The responding God! (SUNDAY SPECIAL)

An Emoji Devotions for Sun, 24th January 2020

Topic: The responding God! (SUNDAY SPECIAL)

Highlights

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Matthew 7:10

Don't let anything derail you from being what God wants you to be in this day and age. God is coming bringing response to your call. You do not know what you truly need but God knows the best. Mark 13:36 says "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping." 

We are not asked to be sleepless but to be awakened. To beware of temptation that could lead us into falling away from God's plan. God said in Jeremiah 33:3 that we should call to him and He will answer and show us great and unsearchable things we do not know. While God is responding do not sleep on distractions of life.

One day I woke up excellently and in perfect shape to carry out life changing plans. But as I laid hands on my phone, I started reading various news on social media and forgot to do what I initially planned. I slept into hours of oblivion reading through news and people's comments on the internet. 

"but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way". Matthew 25:13 which means while you left God's plans and real purpose in life, something else may come up to steal away your time and opportunity.

Remember "And while they (unwise virgin) went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut." Matthew 25:10

Some of us knew the good old days when big things started very little and now it has turned into big things. While the unwise virgin became awakened that their lamp is running out of oil. They went to buy, the bridegroom came and took the prepared ones away and the door was shut. For example in those days when landed properties were sold at very cheap rates and the cities was before an unkempt town, some people bought land and built while some people looked away. Today the unkempt towns has become mega cities all over the world and the meticulous ones cannot even afford to live there. Some people would have regretted not buying those cheap properties in Paris when they had the opportunity because Paris was not a city but today its too late, there is no more lands in Paris and even if you want to buy any you have to pay the uttermost sum.

God is responding to everyone. It is time for Christians to stick to the game plan and avoid being tempted to be derailed from God's plan. Be who God wants you to be now - doctor, lawyer, politicians, pastor etc and remain on the framework even if you are not there yet, so that when God comes responding he will find you worthy.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. Matthew 10:29

Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Mark 25:11-12

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

I have got to tell you that this emoji devotions is embarked on giving the thousand years meaning to your life. The word of God is eternal. Got stucked to God's plan, spiritually, physically, emotionally, psychologically and in all remifications so that in the end you will rejoice with God when he comes. 

What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" Mark 13:37

Prayer: Help me Lord and give me grace to stay in structured plans you have for me in Jesus name. Amen.

One of the Teachers

 An Emoji Devotions for Sat, 23 January 2021

Topic: One of the Teachers

Highlights:

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Mark 10:28

So many troubles in Mark 12:13. Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. 

Hey! You are teachers of the law of God right? Yes or No? but why are you trying to trap my Lord with such questions? You respected God so much but would not want Jesus to equal himself with God but you think the best thing to do is to trap him against the government? 

But I forgot to tell you that while you were finding ways to trap Jesus. One of your teachers got caught up in a revelation. Aha! He noticed Jesus gave good answer and he would love to have an answer to his long lost question. Yes sir, I love your answers and I need to know sir, Sir, in all the world you are the best solution, and so I need to know sir, with all due respect sir, of all the commandments 1,2,3 to 10 which is the most important?

Aha! All things would soon be working together for that man. It is his opportunity to receive answer to a question not a chief priest could give an answer to but Jesus. If this is your reason to meet Jesus then you are not far from the kingdom of heaven. No! Sir that's not all. I just realized that with your answer to my question You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Your answer just opened up my inner eyes and I see that nothing can great as loving God and loving others. 

How would you have known that offering burnt sacrifice is not the answer. How? Because that's how teachers and their likes roll.

 They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12:38-40

You think showing people you render service to God is what makes you a servant of God.

Let me share a short story. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Moral story: When you think no one is watching. Jesus is watching. That little good effort is highly cherished by the one who sees the heart and soul. Don't compromise personality to Just being nice and sweet. The time will soon come one day that those who have seen you your story will be tell their family and friends for the glory of God. Please show love not sacrifice!!! 

Our prayer goes to all who left their homes, career and families to help the less privileged. God bless all lovers and supporters of God!

