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Tag: devotional

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Bring me the parchments

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Bring me the parchments

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 2 Timothy 4:9-16

    Meditation verse:

    “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books,  especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13).

    Locked up in a cold and damp prison, faced with execution, Paul the Apostle  asked for three items; his coat to help him stay warm, some books and especially  the parchments. A parchment is a flat thin material made from the prepared  skin of an animal and used as a writing surface in ancient times. Bible scholar,  William Barclay suggests that the parchments Paul was referring to were  Hebrew scriptures, because the Hebrews had written their sacred scriptures in  parchments made from animal skins. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All Scripture is given  by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,  for instruction in righteousness”. Paul had lived his life for the cause of the  gospel. Now in the darkest moment, he knew the word would profit him and  that was what he wanted the most.

    When life deals its deadly blows and you feel too discouraged to pray, what do  you hold on to? What do you count as important in your darkest moments? Over  the years, I formed the habit of journaling every day. In my journals, I write down  my favorite scriptures, God’s promises over my life as well as the messages I  hear in my spirit during my personal devotions. In my dark moments, I take hold  of my journals and as I go through its pages, I am reminded of God’s love, grace

    and ever abiding presence, which brings comfort and encouragement to my  soul. The psalmist cried out to God in his dark moment “O my God, my soul is  cast down within me; therefore, I will remember You from the land of the  Jordan…” (Psalm 42:6). Icons of God’s faithfulness in the past are helpful  resources in times of trouble. My journals are my parchments; there are usually  the first items I put in my travel suitcase.

    Your parchments could be your bible, your personal devotion notebooks, a diary  of God’s promises over you based on His word or even your sermon notes from  church. Whatever it is, be certain to hold on tightly to it. That way wherever you  go and whatever comes your way in this new month, even if you get stripped of  everything else, you can quickly say like Paul “bring me the parchments”.

     

    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: The excellent spirit in you

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: The excellent spirit in you

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Ephesians 1:13-14 

    Meditation verse:

    “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound  mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).  

    At salvation, you were adopted into God’s family, and He put His Spirit in you.  Ephesians 1;13-14 says “in Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of  truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were  sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance  until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. The  Holy Spirit is God’s seal upon your life that you belong to Him, and His Spirit follows you wherever you go.  

    The Holy Spirit is our helper and comforter. The Greek word for comforter is  ‘Parakletos’ which means the One who comes alongside you to comfort,  encourage and advise you. The implication of this is that you are never left to  your own devices whenever you are in a tight spot. You do not have to stumble  through life without answers. John 14:26 says “but the Helper, the Holy Spirit,  whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to  your remembrance all things that I said to you”. 

    The Holy Spirit can teach you business strategies, principles for a great marriage,  weight loss ideas, how to make the right career choice and wisdom for relating  with others. He can teach you all you need to survive in life. You however have  a responsibility to nurture His presence in you and be sensitive to His leading.“

     

    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: Great leadership lessons from King David [2]

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Great leadership lessons from King David [2]

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 1 Chronicles 11 & 13

    Meditation verse:

    “Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron saying, “indeed we are your bone and your flesh” (1 Chronicles 11:1). 

    David was a very competent leader. Psalm 78:72 says that he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. From shepherd boy to poet, giant killer, and then king, he was skilled and excellent at what he did. Excellence does not occur by happenstance, it takes practice, diligence, and commitment. Ecclesiastes 10:10 says” if the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success”.

    He had a great reputation. The people came willingly to him and volunteered to serve. Even those who were previously in Saul’s camp as well as some of his kinsmen defected to David’s camp. And he received every one of them. Proverbs 22:1 says, “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold”. What do the people you lead think of you?

    David was a lover and worshipper of God. One time, he danced before the Lord with all his might; wearing a linen ephod and leaping and whirling, so much so that his wife Michal, accused him of uncovering in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows (2 Samuel 6:14-20).

    He was a generous King who gave willingly to those he led and to God. When offered a free land upon which to offer sacrifices to God, he insisted on buying it from the owner saying, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). He bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. The bible says the liberal soul shall be made fat (Proverbs 11:25)

    David was quick to own up to his mistakes and ask God for mercy. Great leaders are human, they can fail sometimes. Their greatness lies in owning up to their errors and asking forgiveness from whoever they have offended. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Want to be a great leader? Eschew pride and embrace humility.

     

    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: Great leadership lessons from King David [1]

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Great leadership lessons from King David [1]

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 1 Chronicles 11 & 13

    Meditation verse:

    “So, he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands” (Psalm 78:72).

    David, the man whom God referred to as “a man after my own heart”, was Israel’s greatest king. He lived with such great zeal and is listed in the hall of faith in Hebrews 11. What was the secret of David’s successes and why was he such a great leader?

    He waited for God’s perfect timing before ascending the throne. Despite being anointed as king, he did not usurp his predecessor, King Saul in any way. Promotion comes from God, allow Him to place you in a leadership role. When He does, nobody can bring you down.

