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Tag: In His Presence

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 1 Chronicles 11 & 13

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Protect your self confidence

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Protect your self confidence

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Romans 12:1-2

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

    Why not carry out a mindset examination check as you progress into the new month?

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Romans 12:1-2

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: MARK 4:26-32

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

    Ecclesiastes 11:5-6 states: “As you do not know what the way of the wind is, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good”.

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: ISAIAH 43: 18-21

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: There is nothing new under the sun

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: There is nothing new under the sun

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: ECCLESIATES 1:1-18

    Meditation verse: 

    “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God  is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but  with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to  bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). 

    There is nothing new under the sun. Whatever it is that you are going through,  someone else has gone through it before you and survived”. Ecclesiastes 1:9-11 says, “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be  done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may  be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us. There  is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of things  that are to come by those who will come after”. 

    There is no challenge that is unique to you. Are you currently struggling with  financial difficulties? Several others are too. Are you going through marital  difficulties? Several marriages have gone through similar issues with some  emerging stronger. Are you in debt? Someone has been there too and is now  financially secure. Is yours a sickness or disease? Several people have recovered  from illnesses, even terminal ones. Several years ago, I suffered a failed surgery  and needed medical treatment abroad. The hospital I was taken to was  recommended by someone who had just been discharged from it and as I was  being discharged, I passed on the address to another person who needed  medical intervention. Are you struggling with sin? Every temptation is common  to man and God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear.  

    Jesus Christ sympathizes with your weaknesses. He was tempted in all points as  we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He became sin for you, so that you can  be free from sin. He became poor, so that you can be rich. He bore your  sicknesses on the cross and by His stripes you are healed. You are complete in  Christ if you have trusted Him as your saviour. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.  That situation is not unique to you, and you will not be defeated by it. God has  made a way of escape for you. Walk in the consciousness of this truth as you get  set to begin a new month.

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Are you suffering from short cord syndrome?

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Are you suffering from short cord syndrome?

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: ISAIAH 54:1-3 

    Meditation verse: 

    “Enlarge the place of your tent and let them stretch out the curtains of your  dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes”  (Isaiah 54:2).

    Some people live in such a way that the ‘tent’; of their lives have very little room  for others. These people live in their own world. They are mostly alone with very  few or no friends. They live life on a unilateral lane, moving only from their  homes to their place of work and back to their homes. They have very few strong  relational ties with their own family members and may not even have a spiritual  family that they fellowship with. They are not willing to put in the effort required  to make and keep friends. These kinds of people are said to be suffering from  “short cord syndrome” (SCS).  

    People with SCS are usually very critical of others. They disconnect from people  at the slightest offence and burn every bridge in their lives. They have succeeded  in ostracizing themselves from every relational tie. As a result, when afflicted,  they suffer alone. Interestingly, people with SCS live in denial. They see nothing  wrong with the way they live and tend to believe that others are to blame for  their short cords.  

    Are you suffering from SCS? You can be set free through a personal relationship  with Jesus Christ. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come  that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV). Jesus Christ can  help you extend the tent of your life to accommodate several people- He can  give you the wisdom needed to understand others, put love for people in your  heart and teach you relational skills so that you can connect easily with people.  He can direct you to a church family you will enjoy being a part of.  

    Do you have a personal relationship with Him? Here’s a prayer you can say 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. Be my  Lord and Saviour. Fill me with Your Spirit and enable me to extend the tent of  my life for others to come in. 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.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: It is okay not to know

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: It is okay not to know

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: PSALM 32:8-11 

    Meditation verse: 

    “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are  revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words  of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).

    You do not know everything; else you would be God. And since you do not know  everything, you may make mistakes, misunderstand others, take wrong  decisions and act in ignorance. Your assumptions and perspectives to issues may  be incorrect. You may utter the wrong words and offend others. If this is so, why  are you living in self-condemnation? Why do you constantly guilt-trip? 

    God understands your humanity. “As a father pities his children, so the Lord  pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; he remembers that we are  dust” (Psalm 103:13-14). God does not condemn you, rather He justifies you. It  is the devil who accuses you and keeps you in a state of self-condemnation. The  bible refers to Satan as the ‘accuser of brethren’ (Revelations 12:10). But faith  comes by hearing “and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you  free” (John 8:32). 

    So, it is okay not to understand everything; it is okay not to know certain things. It is okay to make mistakes and fail sometimes. But when you do, learn the  lessons you need to and move on quickly. Do not remain stuck in your errors. A  verse in the famous song by Cristy Lane goes like this: 

    I’m only human, 

    I’m just a woman 

    Help me believe in what I could be and all that I am 

    Show me the stairway, I have to climb 

    Lord for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time. 

    You are only human, make this song your prayer today.

     

    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.