You are a god.

 An Emoji Devotions for Thu, 1 April 2021

Topic: you are a god.

Highlights:

Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are "gods"'? John 10:34

As a believer, you have been invested with divine authority to execute judgement in His name. Self limitations has lead to halfway consciousness in believer's cultural life which makes some to always play numb in the affairs of life by giving devils the control to distort things before reporting them to God. Our fight is not against flesh and blood. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. Ephesians 6:12. When truths for which belivers had no faculty of vision are seen like the man in Mark 8:24 once saw when "...he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking."  then we all need to stay awake and alert, to call the helper in prayer whenever things go awry around our spiritual atmosphere. (Matt 26:41) While people were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. Matthew 13:25

As a believer, we need a second touch of the Divine Hand, the passing away of another film of ignorance or prejudice, and then we can be clearly aware that we  truly have God given power through the Holy Spirit to walk on snakes and scorpions. Our Lord gave us more power than the Enemy has. He says "Nothing will hurt you.." Luke 10:19 His words are true and it matters to how are we exercise our authority in the face of opposition and opportunities. We must not be afraid because He said "fear not because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you with my right hand of righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Is there anything impossible for God to do?

Prayer: To you Lord be all the glory. I trust in the Lord and in his vested authority in me. May the Lord bless me and cause me to flourish. No matter what, Nothing will hurt me in Jesus name. Amen.

When God is laughing

 An Emoji Devotions for Wed, 31 March 2021

Topic: When God is laughing.

Highlights:

But the Lord in heaven laughs. He makes fun of them. Psalm 2:4

Ha-ha God is laughing! Why not? Yes, God too do laugh. When people and their rulers think they can outsmart God with their plans makes Him laugh at their stupidity.  Our God is in heaven. He does what he wants and the nations are like one small drop in a bucket. They are no more than the dust on his measuring scales. To him the islands are no more than fine dust on his scales. Psalm 115:3 & Isaiah 40:15

Since inception all Kings and rulers opposing the power and sovereignty of God has never succeed! Let me quickly point out that while God was laughing in heaven, your enemies were already raging and imagining the vain things they are planning to do against you (Psalm 2:1) Seeing this may trouble your heart even if you have strong mind. But remember that God is laughing at them at the moment and after he finish laughing: He will break them with a rod of iron; He will dash them to pieces like pottery.” Psalms 2:9

The remaining verses 10-12 in Psalms 2 are self explanatory: Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth....

In my humble opinion, the best time to laugh out loud as a child of God is when you are facing the rage of your enemy to simulate your energy with the divine energy of God.

"You people who fear the Lord should trust him. He is your helper and your protection." Psalm 115:11

Prayer: Heavenly Father I trust in you, give me the power to laugh in your comfort and support anytime anywhere in Jesus name. Amen

Corporate Anointing

An Emoji Devotions for Tue, 30 March, 2021

Topic: Corporate Anointing

Highlights:

... The Lord took some of the Spirit Moses had. And he gave it to the 70 leaders. With the Spirit in them, they prophesied, but just that one time. Number 11:25b

And Christ gave gifts to men—he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people.
Ephesians 4:11

Like the army generals in the military, Christians, also do have a commander-in-chief of saints who is Jesus Christ. Our first highlighted verse showed how God redistributed to seventy elders the Spirit in Moses. Same thing happened in the new testament in John 20:22 when Jesus was departing in flesh from his disciples Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit."

What is a corporate anointing? As the word "corporation" simply means a company owned by stakeholders and shareholders, same thing applies to corporate anointing, the power that abide in the assembly of individuals filled with the Holy Ghost through the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Anyone who is n Christ is a new creature and where two or three of these are gathered in the name of Jesus he is there midst. 2 Cor 5:17, Matt 18:26. That is why all Crhsitian leader must ensure their workers and core members operates in the Holy Ghost.

Have ye received, since ye believed,
The blessed Holy Ghost?
He who was promised, gift of the Father,
Have ye received the Holy Ghost?

After a Christian is baptized by immersion, the next is to be filled and operate in the Holy Spirit and finally continue worshipping with the gathering of other believers. Iron can sharpen iron.
In the same way, people can help each other. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:25. That is where the corporate anointing is. And when you share from corporate anointing your oil will never run dry. (Please read Matthew 25:1-13)

Prayer: Dear Lord, Give me oil in my lamp and keep me burning for you till the close of the day. In Jesus name.

Uzzah smitten for touching the ark, Obed-edom blessed.

An Emoji Devotions for Mon, 29th March 2021

Topic: Uzzah smitten for touching the ark, Obed-edom blessed.

Highlights: 

When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. 2 Samuel 6:6-7

Uzzah was struck dead for touching the ark. God saw presumption and irreverence in Uzzah's heart. Familiarity, even with that which is most awful, is apt to breed contempt. If it were so great a crime for one to lay hold on the ark of the covenant who had no right to do so, what is it for those to lay claim to the privileges of the covenant that come not up to the terms of it? Obed-edom opened his doors without fear, knowing the ark was a savour of death unto those only who treated it wrong. The same hand that punished Uzzah's proud presumption, rewarded Obed-edom's humble boldness. Let none think the worse of the gospel for the judgments on those that reject it, but consider the blessings it brings to all who receive it. Let masters of families be encouraged to keep up religion in their families. It is good to live in a family that entertains the ark, for all about it will fare the better. (2Sa 6:12-19) - from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible 

David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” He was not willing to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household.  

