Open and Close: Faith Vs Emotions

 An Emoji Devotions for Sun 31 January, 2021

Topic: Open and Close: Faith Vs Emotions

Highlights: 

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Jesus Christ is the same everyday doing miracles and he is always at your door knocking. Through faith, you can hear his voice and open your door to him. How do you have faith?. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Romans 10:17 NIV

If you want to live well, you need to live by faith. To fellowship with God, emotions is not enough but Faith all the way

Habbakuk 2:4 Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith. 

So when you open and close. Choose faith!

Prayer: Lord Jesus I believe you are the son of the Living God who is in heaven. Increase my faith. In your name I pray. Amen

You are Super Human

An Emoji Devotions for Sat 30th, January 2021

Topic: You are super human

Highlights:

What are human beings that you think about them?
    What is a son of man that you take care of him? Psalm 8:4

Your real father is in heaven thinking about you. You owe him so much. You can be tempted to do evil if you want to. But as for you, your secret is mercy. You are not to be far from the kingdom of your father because you know how important it is to love him with all your heart and all your understanding and all your strength, and to love my neighbor as yourself. You know how important it is to love than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.

You have your personal laws and standard regulations and it is to follow peace with all men and Holiness. Because you want to see your father and receive good reward.  Well done, good and faithful human! You have been faithful with a few things; God will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' You are super human washed in the blood of Jesus. Revelation 7:14


Prayer: Amen Amen blessings and glory to Jesus forever.

Bread King

An Emoji Devotions for Fri 29th January,2021

Topic: Bread King

Highlights:

Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. John 6:14

Jesus had already performed a miracle where everyone had eaten to the satisfaction. Some men saw this and want to make Him king. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. Our Lord Jesus was focused on his eternal mission so no need for digression.

The crowd were still looking for him. They found him on the other side of the lake. They asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “What I’m about to tell you is true. You are not looking for me because you saw the signs I did. You are looking for me because you ate the loaves until you were full.

How many people have just became  friends with you because they want something from you? Our Lord Jesus had a bigger vision and would not fall for gimmicks. Like Jesus we all have to stick to the plan. If you do not have any plan then you must start seeking God guidance to show you your greater vision and you should embark on it rather than let anyone sway you because of bread hustle.

Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

What was Jesus response?

Then Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry. And whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:34-35

Excellent! That's what makes the difference.

Prayer: Lord, who can we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” Gather us to yourself and give us the living bread. In your name we pray. Amen.

Boost into Power

 An Emoji Devotions for Thu 28th January, 2021

Topic: Boost into Power.

Highlight:

Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:9-10

Someone who has knowledge and experience without applying is not better than someone does not have. Those who need to be prepared must also rise up early to their calling. Jesus said in John 9:4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.

Noah with faith had a dream to save the world and he started out early to build an ark. Social Media was started long time ago. Apostle James is telling us that for us to achieve our goal we need to go  extra length, it will feel like grieving and wailing when to rise up and prepare for the future because our body loves to be lazy. To achieve this we must turn laughter to mourning and joy to gloom. Finally we must humble ourselves before the Lord because from Him our success comes.

Remember that other spirits who have no body like humans are jealous of us. That's why no matter our goals we must be humble and rise up early and ask for grace, faith and patience to finish well. Early to bed, early to rise. Do not be late to rise in every good works.

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:5-6

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Luke 16:10

It all starts from earliness. The earlier you start the earlier you deliver.

Prayer: Father Lord give me the power of earliness in Jesus name.

Easy

An Emoji Devotions for Wed 27th January, 2021

Topic: Easy

By Apostle James

Highlights:

God makes fun of those who make fun of the truth but gives loving-favor to those who have no pride. Proverbs 3:34

Do you know where your fights and arguments come from?  They come from the selfish desires that war within you. 

You want something you don't have, and you will do anything to get it.

You will even kill! But you still cannot get what you want, and you won't get it by fighting and arguing. You should pray for it.

Yet even when you do pray, your prayers are not answered, because you pray just for selfish reasons (because the reason you ask is wrong)

 You want things so you can use them for your own pleasures. So, you are not loyal to God! You should know that loving the world is the same as hating God.

Anyone who wants to be a friend of the world becomes God’s enemy. Do you think the Scripture means nothing that says, “The Spirit that God made to live in us wants us for himself alone”? Exodus 20:5

But God gives us even more grace, as the Scripture says,

“God is against the proud,
    but he gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34

So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you. Come near to God, and God will come near to you.

James 4:1-8a

 Prayer: God I pray to you to please have mercy and give me a peaceful passion from your Holy Spirit. Amen

Tampered Beauty

An Emoji Devotions for Tue 26th January, 2021

Topic: Tampered Beauty.

Highlights:

Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold.  So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 2 Samuel 11 2-3

Uriah was a good man but he married a beautiful woman. That statement was negative because the beauty of Bearsheba lead to the the agony and death of Uriah. Was shenot faithful enough as a wife of Uriah or who could resist the king's authority? Her beauty was caught up by a King who was lust after canal pleasure and would not resist killing someone's husband.

Uriah on the other hand was fighting in a fierce battle. Though he was devoted, his innocence won him death sentence because he chose to marry a beautiful woman who had no fear of God. King David had slept with his beautiful wife. To cover up his sin, he sent Uriah to die.

Bearsheba might have charmed Uriah same way she charmed King David. Bathing outside displaying all pleasures she could give a man from her body.  However Uriah got a reward of memorial in Matthew 1:6 as a record of sin committed to lusting after a beautiful woman by a King. 1 Samuel 11:2

"David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,"

A memory to remind generations to come about tampered beauty.

The moral story is found Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
    but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. (New Living Translation)

Tha was the Proverbs of Solomon Beersheba's son to David. If there's any other reason to choose anything, only choose because of fear and glory of God. Don't make your choice because of beauty.

Prayer: Have mercy on my choice in life oh Lord. Guide my choice to the right path in your Goodwill in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The Rod

 An Emoji Devotions for Mon 25th January, 2021

Topic: The Rod.

Highlights

The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.”

Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Exodus 4:3

You have held on to that rod for a very long time. The lord wants you to do something with it. If you have anything to do convincing many crowd to believe you. Then use your rod. 

Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?”

Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

“A staff,” he replied. Exodus 4:1-2

In verse 26 and 27 of Matthew 9, after Jesus was done casting out an evil spirit from a boy and the crowd was gathered. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up. 

What does the crowd mean to you, Customers, critics or Audience? In whatever way they appear, when you need to convince them, You need your rod. 