Prayer: Dearest Jesus thank you for showing me answer to my biggest concerns about life. Please empower me Lord to be a loving instrument who would express your kind of love to others around me in Jesus name. Amen

God in Nature. Part 2

An Emoji Devotions for Fri 22nd January, 2021

Topic: God in Nature (Part 2)
By C.C. Thompson

So far as possible, let the child from his earliest years be placed where this wonderful lesson book shall be open before him. Let him behold the glorious scenes painted by the great Master Artist upon the shifting canvas of the heavens, let him become acquainted with the wonders of earth and sea, let him watch the unfolding mysteries of the changing seasons, and, in all His works, learn of the Creator. Ed 100.3

In no other way can the foundation of a true education be so firmly and surely laid. Yet even the child, as he comes in contact with nature, will see cause for perplexity. He cannot but recognize the working of antagonistic forces. It is here that nature needs an interpreter. Looking upon the evil manifest even in the natural world, all have the same sorrowful lesson to learn—“An enemy hath done this.” Matthew 13:28.

Only in the light that shines from Calvary can nature’s teaching be read aright. Through the story of Bethlehem and the cross let it be shown how good is to conquer evil, and how every blessing that comes to us is a gift of redemption.
In brier and thorn, in thistle and tare, is represented the evil that blights and mars. In singing bird and opening blossom, in rain and sunshine, in summer breeze and gentle dew, in ten thousand objects in nature, from the oak of the forest to the violet that blossoms at its root, is seen the love that restores. And nature still speaks to us of God’s goodness. Ed 101.3

“I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. This is the message that, in the light from the cross, may be read upon all the face of nature. The heavens declare His glory, and the earth is full of His riches.

Prayer: Eternal Father,  please help me to teach my children to examine well the wonderful beauties of your creative power demonstrated in nature, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

God in Nature

 An Emoji Devotions for Thu 21, Jan 2021

Topic: God in Nature

By C.C. Thompson

“His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise.” Habakkuk 3:3b

Upon all created things is seen the impress of the Deity. Nature testifies of God. The susceptible mind, brought in contact with the miracle and mystery of the universe, cannot but recognize the working of infinite power. Not by its own inherent energy does the earth produce its bounties, and year by year continue its motion around the sun.

An unseen hand guides the planets in their circuit of the heavens. A mysterious life pervades all nature—a life that sustains the unnumbered worlds throughout immensity, that lives in the insect atom which floats in the summer breeze, that wings the flight of the swallow and feeds the young ravens which cry, that brings the bud to blossom and the flower to fruit. Ed 99.2

The same power that upholds nature, is working also in man. The same great laws that guide alike the star and the atom control human life. The laws that govern the heart’s action, regulating the flow of the current of life to the body, are the laws of the mighty Intelligence that has the jurisdiction of the soul. From Him all life proceeds. Only in harmony with Him can be found its true sphere of action.

For all the objects of His creation the condition is the same—a life sustained by receiving the life of God, a life exercised in harmony with the Creator’s will. To transgress His law, physical, mental, or moral, is to place one’s self out of harmony with the universe, to introduce discord, anarchy, ruin. Ed 99.2

To him who learns thus to interpret its teachings, all nature becomes illuminated; the world is a lesson book, life a school. The unity of man with nature and with God, the universal dominion of law, the results of transgression, cannot fail of impressing the mind and molding the character. Ed 100.1

These are lessons that our children need to learn. To the little child, not yet capable of learning from the printed page or of being introduced to the routine of the schoolroom, nature presents an unfailing source of instruction and delight. The heart not yet hardened by contact with evil is quick to recognize the Presence that pervades all created things. The ear as yet undulled by the world’s clamor is attentive to the Voice that speaks through nature’s utterances.

And for those of older years, needing continually its silent reminders of the spiritual and eternal, nature’s teaching will be no less a source of pleasure and of instruction. As the dwellers in Eden learned from nature’s pages, as Moses discerned God’s handwriting on the Arabian plains and mountains, and the child Jesus on the hillsides of Nazareth, so the children of today may learn of Him.

The unseen is illustrated by the seen. On everything upon the earth, from the loftiest tree of the forest to the lichen that clings to the rock, from the boundless ocean to the tiniest shell on the shore, they may behold the image and superscription of God.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, teach us to honour your creative,  life giving and life sustaining ability, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Where does help come from?

 An Emoji Devotions for Wed, 20 January 2021

Topic: Where does help come from?

Highlight:

And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone. Mark 7:30

Between Psalm 121:1-2 many things has transpired. The book of Mark 7:24-30 is a perfect example. A Syrian Phoenician woman came to Jesus looking for help. She have heard about the compassion of Jesus how He went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with Him. Act 10:8.

The Syrian woman want demon out of her daughter. Such was one of the most depressing situation of her life. But it was not without a price. A test question came from the Lord Jesus to know of  this woman was for real. Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”  Mark 7:27

To those who were full of themselves Jesus' question would have looked like an insult. But to the woman who needed help, she understands God's word in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that

 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. That whenever we look to the Lord with confidence we must also  humble ourselves before him.