Prayer: My father please do not punish me for my ignorance. Tamper mercy with justice and teach me to pay attention to your commands in Jesus name. Amen

The Judas in You

 An Emoji Devotions for Sun 28 March, 2021

Topic: The Judas in You

Highlights:

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected. Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." John 12:4-5

One among the twelve disciples that followed Jesus Christ called Judas Iscariot who also happened to be their treasurer does not see a reason why an expensive perfume should be wasted on our Lord Jesus Christ. It was some sort of joke to him as to why such perfume is not sold and the money given as alms to the poor. Judas one day got possessed with the Spirit of offense because of this attitude. If Jesus is not important to you, what else will! "One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting!" Luke 17:1. It is a very big temptation when we do not see the bigger picture of our Lord Jesus anymore  and we are busy seeing other things to replace him in our lives. Judas was finding a way to betray Jesus afterwards Matthew 26:16, Mark 14:11. This is case in our churches today when people seems to have been possessed with worldy entertainment beyond the real gospel and it's purpose.

As a Christian we must understand that this is Easter period. We must not see our daily worship services to God as a boring neither should we abuse our worship for something else. "When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." That's John 21:15


Remember this "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Jesus will find it." Matthew 16:25.

Prayer: By the Power of the Spirit of Jesus that lives in me, I receive the grace to soar high like an eagle with the work of the Lord and to obey all his commandments in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Prayer

Taking Advantage of Quality Relationship with God

 An Emoji Devotions for Thu, 25 March ,2021

Topic: Taking Advantage of Quality Relationship with God

Highlights: 

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is right for him. Genesis 2:18

We are most alive when we are in relationship with someone we love. Listen, people of Israel! The Lord is our God. He is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength. That's the first commandment but How do you love someone you don't know? The advantage of having relationship with God is knowing Him. All I want is to know Christ and the power of his rising from death. I want to share in Christ’s sufferings and become like him in his death. Philippians 3:10 ICB

How do you have Relationship with God according to the Bible? Psalm 34:5 They looked to him, and were radiant. Their faces shall never be covered with shame. "The man and his wife were naked, but they were not ashamed." Genesis 2:25 In a quality relationship there is no shame. But God said .."I will make a helper who is right for him" in Genesis 2:18 later on The Lord was sorry he had made human beings on the earth. His heart was filled with pain. Genesis 6:6 And God had to wipe men away. Jesus Christ later came and said "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper. He will give you this Helper to be with you forever." How wonderful will that helper be! What a wonderful opportunity to have that helper right in our lives!

We all need a stronger helper, bigger and better which is the spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit according to John14:17 to take advantage of relationship with God. This is the helper we all need - Helper that will teach us everything. He will cause us to remember all the things Jesus told us. This Helper is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in Jesus name. My question is this! Have you received the Holy Ghost since when you believed? Act 19:2a If you have not have not received the promised Holy Spirit you need to ask now because without the Holy Spirit you cannot take full advantage of quality relationship with God.

Prayer: All mighty God please send the Holy Spirit into my heart as promised in Jesus name. Amen.

Fractions: When Equation is not balanced

 An Emoji Devotions for Wednesday, 24 March, 2021

Topic: Fractions: When Equation is not balanced

Highlights:

When the leaders heard Stephen saying all these things, they became very angry. They were so mad that they were grinding their teeth at Stephen. But Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. He looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God. He saw Jesus standing at God’s right side. Acts 7:54-55

Apostle Stephen was trying to explain the gospel to already furious set of people. This is an unbalanced equation. In the previous devotion we talked about being drunk in the Holy Spirit which means to be numb to distractions around and become calm when faced with troubles. Religious people were already furious to throw stones at Apostle Stephen but he was rather seeing Jesus standing at God's right side. Acts 7:55. 

In John 6:33 Our Lord Jesus said “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble. But be brave! I have defeated the world!" 

Be brave, when you are faced with unbalanced equations, and be calm. That's how to be drunk in the Holy Spirit. And although he was killed, his example inspired many others to speak out and live for Christ. And by the power and wisdom of the Spirit, the Lord has built his church to reach out and serve people so that it brings the same saving message of God’s love to the world today. Life is an unbalanced fraction full of collision with others who are attempting to fulfill the same purpose but with different views. As people differs in religion, rights, culture and views, Christian must never forget that in every relationship of life, Jesus remains the solution to all improper fractions and unbalanced equations. We must seek him for answer. 

Prayer: Spirit of God, give us your wisdom to speak the truth and live by it, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Drunk in the Holy Spirit

 An Emoji Devotions for Tue, 23 March 2021

Topic: Be Drunk in the Holy Spirit

Highlights: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

When the Lord said “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” Psalm 46:10 He was saying the core truth because He is truly exalted among nations of the earth today. He also said in Habakkuk 2:3 that "For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay." That is exactly true too and why we all need to be drunk in the Holy Spirit as 2 Peter 2:9a explains it better that "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you...," Which means that being drunk in the Holy spirit makes you to be numb to snakes and lions of life even though they are there to scare you (please read Luke 10:19, and Psalm 91:13 for better understanding).

Psalm 27:14 Explains it better that we should all "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!"

God's time is faster than in spirit time but it may look slower while waiting in flesh because God has to do the fixing and arrangements before the result. Psalm 4:4 says "Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. To patiently wait for the Lord in any situation either boiling or stormy, when you need quick answer, it is better to be silent and to trust in the Lord. Do not drink wine or alcohol to subdue yourself but Be silent and search your heart while you trust in God.