In verse 31 of Exodus 4 the crowd that Moses was afraid of believed him after demonstrating with his staff. "and they believed. And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Exodus 4:11

It is time to throw that rod to the ground as the Lord commanded in our highlighted Verse Exodus 4:3. That rod is not more in your hands but in your Mouth. Your rod is "the name of Jesus"

God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Philippians 2:9-10

All things are possible When you call on the name of Jesus. Remember, when the crowd said the boy is dead, Jesus proved them wrong. Matthew 9:26-27. 

It does not matter what the crowd wants or says about you or your product service. Keep calling "Jesus" and praise His name over that situation. You will see wonders.

Prayer: Jesus, Jesus Jesus I call your name today into situations surrounding my entire life. Your name is my rod and my staff. Please Comfort me!. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Amen.

The responding God! (SUNDAY SPECIAL)

An Emoji Devotions for Sun, 24th January 2020

Topic: The responding God! (SUNDAY SPECIAL)

Highlights

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Matthew 7:10

Don't let anything derail you from being what God wants you to be in this day and age. God is coming bringing response to your call. You do not know what you truly need but God knows the best. Mark 13:36 says "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping." 

We are not asked to be sleepless but to be awakened. To beware of temptation that could lead us into falling away from God's plan. God said in Jeremiah 33:3 that we should call to him and He will answer and show us great and unsearchable things we do not know. While God is responding do not sleep on distractions of life.

One day I woke up excellently and in perfect shape to carry out life changing plans. But as I laid hands on my phone, I started reading various news on social media and forgot to do what I initially planned. I slept into hours of oblivion reading through news and people's comments on the internet. 

"but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way". Matthew 25:13 which means while you left God's plans and real purpose in life, something else may come up to steal away your time and opportunity.

Remember "And while they (unwise virgin) went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut." Matthew 25:10

Some of us knew the good old days when big things started very little and now it has turned into big things. While the unwise virgin became awakened that their lamp is running out of oil. They went to buy, the bridegroom came and took the prepared ones away and the door was shut. For example in those days when landed properties were sold at very cheap rates and the cities was before an unkempt town, some people bought land and built while some people looked away. Today the unkempt towns has become mega cities all over the world and the meticulous ones cannot even afford to live there. Some people would have regretted not buying those cheap properties in Paris when they had the opportunity because Paris was not a city but today its too late, there is no more lands in Paris and even if you want to buy any you have to pay the uttermost sum.

God is responding to everyone. It is time for Christians to stick to the game plan and avoid being tempted to be derailed from God's plan. Be who God wants you to be now - doctor, lawyer, politicians, pastor etc and remain on the framework even if you are not there yet, so that when God comes responding he will find you worthy.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. Matthew 10:29

Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Mark 25:11-12

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

I have got to tell you that this emoji devotions is embarked on giving the thousand years meaning to your life. The word of God is eternal. Got stucked to God's plan, spiritually, physically, emotionally, psychologically and in all remifications so that in the end you will rejoice with God when he comes. 

What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" Mark 13:37

Prayer: Help me Lord and give me grace to stay in structured plans you have for me in Jesus name. Amen.

One of the Teachers

 An Emoji Devotions for Sat, 23 January 2021

Topic: One of the Teachers

Highlights:

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Mark 10:28

So many troubles in Mark 12:13. Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. 

Hey! You are teachers of the law of God right? Yes or No? but why are you trying to trap my Lord with such questions? You respected God so much but would not want Jesus to equal himself with God but you think the best thing to do is to trap him against the government? 

But I forgot to tell you that while you were finding ways to trap Jesus. One of your teachers got caught up in a revelation. Aha! He noticed Jesus gave good answer and he would love to have an answer to his long lost question. Yes sir, I love your answers and I need to know sir, Sir, in all the world you are the best solution, and so I need to know sir, with all due respect sir, of all the commandments 1,2,3 to 10 which is the most important?

Aha! All things would soon be working together for that man. It is his opportunity to receive answer to a question not a chief priest could give an answer to but Jesus. If this is your reason to meet Jesus then you are not far from the kingdom of heaven. No! Sir that's not all. I just realized that with your answer to my question You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Your answer just opened up my inner eyes and I see that nothing can great as loving God and loving others. 

How would you have known that offering burnt sacrifice is not the answer. How? Because that's how teachers and their likes roll.

 They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12:38-40

You think showing people you render service to God is what makes you a servant of God.

Let me share a short story. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Moral story: When you think no one is watching. Jesus is watching. That little good effort is highly cherished by the one who sees the heart and soul. Don't compromise personality to Just being nice and sweet. The time will soon come one day that those who have seen you your story will be tell their family and friends for the glory of God. Please show love not sacrifice!!! 

Our prayer goes to all who left their homes, career and families to help the less privileged. God bless all lovers and supporters of God!

Prayer: Dearest Jesus thank you for showing me answer to my biggest concerns about life. Please empower me Lord to be a loving instrument who would express your kind of love to others around me in Jesus name. Amen

God in Nature. Part 2

An Emoji Devotions for Fri 22nd January, 2021

Topic: God in Nature (Part 2)
By C.C. Thompson

So far as possible, let the child from his earliest years be placed where this wonderful lesson book shall be open before him. Let him behold the glorious scenes painted by the great Master Artist upon the shifting canvas of the heavens, let him become acquainted with the wonders of earth and sea, let him watch the unfolding mysteries of the changing seasons, and, in all His works, learn of the Creator. Ed 100.3

In no other way can the foundation of a true education be so firmly and surely laid. Yet even the child, as he comes in contact with nature, will see cause for perplexity. He cannot but recognize the working of antagonistic forces. It is here that nature needs an interpreter. Looking upon the evil manifest even in the natural world, all have the same sorrowful lesson to learn—“An enemy hath done this.” Matthew 13:28.

Only in the light that shines from Calvary can nature’s teaching be read aright. Through the story of Bethlehem and the cross let it be shown how good is to conquer evil, and how every blessing that comes to us is a gift of redemption.
In brier and thorn, in thistle and tare, is represented the evil that blights and mars. In singing bird and opening blossom, in rain and sunshine, in summer breeze and gentle dew, in ten thousand objects in nature, from the oak of the forest to the violet that blossoms at its root, is seen the love that restores. And nature still speaks to us of God’s goodness. Ed 101.3

“I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. This is the message that, in the light from the cross, may be read upon all the face of nature. The heavens declare His glory, and the earth is full of His riches.

