Tag: TRTM

By Oke Chinye

Read: Mathew 14:13-21

Meditation verse:

“But Jesus said to them, “they do not need to go away. You give them something to eat”.

They came from the towns and followed Jesus wherever He went. He taught them and healed the sick, but a problem arose when evening came. The crowd had not eaten all day and they were in a remote place. Jesus’ disciples felt they had the perfect solution, so they said, “send the crowd away, so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves”. But Jesus replied, “they do not need to go away. You give them something to eat”. They had only five loaves of bread and two fishes which belonged to a little boy, but at the end of the day, a multitude comprising of five thousand men, excluding women and children were fed with twelve baskets full of fragments left.

As we go about our activities each day, we encounter people with different needs, whether at our places of work, church communities, or home environments. People with deep needs who may not ask for our help, notice that the multitude did not ask Jesus’ disciple for food.  How do we respond to such people? Are we even sensitive to their needs in the first place? Some are hungry, hurting, or sick, others are homeless, broke, and confused.  They need food, a little change, counsel, prayers, friendship, or just a kind word of encouragement. 

God expects you and I to meet the needs of those He sends our way whether they are physical, spiritual, financial, or emotional needs. He has equipped us for this purpose, and it may surprise you to know that what you have is always sufficient for the needs He sends your way. All you need is a willing heart and a generous spirit. Next time you discern a need around you, why not offer the little you have, trusting that God is able to bless and multiply it? God will not use your resources and leave you worse off. You will always gather your twelve baskets of fragments at the end of the day.

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.

By Oke Chinye

Read: Genesis 37:12-36, 50:15-21

Meditation verse:

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Mathew 5:44).

We live in a world 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? They despise you when they believe you have been greatly blessed in areas they haven’t. In their discontentment, envy and bitterness, they lash out at you. Why then would you choose to retaliate? You ought to pray for them. 

The sad reality is that it may even be those of your household as we see in today’s reading. Joseph the dreamer was blessed with an ability to interpret dreams, but he was a very naive lad. In his naivety, he expected his brothers to rejoice with him, when he revealed ‘his dream of greatness’ to them. But they were already displeased by their father’s undue favoritism and show of affection towards him, so they unimpressed. In their envy and bitterness, they plotted to kill him but eventually sold him as a slave to a bunch of rich merchants journeying to Egypt. The brothers’ action was intended to end Joseph’s dream of greatness. Through his brother’s wicked deed, Potiphar’s wife’s accusation, and the butler’s neglect in prison, he refused to succumb to bitterness or hate. When eventually faced with an opportunity to retaliate, he chose the path of forgiveness.

Praying for those who spitefully use you enables you to forgive and act in love towards them even when you don’t feel love for them. When you hate those who despise you and repay their evil with evil, you are condescending to their level and may miss out on the blessings that often come with God’s commands. 

“Without forgiveness, life is governed by…. an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation” (Roberto Assagioli). This is not intended to make you a doormat for others to step on. Ask God for wisdom in every scenario and let the Holy Spirit guide your actions.

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.

By Oke Chinye

Read: Ecclesiastes 7:8-10

Meditation verse:

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

Our understanding of things as humans is very limited; only God understands and knows everything. We are therefore prone to false attributions, faulty assumptions, biases, exaggerations, wrong decisions, and incorrect conclusions. We may also misinterpret the things that happen to us in life because we concluded based on our limited understanding or on just the evidence that we can see. Hebrews 11 says “now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. Does this not mean that there are things that we cannot see? There are things happening behind the scenes of our lives that we are unaware of and as a result we interpret the circumstances of our lives based on what we can see and conclude that all is not well. 

What can you see happening in your life right now and what have you concluded about that situation? Before you label it as bad, can you truthfully say that you have all the facts and evidence to conclude rightly? Aren’t there some things about that situation that you do not know or are not so certain about? Ecclesiastes 11:5 states “As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything”. God specializes in working behind the scenes of our lives and the secret things belong to Him. You have no way of knowing what He is doing about your situation, why then would you conclude and give it a tag?

Here’s what God says in His word “The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools. Do not say, why were the former days better than these? For you do not inquire wisely concerning this”. (Ecclesiastes 7: 8-10). So be rest assured that irrespective of what is going on right now, everything will be alright in the end. If it is not alright now, then it is not the end. God says it, believe it and that settles it. A word they say is enough for the wise!

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.

By Oke Chinye

Read: Ephesians 1:3-22

Meditation verse:

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13).

Other privileges you enjoy as an adopted son, are:

The presence of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the guarantor and seal upon your life that proves that you are a child of God. He is in you to teach, comfort, intercede and help you in your walk with God. John 14:26 says “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you”. I have received help from the Holy Spirit on several occasions in different areas of my life. From showing me the specific area to focus on and study, when I had to write an exam shortly after recuperating from a failed surgery, exposing attacks of the enemy over my marriage before it was too late and teaching me several life skills. The messages I write in this daily devotional are downloaded into my spirit by the Holy Spirit. The greatest resource we have as Christians is the presence of God’s Spirit in us, but you must be sensitive to His prompting if you are to benefit from His leading. 

An everlasting hope: Christ in you is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) and it is an unending one. When all is said and done here on earth, you will reign with Christ in eternity. John 14:2-3 says “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”.

If you have not yet asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart, you are not yet a son. Why not do so right away so that you can be adopted into the family of God and begin to enjoy these privileges. Here’s a prayer you can say right away: “Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I confess that I am a sinner and ask for forgiveness.  I invite you into my heart and accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins, fill me with Your Spirit and help me to live my life for You”. Congratulations!

