Bartholomew

An Emoji Devotions for Wednesday, 5th January, 22

Highlights: Bartholomew

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45

Saint Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ who was martyred in the 1st century AD.

Saint Bartholomew lived in the first century AD and was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He was introduced to Jesus Christ through Saint Philip and is also known as "Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee," notably in John's Gospel. Saint Bartholomew is credited with many miracles related to the weight of objects. He was martyred in Armenia, being either decapitated or skinned alive. (copied from Biography.com)

When Jesus saw him coming he said, “There’s a real Israelite, not a false bone (deception) in his body.” 

Bartholomew (Nathanael) said, “Where did you get that idea? You don’t know me.” Jesus answered, “One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree.”

 Bartholomew (Nathanael) exclaimed, “Rabbi! You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!” Jesus said, “You’ve become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven’t seen anything yet! Before this is over you’re going to see heaven open and God’s angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again.”

 John 1:47‭-‬51

Bartholomew was confirmed by the Lord that He is a real Israelite in whom there is no deception. As the Lord confirmed the man Bartholomew also known as Nathaniel (John 1:47): Will he do the same for us today. 

Prayer: God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. Please guide me on the road to eternal life in Jesus name. Amen

What Could Happen is Happening

An Emoji Devotions for Sun 2nd January, 2022

Topic: What Could Happen is Happening

Highlights:

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11 (KJV) 

A New Year came through like yesterday. I wish you a Happy New calendar Year 2022. Miracle is the surest thing to happen. No doubt that Great things will be happening this year around the world, especially among the Children of God. My advise for you is, don't be left out. Let us assume that the chapter Eight (8) of Matthew happened somewhere in year 2021 (Sure it did). Though it may be like an assumption, but somehow, it happened somewhere in reality. How about having faith in God for your miracles.

St Matthew narrates the story of year 2021 chapter 8 Verse 1 which should be month of January, Jesus came down the mountain with cheers of crowd ringing in his ears. A leper made his way through and worshipped Him. He said "My master and my Lord Jesus, if you want to, you will heal my body". Jesus reached out and touched him and said "I want you to help you. Be clean". Then and there, all the signs of leprosy were gone. Hallelujah.  It happened in January 2021

In February, As Jesus entered the village of Capernaum, a Roman captain came up in a panic and said, “Master, my servant is sick. He can’t walk. He’s in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I’ll come and heal him.” “Oh, no,” said the captain. “I don’t want to put you to all that trouble. Just give the order and my servant will be fine. To cut the long story, Jesus said to the Roman officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.” Right then his servant was healed.

Matthew 8:13 

That was how Jesus healed everyone who had appointment with him throughout the world.

The Front page of the Newspaper for March 2021, headline wrote:

"I tell you in all of Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith!" Page 5. My Daily News. (Matthew 8:10) 2021. Are we going to hear same thing from Jesus in 2022? The answer depends on if you and I will participate in divine appointment this year. 

I could go on and on, but because of time. It's my pleasure to announce to you that this year same Jesus Christ has came down and said "That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven."

Do you know what that means? That vanguard of many will soon be coming from all directions —streaming in from the east, pouring in from the west, sitting down at God’s kingdom banquet alongside Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Its possible that those who grew up ‘in the faith’ but had no faith will find themselves out in the cold, outsiders to grace and wondering what happened.” (cf Matthew 8:12)

If a leper could make his way among crowds and got a touch and healing from Jesus Christ in 2021, you should have no excuse. If someone could travel down from Rome to meet Jesus for healing of someone dear to them in 2021, you have no excuse. 

Jesus took illnesses and carried many burdens in 2021. He changed many lives in 2021. It is by divine appointment.

You can Google search "miracles of Jesus around the world in 2021" to see it for yourself.

 This 2022, Crowds are already teeming up again, those who want a miraculous appointment with Jesus. They are increasing by minutes. It is happening around you. Everyone who participate will receive their miracles.

Father Abraham and Father Isaac and Father Jacob will be in for a banquet this year. It is going to be electrifying and superb. You must participate. Do NOT be a bystander OR the on-looker in 2022. January could be your month to testify. It is by divine appointment, so it has to do with the Bible.

