TheNewsGuru

Tag: devotional

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Keep believing

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Keep believing

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Luke 24:1-7

    Meditation verse:

    “Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to  them, “why do you seek the living among the dead? (Luke 24:5).

    Whilst on earth, Jesus told His disciples about the death He would suffer and  how He would rise after three days. He told them several times to prepare their  minds. Yet, on resurrection morning, certain women amongst those who had  followed Him closely, went to look for His body in the grave. They did not  remember the words that Jesus had spoken to them until two men stood by  them in shinning garments and said “why do you seek the living among the  dead? He is not here but is risen. Remember how He spoke to you when He was  still in Galilee…” (Luke 24:5-6). Then they remembered His words.

    Why did they forget what Jesus told them about His death and resurrection? Or  was it that they simply did not believe Him? Whilst we may marvel at their  unbelief, are we not also guilty of ignorantly seeking the living among the dead  in our everyday experience as Christians? Do we not forget all of God’s promises  to us in His word? Promises such as: “I will never leave you nor forsake you”  (Hebrews 13:5), “fear not, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes I will help  you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)? Yes, we  forget, and we fret, get depressed or run helter-skelter when we face challenges.

    Whatever has been your experiences or circumstances, do not let it cause you  to doubt the life transforming power of God’s word. Do not stay in the place of  doubt. Do not let delayed promises cause you to give up on God or bow down  to the gods of this world by seeking for solutions in places where you would  need to compromise your faith, that would amount to seeking for the living  among the dead. Hold God to His word like your life depends on it because it  does. You are not a foreigner to the covenant of God’s promises, you are a  partaker. You are not devoid of hope, Christ in you, is the hope of glory. God  has given you everything pertaining to life and godliness, according to His divine  power (2 Peter 1:3). You are destined to live a life of victory, not of defeat. Keep  believing.

     

    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: Set your affection on the things above

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Set your affection on the things above

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Colossians 3:1-4

    Meditation verse:

    “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

    Do you ever think about Heaven and how wonderful it would be to live there?  In John 14:2, Jesus Christ said “in my Father’s house are many mansions, if it  were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you”. We get a  sneak peek into what this place will look like in the book of Revelations.

    A great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,  having the glory of God. The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the  city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city  were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was  jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the  fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl,  the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the  twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual  gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like  transparent glass (Revelations 21:10,18-21).

    If someone comes to you today and says, “I have a mansion in France with six  large bedrooms, overlooking the beautiful French Mountains and I have decided  to give you the keys as your birthday present, next month”. What would your  reaction be? Would you be able to contain your excitement? I bet you would  tell everyone you know about it. You would keep counting the days as you  eagerly look forward to when you would hold the keys in your hands.

    Someday, when your time on earth is done, you would take ownership of a  mansion much more exquisite than a French mountain home. How excited are  you about this? Who have you told? What are you doing in anticipation of  owning a mansion in Heaven? Do you even think about this? We are all pilgrims  on earth; our time here is limited whilst our time in Heaven is for eternity. If this  is the case, why do we not live-in anticipation of this great occurrence? Why are  we so focused on earthly things? The bible clearly states “If then you were raised  with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the  right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our  life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).

     

    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.

  • [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: Stand out

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Stand out

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Daniel 1:1-18

    Meditation verse:

    “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will  not stand before unknown men” (Proverbs 22:29).

    Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon had besieged Jerusalem and taken captive  some of the children of Israel. What was the criteria of selection: ‘young men in  whom there was no blemish, but good looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing  knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s  palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the  Chaldeans” (Daniel 1:4).

    Among those selected were Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These  young men were gifted in knowledge, skills, and wisdom. In addition, Daniel had  understanding in all visions and dreams. They were not just gifted in skills; they  were exceptional in character and in their commitment to God. Daniel purposed  in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s delicacies and wine.  He insisted that they be given vegetables and water instead. At the end of their  probation period, these four young men were found to be ten times better than  all the magicians and astrologers in that area.

    How are you standing out in your place of work, community, church, or  wherever you have been given an assignment? Is your skill, character,  commitment, excellence, or diligence causing you to stand or are you lost  somewhere amongst the multitude? The path to greatness is a lonely journey.  What are you doing differently from others that will single you out for favor and  promotion?

     

    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: When you get restless, you will break the yoke

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: When you get restless, you will break the yoke

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Genesis 27:1-40

    Meditation verse:

    “By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; and it shall come  to pass, when you become restless, that you shall break the yoke from your  neck” (Genesis 27:40).

    Jacob had pretended to be his brother Esau, and their father, Isaac gave Esau’s  blessings to him. As Esau pleaded with his father to bless him with whatever was  left, his father said to him, “behold your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the  earth, and of the dew of heaven from above. By your sword you shall live, and  you shall serve your brother; and it shall come to pass, when you become  restless, that you shall break the yoke from your neck”.

