Hang in There

 

An Emoji Devotional for Thu Sept, 30, 2021

Topic: Hang in there

Highlights: 

And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.

Habakkuk 2:2‭-‬3 MSG

When you forget where exactly you were heading and decide to take another route it means you did not write down the vision God gave you. God gave you a vision which will make you great and you must not joke with it. When you did not write down the vision people could sway you with words of doubts. And if you write it down, God said make.it plain in bold letters so that you will run with it. Do you remember the vision? Move on with it that's what God says. Do not let People you know question your vision because they feel like it's too deep or out of scope. Learn and ask God to help you fulfill it. Write it in a bold words and paste it where you will see it everyday. Do not miss the opportunity in front of you because you feel like postponing your vision because 

“But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.

Matthew 24:36 

Funny enough, people who were inspired by your vision but who do not have same vision with you may seize the opportunity while you are sitting down thinking of how to quit.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Though it tarries, wait patiently until it arrives because God says it will arrive. It will definitely arrive. 

Prayer: Father help me to stay safe to remain saved in the end. Help me to keep to the vision you gave me and run with it until I arrive to the goals you aimed for me. Please help me Lord in Jesus name. Amen.

“Staying with it—that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved. 

Leave Yourself With Jesus

 

An Emoji Devotional for Sun, 26th Sept, 2021

Topic: Leave Yourself With Jesus

Highlights:

Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:11

Leave yourself with Jesus He will fight your battles

Leave yourself with Jesus, He will be your advocate

Leave yourself with Jesus no matter how little your faith is, He will stand by you

Leave yourself with Jesus even if your mind is  troubled. He is not troubled and his eyes can see clearly all you need right now

Jesus is justifying you

Jesus is working on your case

Leave yourself with Jesus any day and any time. 

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:1-11

If you are riding the waves of life and you want to walk upon waters, you must understand that Jesus is the will maker. He is the greater faith, hope and love combined. Emotions may rise, but will never be able to calculate the amount of faith needed to do the impossible. Leave Yourself with Jesus now.

Who will part the red sea, who will make the new heavens and the new earths, who will raise the dead and make them live and who will opened the eyes of the blind again and again? It is Jesus the will maker.

Let the water splash upon your face, let the grass sprinkle with dew, if you hold on to the strength of the one who could forgive sins. You will be saved. Leave Yourself with Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus I leave myself and my loved ones with you. Thank you father because we are safe and secure in your loving hands.

My Chances Are Sure in His Hands

An Emoji Devotional for Sat 28th Sept, 2021

Topic: My chances are Sure in His hands

Highlights: 

Then they picked up stones. They wanted to throw them at him and kill him. But Jesus hid himself from them. He went away from God's Great House.

John 8:59 

Our fate as God's children is in God's hands. Just like a tree brings forth new leaves, we should leave everything in His hands. Just because those we dearly care about do not seems to understand us does not mean that God feels the same way about each and everyone of us. 

 It might interest you to know that Zechariah 2:8 says that "...for he that touches you touches the apple of God's eye.  

God wants you to clean your eyes and zero your worries from whatever is bothering your mind. He says in Zech 2:10 that you should “Shout for joy and be glad, O Daughter of Zion, for I am coming to dwell among you,” declares the Lord.

If God says you are great, then you will be great. God holds much love for you and your chances are sure in His hands. When tomorrow comes people will rejoice with you.

Prayer: Lord I believe that my chances are in your hands and I will never doubt you. Please help me forgive my doubts and make your blessings flow in abundance on me in Jesus name..Amen. 

Jump Jesus Superman

 

An Emoji Devotional for Fri 24th Sept, 2021

Topic: Jump Jesus Superman 

Highlights: 

For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, “Since you are God’s Son, jump.” The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: “He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.”

Matthew 4:5‭-‬6 

You are in the church feeling the worship songs and suddenly a thought comes into you "Jump Jesus Superman! this is your father's house" and suddenly you begin to jump because you believe that in your father's house are many mansions...yeah! it feels good right?

But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: John 4:23

When you hear "Jump" what should first come to your mind is to remember the test of our Lord Jesus when the devil took him to top of the temple and quote Psalms 91 to Him that angels will catch him when he jumps. Did Jesus Jump?

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Matthew 6:34 

When any voice asks you to 'jump' first do what Jesus did "Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: “Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.”

Matthew 4:7 

My dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.

1 John 4:1

May the Lord give us wisdom and power in Christ Jesus name. Amen. 

Prayer: Father Lord, please lead me to victory over evil test in Jesus Christ name. Amen

What Has the Lord Done for You?

 

An Emoji Devotion for Thu 23rd Sept, 2021

Topic: What the Lord do for you

Highlights: 

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

Mark 5:19 

What the Lord do for you is great and big. Lay emphasis on how God has had compassion on you. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 

People’s words can have a big effect on other’s lives. Think about what you say before it comes out of your mouth. It might just be the difference between life and death.