There is a test question and you must give the right answer which must come along with humility and good intentions.

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”

That's true Lord means Whatever God said is true. It does not matter how it hit you. When you look to God for help. You must give credibility to God's word before you vindicate yourself with humility. Know that He is your God and Him alone has the final say. He will never suffer your foot to be moved. So be ready to come before him with modest humility.

Good answer!” he said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.”  And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone. Mark 7:28-30

Psalm 121:1-2; I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Prayer: Lord please I plead for mercy. You are a merciful God. Have mercy on me and help me Lord in Jesus name. Amen.

How I killed my redeemer with my sins?

 An Emoji Devotions for Tue 19th January, 2020

Topic: How I killed my redeemer with my sins?

By H.U.Wenger

Highlight: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrew, 5, 7 -10)

Have you ever reflected about, how it would be for a perfect human being to live in our imperfect world? Jesus has been born into a sinful family as a perfect human being.

His reactions and actions have been always impeccable, without any flaw. Did Mary and Joseph raise him, or did he raise and educate them? How was it with his peers and siblings?
         His speech was always lovely, but well salted. His words, his actions and reactions have always been just, truthful and genuine and they have revealed the hidden agendas and thoughts of the people around him.

He was mentally, psychically and physically perfect, sound and clean, but the only one around of that kind. Life among us must have been torture for him!

In Psalm 40 David depicts how he has been rescued from the slimy pit and been put on a rock, granting him a firm stand, as he cried out to the Lord and waited for him. From verse seven onward he then describes the savior and his struggles among us. He proclaims the law of God he lives his righteousness, proclaims his faithfulness and his salvation and reveals his truth. Nevertheless he gets surrounded with troubles without numbers and though he is without sin, sins have overtaken him and they are more than hair on his head so that his heart fails within him.

Here we have a picture of what our sins have done to Jesus. They have burdened him so that he sweated blood in the Garden Gethsemane; but then he brought it all to the cross, redeemed all our sins and delivered us from death, granting life eternal to all, who obey him. We cannot follow him without obeying him and we cannot obey him without changing our lives.

All our shortcomings have hurt him and cost him dearly, they killed him in the end. Because he was without sin of his own, death could not hold him. He resurrected from the grave and triumphed over death and hell. In him and in him alone is our chance for life, but it is bound to obedience and trust.

 Do you think it was easy for him because he was God? Just read Matthew 17, 17: “Oh unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?


Prayer: Heavenly father, I do thank you that you loved us all so much that you have sent your beloved son to rescue us from the slimy pit. Dear Jesus thank you so much that you have suffered hell for me and have given me life eternal. Help me to follow you and to obey you.

Gentle Super Loaves and Two Fishes - Kiddies Edition

 An Emoji Devotions for Kids Mon 18th January, 2020

Topic: Gentle Super Loaves and Two Fishes - Kiddies Edition

Highlights: 

Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?” John 6:9

"Super" is a five letter word and there were five loaves owned by a gentle boy. They have become gentle super loaves ready to be made an hero of the day. Good boys and girls do what your daddy and mummy says. There was this little boy who would give up his meal for Jesus. Maybe other kids would learn to be generous and gentle. People were hungry and Jesus was going to do a miracle to feed them. A boy was discovered there quickly. He must have been listening and watching them from distance. Well Andrew would have learned what Jesus told them about little children in Matthew 18 when Jesus placed a little child to stand among them and said unless you change and become like little children you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

The little child bringing the five super loaves is indirectly asking Andrew, Do you want to enter the kingdom of heaven or not? Andrew raised his voice with an answer as seen in our Bible highlights John 6:9

 Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many? Meaning "Yes".

As soon as Jesus heard that word he asked the people to sit down to tell Andrew and the rest that the Kingdom of heaven truly appreciates the little boy's generousity. His five super loaves gently multiplied and fed five thousand men with women besides and the remnants of twelve full baskets will be given back to the family of our super little hero as a thank you gift for his generousity.

I was not there but I believe that was what would end the story. When you think about the day the feeding of the five thousand men with women and children, I guess you will remember that someone made it possible with five gentle super loaves and two little fishes and its our little Hero. 

This could be you when you share with others because you love Jesus and you see Jesus in others.

Prayer: I may not have five super gentle loaves with two little fishes but my good wishes goes to all the saints of our Lord Jesus all over the world. (Make a good wish) in Jesus name. Amen