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Tag: devotional

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Be careful lest you are taken unawares

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Be careful lest you are taken unawares

    By Oke Chinye  

    Read: Mathew 24:36-44

    Meditation verse: 

    “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Mathew 24:42). 

    Have you noticed how busy we have all become? We are busy with our phones,  and other devices, on social media, in different programs, in pursuit of wealth  and with everything else except spending quality time in God’s presence. Everyone is mostly online. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says, “but know this, that in the last  days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of  money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,  unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers  of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of  God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people  turn away!”.

    Part of the enemy’s strategy in these last days, is to keep us busy and distracted.  The last thing that leaves our hands before we sleep at night is our phone and  as soon as we wake up, we reach out for it. If we are to do an audit of how much  time we spend on our devices, I bet we would be horrified. Mathew 24:36-40  describes the coming of our Lord Jesus thus “but of that day and hour no one  knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of  Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days  before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in  marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the  flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man  be”.

    Are you spending enough time in worship, prayer, and bible study? These are  the ways you get spiritually nourished. Inadequate nourishment will stunt your  spiritual growth. More importantly, let’s not get so caught up in the addiction of  this digital age, that the coming of our Lord takes us unawares. “See then that  you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because  the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of  the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns 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 means that 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 his linen 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 wonder 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 live your life each day based on the goals you have set for yourself or the vision you have for your life do you ever pause to consider the impact your life has on others or what footprints you are leaving behind?

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns 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: Never too old to begin

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Never too old to begin

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Psalm 92:12-15

    Meditation verse:

    “They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing” (Psalm  92:14).

    Anna May Robertson Moses was an American housekeeper born 1860.  Popularly known as Grandma Moses, she began painting in earnest at the age of  78. Her paintings became very famous. They have been exhibited, marketed in greeting cards, and sold all over the world. And she was awarded two honorary doctoral degrees for her works. Colonel Harland David Sanders founder of  Kentucky Fried Chicken popularly known as KFC did not achieve his remarkable rise to success until his 60s. Up until that time he was relatively unknown. He is quoted as saying “I made a resolve then that I was going to amount to something if I could. And no hours nor amount of labor nor amount of money would deter me from giving the best that there was in me”. He became an icon when he sold his company at the age of 75. And he was given the title, Colonel by the state of Kentucky.

    What do these examples tell us? That it is never too late to start leaving your footprints on the sand of time and scriptures support this fact. Job 8:7 says, “though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would increase abundantly”. Haggai 2:9 says, “the glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts”. Psalm 92:14 says, “they shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing”.

    Who says it is too late for you to live a life of significance? Who says that your best years are behind you? Who says that you are too old? Not God. If His word did not say it, then do not accept it. But if His word says it, you had better believe it. Believe in yourself too. Discover your gifts, identify a need and be the solution.  Go out there and try it out. Be seen and heard. Life is about breaking our personal limits and outgrowing ourselves to live our best lives for the good of others. “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 Dcns 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 man 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 kneeling 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 Dcns 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: He is our greatest therapist

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: He is our greatest therapist

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Isaiah 43:1-7

    Meditation verse: 

    “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers,  they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be  burned, nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:2). 

    ‘Exposure Technique’ is a counselling intervention therapy used for patients  suffering from a morbid fear of certain things. The assumption behind this  intervention is that when the person is purposefully exposed to the frightening  situation, with the therapist by his or her side, they will either realize that their  fears are just an illusion or with the support of the therapist develop coping skills  that allows them to tolerate the situation. Continuous exposure in the absence  of any direct effect will cause the fear to gradually fade away. By contrast,  continuous avoidance of the frightening situation will serve to maintain the fear.

    I am minded thinking that Psychologists founded this counselling technique  based on the Isaiah 43:2 which says “When you pass through the waters, I will  be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk  through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you”. I used to have a morbid fear for flying in an aircraft. I avoided tasks or activities that  required me to travel from one place to another by air. And if I couldn’t avoid  the trip, I barely slept the night before. I would suffer panic attacks and visit the  toilet several times before boarding the aircraft. Though I have not totally  overcome this fear, I have learnt coping skills to help me tolerate the situation.

    How did I achieve this? ‘Exposure Technique’ of course. At take-off, I would close  my eyes and picture Jesus Christ by my side and then I would recite some of His  promises to me. Psalm 91:14-16 is my favourite. “Because he has set his love  upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has  known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him  in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation”.

    What is your greatest fear? Do not let it stop you from living the abundant life  you were created for. Jesus Christ is our greatest therapist. Talk to Him about it  today. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the  strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns 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: Fear hath torment

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Fear hath torment

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Joshua 1:1-9

    Meditation verse: 

    “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;  for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).  

    The story is told of a man who got trapped inside a freezer truck whilst cleaning  it, after he mistakenly shut the doors. His family began searching for him when  he did not return home that Friday night. It wasn’t until Monday that his lifeless  body was discovered inside the truck. However, the cooling system in the truck  was not on, so the man did not freeze to death and there was a window that  was wide open in the truck, so he did not suffocate either. The question therefore on everyone’s lips was how did he die?

