Put the knife away.

 

An Emoji Devotions for Sat 26th June 2021

Topic: Put the knife away.

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! ... John 18:11

"And the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.”

 Genesis 18:26 

God disclosed to you that He loves you. He extend his love by sending His Son to die. He made an expensive sacrifice of love because He wants you to put your knives away. "If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. Luke 6:35

God have been kind to you all these while even when you did not know about Jesus's love. He sheltered you, he gave you food and water and send people around you to help you nurture and learn as you grow. The matrix of the God's love was a gift that goes around to everyone in our neighborhood even though we cannot see it. God made everything looks so good so you won't have anything to bother you. He did all these for so you can put your knife away. 

Of course, The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Only God knows how bad it is and He alone could deal with it. Do not let anyone to make you mad at a point to commit wrong deed that could implicate you in God's presence. God wants you to change the way you think. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Jeremiah 17:9 & Romans 12:2)

Unlike the second highlighted verse, Genesis 18:26 Like Sodom and Gomorrah, the earth already is like a crime scene. For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chro 16:9) So when God comes to the earth to find only fifty righteous people. Let us be among the righteous, let it be because of you that He will spare the earth. Let us show love to people around us, maybe they can also change to God because of you and me. 

Life is beautiful and that is how it ought to be. God always give you second chance I. what you do. Not because you can get away with it but because of His love for you.  Let us also put the knives away and begin to show some love to people from now on. Matthew 28:19, 

Remember one thing: they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3

Prayer: O God, I am honored at the way you love me. I am addicted to your love. I will not take your love for granted. Give me the grace to love in Jesus name. Amen.

Zero Tolerance to the Devil

 

An Emoji Devotions for Wed 23 June 2021

Topic: Zero Tolerance to the Devil

Highlight: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Lions have strong, compact bodies and powerful forelegs, teeth and jaws for pulling down and killing prey. Lions rely on stalking their prey and seldom charge until they are within 30m unless the prey is facing away and cannot see the charge. So is the Devil. The Bible says in John 10:10 that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,and have it to the full."

The devil has that animal instinct that does has no consideration of little bit of kindness. What the devil steals away is joy. This is what you must guide in your life. The joy of the Lord through Jesus Christ. There is Joy for anyone who abide in Jesus Christ and his commands because Jesus Christ is the only one who fights for the betterment and joy of humanity.  Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. He is also the the gate; that whoever enters through him will be saved. 

This means that there is different between pleasure, happiness and Joy. You may have pleasure and be happy that may only last for a moment. But Joy is looking back and forth and there is hope of life, there is love, there is vibrant energy to continue your journey. Jesus is the Hope of glory. On the other hand the devil is a hope killer. 

Remember that the devil is always stalking his prey and the only solution is to receive Jesus into our lives. "Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." John 10:7,9

You must be ready to be a sheep and follow Jesus the shepherd. in John 10:11 He said "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." It is only Jesus that will lay down his life for you to protect you from the enemy. Do not listen to any deceit of the devil anymore. Carry your Bible and start reading about Jesus in the new Testament from today. If you are not born again unto the family of God. Do so right away by saying " Jesus the son of God I believe in you, save my soul from the hands of the devil. Turn me to your sheep and keep me in under your protection from the enemy of my soul. Forever Amen.

Prayer: Lord Jesus I look up to you  for protection over my soul. Amen.

Problem never ends

 

An Emoji Devotions for Tue, 22nd of June, 2021

Topic: Problem Never Ends

But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making fun of her son, Isaac. Genesis 21:9 NLT

When this topic came on 21st of June, I could not write on it. Then I heard that if I can not write on this topic, I might have been compromised. My calling is to deliver message to the people of God and not deliberate on which is okay or not. In my mind I was thinking, how the topic could have been an encouragement to people. but Is it not true that problem never ends? 

Everyone including the richest and powerful people in the world have problems. One thing we should all know that God is the only one that can help us to solve our problems. It's not going to be like an Abracadabra! it's going to be by our obedience to His authority over lives.

 Ismael was making fun of Isaac. He was so comfortable in his father's house making fun of Mistress son. He forgot he was a slave's son even though he was treated like a Prince. How many of in one time did forgot our humble beginning and made fun of the less privileged? Sorry to Ismael that was where his problem began. Who knows the kind of orientation he received from his mother. Our upbringing could create problems for us if we are not well trained. Ismael and his mother were sent off and because of what happened he became a generational problem. 