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.

By Oke Chinye

Read: Ephesians 1:3-22

Meditation verse:

“Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will” (Ephesians 1:5).

At salvation, you were adopted as a son into the family of God, through Jesus Christ and this entitles you to certain privileges. Ephesians 1:18-19 says that “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what the hope of His calling is, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power”. As a son you have access to:

The name of Jesus Christ: Philippians 2:9-11 states: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name, which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The name of Jesus is a refuge and strong tower in times of trouble. I had a scary experience one night. Whilst asleep, I suddenly became aware of a dark presence in the room. I tried to move and open my eyes, but couldn’t, it was like an invincible force was holding me down. I was very conscious of what was going on but could neither move nor open my eyes. Then I realised my spirit was calling the name “Jesus”, so I tried to open my mouth to call out the name, but my lips were sealed. I kept struggling to open my mouth and eventually succeeded in screaming “Jesus”. As soon as I called out that name, the invincible presence disappeared, and I was able to open my eyes and turn around. 

The blood of Jesus: Revelations 12:11 states “And they overcame him (the accuser) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” Hebrews 10:19 says “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus”. You have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. In your redemption package, you can boldly access forgiveness for your sins, healing of all diseases, wholeness, sanctification, restoration, deliverance, and victory through the blood of Jesus. What an awesome privilege to be a son of The Most High God.

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.

By Oke Chinye

Read: 2 Timothy 4:9-16

Meditation verse:

“Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13).

Locked up in a cold and damp prison, faced with execution, Paul the Apostle asked for three items; his coat to help him stay warm, some books and especially the parchments. A parchment is a flat thin material made from the prepared skin of an animal and used as a writing surface in ancient times. Bible scholar, William Barclay suggests that the parchments Paul was referring to were Hebrew scriptures, because the Hebrews had written their sacred scriptures in parchments made from animal skins. 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”. Paul had lived his life for the cause of the gospel. Now in the darkest moment, he knew the word would profit him and that was what he wanted the most. 

When life deals its deadly blows and you feel too discouraged to pray, what do you hold on to? What do you count as important in your darkest moments? Over the years, I formed the habit of journaling every day. In my journals, I write down my favorite scriptures, God’s promises over my life as well as the messages I hear in my spirit during my personal devotions. In my dark moments, I take hold of my journals and as I go through its pages, I am reminded of God’s love, grace and ever abiding presence, which brings comfort and encouragement to my soul. The psalmist cried out to God in his dark moment “O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore, I will remember You from the land of the Jordan…” (Psalm 42:6). Icons of God’s faithfulness in the past are helpful resources in times of trouble. My journals are my parchments; there are usually the first items I put in my travel suitcase.

Your parchments could be your bible, your personal devotion notebooks, a diary of God’s promises over you based on His word or even your sermon notes from church. Whatever it is, be certain to hold on tightly to it. That way wherever you go and whatever comes your way in this new month, even if you get stripped of everything else, you can quickly say like Paul “bring me the parchments”.

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.

By Oke Chinye

Read: Philippians 3:12-15

Meditation verse:

“I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Billionaire media mogul, Oprah Winfrey one said that her greatest desire in life is to fulfill the dream that God had in mind for her when He thought about her and put her in her mother’s womb. So, she always strived to fulfill; the highest and truest expression of herself as a human being. My understanding of this is that we are indebted to God to develop and utilize whatever gifts He has put in us to the highest possible level. And we owe this not just to God but to ourselves and the world at large. The world should experience our highest level of value in the place of our purpose or contribution. 

The Apostle Paul had this objective in mind when he 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 [d]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)

How can we ensure that we are pressing towards our highest expression? We must keep developing our skills, talents, abilities, and character. 2 Peter 1:5-8 says “but also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”. 2 Timothy 2;15 says, “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (KJV). 

Keep raising the bar and keep becoming. Do not be satisfied with yesterday’s wins. There is always a higher-level waiting for you to step into. Refuse to settle for anything less. “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19). It’s a new month and the last one for the year. Go manifest!

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.

By Oke Chinye

Read: Job 38:12-15

Meditation verse:

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Every day is a gift from God. It is a privilege to wake up to another day. The psalmist says “I lay down and slept, I awoke, for the Lord sustained me (Psalm 3:5). It’s a 3-step process. First you lie down, then you sleep, after which you wake up. Not everyone enjoys the privilege of all three steps. We hear of instances where people go to bed at night, sleep but do not wake up to see the next day; they die in their sleep. Others lie down but are unable to enjoy a good night sleep. Still yet, there are those who do not even get to lie down. They are harassed by the terrors of the night. 

If God sustained you through the night and enabled you to see a day, it is a privilege because it means your assignment on earth is not yet over. Each day comes with its own purpose and work, else it would not exist. Psalm 104:19-23 says:

He (God) appointed the moon for seasons; the sun knows its going down. You make darkness, and it is night, in which all the beasts of the forest creep about. The young lions roar after their prey and seek their food from God. When the sun rises, they gather together and lie down in their dens. Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening”. 

Therefore, esteem each day as a gift from God, be grateful to Him and ask Him to direct your path. Then engage the day fully in a manner that will enable you profit maximally from it. “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” (Ecclesiastes 11:6). As you live out each day of your life in this new month, let God see by your deeds that you are grateful to be alive and be a part of the day; do good to others and put in your best, working diligently at whatever your hand finds to do. Remember that there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you will end up someday. (Ecclesiastes 9:10).  Happy 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.