The Key of Heaven

An Emoji devotions for Tue 31st August, 2021

Topic: The Key of Heaven 

Highlights: 

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matthew 16:19 KJV

Those who would have the keys of heaven would have first met with Jesus. The heaven is open in the Spirit and Jesus is ready to meet you to give you the Key of heaven provided you ask in prayer and faith. 

Matthew 7:7 says 

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

This will not go without a struggle and a fight. The struggle against the flesh and the fight  against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 

Why? Because the Key of heaven will lead to many breakthroughs and discoveries that will liberate us and others from spiritual bondage. That is why every Christian who wants this Key must first be born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Because If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace. If we follow our desires, we cannot please God.

Romans 8:6‭, ‬8. The Key must not be abused. (Read Luke 9:54-55)

Remember, You were not given the Key of heaven to do your own will. You were given the Key to do God's will and fulfill His purpose. God gave Paul the power to work great miracles in Acts 19:11 He did not just find the power somewhere and started using it as He wish. Therefore, Anytime you want to use the Key of Heaven in your prayers, Use it like Jesus use to by saying "THY WILL BE DONE NOT MINE" in the end of His prayers. (Read Luke 22:42)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I remember something I forgot to ask you: "The Key of Heaven". Give it to me according to the will of The Father in the Holy Spirit. I need it today in your name. Amen. 

Someone touched Me!

 

An Emoji devotions for Sun 29th August, 2021

Topic: Someone touched me! 

Highlights: 

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8:46

Jesus heard them and answered, “Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners.”

Mark 2:17 

Now you know the reason why the bleeding woman touched Jesus and power was gone out of Jesus to heal her. The name Jesus itself means "HELP" so the woman asked for help with her action. 

She had said to herself, “If I can just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”

Matthew 9:21 

When you show you faith to God, don't show it like you are already a prophet Elijah and you want to move mountain. Show it like a powerless person that need help. 

Jesus said, ‘One day, two men went into God's Great House to pray. One man was a Pharisee . The other man took taxes on behalf of the government. The Pharisee stood there by himself. He prayed like this: “Thank you, God, that I am different from all these other people. They are bad people. They rob other people. They have sex with women that are not their wife. Thank you, God, that I am not like this man who takes taxes on behalf of the government. I stop eating on two days of each week. I give to you one tenth of all the things and money that I receive.”  But the other man stood far away. He would not even look up towards heaven . He was hitting his body with his hands to show how sorry he was. He prayed like this: “Please, God, be kind to me. I have done many bad things.” ’  Jesus went on to say, ‘Let me tell you about these men when they left there. The man that took taxes on behalf of the government was now right with God. But the Pharisee had not made anything right with God. Some people lift themselves up to be important. But God will bring all of them down low. Other people are humble . God will lift up those people to a good place.’

People who are well do not need a doctor. It is people who are ill that need a doctor. Some people think that they always obey God. Jesus did not come to help people like that. Some people know that they have done wrong things. Jesus is asking those people to come to him for help. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Lord Jesus I am incomplete without you. Please help me!

Don't be afraid of height

 

An Emoji Devotions for Fri 27th August 2021

Topic: Don't Be Afraid of Height

Highlights: 

...Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14:6

Everyone needs a little bit of fear in our lives. It is fear of accident that cautions drivers to drive carefully on the road. A little child with no amount of fear in them could take life-taking risks that could lead to untimely death. When fear is too much, it leads to shyness, low self esteem and failure. There is also a Spirit of fear that causes timidity and negative mindset in man. 

 When we compare what God could do in our lives to what fear can lead to, we will see that it is better to hold on to God's side. 

God told us, “Wisdom means that you respect me, the Lord, and turn from sin.”

Job 28:28 

God is taller than the heights we are afraid of. He assures us that "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2 

In this life: "Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14:6. It does not matter if you are chasing a very big dream (pls read Deuteronomy 32:30)

You can go higher in life if you believe in what God commands Psalm 119:47 says "God's command brings happiness". 