Speak about the great things the Lord has done for you to everyone. Let it be part of your life style so that through you people will know that God is great. 

Prayer: O Lord you are good and your mercies is forever. Hallelujah. 

It Is Time For Family and Friends

An Emoji Devotions for Wed 22, September 2021

Topic: It is Time for Family and Friends

Highlights: 

But Jesus would not let him. Instead, he said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how good he has been to you.”

Mark 5:19 

Someone got delivered from mobs of evil Spirit and would have loved to go with Jesus. He begged actually but he had "Hey man, go home to your family and friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you". Before he became a mad man, he had family and friends who had done their best to see him recover. They must have been the ones to tie him down with ropes and chains but he broke the chains and snap the ropes. Jesus knew that the first set of people to be very happy about the recovery of their psycho brother is his family. The Lord wants him to go home first and tell them what the Lord has done so as to share joy and happiness around his community.

Dear reader, what has the Lord done for you? The Facebook, Twitter and other social media today are been used to find followers and subscribers. Only few uses these platform to really share stories that can bring joy and happiness from the Lord. There is a way you will share your story and it will bring Joy and happiness to those around you. This is the kind of active service the Lord commands. 

"The man went back and began to preach in the Ten Towns area about what Jesus had done for him. He was the talk of the town."

Mark 5:20 

I believe that the man followed the instructions of Christ. He did not tell other stories except about what the Lord has done for him. It may sound too simple but when we really tell people what the Lord has done for us. They will spread and share the good news to than ten cities of the world beyond our expectations. Give it a try. Spread the good news of joy and happiness to your friends today.

Prayer: Lord give me the right words that will testify about you in my life and that will bring joy and happiness to my family and friends in Jesus name. Amen.

You Can Not Escape Jesus

 

An Emoji Devotional for Mon, Sept 20, 2021

Topic: You Can Not Escape Jesus

Highlights:

“Lord, who are you?” I asked. He said to me, “I am Jesus from Nazareth. And you are fighting against me.”

Acts 22:8 

Thousands walking across the streets and thousands driving along the traffic. We all chase different things. On our pathways, we met Jesus. How did you hear about Jesus? It is certain that some would have met Him in Church while some listened to their radio and heard about Him. There is one simple truth "No one on earth will escape Jesus including you". So, have you accepted him yet or you are still delaying your salvation. It is better now than later because at times 'delay is evil'. 

Jesus once said in Matthew 19:29‭-‬30 

"Some people have left their home. Or they may have left their brothers or sisters. Or they may have left their mother or their father. Or they may have left their wife or their children or their fields. They have done that because of me. God will give those people many more things than they have left behind, even 100 times more! And after they die, they will live for ever with God. But many people who are very important now will become the least important. And many people who are not important now will become very important then.’"

The good news is "anyone who encountered Jesus, accepted him as their Lord and savior and walked in His commands never regrets such decisions".

If you are proving stubborn and you did not want to accept Jesus, someday you would wish you have made a decision very long time ago and accepted Him as your Saviour. It is never too late. Jesus is still able to turn nothing into something. He can restore wasted years provided you quickly make your choice before you get carried away. 

No one, I said, No one, can escape Jesus including you. What to do is to accept Jesus as your Lord today, repent of your bad ways and ask Him to forgive your sins and be your wise protector from today. If you have already been saved, please don't go back to a sinful life because judgement is around the corner waiting for who will misbehave. 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Prayer: Lord Jesus be my life, be my breath and my everything. If I have wronged you please forgive me. I accept that you are the boss and I will always love you forever. Let your grace be with me In your name I pray. Amen

Someone is not Afraid

 

An Emoji Devotional Sun 19th September, 2021

Topic: Someone is Not Afraid

Highlights: 

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30

Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, please open his eyes, that he may see.” the Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.

2 Kings 6:17

Everything is quiet right now everywhere and sometimes the buzz of the music is not that entertaining because people's eyes are opened to the blind side of God's presence. When I say blind side, you may not understand. It doesn't mean that God is not present but you did not notice. It is not easy to notice that something is casting shadow on our mind. Hey! Have you ask God to open your eyes like Caleb and Elijah. 

God opened the eyes of Caleb in Numbers 13:27 when the spy who went into Jericho was giving account to Moses, they were telling the people that though land was flowing with milk and honey yet there were warriors, giants and strong walls guarding it. Caleb was a man with vision; He knows that God's presence will give them Victory in their bid to get the promised land. 

Elisha was surrounded with armies and his servant was afraid but He paid that God will open the eyes of His servant and when his eyes was opened, they saw walls of fire of God.

We all need to motivate ourselves with God's promises for us to boost our confident in the present times. Therefore I urge all our readers to keep their positive mind active. See beyond the obstacles around you. Keep you eyes focus on God's promises.

