Tag: In His Presence

READ: 1 SAMUEL 16:1-23 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“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” (Ecclesiastes 11:5). 

PREPARATION OF CIRCUMSTANCES 

God began preparing the circumstances needed for David to emerge as king  when He rejected King Saul as king over Israel, due to an act of disobedience (1  Sam 16:1). Next, He set David up for his fight with Goliath. Then He began  training him for life in the royal court by setting up work for him there as the  King’s armorbearer. “So, David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved  him greatly and became his armorbearer… And so, it was, whenever the  distressing spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp, and  play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the  distressing spirit would depart from him” (1 Samuel 16:21 & 23). 

Similarly, preparation of your circumstances will be part of God’s plan to get you  to the place of your assignment. God is busy working behind the scenes of your  life. He has information known to Him only. Your circumstances may look bad  now, but be encouraged, because God may just be preparing you for your  assignment. Refuse to allow what you see dictate what you believe. Do not judge  by what your eyes see, but by what you hear in the spirit. Do not label any  occurrence in your life as a coincidence or happenstance. God is for you. He is  already ahead of you rearranging the circumstances to favor you. You must be  sensitive and totally submissive to His leading, else you may get discouraged and  give up even before you begin. 

As Jesus (The word) works in you to change your character, the Holy Spirit is  bringing about His fruit to bear in your life. Develop your competence and track  your circumstances. In the fullness of time, you will emerge!

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: 1 SAMUEL 16:1-23 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a  mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person;  and the Lord is with him” (1 Samuel 16:18). 

PREPARATION OF COMPETENCE 

Your competence will also need to be sharpened. Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, “if the  ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength.  But wisdom brings success”. Every God ordained assignment requires a  particular set of competencies. Practice is the best way to sharpen a  competence. Musical competence requires diligent practice. A warrior needs to  develop fighting skills alongside courage. A preacher needs to immerse himself  in scriptures to preach from it. A gifted speaker needs to practice. Even looking  good requires effort. Often, this will demand your dedication.  

Before David began his reign as king, he had had enough practice and experience  at developing the competencies he needed: He had mastered the act of  shepherding, he had great courage and an ability to speak. When a particular  skill- ‘playing the harp’ was required in the palace, David received an unsolicited  nomination because his skills stood him out. 

Several years ago, even before I became aware of my God ordained assignment  to teach and transform lives, I began to develop a deep hunger study God’s word  and to acquire knowledge. I would sit on the floor of my bedroom and study the  bible for hours. I acquired two master’s degrees in psychology and several  certificates in various disciplines. God uses our qualifications, skills, natural  abilities, and talents. He can take all of these and strategically position you in  the place of your assignment.  

So, whatever you are doing now, work at doing it better. You just might be in a  season of preparation for your assignment. The Almighty is a God of excellence, and He requires you to be excellent at whatever He has entrusted you with.  Success is often said to be the meeting point of preparedness and opportunity.

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: JEREMIAH 1:4-5 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it  will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not  tarry” (Habakkuk 2:3). 

Your God ordained assignment will require seasons of preparation and training.  The greater the dream, the longer and more strenuous the training. The fact that  God has revealed your purpose to you is no guarantee that He will immediately  unleash you to begin to live it out. There may be a gap period between when He  reveals your assignment to you and when He gives you the go ahead. The gap  period is a time of preparation. Biblical characters like David, Joseph, Paul and  even our Lord Jesus Christ did not start their ministries immediately. There was  a gap between David’s call and his first work experience in the court.  

Joseph moved from his dream to the pit, from the pit to Potiphar’s house, from  Potiphar’s house to prison, before he was exalted to the palace. “They bruised  his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to  fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character” (Psalm 105:18-19, NLT). 

Saul had a 3- year gap before he began his ministry as Paul, the Apostle. Between  ages 12 and 30, Jesus immersed himself in scripture, worked with his father,  Joseph on his trade and looked after his mother, before He began His ministry. Similarly, you may undergo a period of preparation where God will work on your  character, competence, and circumstances.  

PREPARATION OF CHARACTER 

God loves you too much to release you without first letting you deal with your  character. Certain character flaws need to be dealt with and weaknesses need  to be strengthened. Character is often shaped by trials and suffering. In every  trial we face in life, God is teaching us something. The things that happen to us  are not meant to defeat us. They are a set up for our stepping up. Our past  prepares us for our future. James 1:2-4 cautions “my brethren, count it all joy  when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces  patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and  complete, lacking nothing”. In preparing your character, He may allow you to  pass through some not so pleasant experiences, so that you can develop the  fruit of the Spirit, build your faith and learn to depend solely on Him.

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: ISAIAH 43:16-21 

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 envision is to build up an image of a desired future. Envisioning is imagining  or visualizing a future possibility. It is receiving a revelation of new possibilities.  Abraham envisioned his greatness before it happened. “And the Lord said to  Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift your eyes now and look from the  place where you are – northward, southward, eastward, and westward, for all  the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will  make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if a man could number  the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk  in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you” (Gen 13:14-17). 

