ojaysjoel blog

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Devotion: As we step into the year 2025, let us begin by seeking the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Bible reminds us that our Heavenly Father is willing to give us the Holy Spirit when we ask Him. In Luke 11:13, Jesus says, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, sent by the Father in Jesus' name, to teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus has told us (John 14:26). When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we receive power to be witnesses for Jesus, starting from our own communities and spreading to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). To experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit...

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14  Devotion: As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, it's a pivotal time for reflection, evaluation, and planning. This period offers an opportunity to assess our achievements, learn from our experiences, and set new goals. To navigate this process, let's adopt a thoughtful approach to time accountability and preparation for the new year, enriched with spiritual exhortation.   Reflecting on the past year is essential. Take time to list and celebrate your accomplishments and milestones. Reflect on the challenges you faced and the lessons they imparted. As Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for ...

John 15:4-5 NIV [4] Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. [5] "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Devotion: I once observed two mango trees, one with branches heavily laden with fruit, yet still firmly attached to the tree. In contrast, another tree had branches that had torn apart from the trunk, withering away and rendering the fruit inedible. This poignant image illustrates the spiritual lives of Christians. Some, especially leaders, may start strong, performing miracles and winning souls for Christ. However, as they become preoccupied with organizing events and programs, they neglect their personal connection with God through prayer. Consequently, their spiritual life dwindles, and the miracles cease. Then there are the nominal Christians, who attend church but ...

Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Devotion: The verse of today is a powerful verse that offers guidance on how to navigate life's challenges with faith and peace. Here's a spiritual discussion of this verse: "Be Careful for Nothing" The phrase "be careful for nothing" doesn't mean we should be careless or indifferent to life's problems. Rather, it's an instruction to avoid anxious worrying or being overly concerned about things. As believers, we're called to trust God with our concerns, rather than letting them consume us. "But in Every Thing by Prayer and Supplication" Instead of worrying, we're encouraged to bring our concerns to God in prayer. The phrase "in every thing" emphasizes that no matter how big or small the issue, we should take it to God in prayer. "Supplication" implies a humble and ...

 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 NIV Devotion: While Israel awaited the Savior, three wise men from the East studied ancient texts and followed a star to find Jesus. Despite the long and demanding journey, they sought Him out, driven by a desire to worship the one the signs pointed to.   Upon finding Jesus, they bowed down and worshiped Him, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts held deep symbolic meaning, recognizing Jesus' kingship, divinity, and future suffering. The fourth gift is their worship, it shows reverence to Jesus the Messiah. He's the only person worthy of our praises and worship. All other gods are works of men and worthless; while Jesus, the word (John 1:1) is true God.    The wise men's story reminds us ...

John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Devotion: Today, we'll conclude our exploration of the birth of Jesus Christ by delving into its profound spiritual significance and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. As we reflect on Jesus' humility, as seen in His willingness to leave His divine throne and take on human form, we're reminded that He empathizes with our struggles and experiences. By studying His life, we can gain valuable insights into overcoming sin and death, just as He did. Let's examine the importance of Jesus' birth, following this outline:  1. God’s Love and Humility:    - Embrace Humility: Jesus’ humble birth in a manger teaches us to value humility and simplicity.    - God with Us: The incarnation of God in human form shows His immense love and willingness to be close to humanity, offering a model of ...

Luke 1:30-31  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Devotion: Christmas is in two days, I feel it is important to remind ourselves the story of the birth of our Lord and Saviour - Jesus Christ. Today I'll consider the story according to the gospel according to St Luke.  The story of the birth of Jesus Christ, often celebrated as Christmas, is one of the most cherished and significant narratives in Christianity. Here’s a brief overview, followed by its spiritual implications: The Nativity Story:  Annunciation: The angel Gabriel visits Mary, a young virgin in Nazareth, and tells her she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit, to be named Jesus. Joseph’s Dream: Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, plans to quietly end their engagement, but an angel visits him in a dream, assuring him of God’s plan. Journey to Bethlehem: Due to a census ...

