Tag: In His Presence

READ: JOSHUA 13 & 16

MEDITATION VERSE  

“He said, “…I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against  it” (Mathew 16:18, KJV).

Another way of becoming aware of your dream is by identifying your sphere of  influence. Part of God’s reformation agenda in these last days is to equip His church to take over every sphere of our society. The gates of hell are not just spiritual domains inhabited by Satan. The gates of hell represent bad  governments, decaying institutions, satanic policies, and agendas that are anti Christ or contrary to God’s plan. God is deliberate in raising His church to take  its place in society and impacting culture. God is raising up His people as  authorities in different fields of human endeavor; thought leaders, consultants,  reformers, educators, and politicians. The church is permeating the secular to  make it sacred. It is God’s plan to tackle the pervasiveness of the times. 

You are a part of God’s reformation agenda. There is a sphere of influence in  society that you are meant to operate in and there are people within the sphere  whose lives you are destined to impact. Spheres of influence include  religion/church, government/politics, education, media, economics/business,  family, entertainment / arts/ sports. Your sphere of influence has been allotted 

to you by God to carry out your assignment on earth. In the book of Joshua, from  chapters 13-16, we see how the conquered territories were divided amongst the  tribes of Israel. Each tribe had its own inheritance allotted to it. God was very  interested in each tribe taking possession because He is a God of inheritance. In  these times however, He has not allotted territories of land to us. Our  inheritance is the sphere of influence which He has assigned to us. 

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

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

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

or call +2348155525555

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

READ: JOEL 2:28-32

MEDITATION VERSE  

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams,  your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). 

The best dream to live is the dream that God has for you. It is the assignment  you were created to accomplish on earth. You can become aware of your dream  in several ways, and we will be looking at the different ways in the next few days. 

The first way is by “divine inspiration”. The bible says, “for it is God who works  in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Divine  inspiration is the inaudible voice of God speaking to our hearts through His Holy  Spirit. My first encounter with my dream several years ago was divinely inspired.  The inaudible voice of God was speaking to my heart. Over the years, God has  continued to point me towards my assignment in more ways than one.  

You would need to spend time in God’s presence consistently and pay close  attention to that still small voice that speaks to and directs your heart. God is  always speaking to us, His children, but we must be willing to ‘to wait on Him’  and listen. It may not happen otherwise. Scriptures can also confirm the dream  that God has for you. As you study God’s word, pay close attention to the  scriptures that light up inside your heart. They are pointers to your dream.  Sometimes, a particular picture will keep popping up in your mind. Do not  dismiss it. Endeavor to understand what it represents in your life. 

You can also become aware of your dream is by hearing the audible voice of God  as it occurred during the biblical times to the prophet Samuel “Then the Lord  called Samuel. (1 Samuel 3:4). You can also become aware through visions and  dreams. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My spirit on all  flesh, your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Your old men shall dream  dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28).

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: Mathew 6:14-15 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive  your trespasses” (Mathew 6:15). 

Your body responds to the way you think, feel and act. Our emotions have a  direct connection to our body, and this can impact not only on our mental but  also on our bodily state. A lady had been seeing a doctor for the pain in her right  hand. When the pain persisted, she was advised to seek professional  counselling. During counselling, it was discovered that she had held a grudge  against her husband for years because he stood in the way of her pursuing a  great career. 

A research paper published by a counselling Psychologist, reports that when you  have an unresolved or repressed strong emotion like anger, unforgiveness, hate,  resentment towards any man who has authority over you (your husband or  father), over time, it affects the right part of your body. The right part of your  body represents authority. When you have an unresolved emotion towards  those you have authority over, (child, staff, or any other subordinate), it affects  the left side of your body. Repressed strong emotions can lead to high blood  pressure, back pain, change in appetite, chest pain, constipation or diarrhoea,  extreme tiredness, insomnia, headaches, general aches, and pains. Physical  ailments that keep recurring or have defied medical intervention may be due to  emotional issues that we are dealing with. 

Let go of all the baggage; whether it is unforgiveness, hate, anger, envy, or  whatever load you are carrying. It is load and it is weighing you down. Let go of  the pain of failed relationships, broken dreams, hurt, unforgiveness, neglect,  unfaithful spouse, bottled up emotions, unmet expectations, financial hardship,  grief, deceit, divorce, separation, regrets of the past. Let go of the deep-rooted  stuff. Let go and let God begin to heal you. God wants to set someone free  today, that’s why His word is coming to you today. But you must be willing to  yield.  

How do you move towards wholeness and restoration?

Forgive others: You must forgive others if you want God to forgive you. “And  forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” (Mathew 6:12). You are doing  yourself a favor by forgiving others. Forgiveness sets you free; it restores order  and wholeness within you. By forgiving them, you are opening your heart to  receive God’s blessings.  

