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Showing posts from November, 2024

Title: What-not-to-try-in-your-marriage.html

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

Title: False Prophets everywhere, Beware!

"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...

Title: Sin No More!

“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...

Title: Follow Jesus Example.

"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...

Title: Arise and Shine.

"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 ...

Title: Be Careful: A Call to Spiritual Vigilance

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 ...

Title: Give All your Love to God!

 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...

Title: A Call to Revival!

"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...

Title: Named by Grace.

“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...

Title: Be humble, point others to Christ!

"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...

Title: Lack of Knowledge!

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 ...

https://artistictribe.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-unyielding-nature-of-time.html

Title: Confirm your Calling by your conduct!

 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...

Oreoluwa on the Blogspot

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

Title: Crushed!

“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 ...

Title: Marriage in the Era of Frequent Divorce!

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 ...

Title: Do not Hide it!

“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...

Title: GRACE SUFFICIENT FOR THEE !

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...

Title: Total Submission is Fruitful!

"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...

Title: The strands marriage!

Please check through this and learn how to keep going on your marriage https://artistictribe.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-strands-of-marriage-in-era-of.html

Title: The Power of Humility and it Rewards.

"Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life." - Proverbs 22:4 (NIV) Devotion: Biblical Examples of Humility: Leaders like Moses and King David demonstrated humility, acknowledging their weaknesses and relying on God's guidance. Prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah emphasized recognizing human limitations and submitting to God's will. Jesus taught and modeled humility, serving others and prioritizing their needs above self. Key Principles: 1. Humility and Wisdom: Humility is linked with wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). A humble heart is open to learning and growth. 2. Dependence on God: Humility recognizes our fallen nature and dependence on God's wisdom and salvation. 3. Servant Leadership: Emulate Jesus' example by serving others selflessly. 4. Acknowledging Limitations: Admit weaknesses and seek God's help. 5. Valuing Others: Place others' needs above your own. The Reward of Humility Humility is not about self-deprecation but recognizin...

Title: Humility

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 NIV.  Old testament insights   Leaders’ Examples: Figures like Moses and King David exemplify humility. Despite their significant roles, they acknowledged their weaknesses and relied on God’s guidance.  Moses, for instance, led the Israelites out of Egypt but always recognized his dependence on God . Prophets’ Lessons: Prophets such as Jeremiah and Isaiah emphasized recognizing human limitations and submitting to God’s will.  Their teachings highlight that humility involves acknowledging our need for God’s wisdom and direction . New Testament Insights Jesus’ Teachings: Jesus consistently taught and modeled humility. He emphasized serving others and prioritizing their needs over one’s own. For example, in Philippians 2:3, Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves" . Apostle Paul’s Perspective: Paul oft...

Title : How to avoid diseases

"And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26" Devotion : The scripture has given us insight of how the children of God can avoid diseases and all forms of ailing situations. The keys to avoid diseases are to diligently hearken, do right, pay attention, and keeping his Word. 1. First of all to diligently hearken is to listen to the Word of God with the aim of putting it to action. 2. Secondly, doing right means acting on the Word of God the way He wants it to be done.  3. Thirdly, paying attention is to listen to God in all details.  4. Lastly, keeping his Word is to make conscious effort to retain the Word in our heart and mind.   These four keys work hand in hand. Jesus Christ has made thing...

Title: Honoring Parents: A Foundation for Life.

Exodus 20:12, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.  Devotion: This commandment holds profound spiritual significance, let's break it down: Why Honor Parents? 1. Social Order: Honoring parents establishes respect for authority, fostering harmonious relationships within families and communities. A community where this law of God is obeyed is always peaceful  2. Divine Authority: Parents represent God's authority on earth. Honoring them acknowledges and respects God's divine order. 3. Longevity: This commandment promises long life in the land given by God, both literally and metaphorically, ensuring a thriving society and fulfilling life. Children who obey are disciplined and do not engage in risky acts that may cut their lives short. They thrive in their endeavours because they are disciplined. 4. Spiritual Growth: Honoring parents teaches discipline, humility, and gratitude, essential virtues for spirit...

Title: Honour Your Parents

Exodus 20:12  Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Devotion: Exodus 20:12, which states, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee,” is one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This commandment holds deep spiritual significance in several ways: Foundation of Social Order: Honoring parents is seen as the cornerstone of a well-ordered society.  It establishes respect for authority and lays the groundwork for harmonious relationships within the family and the broader community 1 . In many societies parents do not have any authority over the children that is why any attempt to discipline the child is rebuffed and the children call the police. The claim is human rights which some have taken to absurd levels to reassign sex of children, children shooting and killing parents and classmates. All because they cannot or was not su...