    The amygdala is a cluster of almond shaped cells located near the base of the  brain. They are two on each side of the brain. They help define and regulate  emotions. The amygdala which is part of the brain’s limbic system is responsible  for the fight and flight response. This is the emotional part of the brain. The front  lobes are part of the brain’s cerebral cortex which is the rational part of the brain  that regulates reasoning, thinking, decision making and planning. The front  lobes allow you to evaluate your emotions and uses your experience and  judgement to evaluate. When a threat is perceived, the amygdala may jump to  the fight or flight mode but the frontal lobes often override the amygdala so you  can process the situation rationally. However, in the event of extreme emotions of fear, panic or anger, the functions of the frontal lobes are compromised, the  amygdala takes over and disables the frontal lobes. The fight-flight response is  activated, and rational thinking and reasoned responses are disabled. This can  cause sudden, illogical, and even irrational reactions.

    1 John 4:18 states that fear hath torment. Fear can kill a person several times  over before the real danger will kill because fear shuts out your ability to think your way out of the mess. Turns out that the man had expected that being  locked up in a cooling truck would kill him, so he died out of sheer panic, even  though he was not in any real danger. Little wonder ‘fear not’ is the most  repeated command in the bible. It occurs 365 times; one for each day of the  year.

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns 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 Word of God [2]

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: The Word of God [2]

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    Meditation verse: 

    “That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).

    What does the word of God do for you?

    The word of God saves your soul. James 1:21 says “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls”. Psalm 19:7 says “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul”.

    It builds up your faith. Romans 10:17 says, “so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”.

    It makes you wiser than your peers. Psalm 119:99-100 says “have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I  understand more than the ancients because I keep Your precepts”. Psalm 19:7 says, “the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple”.

    It reveals who you are. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”.

    It builds you up and guarantees your inheritance amongst the saints. Acts 20:32  says, “so now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace,  which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified”.

    It guarantees your victory thereby making you an overcomer. 1 John 2:14 says,  “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one”.

    Lastly, you can find answers for every issue you encounter in life. 2 Timothy 3:16- 17 says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,  for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns 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 Word of God [1]

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: The Word of God [1]

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: John 1:1-5

    Meditation verse:

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

    Here are some important facts to note about the word of God:

    The word is God. (John 1:1). God and His word are inseparable. It is not possible to have a relationship with one without the other.

    The word is Jesus Christ. John 1:14 says “the word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”.

    It is the mind of God. 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”

    It is an effective spiritual weapon. Hebrews 4:12 says “for the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” Ephesians 6:17 in listing the weapons of our warfare mentions the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.

    It is a light and a guide for you. Psalm 119:130 says the entrance of thy word gives light. Psalm 119:105 says “they word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

    It is both spiritual and physical nourishment. 1 Peter 2:2 says “As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word. Mathew 4:4 says that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Psalm 119:103 says “how sweet are thy words, sweeter than honey. Haven’t you wondered why you do not get hungry when you are fasting and meditating on God’s word?

    God’s word is a healing balm. Psalm 107:20 says “He sent forth His word and healed them”

    It is a remedy for success. Joshua 1:8 says “this book of law shall not depart from your mouth…, for then you will make your way prosperous and have good success.

    It is a mirror. Hebrews 4:12 says it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”.

    It keeps you clean from the stain of sin. John 15:3 says “now you are clean through the word. Psalm 119:9 says “how shall a young man cleanse his ways, by taking heed to the word of God.

    It is a compass to guide your path. Psalm 119:19 says “I am a stranger in this earth, do not hide your commandments from me.

    It creates and brings to birth. Hebrews 11:3 says “the worlds were framed by the word of God. Psalm 33:6 says, “by the word of the Lord, were the heavens made”.

    Lastly, the word of God is your life. Deuteronomy 32: 47 says “for it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land…”

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns 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 different dimensions of God’s mercy

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: The different dimensions of God’s mercy

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Psalms 145:8-9

    Meditation verse:

    “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy” (Psalms 145:8).

    God is merciful and compassionate. Psalms 89:14 says, “righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Mercy and truth go before Your face”. What this implies is that it is in God’s nature to be merciful. He cannot but be this way. God’s mercy is a resource, you can depend on for every situation in your life. There are different dimensions of His mercy which are expressed in different ways.

    His mercy can bring favour and promotion upon your life. Psalms 102:13 says, “You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favour her, yes the set time has come”.

    By His mercy, you receive blessings you do not qualify for. “So, then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy (Romans 9:16).

    By His mercy, you are preserved each day of your life. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

    By His mercy, you receive what you do not even know you need. “And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So, He began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:34).

    By His mercy, all your sins are pardoned. Because of his mercy, you do not get the punishment you deserve. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities” (Psalms 103:8-10).

    By His mercy, you are comforted. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

    God’s mercy triumphs over judgement (James 2:13). It can deliver answers to difficult and long-term issues. His mercy can make up for your weaknesses. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

    Why not boldly approach His throne of grace and obtain the mercy you need for the difficult times we are in.

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns 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: God has borne, He will bear

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: God has borne, He will bear

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Isaiah 49: 14-16

    Meditation verse:

    “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to grey hairs, I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4).

    Have you ever felt like God has forsaken you? Here is His promise to you this day. “Can a woman forget her nursing child and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me” (Isaiah 49:14-16). All the promises of God in Christ are yes and amen in Him, to the glory of God through us (2 Cor 1:20). If you are in Christ, God’s pronouncements concerning your life, are as good as done.

    The famous spiritual poem “Footprints in the Sand” written by Mary Fishback portrays an individual who dreamed of having a conversation with God whilst walking along the beach: “Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. “Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.” He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you. Never, ever, during your trials and testing, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” (Mary Fishback).

    In your most vulnerable moments, God is with you. When you feel like giving up, He is there by your side. Even when you do not feel like it, He is with you. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns 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.