    One of the first things David did on becoming king, was to arrange for the ark of God to be brought back to the city. The ark was a symbol of God’s presence, and he knew that he needed God to succeed as king. Psalm 127:1 says, except the Lord builds the house, the builder builds in vain. All your life’s work must have God as the foundation, for your efforts to endure.

    David understood that leadership was for service and not for personal gain. He knew that God had established him as king over Israel because of His people. Great leaders are more concerned about what they can give.

    David had a great army. He surrounded himself with great warriors who were skilled, determined, and physically fit (1 Chronicles 12:1-40). Strong leaders are not intimidated by competent followers, only weak leaders are. Learn to surround yourself with a team of competent, skilled, and focused people from the Christian business coach.

    David had a consultative leadership style. He conferred with his officers and commanders and carried everyone along. He said to the whole assembly, “If it seems good to you, let us…” (1 Chronicles 13:1-3). Do not be an “I will” leader, carry your team along. Great leaders listen to their people and encourage them to contribute to decision-making.

     

    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: Protect your self confidence

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Protect your self confidence

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9

    Meditation verse:

    “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

    It is almost impossible to live a satisfying or fulfilling life by default, so much gets thrown at us daily. You need to intentionally protect your self-confidence if you desire to live a happier and more fulfilling life. Begin by observing and auditing your focus: Ask yourself regularly: “what am I focusing on and how is this affecting how I feel? Then change your focus if you need to. By default, the human brain prefers to focus on what could go wrong. So, it would rather focus on what you have lost, why it happened and whose fault it was rather than on what you can gain and how you can do better next time. Your goal should be to spend more time on the things that build your confidence and less time on the things that erode it.

    Eliminate outside forces or influence: What is that thing in the outside world that rubs you of your self-confidence when you see it? Social media handles of certain people? other people’s views or advice? Or their presence? Take a diet of whatever it is. Focus on your strengths: Figure out what you are good at and become amazing at it. Don’t keep working on your weaknesses as this will slow down your progress or even stop you. Pay others to do what you are not good at. 

    Lastly, take charge of your life; get out of the goal post and play. Action breeds confidence, inaction breeds fear. Choose to be a thermostat which controls things rather than a thermometer that fluctuates based on the happenings around it. Control your own outcomes.

     

    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: The 3 Ps of purposeful living

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: The 3 Ps of purposeful living

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8

    Meditation verse:

    “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

    Not everyone who begins a race gets to the finished line. Some runners lose their balance and fall by the way, some get distracted, others become too weary to continue. Those who finish strong are the ones who never take their gaze off the finish line. Similarly in the race of life, some people get distracted by the cares of this present world, others become weary from fighting the battles of life, still yet many do not even get started. Paul the apostle kept his eyes on the finish line and ended well. In discharging his apostolic mandate, he completed three long missionary journeys, planted at least 14 churches, wrote 13 of the New Testament books and endured some of the toughest conditions, persecutions, and trials. The life that will finish strong must be purpose driven and there are 3 essentials of purposeful living.

    PURPOSE: Your Purpose is what you were made for. It is your God-ordained assignment. You are on earth to solve a particular problem, add value to the lives of those around you and impact your world. Your purpose is the vehicle you will use to accomplish this. God has put inside you, everything you need to accomplish your purpose. The greatest love you can give to yourself is to discover the reason you were created and accomplish it. 

    PROGRAM /PLAN: You should have a program(s) or plan of action for actualizing your purpose. Paul’s programs for fulfilling his apostolic mandate were missionary journeys, church planting, letters as well as follow-up visits.

    PEOPLE: In Mark 4:32, Jesus likened God’s kingdom to a small mustard seed that was sown in the ground, and which became a great herb with large branches such that the birds of the air nested under its shade. Your purpose is not for you. There are people whose destinies are tied to your purpose. These are the people you are called to serve; they are meant to nest under the shade of your purpose. 

    Do you want to end well? Identify your purpose, create a plan of action, then find and engage your people.

     

    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: Do you have a survival or mindful mindset? [2]

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Do you have a survival or mindful mindset? [2]

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Romans 12:1-2

    Meditation verse:

    “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5.).

    People with a survival mindset are always trying to win the argument and look good. They are oblivious of their weaknesses and often respond negatively to criticism. They constantly argue, try to defend themselves even when it is obvious, they are at fault and often feel picked on. With a mindful mindset, you are open to criticism. You accept your faults, take responsibility for your actions, and apologise when you need to. You assertively address conflicts and difficult situations. You do not shy away from conflicts or take them personally. You can separate the issues from the person because your approach is “I’m Ok and you are Ok. So, let’s get to the root of this”.

