Thursday, June 13, 2024

Practical Discipleship

 


An Emoji Devotional For Thursday,13th of June 2023


Topic: Practical Discipleship 

Highlight: ‭
If you are ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his glory and in the glory of his Father and the holy angels.

Luke 9:26

Who is a disciple of Jesus? A dedicated follower of Jesus. Someone who is committed to take up his own cross and follow Jesus to the very end. Cf Luke 9:62

In Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

Someone who is practical about his discipleship of Christ will be concerned  with the actual deed of being dedicated to Christian living practices rather with the theories or ideas.

According to our Highlighted verse in Luke 9:26; He or she or they are someone who is not ashamed of Christ and His message any day and anytime.

According to Matther 15:8 As a God who knows the heart and intentions of man (Proverbs 16:2) Jesus clearly states to us that "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

We must be a practical disciple of our Lord by being dedicated follower with all of our heart and action. We must not be ashamed of the Gospel. Anywhere we are we must show the world who we are.

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

And do not forget that "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 15:14).

As a practical follower of Christ we should illuminate the world with spirit of light of God just like the good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37. May God help us all.


Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus help me to be a practical disciple and carrier of your light in this world in Jesus name. Amen

Monday, June 3, 2024

DONT READ THE BIBLE THE WAY THE DEVIL READS IT

 An Emoji Devotional for Monday, 3 June, 2024


Topic: DONT READ THE BIBLE THE WAY THE DEVIL READS IT


Highlight: “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. '” Matthew 4:6


As the topic states, is the way most people intentionally read the Bible. Some people keep wondering why certain things should and should not happen because they wonder about the manifold power of God to perform signs and wonders and also the ability of God to prevent certain things from happening. So after quoting the word of God, some of them want the rain to start falling just like Elijah did when he called down fire. It is not so, The Bible is known for what it stands for which is the truth. The truth is not supposed to work with logic of man but with the Trust a man in it. Let us look at two examples; 


An Excerpt from Daniel 3:16-18 reads


Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” 


This came from three Hebrew men who knew the supernatural and eternal truth that God is the only one to be worshiped, it doesn't make a difference if God indeed will deliver them from the threat of a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. So they remain decisive to the truth. 


When the Devil read the Bible to Jesus, He said "if you are the son of God, throw yourself down, is this the truth? are we to do dangerous things because we are righteous? The truth of the matter is that God's angels are always with us to lift us up in their hands even when we are not in any danger. Should there be a danger, then God will take control. So what was our saviors' response? 


"Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test." Matthew 4:8


Jesus knew it was a test which if Jesus fell for the test would ruin the sovereign wisdom of the Most High. 


Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.


The word of God is a living word that relates to our everyday life till eternity. God has a task for you and me, and once you read God's word as someone who is looking for the instruction manual, inspiration, and the truth. It will help you navigate the route of God's plan to the promise. 


Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, Guide me to follow the path of the truth that is embedded in your living word. Let the truth in your word help us to reach the Promise. Amen

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Doomsday Serpent: Beware!

 


An Emoji Devotion for Sat, 18th May 2024


Topic: Doomsday Serpent: Beware!!


Highlight: 

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Genesis 3:1


This serpent mentioned was cunning and manipulative than any beast practically engaging other animals and people in the Bible days. Which means the serpent is on an assignment to be powerful. There must be a power tussle between man and serpent which seems to make the serpent more cunning. Another name for serpent is the "most deadly snake." 


In the context of our Highlighted verse in Genesis 3:1, you will realise that before the serpent talked to "Eve' the first way said was "yeah". A manipulative way to making the woman conclude to answer her question in its own favor. 


The serpent mission and ambition is to steal, kill and destroy the woman's destiny and good relationship with God.


There are people who have a deadly manipulative instinct to break us and not male us if we allow them to prevail among us. We must ask God to reveal them to us because they are always hidden under their mission of "stealing, killing and destroying things that was meant for our good". Sometimes these people can promote of thoughts of unbelieve and fear in our heart once we allow them to brainwash us like what happened to Eve? 


The only way to overcome these serpent is in Philippians 4:8 


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.


But what if the serpent refuses to go or it is like a friend or neighbour or family we cannot easily drive away, the answer is in 

Psalms 91:9-14

"The Lord Most High is your fortress. Run to him for safety, and no terrible disasters will strike you or your home. God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. "They will carry you in their arms, and you won't hurt your feet on the stones. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. The Lord says, “If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe.


We can overpower serpents by not giving them our attention because they are very manipulative. By not listening to them at all, not even their yes or no? Do not take account of a serpent's words in your heart because they make someone lose eternal blessings. Had Eve did not listen or gave attention to the serpent that day she would still remain in the Garden of Eden till today. The serpent won Eve over and they were driven outside.


Abraham believed God's promise that God would make Abraham into a great nation, and that he would give the land of Canaan to Abraham's offspring. He never changed his mind until He received His promise from God. Beware of serpents!


Prayer: 


God the creator the universe, I run to you for safety. be my refuge through thick and thin of life and give me the courage to reach the promise you made for me. In Jesus name. God do not let serpen win me over in Jesus name. Amen. 


Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Who Told You, You are Naked?

 


An Emoji Devotional for Wednesday, May 8, 2024:


Topic: "Who Told You, You Are Naked?"

Highlight:

“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:11 NLT‬

In the story from Genesis, God asked Adam and Eve, "Who told you that you were naked?" This question is about more than just physical nakedness; it's about feeling exposed and vulnerable before God. When we engage in things that distance us from God, it creates a sense of shame and guilt that makes us feel spiritually naked.

God is always present in our lives, but when we allow forbidden things to influence us, we become blind to His presence and focused only on our shortcomings and distractions. This spiritual nakedness is a result of forbidden seeds that grow within us, causing us to feel separated from God.