Prayer: Eternal Father,  please help me to teach my children to examine well the wonderful beauties of your creative power demonstrated in nature, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

God in Nature

 An Emoji Devotions for Thu 21, Jan 2021

Topic: God in Nature

By C.C. Thompson

“His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise.” Habakkuk 3:3b

Upon all created things is seen the impress of the Deity. Nature testifies of God. The susceptible mind, brought in contact with the miracle and mystery of the universe, cannot but recognize the working of infinite power. Not by its own inherent energy does the earth produce its bounties, and year by year continue its motion around the sun.

An unseen hand guides the planets in their circuit of the heavens. A mysterious life pervades all nature—a life that sustains the unnumbered worlds throughout immensity, that lives in the insect atom which floats in the summer breeze, that wings the flight of the swallow and feeds the young ravens which cry, that brings the bud to blossom and the flower to fruit. Ed 99.2

The same power that upholds nature, is working also in man. The same great laws that guide alike the star and the atom control human life. The laws that govern the heart’s action, regulating the flow of the current of life to the body, are the laws of the mighty Intelligence that has the jurisdiction of the soul. From Him all life proceeds. Only in harmony with Him can be found its true sphere of action.

For all the objects of His creation the condition is the same—a life sustained by receiving the life of God, a life exercised in harmony with the Creator’s will. To transgress His law, physical, mental, or moral, is to place one’s self out of harmony with the universe, to introduce discord, anarchy, ruin. Ed 99.2

To him who learns thus to interpret its teachings, all nature becomes illuminated; the world is a lesson book, life a school. The unity of man with nature and with God, the universal dominion of law, the results of transgression, cannot fail of impressing the mind and molding the character. Ed 100.1

These are lessons that our children need to learn. To the little child, not yet capable of learning from the printed page or of being introduced to the routine of the schoolroom, nature presents an unfailing source of instruction and delight. The heart not yet hardened by contact with evil is quick to recognize the Presence that pervades all created things. The ear as yet undulled by the world’s clamor is attentive to the Voice that speaks through nature’s utterances.

And for those of older years, needing continually its silent reminders of the spiritual and eternal, nature’s teaching will be no less a source of pleasure and of instruction. As the dwellers in Eden learned from nature’s pages, as Moses discerned God’s handwriting on the Arabian plains and mountains, and the child Jesus on the hillsides of Nazareth, so the children of today may learn of Him.

The unseen is illustrated by the seen. On everything upon the earth, from the loftiest tree of the forest to the lichen that clings to the rock, from the boundless ocean to the tiniest shell on the shore, they may behold the image and superscription of God.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, teach us to honour your creative,  life giving and life sustaining ability, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Where does help come from?

 An Emoji Devotions for Wed, 20 January 2021

Topic: Where does help come from?

Highlight:

And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone. Mark 7:30

Between Psalm 121:1-2 many things has transpired. The book of Mark 7:24-30 is a perfect example. A Syrian Phoenician woman came to Jesus looking for help. She have heard about the compassion of Jesus how He went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with Him. Act 10:8.

The Syrian woman want demon out of her daughter. Such was one of the most depressing situation of her life. But it was not without a price. A test question came from the Lord Jesus to know of  this woman was for real. Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”  Mark 7:27

To those who were full of themselves Jesus' question would have looked like an insult. But to the woman who needed help, she understands God's word in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that

 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, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. That whenever we look to the Lord with confidence we must also  humble ourselves before him.

There is a test question and you must give the right answer which must come along with humility and good intentions.

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”

That's true Lord means Whatever God said is true. It does not matter how it hit you. When you look to God for help. You must give credibility to God's word before you vindicate yourself with humility. Know that He is your God and Him alone has the final say. He will never suffer your foot to be moved. So be ready to come before him with modest humility.

Good answer!” he said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.”  And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone. Mark 7:28-30

Psalm 121:1-2; I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Prayer: Lord please I plead for mercy. You are a merciful God. Have mercy on me and help me Lord in Jesus name. Amen.

How I killed my redeemer with my sins?

 An Emoji Devotions for Tue 19th January, 2020

Topic: How I killed my redeemer with my sins?

By H.U.Wenger

Highlight: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrew, 5, 7 -10)

Have you ever reflected about, how it would be for a perfect human being to live in our imperfect world? Jesus has been born into a sinful family as a perfect human being.

His reactions and actions have been always impeccable, without any flaw. Did Mary and Joseph raise him, or did he raise and educate them? How was it with his peers and siblings?
         His speech was always lovely, but well salted. His words, his actions and reactions have always been just, truthful and genuine and they have revealed the hidden agendas and thoughts of the people around him.

He was mentally, psychically and physically perfect, sound and clean, but the only one around of that kind. Life among us must have been torture for him!

In Psalm 40 David depicts how he has been rescued from the slimy pit and been put on a rock, granting him a firm stand, as he cried out to the Lord and waited for him. From verse seven onward he then describes the savior and his struggles among us. He proclaims the law of God he lives his righteousness, proclaims his faithfulness and his salvation and reveals his truth. Nevertheless he gets surrounded with troubles without numbers and though he is without sin, sins have overtaken him and they are more than hair on his head so that his heart fails within him.

Here we have a picture of what our sins have done to Jesus. They have burdened him so that he sweated blood in the Garden Gethsemane; but then he brought it all to the cross, redeemed all our sins and delivered us from death, granting life eternal to all, who obey him. We cannot follow him without obeying him and we cannot obey him without changing our lives.

All our shortcomings have hurt him and cost him dearly, they killed him in the end. Because he was without sin of his own, death could not hold him. He resurrected from the grave and triumphed over death and hell. In him and in him alone is our chance for life, but it is bound to obedience and trust.

 Do you think it was easy for him because he was God? Just read Matthew 17, 17: “Oh unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?


Prayer: Heavenly father, I do thank you that you loved us all so much that you have sent your beloved son to rescue us from the slimy pit. Dear Jesus thank you so much that you have suffered hell for me and have given me life eternal. Help me to follow you and to obey you.

Gentle Super Loaves and Two Fishes - Kiddies Edition

 An Emoji Devotions for Kids Mon 18th January, 2020

Topic: Gentle Super Loaves and Two Fishes - Kiddies Edition

Highlights: 

Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?” John 6:9

"Super" is a five letter word and there were five loaves owned by a gentle boy. They have become gentle super loaves ready to be made an hero of the day. Good boys and girls do what your daddy and mummy says. There was this little boy who would give up his meal for Jesus. Maybe other kids would learn to be generous and gentle. People were hungry and Jesus was going to do a miracle to feed them. A boy was discovered there quickly. He must have been listening and watching them from distance. Well Andrew would have learned what Jesus told them about little children in Matthew 18 when Jesus placed a little child to stand among them and said unless you change and become like little children you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

The little child bringing the five super loaves is indirectly asking Andrew, Do you want to enter the kingdom of heaven or not? Andrew raised his voice with an answer as seen in our Bible highlights John 6:9

 Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many? Meaning "Yes".

