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  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Take hold of the plumbline immediately

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Take hold of the plumbline immediately

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Zechariah 4:1-14

    Meditation verse:

    “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumbline in Zerubbabel’s hand” (Zechariah 4:10 NLT).

    No matter how easy or difficult a task is, it will never be done until the first step towards accomplishing it is taken. Every magnificent building was erected by laying the first block. Every great task begins with a singular activity. Every journey in life begins with a step. That first step is always the critical one. Until it is taken, nothing happens.

    The first step may be as simple as making a phone call, sending an email, writing down a plan or it may be as significant as travelling to a different location or making a purchase. God is always delighted when you take that vital first step towards whatever He has stirred your heart to do. It is an indication of your obedience and trust in Him.

    Zerubbabel had the task of rebuilding the temple and God said to him “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumbline in Zerubbabel’s hand” (Zechariah 4:10 NLT). A plumbline is a weight suspended from a string used as a vertical reference line to ensure a structure is centred. It’s an indication that construction is ongoing.

    What goals have you set for yourself this year? What are your plans for 2023? 

    What assignment or task has been committed into your hands? Is the plumbline in your hands already or are you still evaluating and analysing? Do not get caught up with the bug of ‘the paralysis of analysis’ Take hold of the plumbline immediately.  “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT). As God’s eyes scan the earth, will He see you holding the plumbline in the place of your assignment?

     

    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: What is in your hands?

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: What is in your hands?

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Exodus 4: 1-17

    Meditation verse:

    “Then the Lord asked him ‘what is that in your hand? A shepherd’s staff, Moses replied (Ex 4:2).

    God will often use what you already have in your hands to provide what you need, especially in the purpose He has called you to accomplish. The bible is replete with such instances.  When God wanted Moses to go and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, He told Moses to use what he already had in his hands: the shepherd’s staff. David used what he already had in his hands to defeat goliath. When a certain widow cried out to Elisha for help, after her creditors threatened to take her two sons as slaves, Elisha used what she already had; ‘a flask of olive oil’, to make provision for her (2 Kings 4:2).

    However, we often despise what we have in our hands. We believe it is inadequate or insignificant. To Moses, the staff was ‘just a stick’, but to God, it was the instrument for performing the miracles needed to convince the hard-hearted Pharoah to let the people go. To the widow, her flask of olive oil was “nothing at all, but to Elisha it was enough to fill all the jars she could lay her hands on (2 Kings 4: 1-7). To Jesus’ disciples, what they had to feed the multitude was “only five loaves of bread and two fishes”, but to Jesus, it was all that was needed to feed five thousand (Luke 9:12-17).  In each case, they did not think much of what they had.

    Similarly, you may feel inadequate or insignificant. You may feel you have nothing much to offer to the world. But what you have in your hand is always enough for God to use. He can work with whatever you have, no matter how small. He can take that little qualification, skill, talent, or ability and make something great out of it, if only you will surrender it to Him. Quit feeling intimidated. Ask God to open your eyes to see what you have, then step out in faith this year and put what God has put in your hands to good use. And when you look back, you would be amazed by what you have accomplished.

     

    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: Your turnaround encounters

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Your turnaround encounters

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Acts 9:1-19

    Meditation verse:

    “Then he fell on the ground and heard a voice saying “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me”. (Acts 9:4).

    I heard the story of a young man who decided to look for a job and settle down in a particular town, after his education. Few days after he arrived the town, he met a Pastor who was about to start his church. As they chatted and got acquainted, the pastor said to the young man “why look for a job, come, let’s build the church together”, and the young man agreed. That was several years ago. Today, that young man is a well-known and respected man of God. He served under the ministry of the pastor and went on to establish his own ministry. His plan after school was to work as a lawyer, but a chance encounter changed the trajectory of his life.

    Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus to persecute the disciples of the Lord, when he had a turnaround encounter that changed the course of his life. He became Paul the Apostle, dedicating his life to the very cause he persecuted others for. 

    A turnaround encounter is an abrupt or unexpected change, especially one that results in a more favourable situation. It can occur in various ways: a chance meeting with a destiny helper, a simple instruction or counsel given to you, or even just showing up in a particular place and it happens to be an appointed time. But because it is usually unplanned and unexpected, many people miss their turnaround encounters. It takes a discerning mind to recognize one. 

    There will be turnaround encounters in this new year, but will you identify them, and act immediately like that young man? Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “see then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is”.

