Tag: In His Presence

Read: ECCLESIASTES 11:1-6 

Meditation verse: 

“For we dare not class ourselves with those who commend themselves. But  they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among  themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).  

• Do not compare yourself with others or judge yourself by their standards  (2 Corinthians 10:12). Comparison is a joy killer.
• Each day is a gift from God. Be grateful to Him and expect the best (Psalm  118:24).
• In all your undertakings, start from where you are and make use of what  you have, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Do not despise the  day of small beginnings. (Zechariah 4:10). The end of a thing is better than  its beginning.
• Commit your plans to God, do your best and you will succeed (Proverbs  16:3).
• Do not judge your circumstances based on what you can see. You never  know what God is up to. (Ecclesiastes 11:5).
• Humility will attract God’s favour, so be humble. (Proverbs 3:34, 22:4). ⮚ Hard work and diligence will take you far. Make integrity and consistency  your watchword. Let your word be your bond ((Proverbs 22:29, Mathew  5:37).
• Have a short/medium/long term financial plan. Save for the rainy day (Proverbs 6:6-8).
• Have a mentor and be a mentor. In the multitude of counsel, there is  safety (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22).
• You may fail sometimes. When this happens, learn your lesson, and move  on (Proverbs 24:16).
• Strive to maintain a balance in your life. Take responsibility for it  (Ecclesiastes 3:1-9).
• Listen twice as much as you speak. If you can’t improve on the silence,  don’t speak (James 1:19).
• Don’t bottle-up issues. Politely let others know if you find their actions  offensive (Mathew 18:15).
• Be willing to let go of little things and forgive easily. Remember you have  been forgiven by the Lord (Colossians 3:13).
• Do to others as you would like them to do to you (Luke 6:31).
• Be generous. Give to others, especially to the less privileged (Proverbs  28:27). The Lord blesses those who remember the poor.
• Success has many friends, but failure is a loner (Proverbs 14:20, 19:4).
• Ease up and learn to laugh at yourself sometimes. A merry heart is like  medicine (Proverbs 17:22).
• There is joy in being content with what you have (1Timothy 6:6).
• Why worry when you can pray (Philippians 4:6).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: LUKE 12:15-21 

Meditation verse: 

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its  own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). 

Living in the present, which entails appreciating where you are today, is the  easiest way to experience fulfilment in your life. The psalmist declared; “this is  the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). He  understood perfectly that each day was a gift from God, to be treasured.  Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of some of us. We spend our today  worrying about tomorrow. We keep dreaming of that one big event that will  change our lives. We live in the consciousness of ‘when this or that happens’ and  say to ourselves, “when I get that promotion, or when I get married, things will  be better”.  

What about the blessings of your present status and God’s gracious mercies over  your life today? Whilst there is nothing wrong in setting goals based on a  particular expectation, being overly focused on them to the neglect of the  present, amounts to playing God and invariably, you will lose your peace of  mind. No one is gifted with the knowledge of the length of his days here on  earth. The rich fool lived his life for tomorrow and earned that title from God. 

He set out to build big barns and store up his riches for the future, but God said  to him; “fool, this night your soul will be required of you; then who’s will those  things be which you have provided?”. Do not let God adorn you with the same  title. 

Are you overly focused on your future goals or about tomorrow? Why not begin this new month by thanking God for His goodness and faithfulness over your life.  No matter how bad you think your life is, there is always someone out there who  is worse off than you. So, be grateful and sow seeds of goodness. Be a blessing  to everyone you come across. Stop fretting over what you have no control. Our  lives and destinies are in God’s hands, and He alone determines the direction of  our tomorrow. Thank Him for your today even as you believe Him for your  tomorrow. “Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be  established” (Proverbs 16:3). “Thankfulness creates gratitude which generates  contentment that causes peace” (Todd Stocker). Happy New Month!

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

or call +2348155525555

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

Read: 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5-7  

Meditation verse: 

“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts (Proverbs 4:23,  GNT).

Your thoughts are powerful; they can make or break you. Proverbs 23:7 says  that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. You cannot rise above the level of your  thoughts. Toxic thoughts are harmful thoughts that poison your life. They  activate the body’s fight or flee response- trigger fear, rejection, and low self esteem. They keep your brain out of learning modes of reflection, critical  thinking and problem solving. Here are four toxic thoughts to watch out for. 

Self-defeating Thoughts: “I can never be good at this”. “That will never be me”.  “I have tried everything, I’m just not good enough”. These are thoughts and  feelings of worthlessness that you hold about yourself. They prevent you from  making the effort required to succeed, because you believe that no matter how  hard you try, you will never succeed. Keep faith and keep trying.  

Guilty Thoughts: “I wish I hadn’t done this”. “I regret doing this, now I everyone  hates me”. Do you constantly condemn yourself because of your past mistakes?  Guilty thoughts will keep you rooted in one spot. You cannot move forward if  you have one leg stuck in the past. There is no error too big for God to forgive.  Ask for forgiveness and move ahead.  

Escapist thoughts: “I will not be this way, if you had not done that”. Do you  constantly blame others for your shortcomings? You need to take responsibility  for your actions.  

