Was Jesus with Jonathan son of Saul in the Old Testament? - Jonathan's Memorial Day (May 18)

 

An Emoji Devotions for Wed, May 18 2022

Topic: Was Jesus with Jonathan son of Saul in the Old Testament? - Jonathan's Memorial Day (May 18)

Highlight: 

Jonathan and the soldier who carried his weapons talked as they went toward the Philistine camp. “It's just the two of us against all those godless men,” Jonathan said. “But the Lord can help a few soldiers win a battle just as easily as he can help a whole army. Maybe the Lord will help us win this battle.”

1 Samuel 14:6 

...Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6

Jonathan was left with one solder when he encountered a group of enemies over the hill. He believed that the Lord can help a few soldiers win a battle just as easily as he can help a whole army.  So This is called "eyes of Value for God" because He valued God's ability. No name was mentioned! was it Jesus who was with him?

My beloved reading this devotion. The difference between your faith to others depends on how you value the ability of God in the situations of reality ahead of you.

Like Jonathan, He proceed to fight armies of equiped enemies with only two of them (Himself and Jesus) because the other soldier had no armour in 1 Samuel 13:22 (So,) whenever the Israelite soldiers had to go into battle, none of them had a sword or a spear except Saul and his son Jonathan. You see, the other soldier who followed Jonathan had no weapon. But what Gave him the confidence to take on the fight with armies on the other side speaks volume that Jesus was the one with Him.

In life, the battle may seems so fierce in our very own eyes, but God's eyes sees them as nothing. So easy, that not a burning fire would  hurt his God's children. Nebuchadnezzar testified of this in Daniel 3:25 AMPC

"He answered, Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the form of the fourth is like a son of the gods! [Phil. 2:5-8.]"

and strong lion and lioness would behave like gentle lamb to Daniel because God shut their mouth in Daniel 6:22 (Jesus mus have turned them into a sheep) . Don't be too tired to ask God for water. Samson was tired and weary, but God sent water gushing from a rock. Samson drank some and felt strong again... Judges 15:19

I'm telling you all this that Jesus could be with you where you are right now even though you may not see HIM with your physical eyes, It's necessary to Believe in your heart what God can do.

It is time to remember Jonathan who helped David his intimate friend to escape brutality on many occasions. Jonathan did not think of His throne but saved David from death to later be crowned king in His stead. Jonathan told David to remember him and his seed when he gets to the throne. He gave up his life and throne for His friend. This same Jonathan believed that the Lord can help a few soldiers win a battle just as easily as he can help a whole army. 

"As they (Nathaniel) approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity" John 1:47 NLT

Was this a coincidence? Jonathan came in form of Nathaniel to see Jesus the son of David? 

Bible stories you will fill us with peace but when you read news you will find cold blooded heartbreaking things that could defile the soul. If you follow the way of God, you have to open the Bible and read it so God could show you the way. 

1 John 2:17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.

1 John 2:17 AMPC. Jonathan will forever abide in our heart! because without his sacrifice, David's story would have been incomplete.

Who knows if it was Jesus who was with Jonathan. That soldier who spake like God's son in his response to Jonathan: “Do whatever you want,” the soldier answered. “I'll be right there with you.”

1 Samuel 14:7

Jesus is "Emmanuel" which mean - 'God with Us'

You see why you need to read your Bible everyday so you can know all these things? 

Prayer: I invoke the Spirit of Jesus Christ into everything that concerns me from now henceforth in Jesus name. Amen

Gamaliel's God Theory

An Emoji devotions for Mon 16, May 2022

Topic: Gamaliel's God Theory

Highlight:

So I advise you to stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If what they are planning is something of their own doing, it will fail. But if God is behind it, you cannot stop it anyway, unless you want to fight against God. The council members agreed with what he said,

Acts 5:38‭-‬39 

The world today is filled with different stories. It is true that those who stood their ground for what they believed later became heroes and inspiration to others. You should know why you are here, that God is behind you. Jesus was an evidence of the greatest human sacrifice that brought salvation to humanity. Today, people of different colors and cultures can coexist because they believe in Christ Jesus. Salvation through Jesus was possible because God was behind it. 

All the strength and force of man comes from his faith in things unseen. He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions. It is a blessed thing that in every age some one has had the individuality enough and courage enough to stand by his own convictions in God.

This is absolutely God's Theory: No matter what you are going through: Stand firm on Gamaliel's God Theory in Act 5:38 

"if God is behind you, nothing can stop you anyway, unless they want to fight against God."

Stop being worried and don't be carried away either. "I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9 

Prayer: God almighty please stand behind me to guide and uphold me in the journey of life. In Jesus name Amen.

The Palm of Calmness of God

 

An Emoji Devotions for Thu, May 12 2022

Topic: The Palm of Calmness of God

Highlight: 

A picture of your city is drawn on my hand. You are always in my thoughts!