When you do God's command - You are the light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill (that) cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14 

Don't be afraid of height. Just Believe that safety and winning only comes from God Proverbs 21:31

If you surrender your life to Jesus Christ and believe in his backing power. You will get there. Trust God today

Prayer: O Lord my Safety. Help me to go higher and greater in the power of your accomplishments in Jesus name. Amen.

Planned Work of God

 

An Emoji devotions for 25th August, 2021

Topic: Planned Work of God

Highlights: 

When Jesus saw the man and realized that he had been crippled for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to be healed?”

John 5:6 

For I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares Adonai , “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 TLV

Relevant to that situation over there in John 5:6; Jesus saw a man who was crippled for 38 years lying on the floor and still have to ask him "Do you want to be healed?". It is apparent that God wants to be sure about his need before He carry out His plans. Our response will indicate that we are ready receive assistance from God.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51

Believe me, God do answers all our prayers but the answers were denied for the best reasons. Sometimes God's response to our needs are questions with situations we are facing today because still we don't get it that what we need at first is the qualifications to receive what we want. If you have the opportunity to see God passing by your house today, what is the most important thing you will ask him to do for you?

God has worked out his plans to assist you. He wants to build your mental maturity first so as to understand how He wants your package delivered to you. 

 If you are someone looking for a life partner for years, and you are still single. If Jesus asks why are you single? Would you rather tell him that you did not know how to treat ladies with love, or peradventure because ladies love money and you did not have it. Do you think riches is the only requirement to get the faithful woman? What about couples who got married because of money and later did not enjoy their marriage?

God is putting you through situations to make you undergo learning process. If you still don't get it, you may end up marrying the wrong person because you might lack the vitals of treating special women with love and kindness.

If God knows that your mental strength is not mature enough to receive riches He will create challenges to make you strong for it. Because some have lost their Holiness because they cannot maintain riches. Many people has committed suicide while some have committed crimes that lead them to untimely death because they are not mature enough to manage God's blessings.

What you need to do is to flow with God's plan. Understand that His plans are for your good. Keep praying that God will continue His plans for you because only God's plan works and only His plans gives hope and great future. Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: God I remain focus trusting in your gracious plans for me. Though I may not understand right now but I will continue to hope and believe your plans for my life. So help me Lord in Jesus name. 

Someone Got their healing. Was it you?

 

An Emoji Devotions for Monday 23rd August 2021

Topic: Someone Got their healing. Was it you?

Highlights:

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8:46

While some people are trying to get a selfie pose with Jesus, some are doing their best just to touch the edge of his garment. Sounds funny right?

"Jesus said C'mon someone touched me." Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”  "You won't understand the kind of touch I mean Peter". It's not that kind of touch of arm over shoulder Peter. It is a touch on the tip of my robe. Peter was astonished and was like ah ahh ahh! 

Some people got their miracles and healing right over there, was that you? Someone also got their deliverance, financial breakthrough, restoration and lots more. Was it you who touched the Master?

If that was you, then congratulations! Your faith has made you whole! Go in peace!

"Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Matthew 8:47-48

Give yourself a break and Go only for the edge of His garment. It's not too late to touch the Lord today for free! Only by faith. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ if I can but only touch the edge of your garment I will be made whole. Please bless my faith today in Jesus name. Amen. 

What Happened?

 

An Emoji devotions for Sun 22nd August, 2021

Topic: What Happened? 

Highlight: 

But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.  He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.  And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go , sir: and went not.

Matthew 21:28‭-‬30 KJV

A Christian is a born again believer of Jesus Christ. When anyone changes the game plan of being a Christian to being religious, then that person is not more doing the will of God. What are the game plan of being a Christian. 

1. You are the salt for everyone on earth. But if salt no longer tastes like salt, how can it make food salty? All it is good for is to be thrown out and walked on.

Matthew 5:13

There are two different things between saying "No".and walking away. In the older days, a slap on the right cheek is a bad insult. So when someone slaps or insults you, our Lord Jesus asks us to walk away. Matthew 5:39. Hey I know this is not going to be easy but that is what the Lord commands us to do. If you truly wants to follow the game plan you have to obey God's command because as a believer of Christ, you are the salt of the whole earth, and you are supposed to be sweet as ever. So what happened to sweetness if Christians behave like the every other socialites? May God have mercy.