Luke 2:9-10 NIV [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Devotion: Imagine Mary and Joseph getting ready to become parents. They probably asked a lot of the same questions expectant parents do today: Is the baby healthy? Are we prepared to care for this child? Where will we have the baby? Are we ready for the birth? Near the end of Mary’s pregnancy, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that everyone within the Roman world return to their hometown for a census (Luke 2:1-4). This meant that Mary and Joseph had to leave their home in Nazareth to take the four-day journey to Bethlehem, the city of David, who was Joseph’s ancestor.  Because of the census, Bethlehem’s inns were full of people making the journey home. And so, when the time came, Mary gave birth to Jesus in the only place available t...

Matthew 1:21 NIV [21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Devotion: While Mary and Joseph were still finalizing their guest list and picking out a wedding cake, she startled him with some unexpected news—she, a virgin, was pregnant.    Assuming she’d been unfaithful, Joseph was poised to cancel the engagement. But while he was still considering his exit strategy, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream—telling him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, for the child inside her was from the Holy Spirit.   “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬   This miracle was the fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies—God-inspired predictions about the Messiah, Savior, or “Chosen/Anointed One”—recorded in the Old Testament.   From conception, Jesus’ purpose was made known: to save His people from...

CAC GOSPEL Hymn 99 ST. DENIO 11.11.11.11.  Now unto King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God.- 1 Tim. 1:17 1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise. 2. Unresting unhasting, and silent as light, Nor wanting, nor mountains high soaring above, Thy clouds which are fountains of Goodness and love, Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love. 3. To all life thou givest-to both great and small, In all life Thou livest, the true life of all; We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, And wither and perish-but nought changeth Thee. 4. Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light, Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight, All laud we would render, O help us to see, 'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee. Amen. Install the CAC Hymnbook app at play store. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=virosoft.hymns.cac....

Psalms 118:1  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Devotion: Last week, a friend visited me at work, visibly shaken. As he entered my office, I asked him what was wrong. He shared that he had walked past the casualty room and witnessed patients suffering from various traumatic conditions, including strokes and heart attacks. While this was a routine sight for me, given my daily work, it had a profound impact on my friend.  His response was striking: "I have a reason to praise God." I couldn't agree more. Often, it's only when we see the challenges others face that we appreciate the blessings in our own lives. Being alive and in good health is a gift that's easy to take for granted.  This experience reminded me that there are countless reasons to praise God. With this in mind, I'd like to share a hymn that resonates with me - CAC Hymn 73, "Through All the Changing Scenes of Life." LLOYD C.M  I will bless th...

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Colossians 1:16" Devotion : The scripture above is describing Jesus Christ of Nazareth; He is the Word of God made flesh and dwelt among men (John 1:14). All things indeed were made by Him and for Him.  This is more reason why people should find the need to be born again. When you are born again you are born of the Word and have access to the Word of God. As joint heir with Christ, what belongs to Jesus Christ belongs to you.  Therefore, all things were made for believers in Christ Jesus. If this becomes your consciousness you will lack nothing.  This is a very good reason to praise God, find a beautiful praise and worship song and sing it loud. You will have testimonies to share in Jesus' name.  Edited by Dr Joel Olanrewaju. I can be reached at gbemide0...

Praise the name of the Lord your God, who hath dwelth wondrously with you. - Joel 2:26 KJV  Devotion: The book of Joel is divided into three main sections: 1. The Plague of Locusts (Joel 1:1-20) 2. The Call to Repentance (Joel 1:21-2:17) 3. The Promise of Restoration (Joel 2:18-32) The verse in question, Joel 2:26, is part of the third section, which promises restoration and blessing to God's people after a period of judgment and repentance.  Historically, Judah faced a severe economic crisis due to a massive locust plague that devastated the land, destroying crops and leaving the people on the brink of famine. This calamity was a consequence of their unbelief and idolatry, as they had turned away from God to worship graven images.  The prophet Joel called the people to repentance, urging them to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness. He promised that if they would repent, God would restore their fortunes, send rain to end the drought, and bless them with abundant har...