Comparing Thoughts: “I am not as friendly as she is, so nobody likes me”. Do you  often compare yourself with other people and feel you do not measure up? If  you do, you are being unwise. Accept and celebrate your uniqueness. 

Get rid of toxic thoughts from your heart, using the word of God. “For the  weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down  strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself  against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the  obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

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.

Read: 2 KINGS 6:1-7 

Meditation verse: 

“But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water; and  he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed” (2 Kings 6:5). 

Some years ago, I had this journal in which I wrote inspirational messages, goals  I was working towards as well as specific promises I received from God each time  I spent time in His presence. It was a treasured possession, but then suddenly, I  couldn’t find it. I searched everywhere I could possibly have kept it but did not  find it. Weeks of searching turned into months, and then one morning when I  was not searching, I found it in the least likely place.  

I had been getting a stirring in my spirit to say a prayer which I had written down  on a sheet of paper and placed inside my bible. On this morning, the desire to  say this prayer was so strong, so I opened my bible to retrieve the paper and as  I lifted the flaps, I saw my long-lost journal. My joy and gratitude knew no bound  as I reached out and picked it up. The Holy spirit knew how important my dream  journal was to me. Even though I had given up searching for it, He kept  prompting my heart towards where I would find it. Suddenly, I lost my treasure  and suddenly, I found it in the least likely place. 

In today’s reading, the sons of the prophets were cutting trees, when suddenly,  the iron axe head fell into the water. Using an unconventional approach, Elisha  made the iron float and said to them “Pick it up for yourself. So, he reached out  his hand and took it” (2 Kings 6:7). What have you suddenly lost? What are you  currently searching for? Peace of mind, good health, a job, or the joy and  sweetness in your marriage? God’s word for you today is that you are retrieving  your losses. Suddenly and in the least likely manner, you will find that which you  seek. When you do, reach out take 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.

Read: GALATIANS 5:16-26 

Meditation verse: 

“And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its  kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind.  And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1: 12). 

A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree bears mango, it is referred to as a mango  tree. If it bears oranges, it is an orange tree. Similar trees can also be  distinguished by their fruit. Though a lemon and lime tree may be difficult to  distinguish, as soon as they start to bear fruits, the difference becomes clear. At  salvation, you took on the divine nature of God, you became royalty; a chosen  generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and His own special person (1  peter 2:9). Since you are now a carrier of God’s DNA, you ought to bear fruit  according to His kind. Your attitude, manner of speech, character traits and  behavior patterns should reflect the nature of God.  

Are you bearing fruit according to your kind? Can you be rightly identified by the  fruit you bear. Today’s reading highlights the difference between the works of  the flesh and the fruit of the spirit. “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which  are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred,  contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions,  heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you  beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such  things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21). “But the fruit of  the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s  have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:22-24). 

A life without Christ can be identified by the works of the flesh. Conversely, a life  in Christ ought to be identified by the fruit of the spirit. 2 Corinthians 13:5  admonishes us to examine ourselves as to whether we are in the faith and to  test ourselves. Begin the examination by looking at the fruits of your life. “By  their fruits, you shall know them”.

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.

Read: LUKE 5:1-11 

Meditation verse: 

“But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to  Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).  

Simon was an experienced fishermen who fished all night but caught nothing. Then Jesus got into his boat and showed him where to fish, and he caught so  many fish that the net was breaking. Another time Jesus was in a boat at sea  with His disciples, and a great windstorm arose and threatened to capsize the  boat, they cried out and Jesus calmed the storm. In both cases, the presence of  Jesus in the boat turned the tides around.  

Similarly having Jesus in the boat of your life can make a whole lot of difference.  Your boat is your heart. Have you invited Him into your heart? John 3:16 states  that, “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”. Romans  10:10 states, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the  mouth confession is made unto salvation”. Jesus said “Behold, I stand at the door  and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him  and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelations 3:20). Jesus is knocking at the  door of your heart; all you need to do is believe in your heart that He died for  you, ask Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your heart as Lord and  Saviour over your life. 

However, having Jesus in your life is not a guarantee that you will never  encounter challenges. He was in the disciples’ boat when they encountered a  storm. However, with Jesus in your life, you will not be defeated by the  challenge. The tides will always be turned in your favour, eventually. If you do  not yet have Jesus in your boat, why not say this prayer right now: “Dear Lord, I  am a sinner in need of grace Thank You Jesus for dying to set me free from sin.  Please forgive me for all my sins and come into my heart. I confess You as my  Lord and Saviour. Fill me with Your Spirit and enable me to live for You. In Jesus  name, Amen”.

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.

Read: JOSHUA 1:1-9 

Meditation verse: 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua  1:9).

It is interesting to note the mass exodus to different places of worship on Sundays. They troop in to be in God’s presence, seeking fulfilment and solutions  to their challenges. They believe that for the entire period they are in church,  they need to act and speak in a certain way. Once out of church, they return to  their default self, believing they are out of God’s presence.  