2. As a Christian, You are the light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one lights a lamp and puts it under a clay pot. Instead, it is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14‭-‬16. If you cannot shine the light of Jesus Christ for others around to see as an example. What then is the evidence that you are obedient child of God. 

3. If you are only kind to your friends, then you are not doing anything special. Even people who do not believe in God do that. So you must be good in every way, as your Father above is good in every way.’

Matthew 5:47‭-‬48 

Let me stop here and go back to the question of the topic: "what happened?". Whatever you can do to go many miles for the sake of Christ . Do it. 

When God called you from darkness to light for being a Christian, He did not call you to behave like everyone non-Christians. He  called you to do be like Jesus His only son. Are you living up to the true meaning of your calling or you are just doing something else under the umbrella of Christianity? Pray to God to lead you to the right path and read the book of Matthew chapter 5 and 6 for more information about being a true child of God. 

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your mercy and kindness to count me among your children. please Lord help me amend my ways in any way I have been disobedient to you and also let your grace be sufficient for me in all ways in Jesus name. Amen.

And light Started Shinning

An Emoji devotions for Fri, 20th of August 2021

Topic: And light started Shinning

Highlights: 

God looked at the light and saw that it was good. He separated light from darkness

Genesis 1:4

"You two can't stay together" that was what God said to Light and darkness - Like it's not good for man to be alone but not with light and darkness. We all could see that toxic people could one day repent and change from their bad ways to good ways. There is a time of life we called the day time - This is the time when the sun shines bright and everything comes alive. Today is a happy day because everyone could see the light but when it is night it becomes dark again and movement becomes slow and everyone becomes sleepy. 

Things sometimes gets sticky and sneaks into spiritual phenomenon that indicates  positions where each of us belongs- either in the day or in the night, they are worth thanking God for. The sun is beautiful in a special way. The moon is also beautiful in a special way, but it is different from the sun. The stars are beautiful too, and each star is beautiful in its own special way.

1 Corinthians 15:41 

Everyone loves to see the sun. The moon looks beautiful and yet the Star is twinkles when it is dark. Jesus answered, “Are not there twelve hours in each day? If you walk during the day, you will have light from the sun, and you will not stumble. But if you walk during the night, you will stumble, because you may not have enough light.”

John 11:9‭-‬10 

 There is only one star that outshines the sun and that is the morning star. Jesus Christ is the morning star and He will not make you stumble. Revelations 22:16

I do not know your name or where you are right now but I know that if you surround yourself with Jesus Christ the Light given by God, you will walk in the light and darkness will stay away from you. 

Jesus once said: Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won't be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.”

John 8:12 

Stay away from darkness, stay with Jesus, God can make your light shine brighter when you continue to walk in the light with Jesus Christ. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus I give you my life and my soul, please guide me with your shinning light and lead me in the way of everlasting life. In Jesus name

THE SINGING GOD

 

An Emoji Devotional for Wed 18th August, 2021

Topic: The Singing God

Highlights: 

The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.”

Zephaniah 3:17 

The first Being to sing songs is God. God is a Spirit John 4:24 and do sing songs. So His angels do listen to his songs and do back up and adlibs and harmony to his song. By this you will not be surprised why a musician was proclaimed by God to be a man after His heart.  Later, God removed Saul and let David rule in his place. God said about him, “David the son of Jesse is the kind of person who pleases me most! He does everything I want him to do.”

Acts 13:22 

Yes, David was there singing different Psalms in the wilderness with his sheep. He composed many songs like Psalm 23 "You, Lord , are my shepherd. I will never be in need." and was still singing while  he saw his livestock resting on the green grass: "You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water,  and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.

 Psalms 23:2‭-‬3

God saw David from where He is as said "wow this boy cherished me". While everyone was busy in the city complaining about inflation and daily sales, a little boy "David was in the wilderness singing about things he saw His sheep doing using it to unwind the beauty of God's love and kindness towards Him. 

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

Like David do you sing songs of Psalms for God? Do you always reason in your heart how wonderful God is? Do you relate things around you with the kindness of God?

