Lord it Over The Lords of The Violent

 An Emoji Devotional for Fri, 5 August 2022

Topic: Lord it Over The Lords of The Violent

Highlights: 

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. Matthew 20:25

And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]. Matthew 11:12

A terrorist does not have any languages other than violence. If you want to take down a terrorist, you have to take down their leader using higher violence. As a child of God. So much fascinating to hear Jesus declaring to his own in Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Christians would be as sheep surrounded by a flock of hungry and raging wolves, in contrast, Serpents are considered to be wise because of their ability to live in every continent and every part of the world and due to the appearance of pondering their actions as they prepare to strike, people are afraid of them. According to Wikipedia The behaviour of snakes and their facial features (e.g. the unblinking, lidless eyes) seemed to imply that they were intelligent, that they lived by reason and not instinct, and yet their thought-processes were as alien to humans as their ways of movement.

And the snake was wiser than all of the beasts of the field which the Lord God had made. And the snake said to the woman: "Is it true that the Lord God said, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden'?" Genesis 3:1

The snake was wise, it met the woman and not the man and also sneak information out of her to know if she's aware of God's instruction on the tree. Jesus ask us to be this wise to live among the violent people in the world with wisdom of slipping awareness of kindness into their mind to make them rethink and reason what is right. It could not be done by argument but by being gentle as dove.

Doves are very gentle and loving and always appealing in their look. Because of their gentility, doves are a great bird for younger children. This tells about humility.

The world is complicated. The Lords of the violent (evil people) will lack patience and understanding and they are desperate but the wise and gentle will rule over them by exhausting them to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus.

By backup power of Holy spirit. A Christian will suffer the violent enemy to accept peace by force by Calling Jesus the Prince of Peace into any case before matter arises. Judges 6:24, Isaiah 9:6, John 14:27

Prayer: I call Jesus the 'Prince of Peace' into my state of troubled heart today. Amen

The Good-Loop and The Angel

 

An Emoji Devotions for Sun July 31, 2022

Topic: The Good-Loop and The Angel

Highlight: 

Nothing is impossible for God!”

Luke 1:37

The above verse is a Good-loop for everyone  on the surface of the earth. But How many people do stay in that good-loop? 

Do you desire to get well? This is also a Good Looping opportunity Jesus gave to us all i. John 5:6. 

Some have seen the good loop but they need the help of God like the man beside the River of Bethesda. What he said was a reality of what is happening to almost everyone. The sick man said "Sir, I do not have a man, that when the water has been stirred, he might put me into the pool; and while I am going, another descends before me." John 5:7

His loop is a healing pool but he can't hoop because he was down by sickness but he understood that his loop was a healing pool. He stood around so maybe someone could hoop him in the good loop.

So What's your good loop?

The woman with an issue of blood in Matthew 9:21 said to herself “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” This prevailing thought would have been nursed for a very long time in her heart before she prevailed to take the step. I am sure she would have ran out of luck on many times on several occasions which could have lead to giving up on the good loop. You see the good loop brings us the fulfilment of our dreams. Maybe Peter had once reached for his sword on sighting her trying to touch Jesus. The woman later found the opportunity to be healed in Matthew 9:22. 

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1:16 , if you add a letter "T" to Ruth it will be Truth. The "T" could represent the cross you will carry or otherwise carry you before you enter the Good-loop. Remember that the Good-loop is your hoop to fulfilment. 

It will be hard for you to stay in the Good-loop if you listen to what people and the media says and you follow their ways. Only God's word in the Holy Bible (and faith giving books) can make you stay in the loop.  The world and the desires it causes are disappearing. But if we obey God, we will live forever.

1 John 2:17

If the devil tried to sway Jesus Christ out of the Good-loop in Matthew 4:4 how much more humans like us.  

To stay in the Good-loop may be frightening 

I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.

Psalms 23:4 

Where can you find Good-loop? Its In-Jesus-in You. You have to be born again. You have to bear the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 God's Spirit makes us loving(loop), happy(loop), peaceful(loop), patient(loop), kind(loop), good(loop), faithful(loop), gentle (loop) and self-controlled (loop). (All the good loop will help you to stay intact to ascend on the day of reckoning when miracles and destiny glorification will happen)

Galatians 5:22 

There is an angel of hope following everyone who stays in the good-loop. Don't let the angel give up on you. Colossians 1:27

Stay in Good-loop no matter what,  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Prayer: Jesus please lead me to Jehovah. It is written in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father. Amen. 