When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. Job 22:29

Prayer: Dear Lord I have no one but you. Please open my eyes to see your presence around me. Let your spirit motivate me to enjoy your goodness always in Jesus name. Amen

The Spirit of Jesus

 

An Emoji Devotional 17th September, 2021

Topic: The Spirit of Jesus

Highlights: 

And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

1 John 5:11-13

Our Lord Jesus once said "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” because what belongs to God is different to what belongs to the government. This brings us to the question: What is the thing that belongs to God? The answer is your simple: It's your Confidence in Him. This is not an ordinary confidence, but a confidence engineered by the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 

This spirit of Jesus is very special that it can never be outdated. Apostle Paul Said "For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." 2 Timothy 1:12

 

All authority in heaven and earth and underneath the earth is backing up the Spirit of Jesus and that is why it can never flop forever. That is why all faith filled believers never give up their Faith.

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:39

There are different Spirits, but the Spirit of Jesus is only Spirit that can do tremendous miracles and transformations in the world. Anyone who has the Spirit of Jesus has great confidence in God. If anyone says He's a Christian and does not have hope of tomorrow, Let that person ask for the Spirit of Jesus to come into their lives and they will begin see divine transformation. 

Prayer: Almighty Father send into my life the Spirit of Jesus Christ and let the Spirit of Jesus show Your all sufficiency in my life in Jesus name. Amen

Understanding Means Victory

An Emoji Devotional for Wednesday September 15, 2021

Topic: Understanding Means Victory

Highlights: 

Finally, he came to his senses and said, “My father's workers have plenty to eat, and here I am, starving to death!

Luke 15:17 

So Many things will happen today. Clocks will carry on with their duties. Flowers will blossom, works will still be done. Babies will come and sun will rise. No one stops the prodigal son.."I say No one". It was his decision to leave home.  No one is able to stop the promiscuous girl from doing what is on her mind.

We will all come to our senses not at the same time and then we will understand that things does not work the way we expect. We must leave things in God's hands because God's way is the only way:

"I will get up and go (back) to my father (you are lucky if he is still alive before you come to your senses), and will tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight."

Luke 15:18 

For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name. Proverbs 30:9

There are Too many questions to answer so don't go there. Before you were here today, there was yesterday of past and there will be tomorrow which no one knows. Let us leave what we cannot control in God's hands and begin to live with understanding with every other.  Understanding Means Victory to those who can accept the truth that "The secret things belong to the Lord our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever....

Deuteronomy 29:29 

Prayer: Lord I pray that my heart will be flooded with light so that I can understand the confident hope You have given to those you called. Amen

Misunderstanding Means Defeat

 An Emoji Devotions for Tues 14th September, 2021

Topic: Misunderstanding Means Defeat

Highlights: 

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 22:39 KJV

When the Bible says you will love your neighbor as yourself, it's saying you will have to understand your neighbor as yourself. It is not saying you should only look for hungry neighbor and treat them with nice dinner. The most painful thing is when you were being misunderstood. Even little children needs understanding. The key is - 'You need to be understood to understand others'. Okay let us take the love quotes in the Bible and replace the word "love with understanding and see how it looks like"

What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not understand others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains?

 I would be nothing, unless I understand others. What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I understand others. Understanding is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.

 Understanding isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Understanding rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Understanding is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

1 Corinthians 13:1‭-‬7 

Today I bid you to understand people for who they are and do only your best so that you will not be misunderstood. Because Misunderstanding Means Defeat.

Prayer; Dear Lord Jesus Give me the Power of understanding. Give me victory in understanding others according to God's blessed will for me. Amen

Job's trying to be Messiah

 

An Emoji Devotions for Mon 13th September, 2021

Topic: Job's trying to be Messiah.

Highlights:

For I know him (Abraham), that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Genesis 18:19 

Job's sons took turns having feasts in their homes, and they always invited their three sisters to join in the eating and drinking. After each feast, Job would send for his children and perform a ceremony, as a way of asking God to forgive them of any wrongs they may have done. He would get up early the next morning and offer a sacrifice for each of them, just in case they had sinned or silently cursed God.

Job 1:4‭-‬5 

Is someone trying to act like a Messiah here? Just in case they had sinned or silently cursed God Job would offer a sacrifice. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. So Job would like to cleanse away his children's sins. Should he teach his children about uprightness, maybe there would be no need for sacrifice. Is someone trying to be a Messiah? The devil will find out from God. 

One day, when the angels had gathered around the Lord, and Satan was there with them, the Lord asked, “Satan, where have you been?” Satan replied, “I have been going all over the earth.” Then the Lord asked, “What do you think of my servant Job? (you see that?) No one on earth is like him—he is a truly good person, who respects me and refuses to do evil.” “Why shouldn't he respect you?” Satan remarked. “You are like a wall protecting not only him, but his entire family and all his property. You make him successful in whatever he does, and his flocks and herds are everywhere (He is trying to act like a Messiah and you letting him get away with it). Try taking away everything he owns, and he will curse you to your face.” The Lord replied, “All right, Satan, do what you want with anything that belongs to him, but don't harm Job.” Then Satan left.

Job 1:6‭-‬12.