Jesus is right there behind you. He is in your Bible waiting for you. All you need is to open that Bible and be reading it everyday with vision to meet the Lord. Here and there, your eyes of understanding will be opening to see what the Lord has in stock for you. The Bible gives us possibilities beyond self struggles. 

As you read your Bible this year, Be Prepared, Be Expectant, and honestly Participate. Participate at home, participate in your Church and on godly forums online. And suddenly, Jesus will say "Next! it's your turn"... It's your appointment with Jesus. Be excited! it is happening! go for it. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know there are crowds across the world teeming up for an appointment with you this year. Hear my voice, calling for help. Touch me, meet me at the point of my needs, make me whole and turn my life around to the glory of God forever. This year, make me join the glorious banquet that is happening in your Kingdom. Bless me Lord. In your name I pray. In Jesus name. Amen. 

In Race With Vultures

An Emoji Devotions Thu 30, December 2021

Topic: In Race With Vultures

Highlights: 

Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. Matthew 24:28

Listen carefully, as there is a physical eyes, there is a spirit eyes. But the spirit eyes can never see without a Spirit lamp. What is that lamp. The word "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path - Psalm 119:105 which is God's word is a LAMP that gives light to the Spirit eyes. Truly, "if God tells you to do something and you do it" - you will never regret it. 

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Psalms 25:3

That is just to let you know that God's word is a lamp. But what does a lamp has to do with Vultures? Vultures are eaters of dead Body. which means that any life that lacks God's word in them is a living carcass (dead). Once a life is fully deprived of God's word, such life will will be spiritually dead and there you will see Vultures. What does the vulture do? They eat the dead bodies. Little by little, a life that deprived God's word will become blind. If the Vulture first eats the eyes of someone deficient of God's word, then the Person may be spiritually blind even when God's word is available to them, they will not see the direction.  

"for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. 2 Timothy 4:10(a)"

Such people are those who later in their life denied the gospel of our Lord Jesus and claim they have seen another light. They are ridden with false teachings and addictions of idolatry.

The vulture, are naturally there. Those who do not even receive Gods word into their lives will be eaten away by Life's addictions and troubles. 

Where you see the gathering of people without God's word, you will see betrayal, wickedness and cold blooded acts. If you are a child of God and you are in such gathering, escape for your life. These things is applicable to things we do on Internet, as there are some Website you are not supposed to visit. Once your mind is leading you to a destructive Website know that vultures is waiting there for you (I am talking about immoral Website). Whatever or whoever is lacking God's word as their light may lead you to Vultures. 

... “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” Matthews 19:17

Prayer: Lord almighty give me your light for my spirit eyes to see clearly. Lead me to peaceful grounds and protect me from vultures. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Hard Copy Certificate of Frenemies

 

An Emoji devotions for Wed 29th December,2021

Topic: Hard copy Certificate of Frenemies

Highlights: For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? Matthew 5:46 KJV

Who is a frenemy: a person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry. It's hard to swallow that you would love your enemy and bless them that curse you. Yes that's what Jesus wants us do. He said it in Matthew 5:44-45 that if you truly want to like God, you should do good to your haters.

Do not forget that if you love your enemies in today's world, you will be passing a message to them that good people still exist. Jesus Christ is intensifying that "being good" is not a selfish word. It's a word of love that has no discrimination. When you are truly good person, you are good to everyone. 

Doing good is like acting like the Sun that shines on everyone. When the sun is coming out, it does not discriminate anyone. So God sends out the sun to shine and it shines on both good, bad, ugly, beautiful, rich and poor people. And When you call yourself a Child of God. You are different from the child of the world. You are like His Sun. Shining the light of goodness on everyone. You cannot love one and hate another. You must work hard to get your hard copy Certificate of Frenemies. 

God is a light that shines bright and He wants you to be like Him. Do not flash or go dim on anyone, no matter the circumstance. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 KJV

There are many advantages of being like the Sun. Think about it. 