Psalms 29:2  Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Devotion: I stand in awe of God's goodness in my life, my family, and the lives of those around me. He rescued me in my darkest hour, when all hope seemed lost and human help was nowhere to be found. I'm confident that God has also worked wonders in your life. Let's come together to express our heartfelt gratitude and praise to our faithful God, and let this song be our joyful declaration of His goodness and love. CAC GOSPEL HYMN BOOK, HYMN 93 - TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE TO GOD BE THE GLORY 11.11.11.11. and Ref.  1. To God be the glory, great things He hath done, So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And open'd the Life Gate that all may go in. Chorus: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father, t...

Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase(harvest) Psalms 85:12 KJV  Devotion: It is thanksgiving time, as we sing praises to God and worship Him let's quickly talk about harvest today because it is the most important area of Christian journey. I'll follow the outline below. The Symbolic Meaning of Harvest In Scripture, the symbolic meaning of harvest encompasses two main areas: God's provision for us and God's blessing for others. The gathering of things planted is a natural time of reaping in joy what has been produced during the year. Growth and Harvest As we walk in the ways of God, in time we will see a harvest. Growth takes time and requires seasons. A life of faith is similar to the growth of plants, and as we practice God's way, we see growth over time (Galatians 6:9). The Importance of Laborers The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Jesus instructs us to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers int...

For His mercy endureth for ever. Ps. 136:1 Devotion: Let us come before the throne of God this morning with a Gladsome mind. Let's sing praises to his holy name because the Lord is good, His mercy endures for ever.   Sing along with me:  CAC GOSPEL HYMN BOOK. HYMN 71 - LET US WITH A GLADSOME MIND INNOCENTS 7.7.7.7  1. Let us with a gladsome mind, Praise the Lord, for He is kind; For His mercies still endure, Ever faithful, ever sure. 2. He, with all-commanding might, Filled the new-made world with light; For His mercies still endure, Ever faithful, ever sure. 3. All things living he doth feed, His full hand supplies their need: For His mercies still endure, Ever faithful, ever sure. 4. He His chosen race did bless, In the wasteful wilderness: For His mercies still endure, Ever faithful, ever sure. 5. Let us then with gladsome mind; Praise the Lord, for He is kind: For His mercies still endure, Ever faithful, ever sure. Amen.

Psalms 113:3  From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised. Devotion: The year will come to an end in a few days, meaning we have enjoyed nearly the entire journey from January till now. We are also confident that, by His grace, we will enter the new year 2025 and beyond safe and sound.  Looking back, we'll see that we have many reasons to praise the name of the Lord. A lot of rain fell, and the soil soaked it all in. We traveled to several places, sometimes on the most dangerous roads and using precarious means of transportation, yet we arrived safely.  When we watch the television, we see numerous road accidents, and many people are kidnapped on the roads, never to be seen again, even after ransom has been paid. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that what is most important to me and my family is to praise God for the rest of the year.  In fact, God created us to praise and worship Him. So, join me in singing pra...

Psalms 136:1  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Devotion: When God says no, no devil can take you out. Arise and praise His holy name.   Therefore : Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalms 100:4-5    Please watch this video to know how to praise Him.  https://youtube.com/shorts/PsomCXDcImc?si=q35kFJvEfZUQkmr3 - Dr Joel Olanrewaju. Share your thoughts with me at gbemide09@gmail.com. share this with your contacts.

Matthew 10:38-39  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it Devotion: Matthew 10:38-39 reminds us that following Jesus requires self-denial. We're often tempted to prioritize our own happiness and desires, but this can lead to broken relationships with loved ones and a lost spiritual life.  Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of self-denial. Despite our rebellion and rejection, He chose to give His life for our salvation.  To truly follow Jesus, we must be willing to lose ourselves. This means putting His will above our own desires and embracing self-sacrifice.  Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of self-denial. Help us to overcome our selfish hearts and follow You, even when it's difficult. May we find true life and salvation in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.  -Dr Joel Olanrewaju, you can share your t...