Forgive yourself: You need to forgive yourself also. You need to settle scores  with yourself. You cannot open a new chapter of your life if you keep reliving  the previous one. Learn to pardon yourself for the very many ways you may have  messed up your life, you did not know any better. If you knew it all, then you  would be God. But you are not, you are human.  

Lastly, remember that when God forgives us, He wipes the slate clean and  remembers the offence no more. So, you must accept God’s forgiveness and  move on, else you will continually dwell in self-condemnation. That voice of  condemnation within you belongs to the devil. The bible calls him the ‘accuser  of brethren’. Resist him and he will leave you alone (James 4:7).

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: MATHEW 6: 9-13 

Meditation verse: 

“Give us this day our daily bread” (Mathew 6:11). 

In the wake of each day, God dispenses bread as He pleases. Daily bread can be  in the form of a good break, promotion at work, a business deal, healing, or  salvation for a loved one. Psalm 145:15 says the eyes of all creatures look  expectantly to God and He gives them their food in due season. He opens His  hands and satisfies the desire of every living thing.  

In teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus taught them to ask for their daily bread.  God is a gracious father who delights in blessing His children. Jesus said, “if you  then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more  will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him” (Mathew 7:11). As you go out this day, why not pray in the manner Jesus taught  His disciples:  

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your  will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us  into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom  and the power and the glory forever. Amen -Mathew 6:10-13.

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 3:12-18

Meditation verse: 

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I  may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Phil 3:12).

You are a work in progress. You need to keep moving towards perfection,  because you must realize your full potential to become all you were created for.  You must finish your race. God has declared the end of your life. He knows who  you are meant to be. And who you are meant to become is a solution to  someone’s problem. If you do not become this person, you will be robbing them  of the blessing to be derived.  

Jesus Christ came to this world to die on the cross for our sins. Through His death  and resurrection, we obtain salvation. Against all odds, He set His face on this  goal. He did not stop until He died on the cross. Just before His death, He  declared that it was finished, and then He rose on the third day. If he did not die  and rise again, salvation would have eluded mankind. “And if Christ is not risen,  your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” (1 Corinthians 15:17).  

You are on a journey on this earth and there is an assignment for you to  accomplish. You must keep going until you become all you were created for and  complete your assignment. Myles Munroe it was who said that the richest place  on earth is the graveyard. Many people die and are buried with their  assignments still in the wombs of their destinies, thereby robbing the world.  Refuse to be amongst this group. Choose rather to die empty. Here’s what Paul  the apostle said: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but  I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of  me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do,  forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things  which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God  in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14). Why not adopt this mindset going forward.

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 16:6-13 

Meditation verse: 

“for the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward  appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). 

‘Do not judge a book by its cover’, is a common phrase, which portrays the fact  that the quality of an object cannot be determined by what it looks like. I have  on several occasions, cracked open an egg which looked good on the outside,  only to discover that it was rotten inside. I know a lady who suffered severe  physical and mental abuse from her spouse who was tall, handsome, and very  well educated. When God sent Samuel to anoint the one who would replace Saul  as king, Samuel picked Eliab, based on his physical appearance, but God said no.  

The world places premium on status, wealth, and physical appearance, all of  which are transient and do not guarantee happiness. “Charm is deceitful, and  beauty is passing, but a woman (person) who fears the Lord, she shall be praised”  (Proverbs 31:30). That which is outward will eventually fade away or diminish.  God looks at the heart of a man. He focuses on what is inside you: your salvation,  vision, dreams, and the Holy Spirit in you. These are the weightier matters; these  are the things that endure. 

Why then do you seek validation from the world? Why do you define your self worth by the standards of the world? Making important life decisions based on  things that are ephemeral is setting yourself up for failure. Learn to seek  validation from God in everything you do. Are you choosing a life partner,  building a home, raising your kids, starting a job, or building a business? Ask God  to validate your choice. Nothing is too insignificant or important to seek His  guidance. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own  understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your  paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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: DANIEL 3:8-30 

Meditation verse: 

“But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor  will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:18). 

Three young men stood in the moment of truth; bow down to the king’s golden  image or be thrown into a fiery furnace. It would have been so easy to bow, after  all it was just a small compromise to make life easier for them in the foreign  land. It did not necessarily mean they were no longer faithful to God. However,  they were wise enough to understand that compromising would poison their  allegiance to Jehovah. So, against all odds, they chose to defy the king’s  command. And God honored their commitment.  

You may find yourself in a moment of truth sooner or later faced with a  temptation to compromise just to make life a little easier. It may be to alter the  figure, jump the queue, tell a little lie to look good, engage in an adulterous  relationship, give that bribe to obtain a favor, or what have you. Can God count  on you at such moments to say: ‘let it be known that I will not bow?’. Refusing  to bow can be a very lonely road to travel. Picture Shedrach, Meshach, and  Abednego standing before the crowd, whilst the officials prepared the fiery  furnace. It is much easier to follow the crowd. But if you want to excel in life and  fulfill purpose, you must learn to stand alone sometimes. The journey to Calvary  was a very lonely and painful one for Jesus Christ.  