When your confidence is out of this world

 

An Emoji Devotional for Fri July 29, 2022

Topic: When your confidence is out of this world

Highlight: 

Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.”

Matthew 3:17 

You have been doing well no matter how you see yourself. Your strength is out of this world and so your confidence. So pat yourself and say I'm grateful for who God made me to be in this world. That is why you are different. You have first class confidence like Moses who spent 40 days on the Mountain so to receive instructions from God. Who would believe you if you say God asked your Noah to build an Ark to save the world. Don't mind them. It is God who called you, not them. I heard that Goliath is out there ranting on your people that he will take over the throne from your God if no one could challenge him. Funny enough, none of your country men could bat an eye or say something. I know you are the David and Goliath is in trouble but first kill those Lions and wild bear who would not allow the lambs to live in peace.

You are Joseph who keep believing that one day dream would come true. Is it not coming through soon? The King would still have a dream which only you could interpret. Only if you remember that your confidence is out of this world, maybe you can remind your enemies that the lion has nothing on you. They tried to kill you because you were God fearing but it's your enemies that went down in the lion's belly. 

You are not just afraid of fire, so to speak, they asked you to bow down for a graven image. I trust you will not do such thing. You told the troublesome King that "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me." Psalm 138:7 as if that was not enough, you know the fire has nothing on you, you went in and came out with the fourth man who is the Son of God. You have touched the hem of his garment and you were made whole. 

Today is the day I recognize you as the man and woman of faith. Tomorrow is in God's hands. Remember, But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:13 

So Remain in Confidence till the return of Jesus. So that your story will be told to the next generation. 

Prayer: 

I remain Confident, and believed to always see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. In Jesus name. Amen

Enemies be Planting Weeds among the Wheat

 

An Emoji Devotional for Wed, July 27, 2022

Topic: Enemies be Planting Weeds among the Wheat

Highlight: 

That night, while everyone was asleep, the man’s enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat and then left.

Matthew 13:25 ERV

That's life is, there are so many reasons why life should be so sweet for you but enemies just there making things difficult for people. It was just like that since the beginning of the world. When Eve was just having fun in the garden and the Serpent pretend to be catching along, introduced her to the forbidden things. Before anyone could realized what they were doing, they were both infected and the enemy had went it's way. 

When the enemy comes to us, they come subtly to push people into something bad. You can't deal with the enemy with an ordinary eyes because all men are sleep walking. We don't even know when things slip into our mind. Suddenly when our eyes were clearly opened such things just popped up and start bothering us and sometimes turn to thorns in the flesh. 

Our Lord promised us not to worry ourselves about the things troubling us, that the grace of God will see us through even as those things trouble us, he is watching and waiting for an opportunity to separate those troubles from our dear peaceful lives and then burn those things troubling us that we would not see them again. Matthew 13:30

It may be hard to concentrate and be happy with things troubling us for long. But if we can maintain our focus in faith, no matter how difficult it is to trust God, We shall come out of the problem victorious at the end. (cf Psalms 146:5)

"With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow."

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6

Prayer: My Father in Heaven, no problem, I will trust you with all my heart. So help me to clear my doubt when trouble comes my way. In Jesus name. Amen

Herod's fierce Chase against Little Jesus

 An Emoji Devotions for Mon, July 25, 2022

Topic: Herod's fierce Chase against Little Jesus

Highlight: 

When Herod found out that the wise men from the east had tricked him, he was very angry. He gave orders for his men to kill all the boys who lived in or near Bethlehem and were two years old and younger. This was based on what he had learned from the wise men.

Matthew 2:16 

The angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus and the three wise men worshipped him and took gift to him. King Herod heard about this great visit and inquire of the Wise men in town. He told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, let me know. I also want to go and worship him.”

Matthew 2:8. Herod had intention to slay the King of Kings to secure his Kingdom but God revealed his intentions through His angels to the wise men. Later they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and they went back home by another road.

Matthew 2:12 

After the wise men had gone, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Hurry and take the child and his mother to Egypt! Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is looking for the child and wants to kill him.” That night, Joseph got up and took his wife and the child to Egypt,

When Herod found out that the wise men from the east had tricked him, he was very angry. He gave orders for his men to kill all the boys who lived in or near Bethlehem and were two years old and younger. This was based on what he had learned from the wise men.

In this death of the children the precious death of all Christ's martyrs is figured; that they were infants signifies, that by the merit of humility alone can we come to the glory of martyrdom. that they were slain while Christ escaped, signifies that the bodies of the martyrs may be destroyed by the wicked, but that Christ cannot be taken from them.