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Matthew 7:13" Devotion : Jesus made it clear according to the opening scripture that there are only two gates in the world: one leading to eternal life and the other leading to destruction.  The names of the gates are straight/narrow gate and broad/wide gate. The straight gate represents Jesus Christ and the broad gate represents the devil.   Entering the narrow gate is asking Jesus Christ to be Lord and Saviour of your life and making diligent effort to follow him. The straight gate consists in discipline, holiness, submission, and obedience to God's Word. Due to the nature of the narrow gate many people avoid it because they want to live as they please.   On the other hand, the broad gate consists in indiscipline, selfishness, sins, and the pleasures of this world. Many people choose the wide gate because of the cares and pleas...

"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:26" Devotion : When our Lord Jesus Christ asked us to behold the fowls of the air, we must go out there and behold them and know how they are fed by our heavenly Father. God wants you and me to study how the birds fly around looking for food.  Birds and other animals indeed do not sow, reap or gather into barns and yet they are fed by God. However the birds and other animals do go out to search for food. They don't just stay in their nest and wait for food. For example ants do store food in harvest(Proverbs 30:25). However, we who are created in the image of God are worried by what to eat and other material things when we fail to do our part. Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to understand how animals are fed so that we can stop worries and anxieties in our life.  The slogan should be "Work and Pr...

For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. John 3:34-35 (NIV). Devotion: Analyzing these verses reveals several key spiritual insights: Jesus' Divine Mission:Jesus is the one sent by God, emphasizing His divine origin and mission. Jesus' Authority: Jesus speaks the words of God, highlighting His authority and divine message. God's Abundant Presence: God gives the Spirit without limit, indicating the boundless presence and power of God. The Father's Love for the Son: The Father loves the Son, demonstrating the deep affection and unity within the Trinity. Jesus' Sovereignty: The Father has placed everything in Jesus' hands, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority. Theological Significance: 1. Jesus' Divinity: This passage affirms Jesus' divinity, highlighting His unique relationship with the Father. 2. The Trinity: It underscores the conce...

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20 KJV. Devotion: This verse can be analysed according to its three parts Viz the great commission, teaching and observing and the promise of his eternal presence. 1.The Great Commission: This verse is part of Jesus' final instructions to His disciples before His ascension. He commissions them to teach others to observe His commands. This is the singular most important commission given to man by Jesus and we must observe to carry it out. It is not a matter of choice. 2. Teaching and Observing: Jesus emphasizes the importance of teaching new believers to observe (or obey) all His commands. This implies a deep understanding and application of His teachings. To be a good teacher of the word we must be very knowledgeable in the word and we must observe what the word says 100%. 3. The Promise of Presence: Jesus reassures His dis...

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16 NIV Devotion: Have you ever met someone who was exceptionally kind and caring? Good friends are like this—welcoming, eager to know how you’re doing, giving their undivided attention. A good friend reminds us of who we are. They listen to everything, the good and the bad, with compassion and love.  God is a friend like this. He listens. He empathizes. He cares so much and is kind in His responses. In fact, God does more than just show love—He is love. It is impossible for Him to be anything else because love is His very essence. His love is pure. It isn’t selfish, disengaged, bitter, resentful, or passive. We can trust this kind of love. We can trust God.   In 1 John 4:16 NIV, we find a beautiful reminder of what life with God is like: "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in the...

"And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:3" Devotion : The leper met Jesus Christ when He had come down from the mountain and made a humble request from the Lord. The response from the Lord Jesus Christ signifies the willingness of the Lord to answer our request if it is made from a humble sincere heart. He touched the leper and said, "I will" and healed him.  He also demonstrated that we should not be afraid to touch the sick to pray for them.  Dear reader, I don't know what you're going through this morning, but I know nothing is difficult for God to handle. Go to God in prayers and supplication with thanksgiving from a humble heart; God will handle the problem for you (Philippians 4:6).  Dear reader, kindly know that the Lord is always willing to attend to your request if made from a humble sincere heart.  Kindly share your testimonies with me at gbemide09@gmail.com,...

"Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6;35. Devotion: In this metaphor, Jesus identifies Himself as the essential sustenance for spiritual life by describing himself as "I am the bread of life." Just as bread is a basic food essential for physical survival, Jesus presents Himself as the spiritual nourishment necessary for eternal life. It underscores His role as the sustainer and provider for the deepest needs of humanity. Please sit down and reflect on this, you'll understand that it is the absolute truth.    The second part emphasizes the sufficiency of Jesus. He says "Whoever comes to me will never go hungry," because Jesus is the source of life, He is God in the form of man. Therefore coming to Jesus means accepting Him, seeking Him, and entering into a relationship with Him. Spiritually, it signifies that in Jesus, one's spiritual hun...

Romans 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Please read Romans 8: 35-39 KJV. Devotion: Good morning! Today's topic may seem challenging, especially for new believers. However, it's a fundamental truth that can anchor our faith.   I'd like to share a true story that happened in Ibadan some years ago. A group of Christians returning from a weekend prayer program were involved in a fatal accident. Despite their prayers, tragedy struck. This incident can raise questions about sin, the devil, and unanswered prayers.   As young Christians, we may face similar challenges that test our faith. However, we must not let these experiences distract us from Christ. Instead, they should encourage us to focus on eternity. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), and if we believe, we will also overcome.  Nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:39). If you're faci...

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38. Devotion: Repentance: Peter calls the people to repent, which means to turn away from sin and toward God. This is the first step toward salvation. Baptism: Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the death of the old self and the resurrection to new life in Christ. Remission of Sins: Baptism is for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, washing away of sin. This emphasizes the connection between faith, repentance, and the forgiveness of sins. Gift of the Holy Ghost: The promise of receiving the Holy Spirit is a remarkable one. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a life pleasing to God, guides them in truth, and seals them for eternal life. This verse is significant in that it brings forte to us the importance of: 1.Salvation: This verse outlines the steps to salvation: repentance, ...

https://artistictribe.blogspot.com/2024/11/what-not-to-try-in-your-marriage.html

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15" Devotion : One of the signs of the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is the emergence of false prophets. In fact they will be so many that the love of many will grow cold, especially those who become victims of such false prophets.  It is our duty to identify the false prophet using the Word of God; scripture says by their fruits we shall know them.  How to recognise false prophets 1) His words will not be inline with what the Bible says 2) The false prophet chooses a verse and gives narrow interpretation of it, especially to suit his selfish purpose. 3) He takes glory that should rightly belong to God.  4) He is all about wealth and does not preach the good news of Christ.  What to do:  1) Study the Bible and understand the deep meaning of the word of God. 2) Find time to attend Bible school if possible.  3) Attend Bible teaching chur...

“And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:13-14 KJV Devotion: When Adam and Eve sinned, it brought death upon all creation. Since then, man has suffered many pains throughout life here on earth. The consequences of sin brought suffering in many different forms—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. The man here was healed by Jesus, suffered paralysis for thirty-eight years, and felt hopeless. Though Jesus healed him physically, there was something much deeper in him that was causing his misery. After he was found by Jesus again, he was told not to sin again or something worse than thirty-eight years of paralysis would happen. Apparently, it was the consequences of sin that caused him to suffer. The brokenness of his body was the result of the brokenness of his soul...

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had." Romans 15:5 NIV. Devotion: The important points from this verse are the following: 1: God's Provision: The verse highlights God's role in providing endurance and encouragement. This emphasizes our dependence on Him for strength and motivation. God is the source of my strength. 2: Unity in Mindset: Paul prays for the believers to have the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. This unity in mindset is crucial for harmonious relationships within the body of Christ. We can use human body parts to illustrate the fact that though we have many parts eg hands, legs, head, eyes etc yet all belong to one body and work together harmoniously. The church of God must unite to lead the crusade. 3: Christ's Example: The verse holds up Christ Jesus as the ultimate example of humility, love, and selflessness. His attitude toward ot...

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1. Devotion: This verse comprises three parts as discussed below.  1. Call to Action: "Arise, shine;" - This part of the verse is a call to wake up and take action. It encourages individuals to stand up, be active, and let their inner light shine. Spiritually, it signifies waking up to one's purpose and potential, and stepping into the roles and responsibilities that one is meant to fulfill. These roles and responsibilities can only be carried out if you are spiritually ready in that you have given your life to Christ and you live in total obedience. 2. The Arrival of Light: "for thy light is come," - This refers to the arrival of divine illumination and guidance. It symbolizes the presence of God's Holy Spirit, the spirit truth, God's wisdom, and favor in one's life. All these for those who have Christ. Spiritually, it indicates that God’s light ...