In Luke 18:7-8 Jesus said  "Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

The faith Jesus wants to see in you when you are in the midst of challenges is to see you trust in the Lord with all your heart and be wonderfully calm about it no matter what it looks like.

Psalm 27:13 "I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living."

Prayer: Holy Lord fill me up with the fullness of Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen I receive confidence in the Lord in Jesus name. Amen

And Christ will Shine on you

 An Emoji Devotions for Mon, 22 March ,2021

Topic: And Christ will Shine on you

Highlights: This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:17

Jesus is the light that shines. A powerful light that overcomes darkness. Like the sun that shines during the day and the whole night turns into day. Jesus's light is so big that no darkness can overpower it. John 1:5 says if we have Jesus in our lives then we have the light of life that no darkness could overpower. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness. He will have the light that gives life.”

Yes, though darkness look horrible and fearsome, it is the darkness that should be afraid of light and not the other way round. What baffles angels in heaven is how a born again Christian is afraid of powers of darkness because angels can never be afraid of demons no matter how tough. 2 Timothy 1:7 says that "God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid. He gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control." In the days of our Lord Jesus when he speaks a word demons will run for their lives. In Matthew 8:16 "When evening came, they brought to Him many who were under the power of demons, and He drove out the spirits with a word and restored to health all who were sick."

According to our highlighted Verse, it is time to wake up from sleep if you are someone who is being afraid of people based on their spiritual gruesomeness. You must surrender your life to our Lord Jesus Christ who is the light that shines and once he comes into you, you will glow and stop this fear of darkness. Once you accept Jesus, we should confess with faith everyday that it is the darkness that will run from the light. Something like this "I am a light of God given the liberty of peace and progess through Christ Jesus and as long as I remain the light of the world, it is darkness that will stay away from me". Ephesians 2:6 says "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus" which means You and I are now in the heavenly realm with Jesus, bigger and greater than all realms of darkness. Praise the Lord!

Prayer: Lord Jesus please shine your light upon my spirit and give me confidence and victory over the realms of darkness. Amen. "I am a light of God given the liberty of peace and progess through Christ Jesus and as long as I remain the light of the world, it is darkness that will stay away from me" Amen.

Attributes of Champions

 An Emoji Devotions for Sun, March 21 2021

Topic: Attributes of Champions

Highlights:
Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. Prov 22:29

Being diligent is a personality trait that makes a champion. Traits like having a charming smile and brilliant mind and being diligent and determined as a champion. Everyone is born a champion but few really chose to become a champion in life. Champion lifestyle is not a easy one that's why people abandoned to become an ordinary self because the road is not easy. Champions are reckless in their focus and determination to their goals because they aim for the crown. In competition no matter how you try, it takes winning to become a champion of the game. So many many people wants to associate themselves with champions, including the top profile people in the society because they are celebrities. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the greater than the greatest champion in human history because he laid down his life for everyone of us so that we can have life in abundance. What are few attributes of a champion:

1. They are Diligent
2. They Demonstrate courage
3. They are Disciplined
4. They are Motivated
5. They are Intelligent
6. They are Humble
7. They Focused to sacrifice for the greater good.

Like Jesus, Whoever is born again and has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a champion.

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

As from now on, we must turn to God and believe we have been made champions through Jesus Christ our Lord. If you are not born again it is time to surrender your life to Christ today by confessing him as your Lord and saviour. Because if the Spirit that raise Jesus Christ dwells in you, it will make you a champion. Romans 8:11

Prayer : Lord make me a champion through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen

Devil's Customer Care Vs the Great Commission

An Emoji Devotions for Fri, 19th March 2021


Topic: Devil's Customer Care Vs the Great Commission


Highlights:


Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy. And he goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat. 1 Peter 5:8 ICB


So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19


Someone who is hungry will need food to remain active. So the Bible says that the devil is hungry and needs food somit goes around like a roaring lion advertising for someone to eat. Proverbs 6:2 says "You might get trapped by what you say.You might be caught by your own words." When the lion roar, the first signal that goes to its prey is fear and worries. And they begin to run. Once the lion sees them running it tries to corner them with speed and gasp of claws and sharp teeth. Proverbs 6:5 says "But free yourself like a deer running from a hunter.Free yourself like a bird flying away from a trapper."


How? By preaching the gospel and engaging in the things of God. When you tell others about Jesus love and engage daily in Godly things, you will be strong enough to withstand the roaring tone of the devil and from your inner ears you will be the first person to live by what you teach be showing resistance to the devil. Mark 16: 17-18 "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well"


If the you get worried or afraid or anxious about life, remember to talk about love of Christ to someone near or far away and while you are on it. Fear, worries and anxiety will leave. If you know you are not qualify or equipped enough to preach Christ to people then use this opportunity to repent and ask God to equip you with a new life and save your soul from the scheme of the devil. Do not let Satan outsmart you. Outsmart him with preaching the gospel 2 Cor 2:11.