    There are certain conditions or situations that we have tolerated in our lives,  and these have become yokes unto us. We allow them to remain even though  we do not like them. A yoke is a wooden piece fastened over the necks of two  animals and attached to a cart for them to pull. Naturally these animals would  exert much effort and their pace would be slow. Scripturally, a yoke represents  bondage, servitude, or a burden. Anything that diminishes your chances of  succeeding in life is a yoke. Anything that slows your pace or causes you to be  weighed down has become a yoke in your life. A yoke could be a bad habit, a  persisting challenge, sin, servitude under a wicked boss, an abusive marriage,  excess weight causing health issues, negative mindset, or any other thing that is  taking away value from your life. Today’s scripture is saying, ‘you are only  tolerating it because you are not fed up with that situation. When you can’t take  it anymore, you will break loose and run free.

    Standing in front of a mirror several years ago, weighing over 100kg, I knew I  was fed up with the yoke of excess weight that was reducing my quality of life  by affecting my self-esteem. After years of struggling with low self-esteem and  fear, I knew it was time to break free. It is time for you to break free too. Do not  settle for less than what you know you deserve in life because of the burden of  a yoke. We only live once on earth, and we are not gifted with the knowledge of  how long we will be here. Make the most of your today; become restless and  remove that yoke from your neck. Determine what you need to do to move  forward, and then get going.

     

    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: It may be a set up

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: It may be a set up

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Daniel 2:1-49

    Meditation verse:

    “The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, “my decision is firm; if you do  not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in  pieces and your houses shall be made an ash heap” (Daniel 2:5).

    King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream that left him troubled. Then he  sent for all the magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers; demanding that they tell  him the dream he had and then interpret it. What an impossible task; how could  anyone get into the king’s head to know what his dream? Of course, they told  the king that he had asked for a difficult thing, as there was no human being that  could do what he had requested. The king answered and said to the Chaldeans,  “my decision is firm; if you do not make known the dream to me, and its  interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces and your houses shall be made an ash  heap” (Daniel 2:5). Proverbs 21:1 says, “the king’s heart is in the hand of the  Lord, like the rivers of water, he turns it wherever He wishes”. To the human  mind, king Nebuchadnezzar’s request and punishment were cruel but God had  taken hold of his heart to set Daniel up for a promotion.

    God had blessed Daniel with an understanding in all visions and dreams and He  revealed the secret of the king’s dream to him in a night vision. Daniel revealed  and interpreted the dream to the king. “Then the king fell on his face, prostrate  before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense  to him… and he promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts, and he made  him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all  the wise men of Babylon” (Daniel 2:46-48).

    God specializes in working behind the scenes of our lives. Ecclesiastes 11:5 says,  “as you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the  womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of god who makes  everything”. That situation you are going may seem very difficult right now, but  it might just be a set by God to get you to where He wants to be, which is a  higher realm. Instead of giving in to despair, ask Him to reveal any secret behind  the situation and give you understanding to accurately interpret the times you  are in. that way, you will not miss your season of visitation.

     

    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: How deep are your roots?

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: How deep are your roots?

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: MARK 4:1-9

    Meditation verse:

    “But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots,  it died” (Mark 4:6, NLT).

    The oak is a very tall tree between 40 and 80 feet and is said to surpass 300  years. A very interesting feature of the oak tree is the root system. It pushes  downwards as deep as the height of the tree and branching out wide. It can  withstand very strong storms like tornados. Even when stripped of the leaves,  they survive because of the strength of their root systems. An oak has breadth,  depth, and width. The Sower in today’s reading went out to sow and the seeds  which fell on shallow soil sprouted quickly but alas, when the sun arose, the  plant wilted because the underlying rocks had prevented the roots from growing  deep down.

    Three fundamental questions to ponder today are “how deep is my root?” “Can  it withstand the storms of life?” “What rock is preventing it from reaching deep  down”? Your root is your relationship with God. If it is shallow and superficial,  you will be like a wave of the sea, easily swayed by the cares of life. You will be  easily defeated by adversity. The rock hindering your roots maybe your current  challenges or problems, adversity, sin, wrong relationships, self-sufficiency, or  your lack of faith. Realize however that in all of these, you are more than a  conqueror, through Christ who loved you.

    For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor  principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor  height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us  from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Romans -8:38-39.

    So, take away the rock hindering your root from reaching down. If there is  unconfessed sin in your life, ask God for forgiveness. Give attention to prayers  and study of the word. The more time you spend in God’s presence, the deeper  your roots will be.

     

    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: Be intentional about your choices

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Be intentional about your choices

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-18

    Meditation verse:

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

    For everything you do in life, there is a way of doing it that will come naturally  to you and a way that will be alien and unnatural. Here is an exercise to illustrate  this fact. Take out a sheet of paper and write out your full names with a pen.  Now, switch hands and repeat the same assignment. Was your experience  similar for the two hands or was it different? When using the hand that you  normally would use, I bet you found it easy to write out your name, you were  quick to do so, and the words were clear and legible. With the other hand, you  would have found it difficult and uncomfortable, you would also be much  slower, and the words would be untidy or illegible.