Isaiah 49:16

Change the way you think. God is already thinking about you. When all conditions are met, you will get the testimony you have been waiting for. So relax your mind and trust in God. Do not conclude that it is over because you have not seen your expectations. Lay down there in God's palm of Calmness. This was where Daniel hid his head when he was thrown into the den of lion. He laid down in the green pastures of God's palm where there is stream of peaceful waters. There was no need for him to worry about the gruesome lions. God pat his back while the Angels shut the lions mouth. 

How do you lay in God's palm of calmness? You have to be genuinely born again and submit yourself to God's promising word. However anyone who still does not believe in Christ Jesus as their Lord and savior will not be able to face the threat to their peace because it is only through Jesus Christ we can be saved.

In God's palm, everything will work fine, it may only take some time while God is making arrangements to meet all conditions for your salvation. Jesus is coming back again. Before he arrives, He wants you to live your life in God's palm of Calmness. Looking unto Him alone and not the political injustices all around you. If you trust in the Lord with all your heart then you should lay down your head in God's palm of Calmness by relaxing your mind knowing fully that God is dependable and He will not disappoint you. 

As You continue to hope for better days upgrade your spirit to cool in God's palm of calmness. Luke 23:46 says Jesus shouted, “Father, I put myself in your hands!” Then he died. However the grace of Jesus Christ will make you survive and tomorrow will be the happiest day of your life. Because it is by grace that we are saved. If you enter into the palm of Calmness of God your faith in God will not  shake again. Matthew 7:14

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I submit my spirit and soul  into your hands. Please Place me in the palm of Calmness of God today. In Jesus name. Amen

Jesus Vs Prosecutor

 

An Emoji Devotions For Thu, May 5 2022

Topic: Jesus Vs Prosecutor

Highlight: 

“The heavens should rejoice, together with everyone who lives there. But pity the earth and the sea, because the devil was thrown down to the earth. He knows his time is short, and he is very angry.”

Revelation 12:12 

Truth be told, The earth is the Lord's and Everything in it. But pity the earth and the sea, because the devil was thrown down to the earth. Someone is going to lay claims on everyone on earth for being guilty of offense they know nothing about. If you wonder why crazy things happen sometimes, now you understand. That since the devil is around, no one is safe. You hear about war, porn, terrorism, felonies and some atrocities done one earth and you begin to wonder.

The reason why Jesus came on the scene is to wash you with his blood. As anyone who has been washed in his blood is not guilty of offense indicted against them. Though the devil is angry, yet the blood of Jesus is more powerful. All his charges cannot go against those who are marked by the blood of the lamb. 

Romans 8:33 says 

"Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?]"

And 

1 Peter 1:19 says But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot.

You see my friend, only Jesus can save us from the anger of the devil. You need the blood of Jesus Christ. Then surrender to Jesus Christ the savior of the world. Accept His as the savior of your soul by confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. Ask him to save you through his blood and avert the devil's anger. And if you are facing the anger of any form, truth be told, only the blood of Jesus can save you. Because anger has it's root from the devil. Please find a Bible believing church around you and meet with the local pastor for the process of salvation and water baptism as soon as you can. As you call on the blood of Jesus Christ to save you. You must be born again.

"Then I heard a loud voice in heaven that said: ‘Now God has saved his people from Satan's power! God has shown his great power as King. His special Messiah has shown his authority. Satan said bad things against our people. All day and all night he has continued to say bad things against believers. But now they have thrown him out of heaven. But our brothers and sisters fought against him and they won. They trusted the Lamb who died as a sacrifice. They continued to say that God's message is really true. They were ready to die as God's servants. So be happy, everyone who lives in heaven! But the earth and the sea will have bad trouble. The Devil has come down to you now. He is very angry. He knows that he has only a short time to hurt people.’ "

Revelation 12:10‭-‬12 EASY

Prayer: I call on the Lord Jesus to save me through his Holy blood today. In Jesus name. Amen. 

The Trace of Love

An Emoji devotions for Thu, 28th April, 2022

Topics: The Trace of Love

https://youtu.be/doNoDMYar8M

Highlight: 

I am the Lord your God, so obey me and don't cheat anyone. If you obey my laws and teachings, you will live safely in the land and enjoy its abundant crops. Don't ever worry about what you will eat during the seventh year when you are forbidden to plant or harvest. Leviticus 25:17‭-‬20 

God love his children. In the old times he showed Israel's citizens how to live based on his guidelines so they can prosper in the promised land he will give to them. His plans are ultimate plans that worked for all who obeyed him. In the new testament, He extended this love to everyone all over the world by sending someone so special to come and get the job done. Anyone could show love, but for a love to last forever from generation to generation, it must come from God himself.  

It is God's decision to love the world. He begins from Israel's Citizens, then to the world because they are special set of people who obeys God from their heart. 