God’s presence is neither limited to a specific place or day of the week. He is  Omnipresent; He is present everywhere at the same time. You do not have to  wait till Sunday to be in His presence. The same fulfilment and answers you seek  on Sundays can be gotten any other day of the week. God is always with you.  His word is filled with promises of His ever-abiding presence. “And the Lord, He  is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor  forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8). “I will not leave  you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). “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). 

Why not commit to enjoying the ever-abiding presence of God. Adopt a lifestyle  of praise, for God inhabits the praises of His people. Build your life on the word  of God; Jesus is the word of God. Be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy  Spirit; do not grieve Him. And as you do, you can be certain that God’s presence  is with you everywhere and every day.

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.

Read: GALATIANS 2:11-16 

Meditation verse: 

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe”  (Proverbs 29:25). 

Fear can have either a positive or negative effect on your life. On the positive  side, it can help you steer clear of danger. Conversely, it can hinder your progress  or cause you to do things that are contrary to who you are and what you stand  for. The key lies in who and what you fear. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning  of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13). 

This type of fear is liberating. It is a deep reverence for a powerful God and a  wholesome dread of displeasing Him. This type of fear causes you to abstain  from sin so that you are always within the boundaries of God’s favour and  protection.  

The fear of man brings a snare. It can prevent you from becoming who God  created you to be. The fear of man can become a “goliath” in your life and  torment you. It can make you afraid to speak up when you know you should or  lead you into wrong relationships. It can also cause you to lie or compromise  your values and in its worst form make you deny your faith in Christ. The disciple, 

Peter was a man with a tendency to display this type of fear. As a result, he  sometimes behaved in ways inconsistent with his faith in Christ. He denied Jesus  Christ before a little maid because he feared those who were in the courtyard  (Luke 22:56-57). Years later, whilst a church leader, he withdrew and separated  himself from eating with the gentiles because he feared those who were of the  circumcision. It took the rebuke of Paul to get him back on track. 

What type of fear rules your life- the fear of God or the fear of man? Jesus said  to His disciples “…do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have  no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear- fear Him  who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell: yes, I say to you, fear Him”  (Luke 12:4-5). Next time you are tempted to act in a certain way because of the  fear of man, ask yourself ‘what is the worst thing that can happen if I do not fear  this person’?

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.

READ: HABAKKUK 2:1-4 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on  tablets, that he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2). 

Vision without action amounts to daydreaming. Motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar  said, “people do not wander around and then find themselves at the top of  mount Everest”. Every worthwhile venture requires a plan of action. If you want  something to happen, you must put a deadline it. Set goals for your vision. Write  short, medium, and long-term goals, and the plans to accomplish them. Your  plans should include the strategies and activities that will be deployed daily.  

No matter how good a plan is, if you fail to execute it, it is useless. So, commit  to your plan. Make sure you are taking steps each day, no matter how little. The  main purpose of your life is to add value to the lives of others and make the  world a better place. You cannot successfully live out your life vision if you are a  self-centered person. With God, it is always about others. In taking the first step  therefore, ask yourself: “how can I serve or add value to the life of somebody  today? Start from where you are, use what you have and do what you can. It will  unfold as you go along. “Go as far as you can see, when you get there, you will  see further” (Zig Ziglar). 

Do not despise the day of small beginnings. Your vision is long term. Focus on  the tiny steps that you need to take daily. Ask yourself: “what is the next thing I  should do that will get me closer to my vison? Then do it. Actively seek out  opportunities that move you towards your vision. Action breeds more  confidence to dare. Inaction breeds fear which eventually paralyzes. Overcome  fear with faith. Be bold and courageous knowing that The One who gave you the  vision is backing you up. You must get to the point where you feel it is wrong not  to pursue your vison. As you go along, rely on your support structures, such as  your family, friends, associates, or networks. Review your results as you execute  and determine if you need to alter your strategy.

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.

READ: HABAKKUK 3:17-19 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on  tablets, that he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2). 

According to P.K. Bernard, “a man without a vision is a man without a future.  And a man without a future will always return to his past”. A vision is a picture of the future. Your vision is a picture of what living out your dream will entail,  and it can be written as a statement. After God told Habakkuk to write down the  vision, Habakkuk did not question God again. With the vision came  understanding. He now had a picture of what the future would look like, and he  was ready to wait for its manifestation, irrespective of how long it may take.  Habakkuk ends with a declaration of faith: “Though the fig tree may not  blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and  the fields yield no food…, yet I will rejoice in the Lord…”. This is the power of  vision. When the times are tough, your vision will enable you to keep going. “But  where there is no vision, people will cast out restraint. (Proverbs 29:18). 

Your vision is not about your current reality. Though the present may not be as  you desire, write down what you want to accomplish in life, make it plain and  post it on a dream wall as a memorial. It will give you hope and build your faith.  Your dream wall could be a journal you carry around, it could also be a piece of  paper that you place in a conspicuous corner. If you write down your vision, it  becomes easier to develop a plan or series of plans to actualize it. If you follow  through with your plans, you will achieve your vision. 

Visit your dream wall daily and verbally affirm your vision. The power of positive  confession is real. The bible says “death and life are in the power of the tongue.  And those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). Never limit your  confession to the level of your current circumstance or ability. “We fix our eyes  not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but  what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV).

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.