     

    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: A new creation

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: A new creation

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

    Meditation verse:

    “And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

    2 Corinthians 5:17 states clearly that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new”. Note the word “all” and not some things. It means that our old Adamic nature should be a thing of the past after salvation. The new creation in us birthed through the gift of salvation is one that is totally yielded to God. In Galatians 2:20, the apostle Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me”. The new creation is now controlled by the Holy Spirit and not by the flesh. It should no longer yield to every dictate of your flesh.

    The flesh wars against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh. and both are contrary to one another. The works of the flesh include adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, and revelries (Galatians 5:19-21). How can we say we are new creations if our lives continually reflect these works of the flesh? The bible is clear that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

    “Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). What does this mean? It means yielding every of your member (thoughts, desires, mindset, emotions, and actions) to the control of the Holy Spirit who now resides inside you. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:22-24). Let this mind be in you this year. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

     

    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: Don’t just make a living, make a difference

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Don’t just make a living, make a difference

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Mathew 4:18-22

    Meditation verse:

    “So, when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him” (Luke 5:11).

    Whilst it is okay to pursue your personal goals and ambitions, you need to understand that a far greater cause exists over and beyond your personal interest. Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew were fishermen. They made a living from fishing and seemed to be doing okay until Jesus said to them: “come follow me and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matt 4:19 NIV). And then they left everything and followed Him immediately. They found fishing for people a greater cause than fishing for fish. Whatever impact they made as fishermen paled in significance to the impact they had as fishers of men.

    Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus to pursue a matter of personal interest: ‘to arrest Christians and bring them bound to Jerusalem’. He encountered Jesus and became Paul the apostle. Bible scholars argue that no single individual outside of Jesus Christ impacted the Christian faith as Apostle Paul did. This is what happens when you pour your life into a cause that extends beyond your personal interest. DL Moody is quoted as saying “the world has yet to see what God can do through a man who is yielded to Him”. Moody decided to be that man and he went on to make such a huge impact in the world for Christ. 

    You too can be that man, if you yield to Christ and allow Him to use you for His own glory. There is so much in the world that needs to be fixed. Ask God to show you a need no one is currently meeting. And when He does, pour your life into fixing it immediately. There’s no telling the extent of impact and reach that may result from your obedience. In this new year, don’t just make a living, make a difference.

     

    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 place of sacrifice

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: The place of sacrifice

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 2 Kings 3:1-27

    Meditation verse:

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

    The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom went to war with the nation of Moab. God assured them of victory through the mouth of the prophet, Elijah and Moab began to lose the battle. However, something strange happened in the cause of the war. When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took his eldest son who would have reigned in his place and offered him as a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel, so they departed from Moab and returned to their own land.

    Over 2000 years ago, God saw that mankind was losing the battle of life and freedom due to the fall of the first Adam, so He offered His only begotten son as a sacrifice on the cross of calvary. So, there was great indignation against Satan and his cohorts, and mankind was set free. To sacrifice means to give up something valued for the sake of other cost derivatives. The place of sacrifice cannot be underestimated.

    No worthwhile endeavour can be achieved in life without some form of sacrifice. Better still, to get the best out of our relationship with God, we must be willing to give up whatever He requires of us. King David said he would not offer to God that which cost him nothing. Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to Him. Many biblical characters achieved greatness because they willingly gave up what was required of them. Abraham gave up the convenience of his homeland to become the father of all nations. Peter gave up his fishing nets to become a fisher of men. Jesus Christ gave His life and God gave Him a name that is above every other. 

    What are you desirous of accomplishing in this new year? A deeper walk with God, better relationships with loved ones, weight loss, stopping a bad habit, learning a new skill, improved finances, or greater service to others? Whatever it is, it will cost you something. So, what are you willing to sacrifice to achieve it? Haven’t you noticed that when you give up what is in your hand, the hand becomes free to receive what it is given?

     

    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: New Year resolutions

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: New Year resolutions

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Ephesians 5:15-20

    Meditation verse:

    “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

    “Therefore, do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:17-20). 

    If you are looking for new year resolutions, today’s readings highlight a few important ones.