Prayer: Lord visit my life today and equip me for the gospel of Christ love. Let me be able to talk about Jesus Christ and to show someone about the love of God in Christ Jesus. Amen


https://emojidevotions.blogspot.com/2021/03/devils-customer-care-vs-great-commission.html

Manipulation of the devil and human mocking

An Emoji Devotions for Thu, 18th March, 2021

Topic: Manipulation of the devil and human mocking

Highlights:

He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. Matthew 27:42

Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. 6“If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” Matthew 4:6-6

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

It is a good thing to sing hymns because in their words you find encouragement. A manipulated person may never know if he's doing the right thing. Even when he or she is doing the right thing he will be tempted by the devil and mocked by men to pull him off the right track. Proverbs 14:15 "The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." The first thing the devil does is to make you believe the things he wants to tell you. The devil first of all took Jesus to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple before he said "Throw yourself down if you are the son of God." He eventually reminded Jesus what the Bible says about angels guidance in Psalm 91. It's true that Jesus is righteous and was taken to the Holy city but God did not tell us to test our spiritual abilities whether they are working or not. Whatever could make you test the power of God whether it will work or not is a manipulation of the devil. Daniel did not go into the lion's den to test his powers he was falsely accused and after being thrown in the lion's cave God delivered him. Same thing for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, they escaped the burning furnace because they were determined not to disobey God. Some people will give God deadline like three months or three years before preparing to backslide back into the world. You can see that when people even the priests and teachers of law mocked Jesus on the cross that he saved others but he could not save himself in Matthew 27:42. Jesus did not fight back.

When you truly want to serve God, you will serve him wholeheartedly without ultimatums or deadline nor faulting. You will not permit the devil to manipulate you or listen to what people say to mock you. Jesus response to all test from the devil was "it is written"... It is written man shall not live by bread alone, it is written thou shall not test the Lord your God, it is written thou shall serve the Lord thy God and only him shall thou serve. We should endeavour to read out Bible to know what's written concerning us to over-rule manipulations from the devil. God said in 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. What He says is true. He did it for Moses, and all men of faith. He will do it for you if you do not let the devil manipulate you nor yield to human mockery. Keep serving God and trusting him whether it is good or bad. Remove any deadline or second option to backslide in your heart and serve God fully. That's how a true child of God does.

Prayer: Father make me your child permanently. I am not more giving you any deadline or ultimatum. I will serve you for the rest of my life and will obey you. Please Lord hold me up with your victorious right hand. In Jesus name. Amen.

https://emojidevotions.blogspot.com/2021/03/manipulation-of-devil-and-human-mocking.html

Acknowledge Yourself and Others as Humans

 An Emoji Devotions for Wed 17 March, 2021

Topic: Acknowledge Yourself and Others as Humans

Text: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 6:23

There are things beyond our control. Humans truly could be terrific but they have no control over nature. The Bible says that "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein" Psalm 24:1. I believe what the Bible holds is true because even if man could destroy the entire human race they cannot destroy the entire nature. They do not hold control to the birds, ants, spiders, or water or disaster. First of all you need to acknowledge that you are human and accept the fact that you we all have limitations that cannot match the supernatural power and force of God. You need to firmly acknowledge that though some folks could may retain special knowledge or powers cannot match with God. For all power belongs to God now and forever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:11

No one can match the power of God no matter how influential they are among human. Therefore, We must all reverence and look up to God for our life's instructions. At a certain time I believe God has passed through human race before to show us without assumptions about Himself through the Bible.

Do not be afraid of human like you and do not trust them but trust in God who creates all. This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. Jeremiah 17:5

We can find more about God by reading His words in the Bible. Joshua 1:8 Says if we continue to read God's word day and night, we will have good success. Sometimes the flesh would not want us to read the Bible because of the power it gives us. The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. Daniel 11:32b

Prayer: Holy Spirit please use the Holy Bible the word of God to guide me to God. I want to be strong and do great things in life. In Jesus name. Amen.

Close to The Tree of Life

 An Emoji Devotions for Tue 16 March, 2021

Topic: Close to The Tree of Life

Highlights: 

Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Revelation 22:14-15

What's causing fights and quarrels among people? It's desires. Through desires many have become sexually immoral, murderer, idolaters and practitioners of falsehood. It is exciting, thrilling, and a little terrifying to fall head over heels for someone but it is dangerous to get carried away. We were all born with robes that can not be removed. It has an intense powerful force that is called destiny. Like a Leopard skin, like a cat body, like a fish with scales, each and everyone of us has a robe. When I see you and you see me, what did you see? A friend or an enemy, a tolerant or intolerant, a wise or proud man. I answered, "Sir, you know." And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. Rev 7:14-15

When the table was set before you in the presence of your enemies, did you first serve yourself or did you first serve God. So I'm asking the same question again. What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? James 4:1

The soothing tongue is a tree of life,

    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. It's time to be passionate about God and say something that will sooth his feeling and make him feel so good everyday that He will call you a man or woman after his heart. 

Prayer: God you are amazing, I love your words, you make me happy. I will never leave you. I love you Jesus. Amen

the dots and comas of life

 An Emoji Devotions for Mon 15 March, 2021

Topic: the dots and comas of life

Highlights: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

If you have ever came across a story line paragraph without punctuation marks. Even though it contain beautiful story it wouldn't make much sense. It may feel like you are been dragged back by real life punctuations if you really want to move fast and something or some people are slowing you down. Like someone trying to catch up with an event would suddenly bumped into unexpected traffic.

In year 2020 the whole world experienced a backlash holiday from an unexpected COVID 19 pandemic which has reshaped how people live. Now you have to cover your nose, wash your hands and distance yourself from people anywhere even in the bank. An act which looks to the moral like pride if there were no pandemic. May God have mercy!