Prayer: God I can not deny hearing your message of shining light. Help me to be good as you are. Make me a better version of your image and protect your treasure in me. in Jesus Name I pray. Amen

Your Power is Not Veto

An Emoji devotions for Mon 27th Dec, 2021

Topic: Your Power is Not Veto

Highlights: 

What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”

Acts 1:8

Some Christians got power from God and wants to use it the way they like. When their selfishness is not fulfilled they will go on their knees and ask "where do I go wrong?".

This is not about sin. The fact that you have received power and used it to perform miracles does not give you freewill to use the power on egocentric and self-centered Plan. 

The power you received is not a Veto Power. There is a constitution in heaven which is in control of that power. The fact that you have received that power and it worked for you means it's working in line with the constitution authority of Heaven. Once your power is vetoed against the constitutional authority of God's will. It will not work for you anymore. 

Matthew 6:36 says But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33 

The above Bible verse tells us that we should seek God's approval first and ensure we use his power with precision according to will.

Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him. Judges 16:20

So you must continue to be strong in your spirits, my Christian friends that I love. Do not let anything move you away from your faith. Continue to work hard as you serve the Lord. You know that whatever you do for him will not be useless.

1 Corinthians 15:58 

Prayer: Lord Jesus I pray that you open my eyes of understanding to live right, under the heavenly constitution and use your power with precision in Jesus name. Amen

The Economic value of the gospel

 

An Emoji devotions for Fri 24 December, 2021

Topic: The economic value of the gospel

Highlights: A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 

Gospel values are what Jesus said, what Jesus did and what He told us to do. What are some of the things Jesus said:

Jesus said we should trust in God.

Jesus said we should respect people's life and dignity. Jesus wants us to be honest in our dealings and relationship. Jesus wants us to have compassion. He wants us to forgive. He wants us to show mercy. Jesus wants people in position to show justice. He said we should treat people with equality including children. He told us to maintain peace with others. 

People's lives have changed due to the gospel preached to them. Some bad people have changed into good people while those who are desperate for fame have become a messenger of good news through Jesus Christ. 

What about you? Have the gospel impact you in any way? Do you believe in the gospel.

As many people who believe in Jesus today have become an instrument of change in their societies. In some communities, some brutal laws were abolished and peace have been allowed to reign because of the gospel.

Miracles are happening. Blind eyes could see, the barren having babies, cancer and deadly diseases are being cured because of the gospel. The value of the gospel can not be ignored in our environment. Just look around your environment either on your phone, virtual or in reality to enjoy the value of the gospel of Jesus Christ today. Most especially read your Bible today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus I can say that you are very important and valuable to me. Let your Spirit dwell with me and around me from now on. Amen

Victory Over Myself

 

An Emoji Devotions for Wed 22, December 2021

Topic: Victory over Myself

By Pastor E A Adeboye 

Highlights:

Controlling your temper is better than being a hero who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32 

Different types of enemies

1. number one enemy is death

2. number two enemy is the the devil

3 number three enemy is death which is the greatest of all and the greatest ally to the devil.

4. number four enemy is self.

The one who can control himself is a bigger victor than the one who takes a city. Proverbs 25:28

Cain ended as the first vagabond because he cannot control himself.

Esau could not control his stomach so he sold his birthright.

Samson lost his power and ended up a blind prisoner in the prison of his enemies because he could not control himself (Judges 16)

Reason you can say no to self

if you are truly born again then you are a child of God who has overcome the world. 1st John 3:8-9. 

The seed of God dwells in you. 1 John 3:9

No matter how hungry a sheep may be it's not going to eat flesh because there is a seed in it that cannot make it to eat flesh

if you are truly born again the seed of God is in you.

Jesus overcame flesh so you and I will also overcome. Hebrews 4:14-16. Although he was tempted, he did not sin. Phil 4:13 says you can do all things through our Lord Jesus Christ that strengthens you. 

The Bible says in 1 Cor 10:13, there is no temptation that will ever come your way that is not common to men and God will not send you a temptation you can't handle and for every temptation, he will send a way of escape.

Zechariah 4:6 Not by power, nor by might but by my Spirit says the Lord of Host.  

Romans 8:37, we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father make me an overcomer in life through the Spirit of Christ in Jesus name. Amen.