Envisioning is a spiritual as well as a psychological concept. The power behind it  is that we become what we see because the brain is a pattern matching organ.  What it sees it wills the body towards. The brain captures a picture of what you  have seen and creates a hunger for it within you. This hunger becomes the  motivation that drives your actions. When God was leading the children of Israel  to the promised land, He repeatedly told them that the land was beautiful and  good, flowing with milk and honey. He was creating a hunger in them that would  enable them take possession of the land, despite opposition from its previous  inhabitants. It is difficult to keep pursuing what you have no strong desire for,  as you are likely to give up at the slightest challenge. 

Are you currently stuck in a place of pain, shame, or regret? Do you desire a  fresh start in life? Or are you simply tired of remaining in the same place? Why  not begin to envision a new beginning? Here’s God’s promise to you: “Do not  remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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 43:18-19).

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: ROMANS 5:1-5 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out  in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5).

Hope is a feeling of expectation and a desire for a particular thing to happen.  Biblically, it is the confident expectation of what God has promised which is  based on the faithfulness of God. Hope is also a Psychological construct. In  Psychology, hope is defined as the ability to plan pathways to desired goals,  despite obstacles and the agency or motivation to use these pathways. Hope is  viewed because of these two components. Hope in this term is active in nature,  referring to the motivation to use the ability to plan. Hope produces a strength  of itself.  

When Cornell University in America conducted a study on the effects of hope,  Dr Wolff reported that people with hope can endure incredible burdens and  hardships. One group studied comprised 25,000 soldiers imprisoned during  World War II. Subjected to forced labor, bad food and filth, many died. A handful  showed only slight damage. Interviews with the survivors revealed a far above  average ability to hope. When asked how they kept their hope alive, they said  they were drawing pictures of the girls they planned to marry, designing their  future homes, and organizing business management seminars. Hope keeps you  going amid debilitating circumstances.  

Does navigating your current situation look impossible? Are you about to throw  in the towel or give up? Do you feel there will never be a change in your  circumstances? Do not give up. Keep your hope alive. Romans 5:1-5 says, 

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God  through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith  into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that  tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and  character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God  has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

You have this hope as an anchor of the soul, which is both sure and steadfast,  (Hebrews 6:19). So, keep it alive and press on.

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: PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached  to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Have you ever wondered why you react to situations the way you do? Anytime  you encounter a particular situation, a chain of events take place inside us. You  first interpret or give meaning to what occurred and develop an attitude about  it. The attitude then affects your feeling and emotions, which in turns affects the  thoughts that build up inside you. Your thoughts affect the actions you take in  response to the event and the actions you take affect the outcome achieved. If  your interpretation of the event was a negative one, the attitudes you develop  about it will be a negative one and this will trickle all the way down to the  outcomes you get. If on the other hand the interpretation or attitude was  positive, it will trickle down to a positive outcome. It therefore follows that the  greatest determinant of your level of joy and fulfillment in life is primarily  determined by the meaning you give to the happenings in your life. 

The story is told about two ladies who were suddenly laid off from an  organization. The first lady said “how can they do this to me after giving 30 years of my life. What am I going to do? I am done for”. The second lady said, “Oh I  have learnt so much in these 30 years, I look forward to deploying all the  knowledge to starting my own business”. Life will always happen, but your  interpretation of what has happened will determine whether you bounce back  and succeed or whether you remain stuck in a mud. 

You can choose the meaning you give to situations. The way you perceive an  event is not the only way. Nothing means anything except the meaning you give  to it, and the meaning you give to it is not the only meaning. Options are always  available and the more in control you are of your thoughts, the more the options  will be. If you have only one option, take a pause, because your emotions may  have overruled you. When you feel overly stressed by a situation, ask yourself, “how is my current interpretation undermining me? What am I assuming that is  not serving me? How else can I view this? 

Learn to question the assumption behind your interpretations, and change your  perspective about yourself, others, and your environment. The glass may be half  empty, but excuse me, that same glass is also half full.

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: PSALM 37:1-6 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart”  (Psalm 37:4).  

The bible says that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. He may  not show up when you think He should, but He will show up in His own time.  And His time is the right time. He always keeps His promise. Once He has  promised, it is as good as done. 1 Kings 8:56 says “there hath not failed one word  of all His good promise”. Psalm 119:89 says, “forever o Lord, Thy word is settled 

in heaven”. Isaiah 40:8 says. “the word of God shall stand forever”. Isaiah 55:10- 11 says that God’s word shall not return to Him void but shall accomplish what  He pleases and shall prosper in the things for which He sent it. 

What has God promised you in His word? He promised to be with you always.  He promised to help you. He promised to heal all your diseases and deliver your  life from destruction. He promised to lift you up and prosper the works of your  hands. He promised to give you the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. 

He promised to teach your children and give them peace. He promised to satisfy  you with long life. “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that  He should repent. Has He said and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He  not make it good? (Numbers 23:19).  

You can always count on His word, but you have a part to play. And that part is  faith. Faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not  seen” (Hebrews 11:1). And “without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he  who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those  who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Just because you cannot see it, does  not mean He won’t do it. Learn to live by faith.