Instead of confessing our spiritual nakedness, we should focus on God's power and ability to transform any situation for our benefit. We should pray for spiritual adornment and alignment with God's presence, rather than wallowing in feelings of shame and inadequacy.

Remember, the more we dwell on our spiritual nakedness, the further we drift from God's presence. Let us instead choose to praise God and seek His covering in all aspects of our lives. Stay strong, keep praying, and trust in God's ability to guide and protect you. Let us not allow distractions to pull us away from God's grace.

Prayer: Dear God, clothe me in Your spiritual presence and lead me on the path of righteousness. Amen.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Nothing Takes God by Surprise

 


An Emoji Devotional for Tue,7 May 2024


Topic: Nothing Takes God by Surprise

Highlight:

But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Numbers 14:21

Our God is big and very great. Nothing can happen under the earth that is unknown to Him. Genesis 11:1-9 tells us that He watches what happens around the world and he scattered the intention of people who were building a high tower for their own glory.  God's glory is in all the earth and we all should learn how to give Him the glory. Should we give the praise of God to science or technology or men? The answer is No! Whenever you want to bring down His glory, sing His praise and worship Him be ause God desire worshippers who worship in Spirit and in Truth. John 4:23 You will see God's glory. Do not fight for your own glory but give Him all the glory neither give His glory to any other. When you do things that way and give God the glory He deserves in your knowledge, no matter the challenge you are up against,He will come down to fight and win your battles.

But the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower the people were building.
Genesis 11:5 NLT‬

With your faith and obedience intact,  Nothing can take God by Surprise, nothing us too big for Him if you believe in your heart. It will be done.

Prayer: God of Heaven I praise and worship you. I give you all glory and honor today. Please teach me how to glorify your name more and to praise you more to bring down your glory just as Solomon and Hezekiah did in their days. Amen

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Mere Confession of a believer

 


An Emoji Devotional for Monday 6th, May 2024


Topic: Mere Confession of a believer


Highlight:


‭It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” Matthew 15:11 NLT‬


A believer is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Someone who is fully functional in praying and sharing the good news of Christ to others. A complete believer has been committed to speaking about good news of God's word and baptising people according to Matthew 28:19-20.


We have known what a believer is, then what is confession? It is spoken words to admit oneself to hostility or hospitality of the Spiritual or Physical. 


Our living characters were brought up by the daily confessions in our mouth and the mouth of others around us. Howbeit, a mere confession is what defiles a man. What you merely say when you are off guard, upset, uncomfortable, unconscious and so on. These mere confession comes from our thinking routine. Our thoughts are powerful tools that design what we merely confess with our mouths. If your thoughts have made you feel worthy or unworthy lately there is one admonishing statement from the Bible about it and it is in Philippians4:8.


‭"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8 NLT‬



Have you traced where your thoughts are coming from lately, are they coming from threats?, fear?, scary neighbours?, life challenges?, you can cleans it by submitting your heart for Cleansing through prayers and reorientation of your mind to God's promises. 


‭Romans 12:2 NLT‬ says:

"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."

If you truly want to be totally saved, it must reach your end of thinking Jesus into confessing what is praise worthy of God in your life. Only Jesus can save every situations from thoughts to confession. Let us begin to learn how to think by confessing praise worthy things and let u to learn how to confess by thinking what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 


Not by power nor by force but by thr Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to take you there. Zechariah 4:6


Prayer: Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ come and take my thoughts to thinking truly, thinking rightly, thinking honorably, thinking purely, thinking lovely, and thinking admirably. Holy Spirit fix my heart to excellent things worthy of youPraise. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Applying Christ

 


An Emoji Devotions for Thu,25 April 2024


Title: Applying Christ: Daily Devotional for Positive Change

Introduction:
In our walk with Christ, it is vital to not only understand His teachings but also to apply them to our daily lives. The wisdom found in the Bible serves as a guide, offering us counsel on how to live in alignment with God's will and experience positive changes in our lives. Let us delve deeper into the teachings of Christ that can bring about transformation and renewal in our hearts.

Verse: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - James 1:22 (ESV)

Day 1: Love Your Neighbor
One of the fundamental teachings of Christ is to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This commandment challenges us to show compassion, kindness, and forgiveness to those around us. By treating others with love and respect, we can foster harmonious relationships and create a more caring community.

Day 2: Practice Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation. As Christ forgave us, so should we forgive others (Colossians 3:13). Letting go of grudges and resentment not only frees us from emotional burdens but also paves the way for peace and restoration in our relationships.

Day 3: Walk in Humility
Christ exemplified humility throughout His earthly ministry, teaching us to serve one another with meekness and gentleness (Matthew 20:26-28). By humbling ourselves before God and others, we demonstrate our willingness to learn, grow, and be transformed by His grace.

Day 4: Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful mindset that can transform our perspective on life. In all circumstances, we are called to give thanks to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18). By cultivating a spirit of gratitude, we can find joy in the smallest blessings and experience God's faithfulness in our daily lives.

Day 5: Seek Wisdom
Seeking wisdom from God's Word and through prayer is dsasessential for making wise decisions and living according to His purpose (Proverbs 2:6). By aligning our thoughts and actions with God's wisdom, we can navigate life's challenges with clarity and discernment.

Day 6: Embrace Generosity
Christ taught us the importance of giving generously and sacrificially (2 Corinthians 9:7). By sharing our resources, time, and talents with others, we reflect God.

Prayer: I pray that Christ Spirit richly dwell in me. Amen

Time of Barner

  Emoji Devotions for Tue 17th Dec, 2024 Topic: Time of Barner. Highlight: Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will t...