Even when people are not nice, God is singing, without thinking about your sins or their sins. If you listen to God's song then you too will sing beautiful songs of praises like King David sung in Book of Psalms. Don't look at what is happening around, think about God singing in the midst of you and join the harmony.

Remember that David was made King of his Nation without campaigning. When you join the Lord's choir to sing beautiful songs even right where you are, God will arise with joyful celebration over you. And you know what that means when the King of Kings and the Most High God rejoice over you, the whole heaven and earth will rejoice over you.

Psalm Song Prayer: How much longer, Lord , will you forget about me? Will it be forever? Please let's sing together now and let us rejoice together because I know you are in the midst of me and I appreciate your presence. In Jesus name. Amen 

Faith based prayer

 

An Emoji Devotional for Mon 16th of August, 2021

Topic: Faith based prayer

Highlight: 

"and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

James 5:15 KJV

"

God is not interested in duration of your prayers but in the faith accompanying your prayer. When you kneel before your father and say 'I know you can do it', He will answer you. 

Many walked into trouble instead of walking into solution because they believed in prayer itself than God. Mark 2:2-5 

It is impossible to please God without faith Hebrews 11:6; there will be a time you will hit a note in the spiritual moment that will key into the heavenly rhythms. 

Jesus prayed and angels came to him. Until you learn how to pray, it may seem complicated as if prayers are not answered.

Some people love you with their eyes but faraway in their heart they do not have good minds. If you trust a spiritual leader more than you trust God in the position prayer, you have idolize him or her.  Some people would rather obey spiritual leaders rather than obeying the Holy Spirit

Have you prayed? Where is your communication line before you take action? The Bible says ask until your joy be full. Isaiah 45:11 

Behold, the LORD 's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Isaiah 59:1‭-‬2

This is why you need to come to God by surrendering your life to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and savior today.

 Let your prayer be praise based. Psalm 34:4

I sought the LORD , and he heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.

What are you seeking the Lord for. Seek for Jesus. What you are looking for is not lost. Go on your knees and praise the Lord and confirm your needs through His words written in the Bible. Romans 8:14

Remember as a Christian, you must be baptized in the Holy ghost. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:Romans 8:16 

Prayer: Dear Lord God , I need to trust you more. Please, Give me the grace I need and the Holy Ghost baptism to help me in place of prayer in Jesus name. Amen

Recipes of Endless Love

 An Emoji Devotions for Sat August 14, 2021

Topic: Recipes of Endless Love

Highlights: 

"Wives should always put their husbands first, as the church puts Christ first.   

A husband should love his wife as much as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it."

 Ephesians 5:24‭-‬25

I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.

Jeremiah 29:11

It takes a covenant man and a covenant woman to live an endless Love. Such marriage are built on the foundation of the word of God. Matthew 7:24 

God’s love is endless, we cannot measure it

in the entire universe not all of it, would fit.

The expansiveness,of the world around us

can’t contain all His love it would ooze and gush. Even in the vastness, of the space above could the totality of it be filled with His love. This is the love deposited in each and every one of us to share to one another. Are you sharing God's endless love endlessly.

Don't let your love end. I want you to know all about Christ's love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.

Ephesians 3:19 

The endless love in you can grow and ooze through Jesus Christ because it takes the Holy Spirit to love endlessly. People may mess your love but When you hand over things to God, He will turn a mess to mercy

how do you want to be loved? Christ died for all. The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them.

Christ has also promised everyone who followed his commands His Holy Spirit. Have you yet received the Holy Spirit through salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ? you may have missed a huge love if you are still living a life without the Holy Spirit  

who can give you the living love that never dies, a feeling never to be alone, a feeling of hope and brighter future. 

From today onward let's show love. Let wives show love to their husbands, let husbands do the same, let dad, mum and guardian love their all children the same way and let the children love their parents and guardian. 