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: EXODUS 36:1-5 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“And Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom the Lord has put  wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the  service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all that the Lord has commanded” (Exodus 36:1).  

Understanding who you are and the gifts that God has endowed you with, will  lead you to your dream. Who are you? What are you passionate about? What is  your area of gifting? What are your natural abilities? Individual objects are  shaped according to their use. Toothpicks, knives, forks, spoons, wheelbarrows, and mugs are all shaped according to their purposes. By looking at the form of  these objects, we can guess what they are used for. So, it is for us as individuals.  By looking at how you are wired inwards, you can have an idea of what you have  been created for or what your dream is about. 

YOUR PASSION 

Your passion is the foundation of your dream. The thingsthat you are passionate  about are not random, they are at the core of who you are. So, ask yourself, where do I find my fire? What moves me to tears? Which of my gifts do I enjoy  using the most and when am I at my best? What fills me with joy, what makes  me really fulfilled? What will I gladly do without a fee? What comes naturally to  me, that I don’t need to prepare for before doing? What do I see someone doing  excellently well and I admire greatly? 

YOUR VALUES 

A Major aid to identifying your dream is to clarify your core values. Your values  are the principles that you live by. They are the motivation behind your actions.  Some values are clear, others are less so and some seem to change in  importance over time. Overall, they are very helpful as a rough guide in  determining the domain you are meant to operate in. Examples of values include  spirituality, moral fulfillment, service to others, financial gain, competition,  recognition, and intellectual stretch. What are your top 3 values? 

YOUR NATURAL ABILITIES 

An ability is a talent or proficiency in a particular area. Your natural abilities are  the talents you are born with and are a strong indication of what your purpose 

in life should be. A natural ability could be physical, such as an inclination  towards a particular sport or a special athletic ability. It could be Inspirational  such as an uncanny ability to lead and motivate people into action or a special  ability with words in areas of speaking and writing. Artistic abilities would  include being naturally gifted in areas of singing, acting, or creating beauty with  your hands. Mental or intellectual abilities would include being gifted in areas  of problem solving, planning and organization or ability to create wealth. An  ability could also able spiritual, such as possessing great and uncommon  wisdom. Ask yourself, What stands me out? What do I always receive  commendations from people for? What is that one thing that people look to me  for? What qualities in me do people admire? Where have I been the most  successful? Where have I seen fruit in my life that others have confirmed? Think  of the first answers that come to mind and note them down.

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 1:3-4 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“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 1:4). 

Your life experiences can also point you to your dream. The things that happen  to us in life may not be random. You need to pay very close attention to your life  experiences. What issues, problems or trials have you passed through that had  a significant impact on your life or that you learned from? God will not waste a  hurt, so you shouldn’t either. Stop labelling everything that happens to you in  life as a coincidence. Get into the habit of documenting your life experiences,  whether good or bad, they can lead you to your dream. A lot of people have  found purpose in the trials they have been through or the things they suffered  and endured. 

Nick Vujicic is an Australian Christian evangelist born without arms or legs and  given no medical reason for his condition. Nick admits that his early days were  very difficult: consisting of struggles with depression and loneliness as he faced  countless challenges and obstacles. He claimed he often wondered why he was  born different or whether God had a purpose for his life. Today, he is an author,  Evangelist, international speaker, actor, and a musician. He has led many people  to the Christian faith by sharing his life story.  

Helen Adams Keller (1880-1968) was an American author, political activist, and  lecturer. At 19 months old, she contracted an unknown illness which left her  both deaf and blind. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of  Arts degree. She shared her story in her autobiography “The Story of My life”,  which became very famous and was adapted for film and stage. Her birthplace  is now a museum and sponsors an annual ‘Helen Keller Day’. She is quoted as  saying “I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself,  my work and my God”. 

You can find purpose through your pain. You can build your dream from your  greatest hurt. Your pain yesterday can become your testimony and dream today. 

Your experiences are the building blocks of your dream. People are helped  better when they can relate your personal experiences and how you came out  on the victorious side of things like their situations. Sometimes, God allows us  to go through some painful experiences to prepare us for the purpose He has  for us. But you must be willing to learn from and share those experiences, then  it becomes a powerful tool to transform someone’s life.  

What is your own pain story? Are you a cancer survivor? Are you a victim of rape  or domestic violence, a parent with an autistic child or a rehabilitated drug  addict? Your experiences will lead you to those you are called to serve.

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: JEREMIAH 1:1-12 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; Before you were born, I  sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations”.

How can you identify your sphere of influence? Several characteristics define  and delineate your area of influence: 

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? 

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? 

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, even when you exert very little efforts? 

Your sphere of influence is your Rehoboth, which is ‘a place of reduced conflict’  (Gen 26.22). Since it is your inheritance, God will fight for you, against any  contender. Where do you exert the least effort, yet reap the most gain?  

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 

you leaving a legacy? 

Your answers to the above questions should lead you to your designated sphere  of influence and point you towards your dream.

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.