To Sarah, her own problem was created when she told her husband to marry her slave to raise a child for him. Don't blame her, She wanted to solve the problem of child birth by her own idea but later regretted her actions. When Hagar her servant knew that she was pregnant for Abraham she no longer respect Sarai Genesis 16:4. Congratulations to Sarah as she became a mother of Isaac at old age. Ismael was making fun of Isaac. Problem Never ends.

If you really really want to solve a problem, Obedience to God is the only solution. 

You sin if you refuse to obey the Lord . This sin is as bad as to do evil magic . You think that you know better than God. That is a sin which is like the worship of idols... . 1 Samuel 15:23... 

Today, I am telling you this! You must obey the Lord your God. Be careful to obey all his rules. If you do that, he will make you very important. He will make you more important than any other nation of people in the world.

Deuteronomy 28:1

Read your Bible and you will find the commands of God written in them. Our brain can only guess but the Bible is established.

Prayer: O Lord help me to tune my spirit into your voice to follow your commands. Help me Lord with your strength to solve my problems in Jesus name. Amen.

Strength to Discern rightly

 An Emoji Devotions for Sun, Jun 20, 2021

Topic: Strength to Discern rightly.

Highlight: 

You are the only one who knows what is in your own mind, and God's Spirit is the only one who knows what is in God's mind. 

1 Corinthians 2:11‭

But our mind could be convinced to change our choices when we get to the menu table. Mr Alexander would say to the chef "I will have chicken" while another Mr Bartolomeo would first ask his doctor "can I take some chicken?" and Ms Cloe would say "I wish to have chicken for breakfast because others are having it". But Daniel made up his mind to eat and drink only what God had approved for his people to eat. And he asked the king's chief official for permission not to eat the food and wine served in the royal palace.

Daniel 1:8

Hold on, I love chicken too but do I have to discern to eat this sumptuous delicious chicken? "If this is God's will for me, I will eat it but I'm sorry I don't even know what God's will is on this matter. That's why I need to discern. Then I need Strength to know if I'm truly discerning the right thing or I could have been guessing. 

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2

Did anyone remember the word "Dignity"? If yes, know it's a very important word. It's a word that help people discern right things. But it's incomplete without adding our faith in Christ Jesus to it. This is where Strength to discern rightly cones from. 

What's dignity in Christ? It is the state or quality of being worthy of honour of respect of Kingdom of Christ. You knew it when people talk about you and add Jesus Christ to your dignity? What a great honour for being a dignified ambassador of Jesus Christ: lead by the Holy Spirit, glorifying the heavens among men. God called the people to whom he spoke “gods”. And you know that the Bible remains always true.

John 10:35 

But God has given us his Spirit. This is why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think. This is also why we can recognize the blessings God has given us.

1 Corinthians 2:12.

Finally,...., keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. You know the teachings in the Bible, and you know what Jesus say and do. So follow His example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.

Let your dignity be in Christ alone and you shall have abundant strength to discern. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Father Lord don't let me walk in confusion. I pray for dignity in Christ Jesus alone. Amen.

The left hand of God

 

An Emoji Devotions for Fri, Jun 18, 2021

Topic: The Left Hand of God

Highlight: 

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41

No mathematics is needed to tell us what the left and right hand in the above highlight mean. We do not need to argue that our Lord Jesus Christ told us that Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' and tell those on the left to "depart from me...into eternal fire" This shows us that God's right hand is to uphold righteousness and left hand is for establish judgement on the enemies of God. Isaiah 41:10. That's why He categorically said Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; that but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2

This means that there are different authorities waiting for signal on both sides of Gods arms. when God signals his right hand, mercy will uphold the righteous but when he signal his left hand, there is going to be judgement on God's enemies. Jesus is on the right hand "And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Acts 7:56 while the punisher is on the left. "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41

The right and left arms are totally separated from each other with a great chasm or gap of separation in between that those on both sides cannot cross to each other. (Luke 16:26) 

Which means that there is hope on the right hand but once anyone cross to the left hand,  God will not hear any plea even if the plea is for a drop of water Luke 16:24.