It is good to pray for our loved ones but We'd better train them in the way of God so that they will not see us a Messiah. Teach them the way of God and to call unto God in time of trouble. Job allowed his children to live their lives the way they want and afterwards pray on their behalf to God. They trust their dad to waive their sins through his self sacrifice But the devil wiped them out. This is to show us that Jobs religious works cannot withstand the devil's hands.

 I am not claiming to be Holy neither do I know all and I am not disputing what Job did. But our efforts cannot take away the guilt of others. If God is giving us grace for acting like a Messiah, the devil may find out one day. Only the righteousness of Jesus can save us from the devil. Only Jesus stand as our Messiah and each and everyone of us will have to personally surrender our lives to Him. Ephesians 2:8-9

This is what the gospel is all about. We must tell our loved ones this truth that only Jesus is our Messiah and Savior in this world and in the world to come. Amen

Jesus answered, “Go away Satan! The Scriptures say: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ” Then the devil left Jesus, and angels came to help him.

Matthew 4:10‭-‬11

Have you yet received Jesus Christ as your Lord today. In what way do you act like Messiah. Accepting Jesus as our sovereign Lord and Savior in faith and righteousness is what will do. Let the people around you especially your family and friends know this truth. John 8:32

Prayer: Lord Jesus I believe that you are the only one that can save us from evil. Please protect and shield me, my family and everything that belongs to us from the evil one in your name Jesus. Amen

Do not worry – rather trust

An Emoji Devotional for Sun. Sept 12, 2021

Topic: Do not worry – rather trust

By Pastor H. Wenger

Highlights: 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1. Peter 5:7) 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5 – 6)

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)

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 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 6:25 – 34)

In my corner of the world there was a time, whenever you put on your radio, you heard Bobby McFerrin warble his song: Do not worry – be happy! He did not give a solid ground to trust in, but he found a truth: “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double! 

The word of God provides us with more and especially with an unwavering solid ground – the trust in the Lord who cares for us. By trusting in the Lord, there is never a situation hopeless. It may take unexpected turns, but it will eventually turn out for the good. God is in no way indifferent to our troubles. Much more he invites us to cast everything upon him and to go on with trusting that whatever is going to happen has a deeper purpose. To put his kingdom and his righteousness above our perceived needs is under the promise that our needs will be magically met. In John 15, Jesus gives us a wonderful parable about the wine and the branches. Jesus is the vine, we as his followers are the branches and his father is the gardener. All we have to do is to stay connected with the wine and accepting the pruning of the gardener and we will bear beautiful grapes. The full connection with the wine is crucial. By staying in Jesus, he will stay in us and the result of that intimate bond is unfailingly fruit. Knowing that we are in God’s hands and that his peace fulfills our hearts is a solid ground that leads to serenity without worries. Brothers and Sisters let us trust the Lord, let us seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and enjoy his blessings the way he is providing them. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to trust you wholly and flood my heart with your peace even if the circumstances of my life appear overwhelming. Help me to stay in you and thank you that you promised to stay in me. Let me bring fruit for your kingdom. Thank you for your unfailing love and care. Amen

Talking in Unknown Tongues

 

Topic: Talking in unknown tongues …

By Pastor H.U. Wenger

Highlights: Acts 1:8

Since the day of Pentecost this is a theme, which has occupied, unified and divided the Christian community all over the world. Before Jesus ascended to the heavens he promised several times the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, latest in Acts 1:8: “But 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.” And then on the day of Pentecost it happened: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

 This was a sensation as Jews from all over the world were present in Jerusalem and each of them heard the gospel preached in his own language. Peter finally cleared the situation with his Pentecost-Sermon in Acts 2:14ff.

 The disciples were promised to be empowered with the Holy Spirit in order to be witnesses for Christ. In this original situation the gift of tongues, which is often combined with the gift of prophecy, made the greatest possible impact. Later on several charismatic oriented Christian began to declare that speaking in tongues would be the sure sign that a follower of Christ has received the Holy Spirit. 

As not everybody receives the gift of tongues, charismatic movements have encouraged praying first for the gift.  Then they should open their mouth and make sounds, till it somehow begins to flow like a language. Please understand that this practice does not lead to the gift of tongues, but to a kind of childish gibberish that does not make any sense. The gift of tongues has always to do with a language that is somewhere spoken and can be understood. 

Paul has been aware that the church in Corinth had many questions and misuses of the gift of tongues and he therefore brings clarity to it in Chapters 12 to 14 of his first epistle to the Corinthians. It is crucial that you read through these chapters to understand what I am trying to say here. 

1. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1. Corinthians 12: 4 – 7)

None of the spiritual gifts is the sure sign of being filled with the holy spirit. If there is a sure sign for that it is a life of holiness and humility in Christ likeness.

2. In verses 8 to 10 Paul lists the different power-working gifts and concludes in vers 11: All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

3. The church is the body of Christ. Everybody has many cells and organs and every part has an important task. No part in the body has all the gifts, no part is without gift and we better just fill the part the spirit has given us, lest we are paralyzing the body. Paul encourages us to earnestly covet the best gifts, but tells us at the same time that the most excellent way is to bring love to the same perfection as God loves us. (1. Corinthians 12; especially 12,31 and all of Chapter 13)

4. We are all supposed to follow the way of love and charity. (1. Corinthians 14:1) As it comes to the gifts, Paul wants us to foremost covet the gift of prophecy. With prophecy is not meant that we should tell what will be going to happen in the world. It is again bound to the body of Christ. Prophecy convicts, it reveals what has been covered up. Prophecy has the potential to heal the body by showing what has to be changed, where we erred from the sound path and it convicts unbelievers and brings them to a turn around. (Compare Chapter 14, verses 24, 25)

5. If you have received the gift of tongue, use it for yourself as it will strengthen you, and use it in the church, when there is somebody present who can interpret. It is just crucial that the rules Chapter 14 gives us are followed. Paul uses the prayer in tongues intensely (Vers 18) and gives the credit to the Lord. Now event of the church is to serve the gifts of the spirit, but the gifts of the spirit are to best serve every event of the church for the call to faith, for the sanctification of the saints and for the outreach to the unsaved.

Some conservative Christians believe that the gifts mentioned in 1. Corinthians 13:8 do not exist anymore today and consider them therefore as an ensnarement of the enemy. They believe that with the completing of the New Testament Canon, the completeness mentioned in Chapter 13:10 has arrived. The argument is for me too week, as it is not confirmed by scripture in any way.

 Nevertheless I am convinced that the gifts of the spirit are a huge battlefield for Satan today. We should not forget that he can well appear as an Angel of light. It is therefore crucial that we double check our gifts. Nothing should be attributed to the Holy Spirit that does not come from the Holy Spirit. If you are unsure about your gift, talk with your elders.  Implore God together with them to confirm your gift or take it away, if he is not the giver of it. 

Prayer: Lord God, I do thank you that you have made me a member in the body of your son Jesus Christ. Thank you for all the gifts you have entrusted me with. Let me faithfully fulfill the part you have assigned to me, lead me to proficiency in love and bestow me with every gift with which I can be of help for the body of Christ and for your Kingdom. Help me to live in humility and holiness. Amen   

The God who sees me is alive and well

 

An Emoji Devotional for Fri 19th Sept, 2021

Topic: The God who sees me is alive and well

by Pastor H. Wenger

Going through difficult times is a challenge for everybody and often times we are assuming in such situations that the Lord God has forgotten about us. The Holy Scriptures, however, teach us that God knows us and sees us in our brokenness and affliction. His love never fails; he will never put to shame whoever trusts in him. 

Highlights: But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. (Psalm 10:14)

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. (Psalm 68:5 – 6)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28 – 30)

In Psalm 73 Asaph’s feet almost lost their ground as he considers how well the ungodly people live and how he is ceaselessly afflicted and every morning he perceives new punishments. In Lamentations 3 Jeremiah complains how unfairly he feels treated by the Lord and he concludes that his hope is gone. After having slept with Abram, Hagar got pregnant, felt superior to her master and fled from her. All of them were in big distress and could not see a way out. For all of them the affliction lead eventually into an encounter with the presence of God. Asaph ended up in deep worship when he exclaimed: When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 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.

Jeremiah pauses after he has poured out his complaints and experiences a growing inner conviction that the Lord will remember him and eventually bursts out in praising the goodness of God: Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentation 3:21 – 26)

Hagar finally is found by the angel of the Lord at a well in the desert and he revealed to her part of the future and gently told her to go back to her Master. No longer did she have complaints; no longer did she want to run away.  She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” (Genesis 16, 13)

God sees you! If you are tired, afflicted or disappointed today, bring your complaints before the God who sees you and your perceived misery can change to worship and to a well of joy and satisfaction.

Prayer: Dear God, please show me your perspective of my situation, which I see hopeless and helpless. I need a fresh encounter with your goodness. I want to worship you. Deep in my heart I know that you have not forgotten me and that you will never ever forsake me. Align my thinking with what I am knowing to be true about your unfailing love and goodness.  

Sowing Mercy And Grace

 

An Emoji devotional for Thu, 9th Sept, 2021

Topic: Sowing mercy and grace

By Pastor H. Wenger

Highlights: 

Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. (Psalm 41:1 – 2)

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7) 

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. (Proverbs 14:31) 

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12 – 13)

We are living in a world within which self-assertiveness is required. When you apply for a job, you are expected to show that they miss out on the best opportunity, if they do not hire you. It gives us a feeling of superiority when we know that we are better in a discipline than most others. Unfortunately it makes us often times haughty and we forget that we are only as good because our Maker has gifted us. As a boy I had many problems with orthography, but it did not bother me much, because I was still in the upper third. Looking down on those in the lower two thirds worse off, made me still feel quite strong. The feeling of superiority is dangerous because it makes us easily judgmental, unforgiving and merciless. 

In the Lord’s prayer Jesus thought us to say: “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” The quality of my forgiveness, of my mercy and grace determines the quality of what I am going to receive. The story of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21ff) and the sermon of Jesus about the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25 underline the truth:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” (Matthew 25:40 and 45) It is so easy and it happens so quickly to feel superiority and to look down on those we perceive as weak. Although I know that I have to look at my fellow human beings with a higher esteem than I have for myself, I have so often to repent because I catch myself belittling a fellow car driver, somebody who cannot follow an explanation I am giving, somebody who has difficulties with a task at hand, I deem trivial and easy and so on.

Brothers and Sisters the Lord is about to come back for the snapping away of his church. Let us therefore encourage one another to sanctify ourselves and to live out his character as good as ever possible. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrew 12:14) Peter tells us:  In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1. Peter 5:5 – 6)

Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me my tendency to so often feel superior. You have always truly been superior, but you humbled yourself and sowed grace and mercy. Help me to follow your footsteps. Always remind me that I do not possess anything that you have not given me. Help me to be fruitful for your kingdom and let me belong to the sheep that have served you in your weakest brothers and sisters. Amen  

At the threshold of the Glory Land

 

An Emoji Devotions for Wed, 8th September, 2021

Topic: At the threshold of the Glory Land

By Pastor H. Wenger

Highlights: The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. (Deuteronomy 2:7)

Jesus says to Peter: And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18)

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1 – 4)

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20 – 21)

In Deuteronomy 2 the people of Israel has 40 years of travelling through the desert behind it. In those 40 years all the people, who were adults when they left Egypt, had died except for Joshua and Caleb. Forty years ago they got a chance to conquer the land from the south, but unbelieve and disobedience leads them astray. Consequently they lost a battle and the Lord punished them by decreeing that none of them should enter the Promised Land, but die in the desert. 

We have now a new generation, people who do not have much memory of Egypt, but people who are tired of travelling and long to settle down.

 They are motivated to conquer the land and God shows them how he will them give victory, by defeating Sihon, the king of Heshbon and Og, the king of Bashan before them. All they have to do is to trust the Lord and follow his lead. In almost no time, they can conquer two kingdoms together with their cities and their livestock. 

The New Testament church is also on a journey through the desert. She has no home here, but is searching for the city of God in heaven. After Israel is back in the Promised Land and so many signs and fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies, the body of Christ is also shortly before its wandering through the desert  of sin and affliction. Jesus has showed his followers that a life of victory. He disarmed the powers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:15)

As the Israelites stood at the threshold of the Promised Land then, we, as the followers of Christ stand shortly before the entry into the Glory Land. It is crucial that we lay everything down that could possible stand between us and our Lord and Savior, so that we will prepared for the move, when we will be snapped away from this earth and be transferred to the heavenly home, the wonderful inheritance God has prepared for us. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I belong to you and to you alone. Please reveal everything to me that might be standing between and you and me. I want to wholeheartedly follow you and I pray, let me be among the wise virgins. I repent of all my sins and transgressions and I thank you for cleansing me with your life giving blood. Amen. 

Why Jesus Cursed the Fig Tree

An Emoji Devotions for Tue 7th September, 2021

Topic: Why Jesus Cursed the Fig Tree 

Highlights: 

and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless and powerless [mere delusion]; you are still in your sins [and under the control and penalty of sin].

1 Corinthians 15:17

Then they understood things. They understood that they were not wearing any clothes. So, they took some leaves from fig trees. They fixed them together to cover their bodies.

Genesis 3:7 

Peter remembered what Jesus had said. So he said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, look at that fig tree. You said that it should die, and it has died.’

Mark 11:21 

This Devotional will be short. Our Lord Jesus was hungry and went to a fig tree to look for fruit to eat. The Bible made us to know that it was not the right season for fig trees to have fruits. (cf Mark 11:13) but Jesus still went on to look for fruit and he could not find any. In the end Jesus said to the tree "Nobody will ever eat your fruit again." Literally, we all agreed it was because the fig tree was fruitless hence Jesus taught His disciples to use their Faith. But the death of the fig tree is more to this than we could see. 

Here is how it went down from the beginning of time. The whole scene of Jesus and the Fig tree relive the moment of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:7 after they ate the forbidden fruit, they gained their senses of living a shortened and destructible life. The first thing Adam and Eve ever think of was nakedness and their solution was to cover their bodies with Fig leaves. Why fig leaves? It was their best attempt of traditional ritual that seems to work in effort to restore back to their original bodies before God could return to see them.

 Afterwards, God saw them hiding and He cursed them for their sins and gave a temporary solution to cover their nakedness which is their most priority (read Genesis 3:16-24).  The Lord God made clothes for Adam and Eve to wear. He used the skins from animals to make them.

Genesis 3:21. God sent them out of the garden and sent angels to guard it. (verse 24)

The revelation was happening since the beginning and it came to reality until the day Jesus Christ came in contact with Fig leaves (read Luke 4:21). God made human  understood that using the fig leaves is an inconsistent rite to cover nakedness. Jesus would find a fig tree in a season not right to have fruits and spoke to it that "Nobody will ever eat your fruit again" - a time traveling word to show that the "old" laws (fig leaves) will have to 'die' so that the new testament will begin  (sacrifice of the lamb of God to become the risen son). 

It was not a mistake that Jesus was beaten with whips having spike tips and crowned with thorns made from trees. He was thereafter crucified on a tree (Cross) to show that he was treated like a guilty animal. He behaved like a lamb and laid down his life. While he watch the reminisce of fallen man killing divinity. "It is finished" - He said. 

Anytime we try to solve a problem by our efforts, it leads to another problem. Jesus is the only solution. 

Jesus answered, ‘I am the way. I am the truth. I am the life. Nobody comes to the Father except by me.

John 14:6 

Sin is what gives death its sting, and the Law is the power behind sin. But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! My dear friends, stand firm and don't be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile.

1 Corinthians 15:56‭-‬58 

Our Lord Jesus has taken the power belonging the fig leaves that no one will ever get covered by it anymore even if they keep trying unless by salvation through His blood. He is risen to life everlasting . Turn from your own ways and religious beliefs be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ the lamb of God. If you Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you and your family will be saved!

Take time and find the Lord Jesus today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus I have your understanding as the solution to life's troubles. I pray for grace to receive eternal life in you alone. Help me to stay in you for ever. In Jesus name Amen. 

Childhood Story of Jesus

An Emoji Devotions for Mon 6th September, 2021

Topic: Childhood Story of Jesus

Episodes from Jesus's childhood as depicted in the Klosterneuburg Gospels, a 14th-century gospel translation:

1. Jesus is carrying water in his lap, after his water jar got broken; other children are watching in surprise.

2. Jesus hands the water in his lap over to Mary

3. Jesus reassembles the water jars of the children who, in an attempt to imitate him, smashed their jars on purpose.

4. Jesus raises the clay birds of his playmates to life.

5. Jesus tells Joseph to raise a dead man.

6. Joseph raises the man on the stretcher from the dead.

7. During play, child Zenon falls off the roof of a house; two Jews accuse Jesus to have pushed him

8. Jesus raises the dead child (Zenon) from the dead, so he can testify that Jesus is innocent.

9. Together with other children, Jesus is catching fish on Sabbath.

10. The children complain about Jesus to adult Jews.

11. At Mary's and Joseph's request, Jesus raises the dead man.

12. Jesus plays with lions and guides them up to the town gates. The town people are scared.

God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.

John 3:16 

Jesus answered, ‘I am the way. I am the truth. I am the life. Nobody comes to the Father except by me.

John 14:6

Prayer of Salvation: Thank you Lord Jesus. I am now ready to accept you into my life. I accept to repent of my bad ways and now become your follower. I believe in you from now on and I will never turn away from your love. I am asking for grace to know you more. Amen

Sin Not Unto Death Explained

An Emoji Devotions for Sun 5th of September 2021

Topic: Sin Not Unto Death Explained

Highlights: 

If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

1 John 5:16 KJV

Sin that doesn't lead to death is sex between lawfully married husband and wife. I believe most of the apostles did not marry because of their Faith and the example they see from Christ hence the reason for this celibacy is fetch from the fact that sex is a sin. However when the gospel is spreading all over, there is a need for some priests, pastors and leader of churches to marry. Apostle John the beloved is regarding to the word sex in a politically correct language that could is understandable by the elders of the church to avoid factions and disagreement between those who calls it sin and those who believe it is normal thing amongst the saints. Remember that there is always argument between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians concerning marriage and other matters as to why apostle Paul addressed this in 1 Corinthians 7:8, 9, 19, 20

The matter of marriage caused heat in the church even Apostle Paul said "

Your husband or wife who isn't a follower is made holy by having you as a partner. This also makes your children holy and keeps them from being unclean in God's sight. 1 Corinthians 7:14

When one person between husband or wife is not a believer of Christ both have sexual union it will not be a sin that lead to death to the one who is a follower of Jesus Christ among the two because they are lawfully married. That is the clearance of Apostle John the beloved. Hence 1 John 5:17 

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a* sin not unto death.

1 John 5:17 

Prayer: Lord help me to be holy in your sight through the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

The Fig Tree with No Thrill

 

An Emoji Devotions for Fri 3rd Sept, 2021

Topic: The Fig Tree With No Thrill

Highlights: 

From a distance Jesus saw a fig tree covered with leaves, and he went to see if there were any figs on the tree. But there were none, because it wasn't the season for figs.

Mark 11:13

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 7:13

Sir/Ma the fig tree is living it's life by it's own. It did not know that anyone will be angry to find out that it is a fruitless tree. Are you living a life like that one? Are you the one saying "nobody can tell me how to live your life". But you know deep down you are fruitless and not giving value to God wherever you are. 

Jesus is going to pass by soon. He will not find it funny when catch people living that careless life without purpose. Remember that there was mercy for Peter in his days but no mercy for Judas because Peter denied Jesus yet he was willing to bear fruit for God and He eventually did repent and bear fruit But Judas was following Jesus for nothing. He was always looking for ways to betray Jesus. The end matters. 

What do you expect? to give excuse for being fruitless? Do you say "Jesus I supposed to serve you but not now".  Do you crucify Jesus with your sanctimonious ideologies in the public instead of changing lives with the words of good news of Christ. Jesus is coming directly to where you are soon in a way you don't really expect and will deal with anyone that bear no fruit with their lives. 

I am trying my best. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42 . You have to work hard be fast about being fruitful for Christ.  He is still patient with you and you don't know why you are where you are today. So Do not let anything push you to become a fruitless fig tree anymore. If you are not saved  through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, It is time for you to surrender your life to Jesus and cry to Him in prayer to save your soul that you want to be fruitful in Him. 

So Jesus said to the tree, “Never again will anyone eat fruit from this tree!” The disciples heard him say this.

Mark 11:14. I pray such utterance will not be your portion in Jesus name. So What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” Watch and be fruitful for Jesus today.

Prayer: Lord I ask for grace to continue to bear fruit unto righteousness for you anywhere I may be, to the glory of your name in Jesus name

Little Words of Faith

 

An Emoji devotions for Thu, 2nd September, 2021

Topic: Little Words of Faith

Highlights: 

I saw another angel. This one was flying across the sky and had the eternal good news to announce to the people of every race, tribe, language, and nation on earth.

Revelation 14:6 

The eternal good news from today's highlights is the message of Faith. Faith yes to have Faith in second chance to receive forgiveness from God through our Lord Jesus and Faith in eternal life. Faith in Holy Spirit will change the unchangeable.   Faith in little Words with conversion of moving the mountains into the sea. 

Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:1 

Little Words of faith can kill tough challenges no matter what. These words are simple words received from insight of God through revelational knowledge of His Holy Ghost. 

Jesus replied: It is because you don't have enough faith! But I can promise you this. If you had faith no larger than a mustard seed, you could tell this mountain to move from here to there. And it would. Everything would be possible for you.

Matthew 17:20‭-‬21 

Implant a word from God to the mountain and subject its obedience to your command. Consider the words are implanted words.  They are not just ordinary words but are inspired by the Holy Ghost. To a raging storm Jesus said "Peace be still". Do you think He just said it from no where? To the blind eyes He said "Be opened" and to the sick He said "Carry your bed and walk". Then miracle happens just by few phrase. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

So, stop doing anything dirty. Stay away from the bad things that are all round you. God has put his message deep inside you, and it can save you. So, be careful to accept that message.

James 1:21

These words are deep inside you when you are born of the Spirit. No wise man can by strength give life to any thing. The Spirit is the one who gives life! Human strength can do nothing. The words that Jesus Christ have spoken to us are from that life-giving Spirit.

(John 6:63) And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Then we must receive the Spirit of Christ into our soul by asking God in prayer.  We need faith to connect the life-giving Spirit into our system and then into any situation according to God's will. No one will succeed by strength alone. 1 Samuel 2:9

Won't God protect his chosen ones who pray to him day and night? Won't he be concerned for them? When you search your heart in prayer, you will find out the uncountable Little Words of Faith waiting in line for action.

Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit of God please fill up my mystery soul and wake my words to come alive. Give me pure energy in the most Holy Faith to Speak in the Holy Ghost. In Jesus name. Amen

Ordinary and Visionary Followers

An Emoji devotions for Wed, September 1, 2021

Topic: Ordinary and Visionary Followers

Highlights: 

Jesus told someone else to come with him. But the man said, “Lord, let me wait until I bury my father.”

Luke 9:59

Then someone said to Jesus, “I want to follow you, Lord, but first let me go back and take care of things at home.”

Luke 9:61

In the middle of life, some great people would have met with Jesus before but they just can't  because they were constrained by the cares of life.

As a matter of fact, some people could not  follow Jesus Christ because of artificial and religious theories that denied them of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  They need a sign to approve Jesus in their heart.

Of what has a man got when he does things in his ways and in the end has nothing profitable to say! For God is Spirit, and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship him according to the truth. John 4:24

No one can find God through physical research not even by combining bible Verses to prove a point. It is Evident why Jesus taught us about having faith. That it it is through Faith you can get what you want from God. Matthew 21:22 says "If you have faith when you pray, you will be given whatever you ask for.”

You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.

Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9

The difference between an ordinary and a Visionary followers of Jesus Christ is their Faith. 

You may belong to any other sect or religion and No one is going to take the blame for your choice. But if you believe in Jesus Christ, you will be saved you and your family.  Connect to God through faith in Jesus Christ today.

Prayer: Jesus, I believe in you that you are the son of God. I will never doubt you. Amen.