Title : Good Thoughts

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11" Devotion : The children of God can know the intention of God towards them: the intention is good, one of peace to give them an expected end. The question is what is your expectation as a child of God? Is your expectation in sync with the scriptures? If your expectation is in line with God's Word then God will surely fulfill it. Since our God is a great God let us have great expectations which are supported by the scriptures; and let us declare these scriptures continually and see how God bring them to pass. Finally, we should have thoughts of peace toward one another as children of God. Dear beloved, how big are your expectations? Kindly write your views in the personal notes section!

Title: Peace in place of Anxiety!

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 Devotion: It was near time for Jesus to be taken from his disciples and He knew they were worried so Jesus assured them. Chapters 14 &15 of the Gospel according to Saint John is both teaching and assurance and reassurance to the believer. If you want to enjoy peace on earth you have to be a follower of Christ and you want to live in the house Jesus has gone to prepare you must be a follower of Christ. The verse of today John 14:27 is particularly reassuring, so let's break it down: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”   Jesus is offering a special kind of peace, distinct from what the world can provide. This peace is rooted in His presence and promises. It is not the type of peace money, power or position can buy.  “I do not give to you as the world gives.”  The peace Jesus gives is not temporary or ...

Title: Blessed and Multiplied.

“And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.” Genesis 1:22-23 KJV Devotion: Fertility is a great privilege given by God to His living creatures. After He created animals of different kinds, He blessed them with the ability to reproduce. Before God created Eve for Adam, He already filled the Earth with an abundance of companions for man. Most importantly, he had a face-to-face interaction with God, and he also had countless numbers of reproducing animal friends. Imagine how Adam and Eve interacted with all the creatures in the world, without any form of hindrance. Beloved, may we be reminded of God's blessing of abundance. When we embrace God's promises and allow Him to direct our lives, we are given the privilege of witnessing His limitless capacity to bless. As the creatures are meant not only to support themselves but also to contribute to the ...

Title : Jesus is the only way to salvation.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12" Devotion : The apostle Paul who met Jesus Christ face to face on the journey to Damascus walked with Jesus Christ in his ministry and has come to realize that only in Jesus Christ can Salvation be found. Jesus Himself confirmed this in John 14:6 when He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  There are many other pretenders who called themselves Messiah but we know the difference. Jesus Christ is the only one born by virgin birth, the others have history of natural birth. Jesus is the only one to die on the cross for the sin of the world, the only one to resurrect from the dead, others died naturally and did not resurrect from the dead. Jesus is the only one to ascend to heaven and the only one to assure us He will come again. The pretenders died and are forgotten.  These are prov...

Title: Do Not Render Evil for Evil!

 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 KJV  Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:15 encourages believers to adopt a spirit of forgiveness and kindness, even in the face of wrongdoing. Here are some key spiritual insights from this passage:   Rejecting Revenge: The verse explicitly advises against repaying wrong with wrong. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, where He emphasizes turning the other cheek and loving one’s enemies (Matthew 5:38-48). The idea is to break the cycle of retaliation and promote peace.   Pursuing Goodness: Instead of seeking revenge, believers are called to actively pursue what is good for each other and everyone else. This means showing kindness, compassion, and love, even to those who may not deserve it. This principle is rooted in the belief that goodness can transform hearts and situations.   Universal Application...

Title : Life and Health

"For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:22" Devotion : The Word of God is filled with power to produce life and health in the believer in Christ Jesus. Nonetheless, before one can receive the life and health in the scriptures one must first pay attention to the Word: to listen with rapt attention. Secondly, study the Word and see mental pictures of it. Finally, keeping it in your heart or making a conscious effort to memorize or meditate the scriptures.  When these three steps are concluded the power in the Word is released to produce life and healing in you. The life and health the Word produces are more than what any medicine can provide.   The wish of every believer in Christ Jesus should be a strong desire to pursue divine health. Dear beloved, do you believe in divine health and why? Share your testimony with us. 

Title: Finding the Best Way to Bring up a Child.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6" Devotion : As parents, let's prioritize our children's well-being and future. Unfortunately, many children suffer neglect, lacking essential necessities like food, clothing, education, and moral guidance. This negligence can lead to devastating consequences, including a life of crime and harm to society.   The alarming number of out-of-school children, exceeding 20 million in my country, underscores the urgency of this issue. I implore you, dear readers, to embrace responsible parenting: 1. Have only the number of children you can provide for. 2. Nurture them spiritually and morally. 3. Ensure access to quality education.  By doing so, we empower the next generation to become productive, law-abiding citizens, contributing positively to our society.   In addition to above let us include the biblical method of bringing up a child as discussed below:   - A child is ...