When you love, God will see your act of love and bless you because of it. Let us Show love to everyone as God's Spirit permit. Matthew 5:16

Prayer: Dear Lord please give me the ability to show your kind of endless love in my world today. In your name Jesus. Amen

The Source of Joy

 

An Emoji Devotions for Thursday, 12th August, 2021

Topic: The source of Joy

By H. U. Wenger

Highlights: Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:1 – 2) 

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:8 – 11)

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. (Psalm 13:5 – 6)

 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10: 9 – 10)

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (Ephesians 1:4 – 6)

When it comes to show that deep and remaining joy can only be found in God, there are so many highlights in the Bible that it is impossible to mention them all in a short devotional. God is the source of life and life is meant to be full of joy and satisfaction. It is deplorable that we fell away from the presence of God and have exchanged the everlasting joy and fullness of life with tiresomeness and oftentimes a felt senselessness of all of our efforts. The book of Ecclesiastes gives us insight into those feelings of superficiality and vainness and recommends living our lives with joy and gratitude to the creator. As final conclusion the book states: Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil”.

Men of all ages circumvented the decrees of the living God, thinking that they would take away the remaining joys. I never forget how one of my teachers bitterly complained that everything joyful would be either immoral or makes fat. With this attitude it is well possible that we will never search for the source of life and never experience the joy of belonging to the most wonderful creator. By making him my one and only good asset, there comes stability and security into my life that surpasses every joy, my senses can possibly give me. The internal assurance to be his beloved child and the knowledge that he has redeemed me with himself through the sacrifice of his beloved son, Jesus Christ, turns everything upside down. Suddenly I can live without fear. I know that this life here is by far not my best life; the best is yet to come when I will visibly live in his presence in his reign of thousand years and finally in his new heaven and earth. If you do not yet have satisfaction in his joy, search for it today. 

Prayer: Dear God, let me experience you as the source of life and joy. Dear Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and that I have searched joy in the worldly things. I repent of all my sins and I pray, please come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. You, God are the source of joy, let me be joyful in your presence. Cleanse me through your blood and fill my heart and mind with your Holy Spirit. In your holy Jesus name I pray. Amen. 

 

The Greatness of Lowliness

 

An Emoji Devotions for Wed 11th of August, 2021

Topic: The greatness of lowliness

By H. U. Wenger

Highlights: 

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”(Proverbs 3:34) Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:5b – 6)

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:9 – 10)

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” (1 Samuel 12:13 – 14)

Humility is nothing our time is teaching. 

I attended a coaching seminar, and I learned how to teach people to put themselves into the best light and to subtly highlight their achievement without overtly bragging. I do understand that this is somehow required in our competitive business world. Humbleness equals here weakness and psychologically it is viewed as self-belittling and putting oneself down. In the teaching of the Bible it is, however, not at all what lowliness or humility means.

At the core of the biblical understanding of meekness is the conviction that none of my achievements and accomplishments has the power to praise myself. Much more it praises my creator who has gifted me to do such outstanding things. Jesus mentions in John 15:5 – 6:  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” In other words, whatever we do without him remains nothing, even if it will look good and finds human praise. Deeds against the will of God are contempt for God and will ultimately get punished as the story of David and Bathsheba reveals, even if the sin against God and fellow humans gets forgiven. 

The most humble man that walked the earth was at the same time the greatest and the only perfect human being, the son of God, our Savior, Jesus Christ. In John 13 we are shown how Jesus went up and washed the feet of his disciples. With it he did something, which was way below his status as their master and teacher. When he was finished with it he said to them: “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 

If you want to be admired by people, boast with your accomplishments and you will be envied. If you crave for authority, respect and grandeur, live in humility before the Lord according to the prophet Micah, Chapter 6, Verse 8:  “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that you have humbled yourself even to the death on the cross for my redemption. Teach me how to humble myself under the obedience to your word. I am craving authority in sharing your gospel and your word. I have nothing to boast about, but with Paul I want to say, by the grace of God I am what I am. Amen.        