However, the three young men were not alone, the bible says there was a fourth  man was in the fire with them. Similarly, in your own moments, you are never  alone. God promises to be with you always. “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). Remembering that God is always with you, will help you make the  right choice in your moment of truth.

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 10:3-6

Meditation verse:

“be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Timidity: Linked to low self-esteem, timidity is a lack of courage or confidence  or boldness to go after the things you believe in. Maybe you feel what you have to offer is of no value, or you are concerned about what people would say. The  bible says that God has given us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2  Tim 1:7). Go after the things you desire; you do not need validation from anyone.  I was talking to a young man, who was writing a book, some years back. He sounded so unsure of the quality of his work. I told him he would need to believe  more in himself if he wanted to complete the work he was doing. 

Laziness: “Lazy people want much but get little. But those who work hard will  prosper” (Proverbs 13:4, NLT). Some people desire worthy accomplishments but  are unwilling to pay the price. There is a price to pay for every endeavor. Most  times the price is hard work. “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety- nine 

percent perspiration” (Thomas Edison). As soon as God created the earth, He  gave the first man on earth, work to do. He put him in the garden of Eden, to  take care of it. Work existed in the beginning, and it will exist till we leave this  earth. Work is the master key to releasing and realizing your goals.  

Confront your giants with the word of God in the place of prayer. “The weapons  of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of  strongholds”. (2 Cor 10:4). The giants within are strongholds which have taken  root in your life. Find relevant scriptures and renew your mind by internalizing  them. There is a connection between your mind and your actions. Feed your  mind with God’s word and it will transform your giants to victory.  

Practice positive self-talk: this is a confidence building mind management  strategy. Journaling is very therapeutic. Keeping Journals of documented life  experiences, writing down your thoughts, goals, life lessons can help you  achieve a clear vision of where you are going, and this will boost your  confidence. Lastly, always act, no matter how little the steps are. Inaction breeds  fear, action breeds confidence.

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 1:10-15 

Meditation verse: 

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and  they defile a man” (Mathew 15:18).

To successfully accomplish anything worthwhile in life you will need to confront  and conquer certain giants. A ‘giant’ in this context is an overwhelming  opposition or obstacle which you will encounter along the way, and they hardly  disappear on their own. The children of Israel had to go in and contend with the  giants before they could take possession and settle in the promised land. Even  though God had promised it to them as an inheritance, they still had to fight. 

Though there are the internal and external giants, our biggest obstacles are the  ones within us. It is often said that the person who holds you back is the person  closest to you: and this person is ‘you’. Internal giants to be aware of include: 

Your Mind: Your life is shaped by your thoughts. Your internal beliefs about  yourself have a huge influence on your external outcomes. Your thoughts and  mindset will always determine how you behave. How you behave will eventually  become your habits and your habits will eventually determine the course of your  life. “For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he” (Prov 23:7). Whatever becomes  the focus of your mind will spur you on eventually into a path of success or  failure. Your mind can be your biggest obstacle or your greatest weapon.  

Fear: Most of us at one time or the other may entertain a fear that we might fail  in a task. However, for some people, failing presents such a significant  psychological threat, that they unconsciously sabotage their chances of success. They become preoccupied with the thought that they will fail anyway no matter  how hard they try. So, they do nothing. 

Doubt: The bible says in James 1:6 that the one who doubts is like a wave of the  sea, blown and tossed by the wind, and such a person should not expect to  receive anything from God. You cannot activate God’s favor if you lack faith in  Him. People who doubt hardly ever start anything, because they are constantly  questioning the possibility of a successful outcome.

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 4:7-18

MEDITATION VERSE: 

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not  in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8).

God’s word offers hope and encouragement for anyone going through a season of hard pressing. Psalm 30:5 says, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy  comes in the morning”. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “to everything there is a season, a  time for every purpose under heaven”. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “while we do not  look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the  things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are  eternal”. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 says, “therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our  outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For  our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more  exceeding and eternal weight of glory”. 

What do these bible verses imply? 

Firstly, that which you are going through is only for a season. It will surely come  to an end and your season of joy will commence. Secondly, it is working out for  your good. There is a future glory that awaits you if you do not give up. God  specializes in turning around for good, what the enemy destined for evil. 2  Corinthians 4: 7-10 says “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the  excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on  every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted,  but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the  body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in  our body”. 

There is a treasure inside of you; it is the excellence of God’s power and grace.  There is help available for you. You do not have to navigate this on your own,  you, do not have to depend on your own power. Draw strength from God’s  power that is inside of you. Lean in and look up to God for help. Ecclesiastes 7:8- 

10 says, “the end of a thing is better than its beginning…” 

Everything will be alright in the end. If it is not alright now, then it is not the end.

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.