After King Herod died, an angel from the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph while he was still in Egypt. The angel said, “Get up and take the child and his mother back to Israel. The people who wanted to kill him are now dead.”

Matthew 2:19-20

Prayer: Protect me, Lord God! I run to you for safety, In Jesus name. Amen

The Spirit of heavenly Soldier

 

An Emoji Devotional for Fri, July 2022

Topic: The Spirit of heavenly Soldier

Highlight: 

Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

Acts 22:1 KJV

The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 AMP

When they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet. And he continued,

Acts 22:2 AMP

The Spirit of Paul is the Spirit of a heavenly soldier. Most Christians do not know that we were given power and authority to exercise this Spirit daily cf Luke 9:1. As a Christian, we have been commissioned by Christ to "GO" and preach (deliver and proclaim) the gospel TO all (no exemption) nations. cf Matthew 28:19, 

You have been asked to TEACH them what Jesus commanded.

"and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world".

Matthew 28:20 CEVDCI

What is the Spirit of an heavenly soldier. A brave Spirit that SPEAKS his defense as given by Christ. It is different from the Spirit of pride once it speaks to proclaim the will of Christ. 

For I have never spoken on My own initiative or authority, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment regarding what to say and what to speak.

John 12:49 AMP

That my friend is a Spirit of the heavenly Soldier!

For instance, This spirit is not for unnecessary argument or trouble making or confusion. But it is a Spirit that you are conscious of whom you are anytime you have opportunity to say something. Are you supposed to keep quiet when you have an opportunity to say something? This is the time to use the Spirit of the Heavenly Soldier. 

I will quote four verses for your understanding. 

1. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible],

2 Timothy 1:7‭-‬8 AMP

2. The commander said, “I paid a lot of money to become a Roman citizen.” But Paul said, “I was born a citizen.” The men who were preparing to question Paul moved away from him immediately. The commander was afraid because he had already put Paul in chains, and he was a Roman citizen.

Acts 22:28‭-‬29 ERV

3.When the 72 followers came back from their trip, they were very happy. They said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we used your name!”

Luke 10:17 ERV

See, no matter the circumstance, if you have something to say that will glorify Christ in that situation don't be afraid to say in a given opportunity as Christ (Spirit) in you is the hope of Glory. We are the soldier of Jesus Christ. Do not allow anything to kill that Spirit as it is the first feature and quality given unto you from Christ to "GLORIFY His name". 

Prayer: Lord, I promise that I will not bury my opportunity to speak when I see how important and possible to glorify you in any situation. Please Lord Give me wisdom and smart moves today to carry out my heavenly duties on earth with little or no resistance. Thank you Lord as I receive power in the Spirit of Christ! in the name of Jesus. Amen

The power of my words – what is my tongue doing?

An Emoji Devotional for Mon, July 18, 2022

Topic: The power of my words – what is my tongue doing?

By Pastor Wenger

Recently I had a conversation with a dear Brother in Christ, who was utterly angry on President Putin from Russia. He found many indecent and damning words that violated the due respect for a bearer of the image of God, like he is and like Putin is. I do not want to judge him. He has relatives in Ukraine, who are suffering under the war in the country. I was, however, reminded how carelessly I myself use damning words that are violating the image of God of the targeted person. Most of us are way too often judgmental and quite careless in the way we use words, especially with regard to people. I therefore decided to make a little study how the Bible teaches us about the use of words. 

Highlights: 

Psalm 141:3:  Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Ecclesiastes 4:23 – 24:  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.  

Colossians 4:5 & 6:  Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 

Ephesians 4:29:  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 5:3 & 4:  But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Matthew 7:1 & 2: Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way as you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

James 3:5 – 12:  Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig-tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. 

All these verses do not need much explanation, they are clear and understandable. My tongue and your tongue are not naturally tamed. They need to be taken captive under the Holy Spirit, who will represent the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control according to Galatians 5, 22-23. Paul exhorts us in Colossians 3:12 - 14: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Our words have much more power than we realize and they can cause damage over generations. As Christians we should therefore only use words that depict love and respect to human beings. Let us hate sin and distance ourselves from it, but let us be respectful and loving to sinners. They need the Gospel and the love of the Lord as badly as we do. 

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, I pray that you cleanse my heart from every evil thought. Guide me in your ways and tame my tongue with the discipline of your Holy Spirit. Let me love and understand others the way I would like to be loved and understood. Amen.