Being of one Mind

 

An Emoji Devotions for Tue 10th August, 2021

Topic: Being of the same mind

by H.U. Wenger

Highlights: 

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. (Romans 12:16 KJV)

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16 NIV)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:3 – 5)

Who is the greatest among us? Wherever there is a group of people, it is a very natural question that unconsciously pops up in the mind of the persons involved. What place do I have in this group? Am I bottom? Am I top? What is my role in the group? The Bible tells us to be of the same mind towards one another, or to live in harmony with one another. Could it be that there is a reason why the New International Version chose a more neutral phrase for the same Greek expression? The King James Version is closer to the Greek text. Be of the same mind has a connotation of consolidation of institutional powers. One person or a group of persons decrees how everybody has to think and whoever dares to think otherwise violates the unwritten law. Unfortunately the pattern is way too common in religious groups. The people in power are not allowed to be challenged or questioned. Whatever they decree is law for the group and delinquency is severely punished. Our highlight and the context thereof depict a pattern that is totally opposite to the slavery of mind. 

Being of the same mind, concerns above all the quality of relationship. Do I look down on the people around me, or do I hold them in high esteem regardless of their social status? In 1991 I went to Colorado for a study in counseling. The first intern I got assigned to was a woman, who was about seven years younger than me. I was disappointed, asking myself what a younger woman could possibly teach me. I was not humble at all I did not value her above me. In fact I looked down on her believing that I could not learn from her. Boy, did she correct my attitude even in my first session with her. I got totally humiliated, not by her, she treated me with respect and high esteem, but by the Lord, who showed me how conceited and selfish I was. I am telling you that story to show how easily we can fall into the trap. I would not have any problem to list many more of my failures. Being of one mind means: to have a higher esteem for the other person than for myself. I may think very different about many issues. That is fine. When it comes to the thinking about the people around me I should be of one mind towards the other, the mind Christ Jesus has towards me, the mind that asks not for my best interest, but for the best interest of the other. 

How can I be of service or of help for the other person? This is the question that helps to live out the mindset of our Lord. My own experience tells me that this comes not naturally. So easily we regard ourselves above others. We need to put our thinking under the obedience of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Prayer:  Dear Lord Jesus, you came into our world as the son of the most high, but you served all of us and saved us. Please let me be of the same mind towards all of my fellow human beings. Help me to see and to treat everybody around me with a higher esteem than I have for myself. Let me be salt of the earth and light to the world. Amen    

Holding the Line

An Emoji Devotions for Mon, 9th Aug, 2021

Topic: Holding the Line

By H.U. Wenger

Highlights: Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. (Jude 1 : 3)

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. Have nothing to do with such people. (2. Timothy 3:1 – 5)

The topic of today is an unpleasant one because we normally love peace and quiet. Here we are called to contend for the faith that has been given unto us. Jude and Peter make both very clear that the Christian Community of the end times will be infiltrated by deceptive teachers who will somehow change the gospel and make it more suitable for the human flesh. Truth and deception will get craftily intertwined and the whole focus of the gospel will get shifted away from the glory of God to God’s longing for mankind. The totally depraved and fallen human beings who desperately need God’s salvation, his grace and mercy mutate to little gods. They can now be taught how to use their own inherent powers to live a prosperous and healthy life. 

It is not the place and not my task to expose the different false teachings around the world. My intension is only to call all of us as followers of Christ to pay attention to the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people according to Jude. Brothers and Sisters let us go back to the scriptures. Here we find the line, we are to hold. During my theological studies, there was a big emphasis on sound teaching. The drawbacks of it were legalistic tendencies that sometimes lead to very harsh and unjustified judgments. 

It got forgotten that for now we know in part and that a Christian has to be gentle and loving. Nevertheless it is my conviction that we should return to the habit of the Berean Jews from whom we read in Acts 17, 11: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Let us again examine the scriptures and not blindly follow teachers. It will help us to hold the line. We live in a time of exposure. We see it in the events that happen in the United States and elsewhere. 