Scripture References: 1. 1 Peter 5: 8 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 2. Matthew 26: 41 - "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 3. 1 Corinthians 16: 13 - "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 4. Proverbs 22: 3 - "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." Reflection: The Bible repeatedly warns us to "be careful" in various aspects of our lives. This caution is not driven by fear or anxiety but by wisdom and spiritual discernment. As believers, we are called to be vigilant and mindful of the spiritual battles we face. Key Takeaways: 1. Be aware of your surroundings and the spiritual atmosphere. 2. Guard your heart and mind against sinful thoughts and desires. 3. Watch for temptation and pray for strength to resist ...

 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV Devotion: Moses knew human foibles that despite God's love towards mankind, man could love other things more than God. He therefore instructed the Israelites to love God with their all, to write it on the walls and make bracelets of the verse so that they'll repeat it frequently and make it part of their lives. Despite this we know Israel still worshipped other gods.  The same is with you and me today; despite our confession of Christ as Lord and Saviour we still love Premier League, UEFA championship than God. So of us will choose Netflix over the prayer meeting while some others are fixated on Forex market.  The verse of today is a reminder that we should get our priorities right and choose God over every situation, there's no half love but we should love God with our ALL, this means in every situation and time. We should not allow anything to take the plac...

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sins and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 KEY PRINCIPLES: 1. Humbling Ourselves: Recognizing our limitations and dependence on God, acknowledging our sins and weaknesses. 2. Prayer: Seeking God's guidance, mercy, and intervention. 3. Seeking God's Face: Pursuing intimate relationship with Him, desiring His presence. 4. Turning from Wicked Ways: Repenting from sin, abandoning harmful habits. PROMISES: 1. God's Hearing: He will listen to our prayers. It is very important to pray to God unfortunately some people cannot pray up to five minutes while some do not know how to. Attend bible teaching church to learn how to pray. 2. Forgiveness: He will pardon our sins. You also should forgive those who offend you. 3. Healing: Restoration of individuals, communities, and nations. Our nation nee...

“And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” John 1:42 KJV Devotion: In the opening scripture, you can find Jesus giving Simon a new name, Peter, which means rock. From then on, he was known by this name throughout generations. This was not even Peter's choice, but a name given by Jesus for a great purpose. Peter was very impulsive and often found himself biting off more than he could chew, and for that reason, he was unstable and unreliable. But despite all of that, Jesus still chose him to be the "little rock" that God would use to start His Church. Jesus gave him a name, "rock," that is firm and stable. This was to declare Peter's destiny and be a constant reminder of who he is in the eyes of Christ any time he might have been tempted to waver. As He did with Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob, God changed their names to call out their new and pu...

"Again the next day, John stood with two of his disciples, and seeing Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, 'Behold, the Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard him and followed Jesus." (John 1:35-37, KJV) Devotion: John the Baptist's selfless example teaches us valuable lessons: Humility in Leadership As a prominent leader with a growing ministry, John unlike many self styled ministers of today, could have easily become prideful. Instead, he remained secure in his role as a herald of Christ, continually pointing others to Jesus, even his own disciples. Dangers of Pride: When pride, power, and fame inflate our ego, we risk opposing God and facing humiliation. Talents, success, and recognition are gifts from God, not grounds for self-exaltation.   Many Televangelists see themselves as the ultimate and claim glory that rightly belongs to God. Some are bold enough to claim that they are human and can commit sin at anytime. I watched a video clip in which a televangelist claimed...