    • Do not be unwise; but redeem the time because the days are evil. Be very selective of what you do with your time: choose wisely the activities you engage in, the people you surround yourself with and the environment you spend your time in. Stay away from activities, people and environments that entice you to do evil. 
    • Understand what the will of the Lord is. You were put on earth for a purpose, and you will give account of how you accomplished this purpose on the last day. You must therefore be committed to this purpose.
    • Be filled with the Holy Spirit and not with wine. Make abiding in God’s presence a lifestyle. 
    • Cultivate a habit of gratitude, giving thanks to God for all things and in all ways. 
    • 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” (Phil 4:8).

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!

     

    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: How long will you mourn over that which is lost?

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: How long will you mourn over that which is lost?

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: 2 Samuel 12:15-23

    Meditation verse:

    “So, David arose from the ground, washed, and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshipped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate” (2 Samuel 12:20).

    It is the last day of the year. Irrespective of how you think the year went for you, praise God that you made it this far and are alive.

    • You may not have achieved the goals you set
    • You may not have started that business
    • You may not have gotten that house
    • You may not have bought that car
    • You may not have gotten married
    • You may not have gotten pregnant
    • You may have lost someone precious 
    • You may be in a place of grief

     

    Irrespective of what you lost or failed to achieve over the year, do not lose your hope and faith in God. Each day offers a new beginning and opportunity for a fresh start. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new day, the beginning of a new year. How long will you mourn over your loses? As the clock strikes at midnight today, why not do as king David did: arise from the ground, wash, and anoint yourself, change your clothes (signifying a change in your countenance and mindset), and worship God. Then move forward and enter a new chapter of your life. “And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exodus 14:15).

     

    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: End with thanksgiving

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: End with thanksgiving

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Psalm 136:1-26

    Meditation verse:

    “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

    I came across a quote some time ago and it has stuck with me till date. It read: “when you are always thankful to God, your tank will always be full”. God inhabits the praises of His people and wherever God dwells, blessings are sure to abound. The bible instructs us to give thanks to God in every situation. This implies having a lifestyle of thanksgiving, which is the hallmark of a fulfilled life. King David was in the habit of giving God thanks. Not a few of his psalms had thanksgiving as their theme. In Psalm 95:2 and 100:4, he encouraged us to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise. In Psalm 100:4, he instructed all to be thankful unto God. Little wonder God referred to him as “a man after His own heart”.

    Be deliberate about ending this year in a thanksgiving mode and your thankfulness to God should not depend on the circumstances of your life neither should it be based on what is currently going on around you. It is a spiritual imperative that you continuously give thanks to the one whose knowledge of your circumstances is supreme and who declares the end of a matter from the beginning. God is good to those who fear Him, and whilst He is not the author of all the bad things that may happen to you, He may permit certain trials for your benefit. When you thank Him in every situation, you position yourself to receive all He intends for you to have or learn all He wants you to learn. This way, you emerge stronger, wiser, and victorious in all things. 

    When we murmur or grumble, we are displaying a lack of faith in the God who controls the affairs of the whole earth. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Developing and maintaining a heart of gratitude to God is the best way to end the year. Why not say this prayer today; “thank You Lord for keeping me from January till December. I believe that the plans you have for me are good. I choose to give You thanks always and in everything, because no matter how this year has gone, You will cause all things to work out for my good according to Your purpose, 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: Do not look back

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Do not look back

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Genesis 19:1-29

    Meditation verse:

    “But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26).

    As the curtains slowly close over this year and we get set to enter the new year, what is your state of mind? Gratitude, peace and serenity or confusion, frustration, and regret? What posture are you currently adopting? If you feel grateful, you would be looking up to God with praise and thanksgiving in your heart. If you feel confused and frustrated, you would be looking around you, searching for answers to why this happened or why that did not happen. If you feel regretful, you would be looking back in regret, dissatisfaction, or longing.

    In today’s reading, God had decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. He sent two angels to warn Lot to flee with his family. The instruction was “escape for your life, do not look behind you”. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Looking back is dangerous; it stalls your movement, hinders your progress, and keeps you rooted in the same spot. When you keep looking back you are identifying with what is behind including your mistakes, fear, errors, and all. Stop looking back at what should or should not have been, what is ahead of you is more important. The past is gone, quit reliving it and get excited about the prospects of the forth coming new year. You cannot open a new chapter of your life if you keep reading the previous one. 

    As this year rolls to an end and we get set to enter the new year, what posture should you adopt? Look up to God in gratitude, faith, and anticipation. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”. Psalm 121:1-3 states, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber”. These are God’s promises over your life. So, get excited about the forth coming new year.

     

    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.