    With a survival mindset, you blame others for your setbacks and avoid responsibility or accountability. But with a mindful mindset, you are open to criticism. You accept your faults, take responsibility for your actions, and apologise when you need to. People with the survival mindset are focused on getting results regardless of others. Because they are not mindful of others, they engage in unhealthy rivalry, and tend to compare or compete. Their focus is winning at all costs. Their mantra is I win, you lose. With the mindful mindset however, you deliver results whilst valuing others and relationships. You are engaging and collaborative. You prefer win-win situations.

    People with survival mindsets always create a survival climate everywhere they go, and they end up with short term successes. Whereas people with mindful mindset create mindful climates around them and end up with long term successes.

    Why not carry out a mindset examination check as you progress into the 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: Do you have a survival or mindful mindset? [1]

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Do you have a survival or mindful mindset? [1]

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Romans 12:1-2

    Meditation verse:

    “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

    A person’s mindset is simply the established set of attitudes held by someone and attitude is his or her settled way of thinking or feeling about something. It is the belief you hold about something. Your attitude is often shaped by your upbringing, experiences, environment, culture as well as your relationships (the people you hang out with). You can either have a survival or mindful mindset.

    When you hold a survival mindset, you tend to be very judgemental of yourself and others. You notice every little thing. You are very sensitive. When corrected, you tend to feel threatened and defensive. But when you hold a mindful attitude, you are accepting of self and others. You excuse people easily. You even make excuses for them. Because you are mindful of yourself and of others. You are non-defensive and open to correction.

    With a survival mindset, you are unaware of yourself.  You are unaware of your strengths. You therefore tend to compare yourself with others or try to be like them. You focus more on what you don’t have. The glass is always half empty for you rather than half full. You also are unaware of others, how they feel around you and the emotions you evoke in others. Emotions are contagious. We can affect the emotions of those around us. People with a mindful mindset will notice how others feel when they are around them. They are good at making others feel welcome and everyone wants to be around them.

    With a survival mindset, you are mostly rigid and reactive. You find it difficult to accept and choose not to listen to other people’s options. But with a Mindful mindset, you will manage your feelings and behaviours better. You are focused on others. You value and know the importance of others in your life. It doesn’t mean you overlook your needs, but you are grateful for what you have and always want to share. You are open to and explore different opinions. You are an active listener.  So, which mindset are you currently operating with in every area of human endeavour?

     

    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: Scatter your seeds on the ground

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Scatter your seeds on the ground

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: MARK 4:26-32

    Meditation verse:

    “But when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade” (Mark 4:32).

    God’s principles cannot be broken. His word contains several principles that can be applied for successful daily living. The principle of sowing and reaping is one of such. You cannot expect a harvest if you did not sow any seed.

    In today’s reading, Jesus likened the kingdom of God to a man who scatters his seeds on the ground. To ‘scatter’ means to throw in various random directions. The seeds must have been quite a lot for him to have scattered them. After scattering, this man goes to sleep and as he rises by day, he sees that the seeds have sprouted and grown.  But he has no idea how this happened. And as the shoots branch out, the birds of the air come under its shade to nest.

    Whatever you do for God or in the name of the Lord will eventually grow and prosper. Your efforts at sharing the good news, witnessing, giving, helping, or encouraging others might seem weak and you may seem to influence very few people, but God’s power is available to back you up and His word is a powerful change and growth agent. As you faithfully discharge your duties, do not get discouraged by the slow pace or little impact. Keep your eyes on the goal and keep scattering your seeds, your great harvest of joy is coming.

    Ecclesiastes 11:5-6 states: “As you do not know what the way of the wind is, 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. 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”.

    It is the beginning of a new month, scatter your seeds on the ground. Your efforts will yield bountiful dividends. As long as the earth remains, seed time and harvest time shall not cease.

     

    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: Prepare for the new thing

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Prepare for the new thing

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: ISAIAH 43: 18-21

    Meditation verse:

    “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

    To receive the new, you must get rid of the old. Before God announced to the nation of Israel that He would do a new thing, He first instructed them to forget the former things and not consider them at all.  You cannot open a new chapter of your life if you keep reliving the previous one.

    Do you desire a new experience in an area of your life in this new month? How are you preparing for it? It is often said that success occurs when opportunity meets preparedness.

    “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins” (Mark 2: 21-22).

    To enter a new realm, you must first adopt a new mindset. Identify and get rid of the former mindset that limited you. Some people are limited by fear, others by self-doubt, or the need to be approved by others. You may not receive the new experience if you are still weighed down by a self-limiting attitude or mindset. You must believe that you are worthy of a fresh start and that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).

    Get ready for the new experience that you desire. Isaiah 54:2 says: “Enlarge the place of your tent and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. Enhance your capacity in the relevant areas. Sharpen your skills, develop your character, and get rid of destructive habits.

    Earnestly anticipate and expect it. What you do not expect, you may not receive as you will not notice when it is occurring. Lastly, position yourself for it. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mathew 5: 14-16).

     

    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.