Hosea 4:6  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Devotion: Hosea 4:6 is a powerful verse that highlights the consequences of rejecting divine knowledge and forgetting God’s law. Here’s a breakdown from a spiritual biblical perspective: Context and Meaning: In the book of Hosea, the prophet Hosea addresses the spiritual and moral decay of Israel. The verse specifically points out that the people are suffering because they lack knowledge of God. This isn’t just intellectual knowledge but a deep, relational understanding and commitment to God’s ways. Key Points:  Lack of Knowledge: The “knowledge” referred to here is about knowing God personally and understanding His laws. It’s about living in a way that reflects His teachings and commandments. Rejection of Knowledge: The people of Israel had ...

 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 2 Peter 1:10 Devotion: Let's dive into 2 Peter 1:10. This verse is encouraging believers to confirm and validate their calling and election from God. It's essentially saying, "Make sure you're living a life that reflects your relationship with God." By doing so, you'll never stumble or fall away from your faith. This assurance is rooted in the idea that when you actively develop virtues and practice your faith, you'll have a firm foundation in your spiritual growth. Think of it like building a strong foundation for a house. If you lay a solid groundwork, the structure will withstand challenges and remain stable. Similarly, when you focus on confirming your calling and election, you're securing your spiritual foundation. Here are some key takeaways from this verse: - Confirm Your Calling: Make sure you're living a l...

https://artistictribe.blogspot.com/2024/11/matters-of-heart-navigating-romance-in.html

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” - Genesis 3:15 (KJV)  Devotion: It's often said that the best way to kill a snake is to strike its head. Satan targeted God's most cherished creation—humanity. However, God declared that He would crush the serpent's head. This verse is known as the protoevangelium, the first mention of the good news of salvation in the Bible.   Despite our failures and tendency to heed the devil over God, He did not abandon us to hopeless condemnation. Instead, God, though heartbroken, promised to send the woman's seed, the Messiah, who would crush Satan and save us all. As foretold, Satan would bruise the Messiah's heel, but his head would be crushed.   This prophecy was fulfilled on the cross. Jesus Christ endured immense shame and suffering inflicted by the enemy, but through His sacrifice, Satan was defeated, granting us freedom from ...

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV Devotion: I believe that God should be at the very heart of every marriage. The Bible in Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “a cord of three strands is not easily broken,” suggesting that a marriage grows stronger when God is a part of it. Having God at the center brings a sense of guidance, patience, and stability to the relationship, providing wisdom during the tough times and reminding both partners of the love and forgiveness they are meant to show each other. When God is one of those essential strands, His presence becomes the foundation, offering peace and support far beyond what two people can provide on their own. hile love is important, it alone is not enough to sustain a marriage. It’s the feeling that draws two people together, but it isn’t always constant, and it certainly doesn’t have the power to fix every problem that comes up. In marriage, other qualities ...

“And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:8-10 KJV   Devotion: When Adam and Eve realized what they had done, they started to feel guilt, fear, and shame—new things they had never felt in the presence of God before. Their once unhindered and intimate interaction with God was now broken by sin. Adam and Eve chose to hide instead of running to God. Since then, man has always responded that way.  We choose to hide in things that may cover our shame, failures, and inadequacy. Instead of going to God and seeking reconciliation, we try to hide behind wealth, fame, power, religion, and many other likenesses of the fig leaves. What happened with Adam and Ev...

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, " My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Devotion: In life's journey there are times you struggle for something or struggle with something and you achieve/overcome it but at some other times you may not be able to get it. Yet life goes on because we have this blessed hope in Christ. Paul was in such situation and after praying severally he found out he had to live with it. Jesus told him "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  You may have been struggling with or for something, God ask me to tell you this day that " My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." You should shift your focus to do greater exploit for God in other areas. If it is your carrier or family situation shift ground and disco...

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:37" Devotion : In the verse above Jesus re-emphasis the words God gave to Israelites in the wilderness. In Exodus 20 verse 3 God says "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." When you love God you will not have any other gods beside Him. It is like a relationship between husband and wife, if you love your wife you will not have a mistress and vice versa.    Our relationship with God is faith based and it is different from any other, it comes with a promise to those who keep the faith. God says in Exodus 20:6 "And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."    God wants us to love Him with our whole being; He wants our undivided attention and because He is God, He wants the best and the best is giving Him our all. If we do that for Him we gain His trust and He blesses us.   Do you really know...