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Tag: In His Presence

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Their accusations will work out for your good

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Their accusations will work out for your good

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: John 9: 1-41

    Meditation verse:

    “And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi who sinned, this man or His parents,  that he was born blind?” (John 9:2).

    Jesus’ disciples began questioning Him as they passed by a certain blind man.  They wanted to know why the man was born blind. Was he the one who sinned  or was it his parents? They had concluded that the man was in that condition  because of the sin he or his parents committed. In responding, Jesus explained  that neither the man nor his parents had sinned, but he was in that condition so  that the awesome power of God could be made manifest through him. Jesus then proceeded to restore his sight. Perhaps, He would not have stopped to heal  the man, had the disciples not began debating his condition?

    Similarly, Jobs friends accused and judged him when calamity befell him. They  said to him “is not your wickedness great, and your iniquity without end?” (Job  22:5). But God turned the tides around. He asked them to go to Job and offer  for themselves a burnt offering so that he could pray for them. The same friends  who had accused him were now kneeling before him. “And the Lord restored  Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed, the Lord gave Job twice as  much as he had before” (Job 42: 10).

    Joseph’s brothers accused him of wanting to usurp their seniority. They called  him a dreamer and sold him to slavery. Again, we see God turning the tides  around. Joseph ended up in Potiphar house and then in prison and eventually as  prime minister of Egypt. And the same brothers who had despised him, came, and knelt before him. “Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face,  and they said, ‘behold, we are your servants” (Genesis 50:16).

    God can turn the tides in your favour when you are wrongly accused. He is the  righteous judge who will always justify you. When others deride, accuse, or put  you down, He can take all of that and turn it around for your good. If you are  currently being ridiculed or have been unfairly treated, allow God to fight for  you. And soon you will say like Joseph: “but as for you, you meant evil against  me; but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20).

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Isaiah 43:1-7

    Meditation verse: 

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Fear hath torment

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Fear hath torment

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Joshua 1:1-9

    Meditation verse: 

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    Meditation verse: 

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

    What does the word of God do for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: John 1:1-5

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

    It is the mind of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Psalms 145:8-9

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

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

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

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Isaiah 49: 14-16

    Meditation verse:

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

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

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

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

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Becoming guilt-free

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Becoming guilt-free

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: ROMANS 8:1-17

    Meditation verse:

    “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1).

    Guilt and self-condemnation are two of the strongest weapons the enemy uses to hold you captive. The bible refers to him as the “accuser of brethren” (Rev 12:10). Irrespective of what you have done in the past, if you have sincerely asked God for forgiveness, accepted and confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are totally and completely forgiven. There is therefore now no condemnation. The blood of Jesus has washed you clean, and you have become guilt-free. Jesus said to the woman who was accused by the scribes and Pharisees of committing adultery; “neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11).

    Don’t let your past poison your future. If anyone needed to feel guilty, it was Saul of Tarsus who later became Paul the Apostle. Saul zealously persecuted the Christians. He held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58). After his encounter with God, he refused to let his past hinder. No other human impacted Christianity like Apostle Paul.

    Decide to move forward today. Resist the devil and his accusations and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Realize that you are completely forgiven and move on to a life of faith, holiness, and obedience. Ever wondered why your car has a very big windshield in front, but a small rear mirror? What is in front of you is more important that what is behind you. Your future is what matters and God has great plans in store for you. The plans He has for you are plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Why not embrace that hope today?

    However, if you are still indulging in sin, why not repent today before it is too late. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Cry out to God for mercy. Free your soul from condemnation. When there is no condemnation in our hearts and minds, we are free to live victorious lives.

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Dealing with the sin of envy

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Dealing with the sin of envy

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: MATHEW 20:1-16

    Meditation verse:

    “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? (Mathew 20:15).

    What is your usual reaction when you see others blessed by God, especially in the areas where you desperately need Him to bless you? Are you genuinely pleased, or do you resent them inwardly? Do you give God the glory on their behalf, or do you get bitter and feel God is unfair? If you find yourself feeling resentful at the progress of others, you may be dealing with the sin of envy. Envy is a deadly sin that robs you of your peace, gratitude, and joy. It puts you in a place of constantly comparing yourself with others, therefore blinding you to your own blessings. Envy turns you into an ingrate. It is an ugly sin that you must never allow to take root in your life.

    Jesus likened the principle behind parable of the landowner to that of the Kingdom of heaven. The landowner gave equal wages to every worker irrespective of the hour they began working. When questioned by the workers who had begun their work earlier, the landowner replied: “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things”?

    “The earth is the Lord’s, and all of its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). The owner of the universe has the authority to do with everything on earth as He pleases. “…He puts down one and exalts another” (Psalm 75:7). “…He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Mathew 5:45). He said to Moses “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion” (Romans 9:15). Who are we then to question God’s authority? “Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!” (Romans 9:14).

    Whenever I sense envy creeping in because of some other’s blessings, I quickly commend them. And within seconds, the feeling of resentment disappears. When next you see someone being blessed with something you desire greatly, rejoice with them, and let your rejoicing be genuine. Commend them and thank God on their behalf. You can even let them know that you are looking to God for a similar miracle. This way, you are limiting the chances of envy taking root in your heart.

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Owe no man anything

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Owe no man anything

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

    Meditation verse:

    “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8).

    The world is full of broken and hurting people who sometimes take out their frustrations on others. How do you react with people are unjust and discourteous towards you? Do you know that a major reason why people are mean to others without cause is that they are unhappy or dissatisfied with their lives? In their unhappiness, they lash out at others. Why then would you choose to retaliate? Be kind to them, as you do not know what they are going through. If your mind is sane and devoid of worries, you are of a truth a blessed person.

    I made a commitment some time ago to make today’s meditation verse my mantra in life “owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law”. I made a pact with myself that for anyone who comes into my space, I would leave them better off than they were before they encountered me. Whether through a spoken word, prayer, insight, encouragement or blessing them with my resources.

    As Jesus prepared to leave this earth, He said to His disciples “a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35). So, how should we love one another? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails”. In simple terms, be kind to people, do not pay back evil for evil, do not be selfish, do not be easily provoked, do not rejoice when they fail, encourage, and help them in every way you can to get right back up.

    Let’s begin with this biblical prescription.

     

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

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

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