But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments and His statutes which I command you this day, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you:

Deuteronomy 28:15

As the forces on both arms are free for all to reach through decisions on earth there is always a constant battle on people who are crossing from left to right and right to left each day. Some will choose right path while some would go to the left Matthew 7:14,   Jesus Christ showed us a big picture by hanging on a cross because a cross is a good definition for punishment unto salvation. If you are not born again and you still indulge in things you know does not please God. You need to be saved on time by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. First, repent from bad ways and forsake them and then confessing Jesus as your Lord and savior. That is not all: Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. Matthew 26:41

To Obey God's command on time is better than damage control sacrifice. Matthew 10:28; and 1Samuel 15:22. Do Stay on the right side of God always until the end and enjoy abundant life. Amen. 

Prayer: God I pray for grace to stay on your right hand side where Jesus is the King forever in Jesus name. Amen

Strength to Continue (Don't Quit)

 

An Emoji Devotions for Thu Jun 17 2021

Topic: Strength to Continue (Don't Quit)

Highlight:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor 15:58

You are part of God's process. God has placed you into the position you are currently occupying bon earth. Every thing is as God made it; not as it appears to us. They were not easy to understand as it immediately appears to be until after we meditate and relate to them and realized that God has done certain things for our own good, then our spirit can see God's hand in them. God saved us through our Lord Jesus Christ to give us a role to occupy. Our labour is not in vain as long as we hold on to continue hoping in the Lord Jesus. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5. Keep moving don't quit. Pray for strength to continue. No one knows the road of life. Only God knows the road you will ply John 14:6. He told Abraham "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you." Genesis 12:1. Only God can show us the way and our destination in life. Abraham obeyed God and left his homeland to become very very great till today because He follow God's plan. His name can never be wiped off in the record of life.  God did even attached Abraham's name to His honor. "I am the God of Abraham"... Exodus 3:6. One thing is special to God and that this is the "strength to continue" Even in hardest decisions, so far it is God's will. Your willpower must be unconditional to continue to believe in God as it was accounted to Abraham as being righteousness. Abraham had to wait before he had his own child and after waiting for so many years, He wanted to Sacrifice his only son to God without objecting it. God gave him a reward of blessings for continuity in strength to walk with Him. There are very good examples to follow written in the Bible to read and be inspired. Take your time to read the Bible always John 5:39.  Be strong to continue to do God's command. Remember to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. At the end of my letter, I want to say this to you: Be united with the Lord , so that you are strong. Then his great power will help you.

Ephesians 6:10

Prayer: O Lord strengthen me to continue in my walk with you in Jesus name.

War In Heaven

 

An Emoji Devotions for 16th June, 2021

Topic: War in heaven

Highlight: 

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelations 12:7,8,10

The Sovereign God decided to create another world and made man to rule over it. It's obvious that the development was accepted by all heavens but did not go well with the dragon faction which the devil. He was not happy about it. The Old serpent claims that the human God created is not stable in mind and can change in the face of challenges. The dragon tagged the development as unacceptable! How impossible it is for us to understand God's decisions and his ways! (Rom 11:33) So God gave the old serpent a condition, that if the dragon can give him an evidence that all human will change against his will, he will wipe out humanity. Genesis 18:21 "I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know". The devil since then became the accuser of brethren as He is looking for evidence against humanity. 

“Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan. Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” Job 2:2

No need to keep the story longer. There is a higher power in heaven greater than the devil and all it's principalities who did not permit the devil to destroy precious humanity whom God has created. His name is Jesus. Jesus came to save us from accusations of devil. The Bible says whoever believes in him will not Perish but have eternal life. Through his blood we can be saved. The angels fought the devil with the blood shed on the Cross as a sacrifice for sin and have cast him off into the earth. 

Are you saved? Do you have eternal life of Christ in You? Did you postpone your salvation? Today is the day to Confess Jesus as your Lord and savior so that accusations will stop and also pray that Jesus will use His Holy blood  to cleanse you from sin to give you victory over accusations of the devil today. (read Romans 6:22-23)

Prayer: Jesus I believe in your blood. Make me powerful and set me free from accusations through your Holy blood and your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name. Amen.