It makes more sense when we become a gentleman and gentlewoman that people want to see but what's stopping us? A good man or woman will not feel good after making someone else sad. Like looking down on the waiter in the restaurant because something went wrong with your order, or talking rashly to the roadside commuters because they anyhow bumped into you? How has anything or anyone been acting crazy like a punctuation mark lately in your story line? Do you now understand what Jesus went through before he laid down his life for me and you on the cross? See the punctuations that when Jesus said in this world you will have trouble does not refer to blows and jabs from religious fights. It's personal and a thing that defines you as gentleman. Are you having trouble coping with the real world people around you? 

God knows. Yet it is those people who decides in their heart if you are good man or good woman. No, it's not a temptation when same thing happens more than once and you can only say "but God knows my heart!". Summer and winter will not cease but who will save your soul when you are remembered by what we have done? 

Hebrews 9:27 -28 "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

Have you waited for Christ salvation or It is just a normal thing to try; to receive Jesus Christ into your life, have you made confessions about him as your Lord and saviour to genuinely show the way you behave is as a Bible believer? You can be the gentleman and gentlewoman the world wants to see. Though it is difficult, Jesus says "be cheerful I have overcome the world". 

Prayer: Lord have pity on me if I have affected other people's lives negatively, forgive me and give me the opportunity to live right. I need the grace of our Lord Jesus to remember who I need to be and not what I want to be. Let me be like Jesus to the world. Amen.

why are you like this?

An Emoji Devotions for Sun, 14 March,2021

Topic: why are you like this?

Highlights: "...and lean not on your own understanding;" Proverbs 3:5-6

It's until you are hungry then you will appreciate food. Then you will know why some hungry people can't walk very well. You always want to know the reason for everything. That's probably why you are like what you are right now. It's possible you don't mutter it out, maybe you always whisper silently in your heart. "Why is everyone not smiling at me?" Is my dress that bad? Why is he covering his nose? You even ask why someone is being nice to you. God says we should stop asking questions and give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".

Time flies, and soon enough by the time strange things start happening to you, if you do not change your attitude of asking too many questions then you may start knowing the reason why it asking too much questions is bad. Instead of asking questions, follow tha advice of King Solomon in Proverbs 22:28 - 29

"Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors."

Work on the talent God gave you, be yourself and leave what others are saying for God to handle.

The Bible says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

The new person is you! Be real to yourself and stop asking why. Be in Christ today and all your questions will be solved.

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Prayer: Lord you are my Daddy, my creator, my friend and my everything. Forgive me for my rebellion against you through my inappropriate questions. I have repent today. In Jesus name Amen.

This is, why we should never doubt

 An Emoji Devotions for Fri, 12th March 2021

Topic: This is, why we should never doubt

By H.U. Wenger

Highlights: “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2. King 6:16)

If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one.

Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31b – 35; 37 – 39)

The Kingdom of Aram was at war with the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Time and again the King of Aram held counsel with his Generals, but every attack they planned, was known in advance to the king of Israel. The king of Aram asked his staff, who the traitor would be. “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” (2. Könige 6:12 – 13) At night the king sent a strong force of men with horses and chariots to surround Dothan. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.  “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (Verses 15 – 17) Elisha then gave a brilliant example what it means to love the enemies. Those, who came to take him captive, were lead to the headquarters for a big banquet and to be released home after the fest.

Gehasi was the long term servant of Elisha. He had seen many wonders the Lord has done, but as soon as he thinks his life in jeopardy, he doubts the might and power of God. He needs sight. I am afraid that so many of us are like Gehasi. As soon as we face a perceived impossibility, we are losing faith.

Do I still believe in the love of God? I am still aware that he gave his only son for my salvation? Do I still cling to the truth that Christ has paid for all my sins on the cross and that I am now his beloved child, who shall inherit his kingdom and to be taken into his glory? Why do I harbor doubts that I might not be good enough for him? Why do my thoughts leave his love and allow fear to enter my heart? Of course I am not enough for him! That is why he saved me, because he wanted me and he is 100 percent for me! Listen to the apostle Paul and you will lose any reason for doubt. It will open your spiritual sight and enable you to live in his love, like Elisha. Seize the authority that has been bestowed unto you!

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus. I am tempted to see my circumstances greater than your might and power. Please forgive me. Thank you that those, who are with me are always more than are with them. Thank you that your love will never leave nor fail me. Thank you, that you will always stand with me and please let me always stand with you. Amen

Seeking the Kingdom of heaven first and making a living

An Emoji Devotions for Thu, 11 March 2021

By H.U Wenger

Seeking the Kingdom of heaven first and making a living – it can be a struggle
In Matthew 6:33 Jesus tells us that we should not care much about our clothing and our food, but rather seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and so all the worldly stuff will be given unto us.

 The Prophet Haggai depicts for us the struggle the Jews faced who, returned from the Babylonian exile back to Jerusalem. They had the task to rebuild the city and the temple, but it was extremely difficult because so many tasks should have been done simultaneously. Additionally the people of the land did not really welcome them and often they had to physically defend themselves. People were poor and the initial excitement to be back home and to rebuilt the temple had vaporized long ago. In this situation the Prophet Haggai brings the message: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.’ ”Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”  Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.”  “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.” (Haggai 1, 2 – 7; 9 – 11) The prophet makes it very clear: your bad time is not just bad luck, but you are going through a bad time, because you are not seeking the kingdom of God! In Verse 8 God says through the prophet: “Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. He asks for a leap of faith, so that God will be honored and the bad times will be taken away. 