As soon as Jesus heard that word he asked the people to sit down to tell Andrew and the rest that the Kingdom of heaven truly appreciates the little boy's generousity. His five super loaves gently multiplied and fed five thousand men with women besides and the remnants of twelve full baskets will be given back to the family of our super little hero as a thank you gift for his generousity.

I was not there but I believe that was what would end the story. When you think about the day the feeding of the five thousand men with women and children, I guess you will remember that someone made it possible with five gentle super loaves and two little fishes and its our little Hero. 

This could be you when you share with others because you love Jesus and you see Jesus in others.

Prayer: I may not have five super gentle loaves with two little fishes but my good wishes goes to all the saints of our Lord Jesus all over the world. (Make a good wish) in Jesus name. Amen

Peace of A Moving Faith - Arrow of Peace

 An Emoji Devotions for Sun 17th January, 2021

Topic: Peace of moving Faith

Highlights:

Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. Matthew 21:21

As a gentle breeze blows to trouble a peaceful still water how much more damage will a stone thrown into a peaceful still water. Doubt is like a disturbance to faith when it is in peaceful state. There is a demon called "doubt" lying like a bird in the cage of every human heart and when a person wants to use Faith in God to work miracles, that person must use an arrow to challenge the demon out of the cage. 

As the demon dangles it wings unstable, it will refuse to go and throws a fight back against the arrow bearer. During the struggle there will be trouble in that position. Jesus said, you must maintain your peace inside and do not allow doubt to win it's position no matter the struggle.

Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves — but Jesus kept sleeping. So the disciples came and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die! ”

He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith? ” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea,a and there was a great calm.

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him! ” Matthew 8:24-27

A demon is so much confident with the amount of fear in the body. The higher the fear, the more violent the demon. When you call the name of Jesus to attack a demon. The demon first scan to check out what you carry. To see if you are exercising authority with the right privilege. You can be successful with the arrow of peace. Depending on whats giving you peace. If it is based on money, it will not fight anything but if what is giving you peace is our Lord Jesus Christ then you are gonna win. It may not be easy but with the arrow of peace from Jesus Christ in you. You will win. 

The name of Jesus is higher than cancer, it's higher than heartbreak and it's higher than any challenges. All you need is your arrow of peace in a moving faith which is in our Lord Jesus.

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Act 3:6

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Prayer: Lord have mercy on me. Give me an arrow of peace to stand up against whatever challenge I'm up against. And give me grace to use it uprightly for the upliftment of your kingdom. 

Cross

 An Emoji Devotions for Sat 16th, January, 2021

Topic: Cross

Highlights:

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. Luke 8:22

The Crucifix is a Cross with Christ on it. Now is time to cross over with Christ. I am using the word cross with pun intended to ask have you crossed yet with Christ!

A child would cross to adolescent and from adolescent to youth and then to adulthood but anyone who underwent all these stages and is yet to experience rebirth through the Holy Spirit has not crossed. 

Though Cross is a shameful way to die, our Lord Jesus Christ does not deserve any humiliation for a sin He did not commit but our Lord Jesus Christ took that route to remind you of John 3:3 and 3:16

"Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Though no one can live in their body forever without dying, but Jesus came to tell you that you can live forever when you cross to God through him.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.

 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.

 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. 

First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

You have to cross to God through the Spirit of hope given to those who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is time to cross. It is time to be born again.

Prayer: I open up my heart for you Lord Jesus and I am ready and willing to accept the Spirit of hope. Let me cross to experiencing the great love of God and to fellowship with you forever. Make me Born again. Amen.

Treasures of Darkness

 An Emoji Devotions for 15th January, 2021

Topic: Treasures of Darkness

Highlight:

I will give you hidden treasures,
    riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the Lord,
    the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3

When God says he will “give us the treasures of darkness and wealth stored in secret places,” it means God wants to open your eyes to things that would otherwise remain unseen, so you can claim what would otherwise remain unclaimed.  Revelationcentral.com

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46

God will go before you
    and will level the mountains;
God will break down gates of bronze
    and cut through bars of iron and give you something of great value with riches stored up in hidden places. Isaiah 43:2

This is all the works that Jesus Christ did to give you priceless salvation. He has paid all the price already.


Why do you spend money on what cannot nourish you
and your wages on what does not satisfy you?
Listen carefully to me:
Eat what is good, and enjoy the best foods.

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. What treasure could be this more valuable? John 6:35

 Only few people lived their lives the way it was designed to be but with Christ in you, you will be amazed of the things of great value that will be added to your life. Accept Jesus as your Lord today if you have not done so and ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life. Be tender and gentle to let the spirit guide you through to your hidden treasure and secret riches to be found only in the Lord Jesus. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Lord Jesus you are precious to me. Thank you for being my hidden treasure and the riches stored up in secret places for me.

https://emojidevotions.blogspot.com/2021/01/treasures-of-darkness.html

How Jesus Describes You!

An Emoji Devotions for Thu 14th January, 2020

Topic: How Jesus Describes You!

Highlights: 

See, darkness covers the earth

    and thick darkness is over the peoples,

but the Lord rises upon you

    and his glory appears over you. Isaiah 60:2

The world is warm right now and everywhere even seems dark. While people were running up and down then the Lord rises from His throne and set like a sun upon you. 

Through Christ in you a Genesis mystery has been resolved. 

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the new YOU.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Let's see what you have become since when you have encountered Jesus Christ from Galatians 5:22

You are special and you enjoy showing heavenly love.

You have the glee and euphoria of salvation: because Christ lives in you there's hope for humanity.

You have freedom and peace in the midst of chaos because the greater one lives in you.

You have control over yourself. You know what is good for you and stop when it is right enough and because of this speciality, people always want you around them because you are tolerant and patient.

You are so friendly, generous and considerate

You are trustworthy a top quality for goodness that people see all the time.

You are constantly loyal in your service to others.

You are tender and mild-mannered.

And finally you are so so so self disciplined!

I agree with Jesus that the above description is the real YOU in this adulterated world. Keep working on it!

Prayer: Today I love myself more seeing how beautiful, gleeming and shiny I am. I am flattered Lord and am very grateful! Thank you Jesus.

Department of Women Affairs

 An Emoji Devotions for Wed 13th January, 2020

Topic: Department of Women affairs!

Highlights:

Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt game and bring it back,  Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, Genesis 27:5-6

It's still a new year and from my own sphere of view I will be advising you to handle women with positive caution. If you are single, divorce or married man or woman, my advise for you is to lead any relationship with caution.

Most important things are somehow hidden and this is not about judgement but an advise. According to the Bible most prominent events that turned the table of history was decided by women. Here are some examples:

1. Samson you fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah.... Why did you do that? Judges 16:4 So you may learn how to be in an healthy relationship because Delilah ended Samson career. You can read Judges 16:4-28

2. Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.

 I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more.

Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 

Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ 2 Samuel 12:7-10

What? David I can't blame you, beauty can be very tempting. I pray for grace not to be so drunk in lust for beautiful women. Beware of lustful women you watch on TV and internet! It can cost you healthy fortunes!

3. So Herodias (an ambitious royal woman) nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to

Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.

The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”
And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”
“The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. Mark6:19,21-24

A royal grudge between John the Baptist and an Ambitious woman called Herodias (a royal queen) got him beheaded. A little girl may be royal in her mind when she becomes ambitious to slay. Do not try them with your naughty goofs and think you will get away with it. They may remember your sin even on a Christmas day.

Having said all these. Take your time to see how far your relationship and your life has gone so far through women. If it's good. Hey! Congratulations and if it's gone bad, well you need to repent God for mercy and retrace your steps to the right counsel. I will leave you with Jesus attitude towards a condem prostitute. Some religious people brought her to Jesus. They knew that through a woman most prophets were taken down. They want to try Jesus. But Jesus would not condem her but gave her a second chance.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:10-11

A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.
As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. (Jesus never Condemn her) Luke 7:37-38

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 

You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke7: 44-48

Before you fall in love, learn from Samson, before you watch that lustful brunette woman or man learn from David

Before you speak against an ambitious woman learn from John the Baptist

Before you judge women learn from Jesus. Learn to give a repentant woman a second chance but run away from Delilah. Identify an ambitious woman and pray for guidance. Do not lust after beauty only and after you promised love do not betray a woman. Maybe you will then need to learn from this story:

Absalom's sister, who was also called Tamar, was raped by Amnon, who was their half-brother. Amnon was also David's eldest son. After the rape, Absalom waited two years, and then avenged Tamar by sending his servants to murder a drunken Amnon at a feast, to which Absalom had invited all the king's sons. (Who does that?) 2 Sam 13:20-39

Remember, do not lose control like the music you hear! Joseph took his heels from Potiphar's wife for him to live to see his dream fulfilled! 

Then one day Joseph went into the house to do his work. None of the men of the house were inside. She caught him by his coat, saying, “Lie with me!” But he ran out of the house leaving the coat in her hand. Genesis 39:11-12

There are six things the Lord hates,

    seven that are detestable to him:

(Watch out !)

  haughty eyes,

        a lying tongue,

        hands that shed innocent blood,

   a heart that devises wicked schemes,

        feet that are quick to rush into evil,

     a false witness who pours out lies

        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6: 16-19

For a prostitute will bring you to poverty,

    but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life. Proverbs 6:26

I hope this year, you can walk in the right map and directions as you navigate through an unfamiliar region in your realms. If you are confused. Pray to God and ask for light. Remember that in His word is an opened eyes. Read your bible more to get an opened eyes! Psalm 119:18

It is my prayer that God shine his light in your heart. 

Love your neighbor as yourself with self control NOT with self destruct!

And remember sooner or later this department will beckon at you. The Department of Women affairs! 

Prayer: I understand my stand from this point that it is necessary I adjust myself within the control of your laws O Lord. I pray for grace to keep your Wonderful law concerning people around me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

https://emojidevotions.blogspot.com/2021/01/department-of-women-affairs.html

The King is coming – the King is here!

An Emoji Devotions for Tue 12th January, 2021

Topic: The King is coming – the King is here!

By H.U.Wenger

Highlight: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.” Isaiah 42:1-4

Recently we celebrated Christmas, which is the reminder of the arrival of the King on earth, in his human form. He did bring justice to the earth but not in the form the Jews have expected it. Justice without grace would have meant that all human life would have been annihilated.

The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 3, 22 - 26: “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus”.

 Jesus came to us and he did not make a revolution or riots. He lived a holy life and was engaged in seemingly unimportant relationships with seemingly unspectacular people. That way the bruised reed became strong and the smoldering wick started to spread a shining light. Bruised, abused and enslaved people, who mistreated, disregarded and suppressed others put their trust in Messiah and were absolved from their wickedness and got the righteousness of the king as a gift instead. The movement of Messiah became a grass root movement and it spread deep and wide.
Before Jesus went to the cross fulfill and legalize it all in front of the heavenly court, he prayed to his father: “As you have sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17, 18) After his resurrection he meets them and says to them: “Peace be with you! As the father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20, 21)

You and me, we are called to carry on with the work he has established, started and fulfilled. We are not supposed to convince all the adversaries of the gospel. We are supposed to be in relationships and to pray that we find the bruised reeds and the smoldering wicks. It is the sick, who need a physician and as they grow strong, their recovery and change can convince even the strongest enemies.

Brothers and Sisters, we have the privilege to live in the time, within which many prophetic words are fulfilled in front of our eyes. Let us be diligent in relationships and in telling the people around us that the king has come and is about to come again to gather his disciples for eternity.

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me before the creation of the world.” (John 17, 24)

Prayer: Oh Lord, help me to serve you as you have served me and let me invite the people in my relationships to you, so that you can heal and save them. Thank you that you are already present in my life. Nevertheless I am welcoming you to come back and take me there, where you are.

Cheap Grace on Sale!?

An Emoji Devotions for Mon 11th January, 2021

Christian special – cheap grace on sale!?

By H.U. Wenger

Highlight:  At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.

These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3, 3 – 8)

Jesus Christ calls all those, who are weary and burdened to him and promises them rest. He has mercy on them and wants to give them rest for their souls (Matthew 11, 28 -30).

His mercy gives them what they have never deserved as he makes them to his children and heirs with the gift of life eternal. His grace, earned by him himself through his becoming human and through his sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, redeems them with the Father.

 Jesus has paid the death penalty that is upon all of us and although we have deserved it, he takes it away from us by his grace. Additionally he gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us to guide us to a holy life. This is the good news, this is the gospel. What we deserve is taken away from us and what we have never deserved is given to us freely. What a change, what a blessing that is! Praise be to our great God for his grace and mercy!

In my family it was very clear that the Sunday belonged to God in its entirety. So it was normal that there has not been one Sunday without attending one or two church services. The emphasis was then not on the great deed and gift of God, but rather on the part of exhortation. The preachers used to stress rather the fact that the believer has to be very careful to lead an immaculate life. It was clear to me at that time that I would never qualify as a good Christian. Later the tide has turned and today the emphasis is totally upon the generous gift of God and it gets rarely mentioned that Jesus said: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart”, or Paul writes to Titus: “I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.”

Both parts are important but always in an encouraging way. Yes, there is no cheap grace and we are called to be followers of Christ and as such we are again and again invited to come to him as weary and burdened. There is no room for liberality, but there is grace for each one, who comes back to Jesus. King David often erred from the straight way, but he always turned back to God and this made him to a man after God’s own heart.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me today to learn from you and to do what is good and helpful to spread your kingdom. I humble myself before you, help me to live a worthy life according to your gospel.  I need you! Amen

Journal of the Meek and Merciful

 An Emoji Devotions for Sun 10th January, 2021

Topic: Journal of the Meek and Merciful

By H.U. Wenger

Introduction:

Christian meekness and mercy is nothing but their inability for vice!?
This is what the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche pretended. Is he right?

Highlight from Jesus:

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (Luk 6:35 – 37)

The contrast between Nietzsche and Jesus could not be any greater. The meekness and the mercy of God go far beyond pity or being emotionally moved about somebody’s predicament or suffering. It cuts right through to our inability to view our fellow human being as a wonderful creation of our heavenly Father, which we are to love as our brother or sister. We envy, we hate, we try to use and to abuse, we quarrel, we search to destroy and eventually we are killing, be it in the natural like Cain, be it with words, like Jesus mentioned it in Matthew 5:21.22.

For being a murderer it is enough to be angry with someone or to call him or her a fool. I am personally taken back by how easily I am judging people I do not really know by their behavior, by their looks or by their deeds. I have been running for an example, now I am in a hurry and feel bothered by the other participants in traffic. I am disturbed by them and I am very critical about them.

They do not keep the speed limit, they slow down at a green traffic light and it bursts out of me: “Where have you learned how to drive, you fool?” It is so easy and natural for us to feel better than “them”. It does not take us any strength to be prideful and to be head and shoulder above them.

To judge others is so quickly done and we have lost the remorse over our virtual killing of fellow human beings. Jesus calls us back. He wants me to be as merciful to others, as my heavenly Father is merciful to me. The first time that truth dawned on me as I, together with two other young men, was on the road in the car of an old and wise preacher. Suddenly another driver crossed our way and we thought that he would surely hit us. The preacher slammed the breaks and as the cars came to a halt, they stood bumper to bumper, but none was damaged. The three of us just wanted to badmouth the driver, as the wise old man said with a calm clear voice: “Dear Lord Jesus, bless that man and guide him safely home, despite his driving style.” We sat there speechless and felt that the car was filled with the glory of God.

Nietzsche was dead wrong. Whoever can be meek and merciful has learned from Jesus how to love and how to cling to meekness and mercy of our Lord. Here is virtue that can only come from love and goodness. The Apostle Paul makes in Romans 2 clear that nobody who judges others can escape the judgment of God. He writes in verse four: “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Whoever can be meek and merciful has overcome vice with the love of God and is destined to spread the great gospel of Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I do thank you and praise you for your mercy and meekness towards me and your invitation to learn from you. You know my tendency to be judgmental and I pray for the strength to see through the imperfection of my fellow humans, so that I can discover your wonderful creations with which you have surrounded me and blessed me. Amen

How do I love God?

 An Emoji Devotions for Sat 9th January

Topic: How do I love God?

By H.U.Wenger

Introduction:

Most of the time we do know, how to love our spouses, our kids and even the people around us, especially those, we like. We know, how we can give them joy and appreciation. But how can I love God as I am supposed to?

Highlights:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 36 – 40)


We cannot see the Father and his Son with our physical eyes. We cannot have a dialog with them the same way we can communicate with the people around us and many do therefore not believe that we can love God wholeheartedly, with all our emotions and with our thinking. This attitude is, however, just a mistake of how many of us look at God and at the world. Because so many injustices and crimes happen among men, we think that God is rather distant and largely indifferent to all that happens among people. This is fundamentally wrong. Whenever we consider how God loves us as human beings, we will be flabbergasted with what he has done and is doing for us. We will be overwhelmed by his love and by how his mind is set to save everybody, who calls upon him. He became one of us to learn firsthand about all our afflictions and troubles. He remained victorious in all of it and paid all our iniquities and sins with his flesh and blood on the cross of Calvary. When he died there, he did it for you and for me. Whoever calls upon his name and is willing to learn from him shall be saved for eternity. In him our death is undone and life eternal is offered and freely given. In considering these facts, our love to him will grow and be deepened every time we bring our mind to recall the facts. Jesus told us: “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14, 23) It is his love that is fundamental not our love! “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. We love because he first loved us.” (1. John 4, 9.19)

Another chance to love God, is to love the people he gave around us regardless how much we like or dislike them. This is often not as easy as it sounds, but whenever it is done, it is victorious.

A Christian Chinese Rice farmer had his rice field on the top of a mountain. Right beneath him a ruthless neighbor had his field. Every day, our farmer pumped his field on the top of the hill, full with water. When he was done, his neighbor went and made a hole into the separating wall and so all the water flowed down to his field. One day our Christian farmer could not take it anymore and he went to the pastor for counsel. The pastor had much understanding for the farmers frustration, but he told him that tomorrow, he should pump first the neighbors field full and then his own. The farmer did not like the counsel much, but lead by the spirit he promised to do it. After two more days had passed, the ruthless neighbor visited the pastor, telling him that he could not take it anymore and that he wants the same strength and power like his Christian neighbor.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to understand your love to me more deeply, so that I can love you wholeheartedly with all my soul and mind and my neighbor as myself. Help me to win the people around me for you with the depth of your love. Amen

The Bible From Heaven

 An Emoji Devotion for Fri 8th January, 2020

Topic: The Bible From Heaven.

By C.C. Thompson

Highlight:

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:7. 

God has been pleased to communicate His truth to the world by human agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy Spirit, qualified men and enabled them to do this work. He guided the mind in the selection of what to speak and what to write. The treasure was intrusted to earthen vessels, yet it is, none the less, from Heaven.... The obedient, believing child of God beholds in it [the testimony of God] the glory of a divine power, full of grace and truth. 

The writers of the Bible had to express their ideas in human language. It was written by human men. These men were inspired of the Holy Spirit. Because of the imperfections of human understanding of language, or the perversity of the human mind, ingenious in evading truth, many read and understand the Bible to please themselves. It is not that the difficulty is in the Bible.

The Scriptures were given to men, not in a continuous chain of unbroken utterances, but piece by piece through successive generations, as God in His providence saw a fitting opportunity to impress man at sundry times and divers places. Men wrote as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

There is not always perfect order or apparent unity in the Scriptures.... The truths of the Bible are as pearls hidden. They must be searched, dug out by painstaking effort. Those who take only a surface view of the Scriptures will, with their superficial knowledge, which they think is very deep, talk of the contradictions of the Bible, and question the authority of the Scriptures. But those whose hearts are in harmony with truth and duty will search the Scriptures with a heart prepared to receive divine impressions. The illuminated soul sees a spiritual unity, one grand golden thread running through the whole, but it requires patience, thought, and prayer to trace out the precious golden thread.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for Your inspired written Word. Please help us to live them out in our daily lives, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Does God really love me?

An Emoji Devotions for Thu 7th January, 2020

Topic: Does God really love me?

By H. U. Wenger

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3,16)

We have read it, we know it! But do I really believe it? Yes, he loves the world – it is big and important! But why should he love me? I am small and quite insignificant. For gaining trust in God it is crucial that I am convinced beyond doubt that I am truly loved by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 

Here is, how I can be sure about the fact. Jesus is the living word of God and through him everything is created (John 1, 1 – 3; Col. 1, 15 – 20). To save me, he renounced to his majesty as creator and became a helpless baby. 

A woman, his creation had to feed him, to change his diapers, to teach him walk, to introduce him into society and to educate him. The almighty word dived into the utter helplessness of a human baby, just to undo the spell that has been brought upon us through the unfaithfulness of our original parents, Adam and Eve. 

Maybe you are a pet lover, maybe a bird or wild life lover. Would you do such a thing for your cat, your canary bird or for another animal, if you had the possibility? 

The love Jesus has for me has cost him everything and it has cost his father everything too. Jesus has given up all his privileges and powers to become a human like you and me. He lived a spotless and sinless live, just to die as a sacrifice for me and to save me so from eternal death. This is way beyond our understanding of love. If life experience has made you unsure of his love, if he has not fulfilled your longing or your wishes, look to his incarnation as a human and to his sacrifice on the cross and you will know with conviction: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the bible tells me so. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus, let me never again doubt your love for me. It has cost you everything to love and save me. Help me to be as merciful to others as you are to me. Thank you for your limitless love for me.

Hold fast Victory in Conflicts

 An Emoji Devotions for Wed 6th January,2020

Topic: Hold Fast, Victory in the Conflict

By C.C. Thompson

Highlights:
Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Revelation 3:11

"Decisions may be made in a moment that fix one’s condition forever.... But remember, it would take the work of a lifetime to recover what a moment of yielding to temptation and thoughtlessness throws away....
By a momentary act of will you may place yourself in the power of Satan, but it will require more than a momentary act of will to break his fetters and reach for a higher, holier life. The purpose may be formed, the work begun, but its accomplishment will require toil, time, and perseverance, patience, and sacrifice. The man who deliberately wanders from God in the full blaze of light will find, when he wishes to set his face to return, that briars and thorns have grown up in his path, and he must not be surprised or discouraged if he is compelled to travel long with torn and bleeding feet. The most fearful and most to be dreaded evidence of man’s fall from a better state is the fact that it costs so much to get back. The way of return can be gained only by hard fighting, inch by inch, every hour....
Those who win heaven will put forth their noblest efforts and will labor with all long-suffering, that they may reap the fruit of toil. There is a hand that will open wide the gates of Paradise to those who have stood the test of temptation and kept a good conscience by giving up the world, its honors, its applause, for the love of Christ, thus confessing Him before men and waiting with all patience for Him to confess them before His Father and the holy angels.
Keep the conscience tender, that you may hear the faintest whisper of the voice that spake as never man spake.

Prayer: Dear Father please open our ears to hear the Voice of Your Son. Amen.

Good News of the Kingdom

 An Emoji Devotions for Tue 5th January, 2020

Topic: Good News of the Kingdom

By C.C. Thompson

Highlights

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Matthew 4:23.

“He opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:2, 3).

As something strange and new, these words fall upon the ears of the wondering multitude. Such teaching is contrary to all they have ever heard from priest or rabbi. They see in it nothing to flatter their pride or to feed their ambitious hopes. But there is about this new Teacher a power that holds them spellbound. The sweetness of divine love flows from His very presence as the fragrance from a flower....

In the throng that surrounded Jesus there were some who had a sense of their spiritual poverty.... There were souls who, in the presence of His purity, felt that they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17); and they longed for “the grace of God that bringeth salvation” (Titus 2:11)....
Of the poor in spirit Jesus says, “Their’s is the kingdom of heaven.”

This kingdom is not, as Christ’s hearers had hoped, a temporal and earthly dominion. Christ was opening to them the spiritual kingdom of His love, His grace, His righteousness. ... His subjects are the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted for righteousness’ sake. The kingdom of heaven is theirs. Though not yet fully accomplished, the work is begun in them which will make them “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12).
All who have a sense of their deep soul poverty, who feel that they have nothing good in themselves, may find righteousness and strength by looking unto Jesus.... He bids you exchange your poverty for the riches of His grace.

We are not worthy of God’s love, but Christ, our surety, is worthy, and is abundantly able to save all who shall come unto Him. Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness.

Prayer: Father in Heaven. Thank You for the sweet repentance that comes only through Christ. Amen

For Sinners Only

An Emoji Devotions for Mon 4th January 2021

Topic: For Sinners Only.

By C.C. Thompson

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Titus 2:11

By disobeying the commands of God, man fell under the condemnation of His law. This fall called for the grace of God to appear in behalf of sinners. We should never have learned the meaning of this word “grace” had we not fallen. God loves the sinless angels, who do His service, and are obedient to all His commands; but He does not give them grace.

These heavenly beings know naught of grace; they have never needed it; for they have never sinned. Grace is an attribute of God shown to undeserving human beings. We did not seek after it, but it was sent in search of us.

God rejoices to bestow this grace upon every one who hungers for it. To every one He presents terms of mercy, not because we are worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy. Our need is the qualification which gives us the assurance that we shall receive this gift.


But God does not use His grace to make His law of none effect, or to take the place of His law.... God’s grace and the law of His kingdom are in perfect harmony; they walk hand in hand. His grace makes it possible for us to draw nigh to Him by faith.

By receiving it, and letting it work in our lives, we testify to the validity of the law; we exalt the law and make it honorable by carrying out its living principles through the power of the grace of Christ; and by rendering pure, whole-hearted obedience to God’s law, we witness before the universe of heaven, and before an apostate world that is making void the law of God, to the power of redemption.

Not because we first loved Him, does God love us; but “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8) Christ died for us, making full and abundant provision for our redemption.

Although by our disobedience we have merited God’s displeasure and condemnation, He has not forsaken us; He has not left us to grapple with the power of the enemy in our own finite strength. Heavenly angels fight our battles for us; and co-operating with them, we may be victorious over the powers of evil. Trusting in Christ as our personal Saviour, we may be “more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37)

Prayer:Thank You dear Father for providing grace through the sacrifice of Christ so that we can have power to live in obedience to Your immutable Law.

The Self-Existent Son of God

 An Emoji Devotions for Sun 3rd January, 2020

Topic: The Self-Existent Son of God.

By C.C. Thompson

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58.


“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”


Here Christ shows them that, although they might reckon His life to be less than 50 years, yet His divine life could not be reckoned by human computation. The existence of Christ before His incarnation is not measured by figures.
“Before Abraham was, I am.” Christ is the preexistent, self-existent Son of God.

 The message He gave to Moses to give to the children of Israel was, “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” LHU 17.4
The prophet Micah writes of Him, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Through Solomon Christ declared: “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.... When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him.”

In speaking of His preexistence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God. He to whose voice the Jews were then listening had been with God as one brought up with Him.

Christ’s words were spoken with a quiet dignity and with an assurance and power that sent conviction to the hearts of the scribes and Pharisees. They felt the power of the message sent from heaven. God was knocking at the door of their hearts, entreating entrance
He was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent.... He is the eternal, self-existent Son (Manuscript101, 1897). LHU 17.9

In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. “He that hath the Son hath life” (1 John 5:12).

The divinity of Christ is the believer’s assurance of eternal life.
 “He that believeth in me,” said Jesus, “though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die”.... Christ here looks forward to the time of His second coming.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus CHRIST. Help me to be like Him.

Look, Believe, and Live

 An Emoji Devotion for Sat 2nd January, 2021

Topic: Look, Believe, and Live.

By C. C. Thompson

Highlights: 

[We] are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:5. 

Those who depend upon their own righteousness instead of relying upon the righteousness of Christ will lose the prize; they will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting. 

Let everyone who is striving for the precious boon of eternal life distrust his own strength, and, in much prayer, cast his helpless soul upon Christ.

 There is too little searching of the Word of God for definite direction in the way of life.

The larger number of those who profess to believe on Christ have only superficial ideas as to what constitutes Christian character.... Do not deceive yourself with the idea that your own inherent righteousness will bring you into harmony with God. Do not fail to look upon yourself as a sinner in the sight of God. Do not fail to look upon Jesus lifted up upon the cross; and as you look, believe and live; 

for by faith in the atoning sacrifice you may be justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Believe that you are forgiven, that you are justified, not in transgression and disobedience, but in submission to the will of God. If through faith you lay hold of the righteousness of Christ, then be not careless of your thoughts, your words, your works. 

Study much, and pray that as Christ has shown you the way, He may by His grace keep you in the way. For we are “kept by the power of God through faith”; and even faith is not of ourselves, but it also is the gift of God. 

In order to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ, it is essential that you meditate much upon the great themes of redemption. 

You should ask yourself why Christ has taken humanity upon Himself, why He suffered upon the cross, why He bore the sins of men, why He was made sin and righteousness for us. 

You should study to know why He ascended to heaven in the nature of man, and what is His work for us today.... LHU 237.3

If thoughts of Christ, His work and character, are cherished, you will be led to sink deep the shaft of truth, and you will be enabled to come into possession of precious jewels of truth. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to you. 

As you meditate upon heavenly things, and walk with God, as did Enoch, you will lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset, and will run with patience the race set before you.... 

Our building just been founded upon the Rock Christ Jesus or it will not stand the test of the tempest.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, please help us to keep our eyes on Jesus.

Lift Him Up as the Son of God During the New Year

 An Emoji Devotions for Fri 1st January, 2020

Topic: Lift Him Up as the Son of God During the New Year.

By C.C. Thompson

Highlights:

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things". Philippians 4:8.

Already has the new year been ushered in; yet before we greet its coming, we pause to ask, What has been the history of the year that with its burden of records has now passed into eternity? The admonition of the apostle comes down the lines to every one of us,“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” God forbid that at this important hour we should be so engrossed with other matters as to give no time to serious, candid, critical self-examination! Let things of minor consequence be put in the background, and let us now bring to the front the things which concern our eternal interests.

No one of us can in our own strength represent the character of Christ; but if Jesus lives in the heart, the spirit dwelling in Him will be revealed in us; all our lack will be supplied. Who will seek at the beginning of this new year to obtain a new and genuine experience in the things of God?

Make your wrongs right as far as possible. Confess your errors and sins one to another. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be put away; let patience, long-suffering, kindness, and love become a part of your very being; then whatsoever things are pure and lovely and of good report will mature in your experience.

What fruit have we borne during the year that is now past? What has been our influence upon others? Whom have we gathered to the fold of Christ? The eyes of the world are upon us. Are we living epistles of Christ, known and read of all men? Do we follow the example of Jesus in self-denial, in meekness, in humility, in forbearance, in cross-bearing, in devotion? Will the world be compelled to acknowledge us to be the servants of Christ?

Shall we not in this new year seek to correct the errors of the past? It behooves us individually to cultivate the grace of Christ, to be meek and lowly of heart, to be firm, unwavering, steadfast in the truth; for thus only can we advance in holiness, and be made fit for the inheritance of the saints in light.

Let us begin the year with an entire renunciation of self; let us pray for clear discernment, that we may understand our Saviour’s claims upon us, and that we may always and everywhere be witnesses for Christ.


Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people. Lift Him up in exhortations, in sermons, in songs, in prayer. Let all your efforts be directed to pointing souls, confused, bewildered, and lost, to “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Bid them look and live.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please go before me throughout this New Year. I now give myself to You anew, in Jesus' Name. Amen.