"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 

The Trace of God's love is alive in Jesus Christ His Only Son. It is the love that leads to eternal wealth. We must learn how to live this love of God through Christ to enjoy the benefits left to us from the traces of God's love. So what did God say In Leviticus 25: 17-19 from our highlight verses: God said "I am the Lord your God, so obey me and don't cheat anyone. If you obey my laws and teachings, you will live safely in the land and enjoy its abundant crops". Leviticus 25:17‭-‬19

Though this was about the year of Jubilee. It is significant that God love for His Children is to give them safety and prosperity during their days of rest. However, His plans was greater than a three year rest. Indeed His plan was to give everyone of us "Eternal life" (that is all round rest, safety, peace and prosperity forever) through faith in His son Jesus. John 5:36

We have learned that it takes the grace of our Lord Jesus to perfectly respect and obey the rule of God's law. Our ordinary effort cannot yield the best result. So, the Bible admonishes us to "BELIEVE" in Jesus "The Only Begotten Son of God". Truly Those we believe in Jesus do enjoy the gift of safety, peace and prosperity from God's love. It is only through Jesus Christ, we can find peace and love from above.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Act 4:12

No one can love you like Jesus. He is the only way, truth and life to those who believe. There is no other way. Jesus is the way. John 14:6 Just surrender unto Him alone and look unto Jesus for every solution, and follow him and call upon his name. John 14:15

If you take away your efforts and rely on Jesus from now on. The Holy Spirit will come into you. John 14:18

Prayer: Lord Jesus help me. I surrender all my weapons to be your subject. If You call me your friend, I will be your friend and if you call me your disciple, I am all yours. Help me with your grace to fall into God's love today. Amen. 

Today is your day

 

An Emoji devotions for Fri Apr 22, 2022

Topic: Today is your day 

Highlight: This is the day which the LORD hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Jehovah is an all sufficient God. He has made each day and has arranged all possibilities for you in each day. 

In Malachi 3:6 He said "For I am Jehovah, I have not changed,..." which means that God will has planned everything to make sure your day go well. 

It is clear that we sometimes undermine the honor of God's integrity in our lives because we cannot see with our spiritual eyes and we tend to make decisions based on our human wisdom and knowledge. This is why some little things may become scary and risky for us. It is hard to trust what you do even know about. That is why so many people have taken human proven steps which has lead them into error of life.

It is only through the Spirit of God we can do the mysterious things. It is hard for men but With God all these things are simple. God has knows our weakness and he would be pleased with those who surrender to his instructions given in the Bible (Holy scriptures). (Read Joshua 1:8)

Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:37 KJV

God has made today a day of victory for each and everyone of us. The way forward is to accept Jesus to guide us into the right ways of God so that we will not be unaware of God's provision for each and everyone of us.

Do not stay out of God's plan for you.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, And with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬10 KJV

Prayer: God I trust you. please put me in the light of Jesus Christ so that I can live in your daily provisions for me in Jesus name. Amen

Glory to God – our responsibility

 

An Emoji devotions for Mon, April 18, 2022

Topic: Glory to God – our responsibility

by Pastor Wenger

Highlights: 

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Why do the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. (Psalm 115:1 – 3)

May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to the human race. It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; it is we who extol the Lord, both now and for evermore. Praise the Lord, Hallelujah! (Psalm 115:15 – 18)

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48b)

When we read through the Old Testament we are reminded to praise and glorify the Lord time and again. Nevertheless as we arrive in the last chapter of it, we hear the God fearing people complain and speaking harshly against God. ‘You have spoken arrogantly against me,’ says the Lord. ‘Yet you ask, “What have we said against you?” ‘You have said, “It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.”’ (Malachi 3:13 – 15) What happened? 

The asking of the nations mentioned in Psalm 115 got so strong that the God fearing people began to get in tune with the evil song. God got degraded to a weak “quantity negligible” and human power and achievement were praised. They forgot to praise the Lord, which is the foremost task of his followers. With the neglecting of glorifying God they lost their joy and inner balance and slowly but surely, following God grew to a mournful and futile burden. It is not enough to preserve the scriptures and to adhere to what the Lord has done in the past, although this is the basis for our living with God in the here and now. We are responsible to praise the Lord for his past deeds and for what we are experiencing with him in the present. By diving into his goodness and love we will be renewed daily in our living hope for the glory to come, in which he grants us a place on his side. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” (Ephesians 1:3 – 6) He has bequeathed us with his whole inheritance. Is this not enough to publicly sing his praises?

His handiwork, the heavens and the earth, his whole creation worships and praises him, but Psalm 115 reminds us that it is we, who are responsible to extol him. He has given us not only much, but literally everything.  He has a right to expect thankfulness and praise from us. Dear Brother, dear Sister, let us stop complaining about hardships and let us fill our environment with glorifying him and singing his praises, no matter what! 

Prayer:  Dear Lord God, dear Lord Jesus, I repent from my being gloomy instead of giving you thanks and praise for all you have done for me and for all you are presently doing for me on a daily bases. I want to open my mouth and fill my life and the lives from the people around me with your praise and glory. I am weak, but you are strong. Fill me with your spirit so that my life will glorify you in the mighty power of your wonderful goodness, your mercy and your strength. Amen.