The wonder actually happened. The people did what the Lord wanted them to do:  So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God. (Verse 14) With the act of obedience the tune changed immediately. Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: “I am with you,” declares the Lord. (Verse 13) The temple could be finished, although it did not have the same splendor and glory as had the temple of Salomo. God comforted them with the future glory of the temple in the one thousand year kingdom of Jesus Christ. The same way the glory of the New Testament church is still hidden in Christ, but as soon as Christ will be revealed, the church and every single member of it will be revealed in glory. (Colossians 3:2)

Highlights: “I am with you,” declares the Lord. (Haggai 1:13); So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:31 – 34)

 Prayer: Dear Lord please show me, if I have fallen in the same trap the Jews were caught in. Help me to take the necessary leap of faith. I want and I need your assurance that you are with me. Amen

https://emojidevotions.blogspot.com/2021/03/seeking-kingdom-of-heaven-first-and.html 

PREMIUM: Overcoming spiritually dry times

 An Emoji Devotions for Wed, 10 March 2021

Topic: Overcoming spiritually dry times

By H.U. Wenger

Highlights: Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:23 – 26)

“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” “Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.” (Psalm 50:14 – 15; 23)
The world is very competitive and for everyone who wants to achieve a distinct goal, there will be some obstacles and hardships. As we watch our surroundings, we always see people, who take it easy. They do not have any remorse to cheat a little, to expand their competence according to the precept that competences and empowerment are not given, but taken. They flourish and what we are avoiding, because we deem it false before our God, seems to serve them to their advantage. Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73 must have been in such a position and he just could not grasp it. He had the conviction that God is good to all who follow him, but what he saw playing out in his daily routine showed him a totally different picture and this is very unsettling to him. “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Verses 2 – 3) Here is what he observes in his own words: “They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.” (Verses 4 – 9) In addition he sees that people flock to them and join them in mocking God. He comes to the preliminary conclusion: “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.” Although the evidence in front of his eyes is overwhelming, deep down in his heart he knows that he is on the wrong track. He therefore goes into the sanctuary of the Lord and finally comes to the highlight that is stated above.
Out of my personal experience I would like to encourage you for the way of thanksgiving. When afflictions pursue you, when you feel abandoned or even betrayed by God, when nothing seems to make sense anymore, it is a good thing to direct your thoughts to the question: What is still good and positive in my life? If you search honestly, you will find a lot of small and bigger things you still enjoy and can be thankful for. Although you will not feel thankful, but rather complaint-ful, begin to sacrifice thank. It will lead you into the sanctuary of God and your thoughts will be guided to what you know deep down in your heart: “God is good, he is good over my life now and forever and by honoring him, I will surely see his salvation.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are holding me by my right hand and that you will guide me into glory. Keep my thoughts and feet from slipping. I know that there is nothing better and greater in the whole universe than you and I am glad for the mercy and grace to belong to you as a loved child of yours. Amen.

Awaiting the Lord’s help with patience

 An Emoji Devotions for Tue, 9 March 2021

Topic: Awaiting the Lord’s help with patience

By H.U. Wenger

Highlights: Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. … He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness. (Micah 7:8b and 9b)

The prophet Micah depicts in his 7th chapter the misery of the world and especially of the people of Israel in the last days of the world.  He is in misery, searching for good fruits and finding nothing. He moans that the godly have been swept away, people are skilled in doing evil, no neighbor can be trusted, even within the family is betrayal and dishonoring. His words go parallel with what the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy:  But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,  treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—  having a form of godliness but denying its power. (2. Timothy 3:1 – 5) Micah is in trouble and with Psalm 11:3 he might have asked: “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The very Psalm, however, tells us that God is watching and that upright men and women will eventually see his face. This is encouraging, this invites to trust and to await the LORD’S help.  Although Micah’s surroundings are utterly barren, dark and evil, he decides to trust in the LORD by saying: “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” (Verse 7) This confidence enables him even to triumph over his adversaries: “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the Lord’s wrath, until he pleads my case and upholds my cause. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.” (Verse 8 – 9)

There are times of overwhelming darkness in our lives, but Christ Jesus remains always the light of the world:  “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) It may be well worth if you reread the last bible reference more than once. It does not only tell us that Jesus Christ is the light of the world, it tells us that whoever follows him, will never really be in darkness. The darkness may surround and engulf you, but it can never ever take the light of life away from you. With Micah we can therefore be confident and triumph over the blackness: “Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. … He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.”

Prayer: Thank you LORD for being my confidence and my light. Thank you for your promise that no darkness and no evil can ever devour me.  Help me to always cling to the light of life in you! Amen.

God’s Kingdom shall shine - the Lord’s glory shall be radiant.

 An Emoji Devotions for Mon, 8 2021

Topic: God’s Kingdom shall shine - the Lord’s glory shall be radiant. 

By H. U. Wenger

Highlight: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth: (Acts 1: 8) 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20 – 21)

A long time ago, John the Baptist went through the land of Israel by preaching: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 3:2). Only a short time later Jesus was touring the same land with the same message. (Matthew 4: 17). Jesus, however, invited to follow him and promised that he would make his disciples to fishers of men. (Matthew, 4: 19) Additionally to his preaching about the kingdom of heaven he gave the people a taste of it by healing the sick, by freeing the demon possessed and restoring the paralyzed. In an amazing teaching in the Sermon on the Mount he showed them the love of God that dwelled in him and made clear, that he wants to bestow the very same love and power to them. As my father has sent me into the world, so I send you into the very same world. (John 17:18; 20:21) You will be like sheep among wolves. The disciple is not any greater than the master. They hated me and they will hate you, because I am not from this world and as my followers are not from the world, but still in the world. (John 15:18 ff). 