We already know that Christian Churches have been involved in human trafficking and in other activities that are opposed to the biblical teaching. When more of this will be exposed, it may well lead to an onslaught on all churches and on the Gospel. Most likely there will not only truth be exposed, but the demonic realm will as well spread lies, and we will have to hold the line by contending and fighting for the faith according to the scriptures.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you that you have saved me from the dominion of Satan and that I can now live a new life under your rule. I pray that you protect me from deception. Let me daily examine the scriptures and keep me close to you and your sound doctrine. In your holy name, I pray. Amen    

In God’s protective custody

 

An Emoji Devotions for Sunday 8th, August 2021

Topic: In God’s protective custody

by H.U. Wenger

Highlights: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. (Psalm 33:12)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6 – 7)

Verse 12 out of Psalm 33 is the motto above todays Sunday and above the coming week. Psalm 33 reminds us to praise the Lord as the one who has created heaven and by his word and their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. (Verses 6 – 9) 

He deserves praise and adoration, “for the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” Blessed is, whoever belongs to him as son or daughter and is therefore a candidate for his inheritance. They have reason to be full of joy and expectancy. “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Verses 30 – 32)

The Psalm makes very clear that true help comes always from the Lord. The power of the king is worthless, a hero cannot be saved through his great strength and horses will not help either, they are too weak. I am glad for the verses 13 – 19, because they tell us difficulties, and tight spots are absolutely normal for our lives. God does not prepare us a smooth path, but in praising him, he shows us is strength and might and let us participates in it.

Many years ago, I was sitting in an airplane from Denver to Minneapolis-St. Paul. I was devastated. I flew to Denver to meet a representative of Colorado Christian University, but the appointment got forgotten. I was in a difficult situation and to be accepted as student in the counseling program of the university was like the last straw in my thinking. The failed appointment brought me in such a distress that I told God, it would be better the plane would crash. It did not although it has been the roughest flight I ever had. After a while, I began to pray – not to praise and not to adore – it was more the cry of a helpless child to his father and he saved me. Suddenly I had such a peace within me and a deep conviction that despite the failure at hand everything would fall into place and that I would get accepted as a student at the university. The peace of God had taken my heart and mind in protective custody. In the natural nothing has changed, but my innermost being was suddenly so sheltered from the storm that I could call my wife and tell her: Prepare for Colorado, I will get accepted. Dear Brothers and Sisters let us trust the Lord and give him praise and adoration. Many of his wonders do not take place in changing of situations, but in the renewing of our hearts and minds, in the God given conviction, that he never will forsake his kids or let go of them. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to put your trust in you in my hopeless and fearful situations. Let me praise and adore you for how you have saved your followers through the centuries. Thank you that your eyes are on those who fear you, on those whose hope is in your unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. I am one of them and I praise you for your unfailing love to me. Amen

Dangerous family politics

 An Emoji Devotions for Sat 6th February,2021

Topic: Dangerous Family Politics

Highlights:

As they danced, they sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands."

Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?"
1 Samuel 18:7-8

You wonder why some family are shattered today? It's simply because the parents have made one of the siblings powerless by singing praise of the other. In the inward truth the plan is to stir up passion and to motivate the weaker one but in so doing, some brothers and sisters have hated each other. King Saul and David were not family by blood but by anointing.

What could he have more, some women (not all the women in the country) have sang praise of David more than King Saul and given to the king fewer credit to the shepherd boy. In order words we must warn our family members to beware of praise singers of men who could cause rift between peaceful family. Christian elders should beware of powerful factors in the causes which could lead to unhingment of mind in family.

King Saul later became mentally unbalanced and almost took David's life in the cause of taking back his credit. He totally lost it all because of political praise singers.

Prayer: Help me Lord to be mentally stable through peace found in the Salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

My Father, my son, and my Holy Spirit

An Emoji Devotions for Thursday 5th August, 2021

Topic: My Father, my son, and my Holy Spirit

Highlight: 

Daniel answered: Your Majesty, not even the smartest person in all the world can do what you are demanding. 

But the God who rules from heaven can explain mysteries. And while you were sleeping, he showed you what will happen in the future.

Daniel 2:27‭-‬29

....

As they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire parted the two of them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 

And Elisha saw it and he cried, My father, my father! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen! And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

2 Kings 2:11‭-‬12

Today's Devotional is an explanation of mysteries presented in biblical text as to what only God can do among men through His favorite people. Have you ever called God "My Father, My Son and My Holy Spirit"? perhaps you have by chance encountered God in some special way before.

I believe that some of you reading this devotional would have had that encounter with God before Hallelujah. So for those who don't know about having encounter with God will need to step up their Bible study and prayer game higher. 