    This exercise is an illustration of how you are wired, which is your personality  type. According to the psychologist, Carl Jung, we are all wired differently across  four dimensions, namely, where you get your energy from, how you live your  life in the outer world, the type of information you trust and how you process  this information to make decisions. Within the four dimensions, you are either  introverted or extroverted, structured, or flexible in approach, a logical or a  sentimental person, and you either prefer hard facts or the big picture.

    Based on this, you will be comfortable in certain careers, environments, and  relationships. Others will cause you enormous stress. The job you choose, your  work environment, the spouse you marry and the friends you keep can either  make you experience life in a natural, comfortable, and easy way or in an  uncomfortable and difficult way. Indeed, in everything you do or encounter in  life, your experience may either be a pleasant or unpleasant one.

    Be intentional about your choices in life. Choose environments that enable your  growth and flexibility, rather than stifle them. Choose friends that inspire you to  greatness. Be amongst people who make you feel comfortable. Choose careers  that come naturally to you. But most importantly, choose a spouse that will  enhance your ability to live the abundant life, that God intended for you,  because your spouse is your partner throughout the journey of your life.

     

    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: You are a part of God’s reformation agenda [2]

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: You are a part of God’s reformation agenda [2]

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Joshua 13-16

    Meditation verse:

    “In blessing I will bless you, in multiplying, I will multiply your descendants as  the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore, and your  descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies” (Genesis 22:17).

    In today’s reading, we see how the conquered territories were divided amongst  the tribes of Israel. Each tribe had its own inheritance allotted to it. I had  wondered at some point whilst reading that portion of the bible, why it was so  important to dedicate several chapters of the book of Joshua to documenting  how the lands were allotted to the different tribes of Israel. Then, I came to an  understanding that God was a God of Inheritance. He was very interested in  each tribe acquiring and taking possession of what He had given to them. He is  still a God of inheritance because He does not change. In these times however,  He has not allotted territories of land to us. Our inheritance is the sphere of  influence which He has assigned to us to operate in and impact society.

    Several characteristics define and delineate your area of influence: I. Ownership, authority, and identity. With ownership and authority comes  influence and impact. Within the boundaries of your sphere of influence, you  are an authority, a force to reckon with. It is where you have been called to  subdue and dominate. Which area of human endeavor do you wield the most  authority and influence? Where do you exert maximum influence?

    II. Your allotted sphere delineates responsibilities and privileges such as  recognition, power, and honor. You are mostly celebrated there because it is  where you are making the most impact. Which area of endeavor are you often  called upon to serve in

    III. Your sphere of influence provides an avenue for you to multiply your  resources and be blessed. It is a fulfilment of God’s promises in your life. It is an  avenue for God to release His blessings on you. Where in your life do you see  much growth and fruitfulness?

    IV. Your sphere of influence is your Rehoboth which is a place of ‘reduced  conflict’ (Genesis 26.22). Since it is your inheritance, God will fight for you,  against any contender. Certain people are frustrated by lack of progress because they are operating in other people’s territories. They are trying to claim an  inheritance that God has not allotted to them. Where do you exert the least  effort, yet reap the most gain?

    V. Lastly, your sphere of influence is your ‘point of reference’. It is the place  where you will become known for something. In Numbers, chapter 22, Balak the  king wanted Balaam to curse the people of Israel because he was afraid of their  prosperity. He sent messengers to Balaam saying “for I know that he whom you  bless is blessed. On which soil are you leaving the most footprints? Where are your leaving a legacy? Identify your sphere of influence and contribute to God’s  reformation agenda.

     

    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: You are a part of God’s reformation agenda [1]

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: You are a part of God’s reformation agenda [1]

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Mathew 16:18-19

    Meditation verse:

    “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church,  and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it (Mathew 16:18).

    Your life on this earth is not just about you, it is also about others. You should  not live to fulfill your needs alone; your life must impact the lives of other  people. You were saved to serve. Part of God’s reformation agenda in these last  days is to equip His church to take over every sphere of society. He said, “…I will  build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. The gates of hell are not justspiritual domains inhabited by Satan. The gates of hell represent  bad governments, decaying institutions, satanic policies and agendas that are  anti-Christ or contrary to God’s plan. God is deliberate in raising His church to  take its place in society.

    God is raising up His people as authorities in every field of human endeavor;  thought leaders, intellectuals, consultants, reformers, educators, and  politicians. The church is permeating the secular to make it sacred. It is God’s  plan to tackle the pervasiveness of the times. You are a part of God’s reformation  agenda. There is a sphere of influence in this world that you are meant to  operate in and there are people within the sphere whose lives you are destined  to impact. Your sphere of influence has been allotted to you by God to fulfill your  assignment.

    Many people are operating outside their sphere of influence. Some are  extending to the sphere of others. Yet, many are clueless and not operating  within any sphere. In 2 Corinthians 10: 13-16 (NIV), the Apostle Paul said: “we  however will not boast beyond proper limits but will confine our boasting to the  field God has assigned to us. A field that reaches even to you … For we do not  want to boast about work already done in another man’s territory”. You must  know the sphere or field of authority that God has assigned to you because your  God ordained assignment is located within it.

     

    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.