Where ever the followers of Christ are living out the love of God and the gospel, there will be a taste of the kingdom of heaven and of the Lord’s glory. The earth is a fallen creation that waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed (Romans 8:19) and it will only turn into a heavenly place, when the prince of peace will reign for a thousand year.

Presently we live in a time that is pregnant with expectations for the revelation of God’s greater glory and a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit, accompanied with signs and wonders. I will greatly rejoice, when such things are starting to happen and frankly, I hope for it too. In the meantime, I believe in the path of obedience. To make the kingdom of heaven visible, it must dwell within me. Whenever I realize that I am not living in the love with which Jesus loves me, whenever I catch myself judging others and not giving them the respect and reference I am receiving from my heavenly father, I need to repent and to turn around. By humiliating myself und the mighty hand of God, his glory will be radiant in my community and his kingdom will become visible and shining. 

Ephesians 5: 1 – 9 shows us the way. Consciously wanting to be an imitator of God as a dearly loved child and live a life of love, like Christ, ready to give myself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God and withstand everything that is not born out of God’s love.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be your imitator in love and respect. Fill me with your spirit and please do immeasurably more through the power of the indwelling spirit than I can ask or imagine.

The Sunday called "my eyes"

 An Emoji Devotions for Sun 7th March, 2021

Topic: The Sunday called “my eyes” 

By H.U. Wenger

In the old church order the Sunday has its name from Psalm 25, Verse 15: “My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare”.

Highlights: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. I will guide thee with my eye.” (Psalm 32:8)

 “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” (Psalm 25:16 – 21)

The eye-contact is an utterly important thing in every conversation. Important things between partners are not resolved in writing or over the phone. We rather want a personal meeting in which the partners are face to face. The look into each other’s eyes, gives us some assurance. In first King 18 and 19 the Old Testament shows us a memorable example on what is going to happen, when a man of God loses the sight of the LORD’S eyes. 

Elijah has just fought the battle with the priests of Baal and he has been triumphant. All the people of Israel have shouted: “The LORD is God, the LORD is God!” And with it, they agreed to the demise of the 400 priests of Baal. After that triumphant day, King Ahab returned to his palace and he reported to his wife Jezebel all that has happened. Jezebel was enraged and he sent a message to Elijah: “May the Gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Because of that threat Elijah’s eyes have been diverted from the Lord and were now directed to the enraged Jezebel and so Elijah began to run for his life. He was so disappointed with God that he wanted to die from the hand of God. “I have had enough LORD. Take my life; I am not better than my ancestors.” The Lord does not argue with Elijah – he lets him sleep for a while and then gives him a new aim that makes him search again for the LORD’S face, for his eyes that will guide him on his way. Elijah learns that it is not the unrestricted powers of the LORD that conquer and convince with regard to the human soul. It is the goodness and love of God that causes man to turn around and to trust in the Lord, because he is the only one, who can release our feet from the snare. 

Elijah did meet God’s eyes again because the Lord guided him with his eyes and Elijah was willing to look into God’s eyes and follow his guidance. He gloriously finished his path and was finally raptured into heaven in a fiery chart. 

You may feel lonely and afflicted today. Your troubles may look invincible and you may be in great anguish. Turn your eyes again to the LORD. No Jezebel and no power of the earth is a match for the love and goodness of God. In him alone is your rescue and comfort. 

Prayer: Dear LORD, please help me that I will never divert my eyes away from you. Teach me your way and guide me with your eyes. Amen.

God will never forget you

 An Emoji Devotions for Sat 6 Mar, 2021

Topic: God will never forget you

Highlights: See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
    your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:16

Look around, if you can see what God is saying up in that highlighted Verse and you felt good about it, then I congratulate you. It takes being born again to SEE the kingdom of God. So many people can see but cannot recognise. But when you being a born again Christian could see and can recognise but forgets easily. No wonder Jesus gave a parable about a farmer sowing seed. "Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.  Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

God does not forget animals let alone the ones he created in His own image. (Read Matthew 6:26-34)

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!" Isaiah 49:15

Even if you forget this phrase in the future "remember, God will never forget you."

Prayer: God I pray to please hear me. Do not allow me to forget that you already have me in mind. Give me the spirit of remembrance and honour for you. In Jesus name. Amen

starting to look like each other

 An Emoji devotion for Fri 5 Mar ,2021

Topic: starting to look like each other

Text:For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50

Couples who are in tune with each other often mirror each other's habits and body language. It shows that there's emotional comfort and trust in their relationship. Scientists state that partners tend to change their own habits throughout their married life. For example, if one of them was trying to quit smoking and started eating healthy food, the other one often did the same.

You should start to look like Jesus. Are your true friends doing the will of God as you do?

"So don’t be foolish with your lives, but learn what the Lord wants you to do"

What does God want your friends to do.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

To offer their body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable... Romans 12:1

To not conform to the ways people of the world become desperate for social trends and fame. Romans 12:2

It is the will of God that they abstain from fornication. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Don’t be drunk with wine, which will ruin your life, but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Eph 5:19a

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. Matthew 21:28-31

Start to look like each other. Start to think like each other. Mingle with people who do what God wants.