"God made the four young men smart and wise. They read a lot of books and became well educated. Daniel could also tell the meaning of dreams and visions."

Daniel 1:17

It can't be done, except by the gods, and they don't live here on earth.”

Daniel 2:11 ..... But Daniel did it because He studies to know God through the Bible. Daniel was able to reveal a dream that was not told and interpreted it to the King Nebuchadnezzar (read Daniel 2:31-45) More so, He made King Nebuchadnezzar to bow down low and worship Daniel. Daniel 2:46 He even gave orders that incense be burned and sacrifice of grain be offered in honor of Daniel. 

As we delve further in today's devotional we  realizes that when Elisha saw* (note that word saw) that Isreal's calvary has taken away his master Elijah into heaven in 2Kings 2:12 the first thing he shouted was "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and it's horsemen" . This is not only a coincidence but a landmark legacy that Jesus later established the father, the son and Holy Spirit in Matthew 28:19 ... Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,". It is the power of the trinity that turns ordinary people to extraordinary. 

If you call God my father, then you should call Jesus My son, and the Holy Spirit my Holy Spirit.  James 4:8 says 

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

James 4:8 

Jesus said in Mark 16:17 that "Everyone who believes me will be able to do wonderful things. By using my name they will force out demons, and they will speak new languages.

We are talking about those who truly represents Jesus here on earth. Not people who are afraid of demons. Not run away from demon possessed neighbors because they hurt them. You must be sanctified because Holy Spirit does not stay in unholy place.

It is different thing to be saved through faith while it is another thing to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit. But Anyone who is saved must be sanctified and purged for God to make them His favorite. Sanctification is very important. 

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?. 1 Cor 3:16

That is what Apostle Paul summarizes in 2 Timothy 2:20-21 

"In a large house some dishes are made of gold or silver, while others are made of wood or clay. Some of these are special, and others are not. This is also how it is with people. The ones who stop doing evil and make themselves pure will become special. Their lives will be holy and pleasing to their Master, and they will be able to do all kinds of good deeds."

When you are Holy, you become special to God and He treats you with special honor. God said in Psalm 91:15 "When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you."

 

Prayer: My God in heaven, help me through my daily journey with you as I address you as "My Father, My Son and My Holy Spirit" in Jesus name I pray. AMEN. 

Prophesying

 

An Emoji Devotions for Tuesday, 3rd of August, 2021

Topic: Prophesying

Highlight: 

The Lord used a prophet to bring Israel's people out of Egypt. He used a prophet to keep them safe.

Hosea 12:13 

Trust the Lord your God. If you do that, you will be safe. Believe his prophets . If you believe them, you will win the fight.’

2 Chronicles 20:20b

If there is anything you need to quickly generate a miracles (I mean genuine miracles), that thing is to be prophesying in the name of Jesus. To be prophesying is like programming things in heavenly code. What are you prophesying? it is to be saying positive things that will happen in the future through the power of the Holy Spirit according to God's will in Jesus name. Yes in Jesus name. You ask why? because when you believe in God and believe in His son Jesus, you are registered and privileged to ask God anything through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name, and God will do it (John 14:14). While Such things you ask for must be according to God's will. You must also be Holy and acceptable unto God to bring into reality the things you prophesied.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 

The above scripture is a prophecy that our Lord Jesus Christ prophesied to everyone who believes and does what the Lord commands and up till date it is happening to all believers all over the world. That's the power of prophecy. To call for action, things that will glorify God in future. 

Prophecy is a gift of Holy Spirit. You cannot buy the gift of God with money Acts 8:18-20. You need to receive the Holy Spirit by giving your life to Christ and by living a Holy life. When you prophesy, you can change the unchangeable and also break protocols.

David in the Bible prophesied that He will cut off Goliaths head and feed it to the birds and it happened 1 Sam 17:46, 54

Once you have received the Holy Spirit, watch your tongue. Do not let any frustration cause your tongue to prophesy negative words from your mouth. Luke 9:54-55

From today onward, it is important to know the powerful weapon of prophecy and use it as a gift to minister to the world according to the will of God by the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name.

Prayer: In Jesus name I receive the mandate and power to prophesy according to the will of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen