Laban's Syndrome

 An Emoji Devotions for Thu, March 4, 2021

Topic: Laban Syndrome

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

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

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

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

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

In the Valley of Baca

 An emoji devotion 4 Wednesday March 3 2021

Topic: In the Valley of Baca

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cattle Breeders Generations

 An Emoji Devotions for Tue 2 March, 2021

Topic: Cattle Breeders Generations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you born again?

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

How do I center my focus on God?

 An Emoji Devotions for Mon, 1 March 2021

Topic: How do I center my focus on God?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That is how to center focus on God.

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


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

When last did you meet with the Lord?

 An Emoji Devotions for Fri 26th February, 2021

Topic: When last did you meet with the Lord?

Highlight:

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

And Moses said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:4

A burning bush was taking to Moses. That's how Moses met with the Lord. I think that's the deadline day for when God have to meet Moses t discuss his mission as the deliverer of his people.

Exodus 3:3 "So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”'

At some point some of us were so focused to the extent that we do not care about what was going on around us. We just want to pass by while others were busy looking at whatever might have caught their attention. But something must catch our attention. God knew what he can do to get us close to him. For Moses it was a burning bush. As for others it might be a radio or TV program.

Some might have to go through blower life. Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:38-39

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,

So when you meet with the Lord, say like Moses "Here I am Lord"

Prayer: God please in any situation when you want to meet me, make me understand and do not let the devil take advantage of me in Jesus name. Amen

Paradise Vs Kingdom of Heaven

 An Emoji Devotions for Thu 25 February, 2021

Topic: Paradise Vs Kingdom of Heaven

Highlights: Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[e] When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:45

Paradise is the place of rest after death (After one has breath is last). Paradise can also be regarded as Abraham's Bossom while the Kingdom of Heaven is the government and authority of God's Kingdom on earth which is given to God's children to be Christlike on earth. The Kingdom of God is the carbon copy of the way Israelites lives on earth.

Matthew 21:43 "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people (nation) who will produce its fruit". From the above Bible verse we can understand that Christ is referring to Kingdom of God (Heaven) as the true and acceptable way to serve God. Matthew 18:4 "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven"

Where is Paradise or Abraham's Bossom described in the Bible?

 Luke 16:22-24

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

Luke 23:43
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Paradise is a place of rest after death. Note that both Lazarus and the thief on the cross (who told Jesus to remember him in his Kingdom) both died.  Jesus assured the thief would meet him in His kingdom that day because Jesus also breath his last breath. Luke 23:46

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall. enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth. the will of my Father which is in heaven" Matthew 7:21

Who is qualified: A person who recognises Jesus as His King, most importantly accept His Lordship in his/her heart and acknowledge that Jesus is the only one that can lead human into Paradise is most qualified for Abraham's brossom John 3:3-16. This is the most important requirement which is to be born again. If you are not yet born again. It is a must you give your life to Christ and make him your personal Lord and saviour. Let's pray!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge you as the King of Heaven and I give my heart to you, my Lord. I repent of my sins and religious lies and accept your kingdom with humility of my earth. Now I understand that; To love God with all my heart and Strength is the most important thing and I will love my neighbor as myself. Please forgive my sins and Give me your Holy Spirit. Remember me too in your Kingdom from now on and Take me into Paradise when I breath my last breath. In your name Jesus I pray. Thank you for answering my prayer. Amen

Moments of Joy!

 An Emoji Devotions for Wed 24th February, 2021

Topic: Moments of Joy!

Highlights: 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 16:11

Have you ever been in a situation whereby you wore a cardigan because it was cold and suddenly thereafter the weather changed to a humid temperature and you see it necessary to remove your jacket. God's presence is everlasting joy. Psalm 16:11 and God does not change forever, it is human being that do change. So many have lost  their consciousness on their positions of God's presence and their moments of joy was stolen because the devil wants it that way. John the beloved once said "For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world." 1John 2:16 NLV. Jesus also said " The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10 and apostle Paul said" Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4. Having joy shows we are in His presence but not all could have such experience because the devil has made it to look like they are worse and things are really bad.

Do not reminisce with the devil. Once a thought or idea comes from your past that is showing hurt and sadness from your feelings, know that the devil is around the corner. 2cor 5:17 Do not let such thoughts steal away your moments of joy. You can beat such thoughts by having hope in God looking unto Jesus that your tomorrow will be better. Acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit around you and sense joy instead of sorrow.

Job in His agony said "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last" Job 19:25 NLV.. Know your God and if you are not born again you must repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and saviour today and ask him to fill you with His joyous and Holy precense which is the Holy Spirit.  

Always ask Holy Spirit to take over and give you joy unspeakable and peace that surpasses all understanding. May your Joy be full in Jesus name. Amen

Prayer: Father Lord please secure my moments of joy everyday in the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name. Amen