Prayer: Lord Jesus please give me grace to mingle with those who do your will and live with them peacefully. In Jesus name. Amen

Laban's Syndrome

 An Emoji Devotions for Thu, March 4, 2021

Topic: Laban Syndrome

Highlights: When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?” Genesis 29:25

To succeed in this life is in God's hands but to fear and fail is orchestrated by the evil inside of you as what you think is not actually what God thinks. There is a syndrome in everyone born of a woman which I call the Laban Syndrome: It is the fear of failure leading to dependence on man's power rather than God's power. It is giving God a nod of approval to receive his trust but failing to deliver at the end. It is like giving an excuse all the time because you are enjoying  indulgence. Afterall I am not a judge and God is the King. If we are lucky enough our dream wife or husband could match 20% compatible with our life's expectations or none at all.  Stealing his older brother's inheritance, Jacob feared his brother's wrath and fled to Harran. ... And he got a job, he loved his job so Jacob served Laban seven years for Rachel;  and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. Gen 29:20 What is the Laban in your life? Your job or your quest to marry? And How have they shaped your life so far. Has any type of Laban switched your heartthrob for another one. What did you do to tLaban's syndrome and how did it affects you? Malachi 3:8

Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.

When God is speaking. Listen to what God is saying! Should people cheat God?  In what way have you been living in Laban's syndrome?

Prayer: God almighty, prepare and connect me through the Holy Spirit to you with a nice and cordial relationship. Help me to align well with you by fulfilling my vows and if I have owed you anything please pardon me. In Jesus name. Amen.

In the Valley of Baca

 An emoji devotion 4 Wednesday March 3 2021

Topic: In the Valley of Baca

Highlights: As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. Psalm 84:6

That which seemed an impediment turns to a furtherance; at least, no misery can be so great, no estate so barren, but a godly heart can make it a well, out of which to draw forth water of comfort; either water to cleanse, and make it a way to repentance; or water to cool, and make it a way to patience; or water to moisten, and make it a way of growing in grace; and if the well happen to be dry, and afford no water from below, yet the rain shall fill their pools, and supply them with water from above. If natural forces be not sufficient, there shall be supernatural graces added to assist them, that though troubles of the world seem rubs in the way to blessedness, yet in truth they are none, they hinder not arriving at the mark we aim at, they hinder us not from being made members of Sion, they hinder us not from approaching the presence of God. No, my soul, they are rather helps, for by this means we go from strength to strength, from strength of patience, to strength of hope; from strength of hope, to strength of faith, to strength of vision; and then will be accomplished that which David speaks here; Blessed is the man whose strength is in God, and in whose heart his ways are. Sir Richard Baker. 

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,

the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together; and a little child will lead them.

The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. Isaiah 11:6-7

Prayer: O Lord be my all sufficient helper in all times. Amen

Cattle Breeders Generations

 An Emoji Devotions for Tue 2 March, 2021

Topic: Cattle Breeders Generations

Highlights:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

Abraham was a cattle breeder. He is the father of faith. In fact all Israelites have cattles. Job 42:12 - So the LORD blessed Job's latter days more than his first. He owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. In Psalm 50:10

With so much cattles there will E very much milk and wool in the land. In Psalm 50:10  God said "every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills." Jacob served Laban for 14 years to rear cattles for him and David was a shepherd. When our Lord Jesus was born, God revealed it first to some shepherds in Bethlehem. (See Luke 2:10-12)

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Luke 2:8-9 (NIV)"

There must be something special about cattle breeders which attracts God to them. Most important thing is that portray same qualities as God to protect their cattles.

They feed, they care, they nurture, they protect and even lay down their lives for their cattles. Isaiah 40:11 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

Though there are bad eggs amongst cattle breeders but Jesus said in John 10:11-12 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.

This is the reason why you surrender  your life to Jesus Christ and be one of his sheep. A sheep is soft-Hearted, upright, elegant. Sheep is a meek animal. They are usually very quiet and gentle, holding themselves aloof from the world.

Our Lord Jesus said in John 3:3 "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

Are you born again?

Prayer: Lord Jesus the good shepherd make me one of your sheep. Guide me, care for me and nurture me. I want to be born again into your sheep folds. I will be gentle, meek and mild to your commands as written in the Bible. Love you Jesus my shepherd. Amen.

How do I center my focus on God?

 An Emoji Devotions for Mon, 1 March 2021

Topic: How do I center my focus on God?

Highlight: Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Psalm 119:164

Happy new month to you from where you are! I wish all readers of Emoji Devotions glorious manifestations in spiritual awakenings this month. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

When Jesus said "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness". He is pointing to honourable worship and reverence to God. It is Most honourable way to live;- Let me show you something; when you have plans, who do you tell first? The most honourable way is to tell God first about it. By telling God first about your plans in secret shows you have refevence for Him. Note that I do not talk about the things you need*. I say it's most honourable to tell your plans to God first! "Seek ye first the kingdom..." means seek God's approval first before you *do* it. Have you ever prayed like this? "Dear heavenly father, these are my plans for today."

As a child of God, our maker is our father and he deserves to truly know what is going on in our lives. Some will say, "is He not God who knows all things?" But If God says " is she not my daughter who has sharp eyes to see, she does not need my help" . Which is more justified? Remember, When God left Job for Satan to handle?, see what happened to him within an hour: Job 1:14b-18 "....They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you (Job)!”

If what you are planning is really important then you need to tell God first so you can be justified when you are enjoying the reward.
If you do not learn from Job, you can learn from Jesus. Matthew 6:33

That is how to center focus on God.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.


Prayer Exercise: Give thanks to God for his support and protection. Tell Him about your plans for today, repeat same exercise each day. Write down the transformation you observe at the end of each week?