseph. 

Work is not a punishment—it is part of our purpose. It is honourable, dignifying, and pleasing  to God. Scripture is clear on this. “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (2  Thessalonians 3:10). “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” (Ecclesiastes  9:10).

“In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you  do not know which will prosper…” (Ecclesiastes 11:6). “Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your  own business, and to work with your own hands… that you may lack nothing.” (1  Thessalonians 4:11–12).

Your work is more than a means to earn a living—it is a platform  through which God provides, shapes your character, and allows you to contribute  meaningfully to society. Beyond meeting your material needs, work offers status, structure,  purpose, and daily engagement. It connects you to others, challenges your potential, and  builds your discipline. 

If you’re currently not engaged in meaningful work or activity, the Bible speaks directly and  candidly: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise… How long will you  slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? … So shall your poverty come on  you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:6–11).

Work is a blessing,  not a burden. Whether it’s a job, a business, a ministry, a craft, or a service—do it with  diligence, passion, and purpose. Your effort, when aligned with God’s principles, becomes a  channel for provision, growth, and fulfilment. 

Today, thank God for the gift of work. Embrace your assignment with diligence and gratitude.  Reject idleness and procrastination. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,  knowing that you serve the Lord through your labour.

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 8:18-39

Meditation verse:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be  compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” – Romans 8:18 (NKJV).

Some time ago, I went through a season of deep internal struggle. I battled  anxiety, uncertainty, regret, and fear—emotions that persisted even after  heartfelt prayers. One morning, as I sat down to study my Bible, I came across a  note in Bishop T.D. Jakes’ “Woman, Thou Art Loosed” Bible that stopped me in  my tracks.

It read: “If you are going to bring forth anything in your career,  marriage, or life—if you are going to develop anything in your character, if you  are going to be fruitful—it will come through the things you suffer. You will enter  strength through sorrow.”

Those words shifted something inside me. I realized I  had been viewing my pain as pointless, instead of seeing it as purposeful. That  inner turmoil wasn’t punishment—it was preparation. The struggle wasn’t a sign  that God had abandoned me, but that He was birthing something new within  me. There was something precious being formed, and just like in childbirth, the  pain was part of the push. 

Comfort rarely produces greatness—only mediocrity thrives in ease. If  everything around me had been calm and predictable, I would have had no  reason to press deeper or reach higher. But in that moment of struggle, a seed  of greatness was being watered.

The pressure was necessary for purpose. Think  about it: gold must go through fire to be purified. Pearls are formed through  irritation inside oysters. Butterflies emerge only after the caterpillar wrestles  within the cocoon. And pregnancy—a sacred, creative journey—comes with  discomfort, stretching, and labour pains before the joy of birth. 

So, when you pray for God to enlarge your territory, why do you assume it will  come easily or instantly? Spiritual enlargement, like natural growth, comes  through process. Gold doesn’t shine overnight. Babies aren’t born in a day.

Full term pregnancy takes nine months. And every stage has its own stretching,  discomfort, and waiting. But here’s the hope: God is working behind the scenes.  He sees the end from the beginning. He knows what you need, how long it will  take, and what you will become.

The pain has a purpose. The struggle is not in  vain. And the glory that will be revealed in you is far greater than anything you’re  enduring now. It’s all part of the process. And it’s working for your good.

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: JUDGES 18:7-31

Meditation verse:

“.. and they struck them with the edge of the sword and burnt the city with fire.  There was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no ties with  anyone (Judges 18:27b-28a).

The people of Laish lived in isolation. They had no alliances, no rulers to provide  guidance, and no one to call on in times of trouble. Their quiet, self-contained  existence made them vulnerable. So, when the tribe of Dan came seeking a land  to conquer, Laish became an easy target.

The city was attacked and set ablaze – and tragically, there was no one to help them. This tragic end is a sober  reminder: isolation makes you vulnerable. God did not design us to live life  alone. From the very beginning, He declared, “It is not good for man to be alone”  (Genesis 2:18). We were created for community, fellowship, & mutual support. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, 12 reinforces this truth: “Two are better than one, because  they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his  companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help  him up… Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Yes, relationships can be messy. Yes,  building ties with others comes with risks—misunderstandings,  disappointments, even betrayal. But the benefits far outweigh the costs. God  often uses people as channels of His help, healing, and provision. 

Make a conscious decision: don’t walk alone. Build healthy, godly, mutually  beneficial relationships—in your workplace, church, neighbourhood, and  community. Be intentional about adding value to those around you. When you  build others up, you build a net that can catch you when you fall. Don’t live like  Laish—isolated, unprotected, and unprepared. Cultivate connections that  strengthen your faith, sharpen your character, and support your purpose. 

Who are the people in your life you can build stronger ties with? Are you part of  a community that can pray with you, stand by you, and speak into your life? Who  can you support today? Say this: “today, I declare that I will not walk alone. I  open my heart to the community God has placed around me. I choose to build  godly, life-giving relationships that strengthen, encourage, and support my  journey. I will not isolate myself, but will walk in wisdom, fellowship, and love.

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: Mathew 6:5-8

Meditation verse:

“Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have  need of before you ask Him” – Mathew 6:8 (NKJV).

God knows your needs—before you utter a word in prayer, He already knows  what is lacking, what is hidden, what is pressing, and even what is yet to come.  More than that, He knows the needs you haven’t yet recognized yourself. Romans 8:26–27 reminds us that, “…the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For  we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself  makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Even when  your words fail or your thoughts are unclear, God’s Spirit is already interceding  for you according to His perfect will. 

This divine knowing isn’t limited to material or financial needs. It extends to  every dimension of your being—emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, and  relational. He knows when your body is weary, and you need rest. He knows  when your heart longs for peace, clarity, or wisdom. He knows the people you  need in your life to fulfil your purpose. He knows the environment where you  will flourish and the timing that is best for you. He knows when you need  healing, comfort, strength, or silence. He knows the relationships that will  nurture your growth, and the companions suited for your journey. He knows  what to do about the very thing that’s troubling you right now. And He knows  not just your needs for today, but those of tomorrow and the years ahead. 

But God doesn’t just know your needs—He meets them. 

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1 

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ  Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your  soul prospers.” – 3 John 2 

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having  all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” – 2  Corinthians 9:8 

Above all, God has already provided for your greatest need—the salvation of  your soul. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that 

whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did  not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through  Him might be saved.” – John 3:16–17 

Why not turn to Him today and let Him meet that need first? He knows. He cares.  He provides.

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 28:1-6

Meditation verse:

“So, when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “no  doubt this man is a murderer, whom though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not  allow to live” -Acts 28:4 (NKJV).

A story is told of a grandfather who went on a journey with his young grandson. As they  traveled, the grandfather placed the boy on their donkey and walked beside them. Soon, a  passerby scoffed, “How disrespectful! That poor old man is walking while the young boy rides  comfortably!” So, the grandfather switched places and mounted the donkey while the boy  walked beside him.

Not long after, another observer criticized, “How cruel! The little boy is  walking while the old man rides?” The grandfather then lifted the boy onto the donkey with  him. Before long, yet another passerby lamented, “Poor donkey! How unfair to burden it with  both a man and a child!” By the time they reached their destination, the grandfather and his  grandson were carrying the donkey on their heads. 

In Acts 28, Paul and his companions had just survived a harrowing shipwreck. Upon arriving  at the island of Malta, the locals welcomed them and lit a fire to provide warmth. As Paul  gathered sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper fastened itself to his hand. Instantly, the  islanders judged him: “He must be a murderer! Though he escaped the sea, justice won’t let  him live.” But when Paul suffered no harm, they quickly changed their minds and declared  him a god. 

Whose voice are you listening to today? Are you unduly led by people’s opinions? One  moment the Jews cried “Hosanna” to Jesus Christ, and they next, they shouted “crucify Him”.  Human judgment is fickle. One moment you’re condemned, the next, exalted. John 2:24–25  tells us that Jesus did not entrust Himself to people, because “He knew all about human  nature…for He knew what was in each person’s heart” (NLT). Jeremiah 17:9 underscores this:  “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?” 

We are all susceptible to biases—snap judgments, stereotypes, generalizations, and the halo  effect. Opinions are often shaped not by truth, but by fleeting emotions or limited  perceptions. So why build your life on what others think? People’s opinions are unstable. The  only sure foundation is the unchanging word of God. Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear  My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” The Word of God is His voice to you. Let it  guide your decisions and define your worth. As Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp  to my feet and a light to my path.” 

Yes, seek counsel—“In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). But weigh  every counsel and opinion against the truth of God’s Word. If not, you may find yourself, like  the grandfather going through life carrying the donkey—overburdened by the weight of  everyone else’s expectations.

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: Ephesians 5:22-33

Meditation verse:

“Nevertheless, let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself,  and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).

God places great importance on the covenant of marriage, and particularly on  how husbands treat their wives. Scripture doesn’t leave this to guesswork—it  gives clear instructions and solemn warnings. 

In 1 Corinthians 7:3, husbands are commanded to give their wives the affection  due to them. 

In Proverbs 5:15–20, they are warned to remain faithful and find delight in their  wives alone. 

In Hebrews 13:4, marriage is held in honour, and the marriage bed is to be kept  pure. 

In Malachi 2:15–16, God goes as far as to say He hates divorce and warns  husbands not to deal treacherously with the wives of their youth. God commands husbands to love, honour, and nurture their wives as their own  bodies. Just as no one mistreats his own body, a husband is to care for his wife  with gentleness and devotion. 

But here’s a sobering truth: The woman your wife is today, is in many ways, a  reflection of what you’ve sown into her life. If you see bitterness, insecurity, or  withdrawal, ask yourself: What kind of seeds have I sown—words of life or  words of criticism? Love or neglect? Fidelity or deceit? Leadership or passivity? 

If your wife is constantly complaining or nagging, could it be that she feels  unheard or dismissed? If she seems emotionally distant or unattractive to you,  have you sown intimacy, attention, and praise—or have you allowed familiarity,  silence, or harshness to dominate your communication? If she seems to resist  or rebel against you, check your leadership style; authoritative or Christlike 

God is not mocked—whatever a man sows, that he will also reap (Galatians 6:7).  You cannot sow neglect and expect passion. You cannot sow silence and expect  intimacy. You cannot sow criticism and expect confidence. A wise husband  understands that his wife is like a garden—whatever you plant in her, water  consistently, and nurture with patience will grow. The fruits of a joyful, radiant,  and respectful wife often reflect a husband’s intentional love and servant 

leadership. What are you currently sowing into your wife—encouragement or  criticism, presence or absence? What words or actions have shaped her current  emotional or spiritual state? What intentional changes can you make today to  begin sowing life-giving seeds in your marriage?

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 15:13–19

Meditation Verse:

“She said, ‘Give me another gift. You have already given me land in the Negev;  now please give me springs of water, too.’ So, Caleb gave her the upper and  lower springs.” – Joshua 15:19 (NLT).

Caleb had given his daughter, Aksah, a piece of land in the Negev—a desert  region marked by dryness and scarcity. The land was technically a gift, but it was  lacking in the most essential resource for fruitfulness: water. Aksah could have  settled for what she was given, but instead, she chose boldness. She went to her  father and asked for more: “Give me also springs of water.” And Caleb, without  hesitation, granted her request—both the upper and the lower springs. 

Her story teaches us a profound spiritual truth: It’s okay to ask God to complete  your blessing. Many times, we accept partial victories and call them final. We  receive a glimpse of what God can do, but we hesitate to ask Him to do more— to bring the blessing to completion. But our Father in heaven is not limited by  what we’ve already received. He is generous, abundant, and able to perfect  every good thing He has started in our lives (Philippians 1:6). 

Maybe you’ve received a gift, but the conditions for fruitfulness are still missing.  Like Aksah, don’t be afraid to return to the Giver and say, “Thank You, Lord—for  what I have received. But I need You to complete it.” 

You Can Ask God to: 

• Bless you with children to complete the joy of marriage. 
• Grant visibility and favour to activate your gifts and talents. • Provide resources to support your calling. 
• Bring healing after years of struggle. 
• Open doors for promotion, progress, or partnership in your career,  ministry, or business. 

God honours bold prayers, not because He is reluctant to give, but because He  delights in your trust and faith. Your request is not a complaint—it’s an act of  faith. What area of your life feels like a “Negev”—dry, arid or incomplete? Have  you settled for less than what God is able to do in your life? Why not ask boldly  for more 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: Matthew 26:36–46

Meditation Verse:

“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if  it is possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as You  will.” (Matthew 26:39).

Gethsemane is a sacred place. It is the place where Jesus wrestled with the  weight of what was ahead—the suffering, the betrayal, the cross. It is where His  humanity cried out, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” and yet, it is  also where His divinity surrendered completely: “Nevertheless, not as I will, but  as You will”. Gethsemane is a place of struggle, submission, and ultimately, total  surrender. 

It is not a physical location alone—it is a season of life. A place where your faith  is tested, your will is pressed, and your comfort is challenged. It is where your fears wrestles as it struggles to surrender to God’s will. It is where tears fall in  private, and battles are fought in alone. 

Are you in your Gethsemane? 

Perhaps you’re struggling with a decision that demands full obedience. Maybe  you are carrying a burden that feels too heavy. Maybe God is asking you to let  go of something dear, to walk away from the familiar, or to trust Him without  full understanding. If so, don’t quit. Don’t rush out of this sacred space. For in  Gethsemane, something miraculous happens—your will is exchanged for God’s  will. Your obedience becomes a gateway to divine purpose. Jesus’ surrender in  Gethsemane didn’t end the pain—it began the path to resurrection. It didn’t  stop the cross—it unlocked salvation. Likewise, your obedience may not remove  the difficulty, but it will usher in glory beyond what you can imagine. 

As you struggle in your own private Gethsemane, remember that the struggle is  not a sin. It Is okay to struggle with God’s assignment. Even Jesus wrestled in  prayer. Your questions and emotions are part of the process. Submission is a  choice you must make. It does not always feel good, but it always yields fruit. 

Surrender unlocks the supernatural. In surrendering your will, your obedience  unveils the eternal. When you yield to God fully, Heaven moves on your behalf. Gethsemane is hardly an easy option. It is the place where you will face your  greatest struggles and deepest uncertainty. But like Jesus, choose to lay down  your will and surrender to God’s will. Ask Him to give you the strength to trust  Him fully, to surrender completely, and to walk in obedience no matter the cost.  “…but whoever loses his lief for My sake will find it” (Mathew 16:25).

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