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Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). - Religion (17) - Nairaland

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Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 4:04pm On Jan 04, 2012
January 4 Nehemiah 4v3


3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

Jerusalem had been destroyed and the inhabitants taken into captivity for many years. The city was more than dilapidated, it was destroyed. The walls were broken down and the gates burned with fire. But then came Nehemiah and his team to rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah had the backing and support from God, and from King Artaxerxes, who happened to be the most powerful king around.
The work of rebuilding was making good progress. But we have this man, Tobiah, who was a servant of one Sanballat. This servant man made scathing remarks to mock Nehemiah and his team. But thank God, Nehemiah was a champion. He would not be distracted, let alone discouraged by the words of Tobiah and his master.
In this new year, be a Nehemiah. As you have a project, a wall to build, a backing/support from God the King of all kings. Some servant/servants of sin and satan may come to taunt you. Don't come down to their level, go up higher, let them keep saying. If you have anything to say, why not say it to God? You will have whatsoever you say. Underneath you ARE the Everlasting arms. Go ahead, build the wall of righteousness around your life, your marriage, your job, your health, your education. Those that are with you ARE more than those with them. Hold firm your resolutions, your goals, your projects for the year. IF God be with you, that's the most important thing ever.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 12:28pm On Jan 05, 2012
January 5 John 5v7


John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.



Today's passage shows us an helpless man who received help. It shows us an impotent man who was made potent. In today's world, you need power to get power, and money to make money. You need to know people in high places to really get things done, it seems. So, that is what people look for. Personal goal now becomes "if i could get this couple of thousands, i'll use it to do this and that and make more money." Or "if i try to be close to this party, that uncle, those societies and bodies, i'll get to where i'm going." People look for power so that they can use what they have to get what they want. But this man in Today's passage, he didn't do all that. He was impotent by the way. If you feel impotent in any area of life, there's hope for you today. We'll see two things in our passage that made his miracle easy.
This impotent man had an infirmity for thirty-eight years. It shows us that this man was either thirty-eight years old(if he was born with this infirmity), or more than thirty-eight years old. If, for instance, he had this infirmity when he was twenty years old, then currently in the text, he is fifty-eight years old. What we know though is that he was older than Jesus physically. But then, Jesus Christ came to ask him, "Do you want to get well?" What a question? If it were you, or someone you know, what would have been your reply? You know, this impotent man could have caused Jesus by his gods, he could have berated him. He could have said many things. He could have being provoked, but He said "Sir". Jesus is supposed to be about 30(thirty) years old, and he said "Sir". HUMILITY, number one thing, humility. Humble yourself, and God will lift you up. This man got a literal lifting of his life.
And then, "I have no man.' When men have failed you, trust in God. But you do not need to wait thirty-eight years for men to fail you before you trust in God. You can 'jump the thirty-eight year queue' as it were, and trust in God. Lift your eyes to Him, and put your trust in Him alone, He will help you. Trust in God, and be humble, your miracle will hit you very easily and quickly.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 4:00pm On Jan 06, 2012
January 6 Mark 6v20

"For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly." (Mark 6:20).



I read recently on another thread, that one problem with leadership is that you do not know if the people are really following you, or chasing you. This is one reason why it's important that we always please God in all we do. Preachers should resolve to faithfully preach the Word of God in all truth and completeness, at all times.
Many preachers preach well if they have a large audience. Infact, some are not even content with a large audience, they create an applauding, appreciating audience. They make up a congregation that screams "amen", "alleluia", "ride on pastor". The message is not 'sweet', the spirit is not moving except the congregation claps and makes some noise. John the baptist had such an audience/congregation in Herod and his house. Unfortunately, Herod was the one who later beheaded John.
So many preachers are feared and reverenced by their congregation. That you fear your pastor and call him Lord, Bishop, Reverend, Papa does not make you more qualified for 'blessing', Herod did better than you. Herod observed John, and knew John was holy. When John spoke, Herod did many things and heard him gladly. Maybe you do many things too in your church when the preacher is talking, Herod did better than you. Or maybe you also hear your man of God gladly, and you gladly buy his tapes, books, handkerchiefs, shawls etc. It doesn't qualify you more before God. What God looks for is obedience. Obedience brings the blessing. Pastors should learn to preach the Word in season and out of season. With the same unction and grace whether in a cell meeting of 2 or 3, or at a crusade-size gathering. Don't be discouraged or relying on audience response. Rely on God. He is the rewarder.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 1:55pm On Jan 08, 2012
January 8                        Matthew 7v12


  Mat  7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.


   Every standard product and standard manufacturer comes with a manual, a kind of guide with which to bring out the best use of a product. In the manual, you'll see a picture of the product, the different parts, how to start and end use of the product, name of product maker, how to troubleshoot etc. Now, mankind is the most important product on the planet earth, and our manufacturer is God. Our manual,the human manual, mankind's manual and guidebook is the Bible.
What a product needs is its manual, not majorly its manufacturer. We do not usually look for the manufacturers of the products we use, but are content to know its operations and put it to good use by the use of the  manuals given. Many of our everyday products are even imported. We have never seen the manufacturer. All we see is perhaps service outlets if any, but many never get to these places, as far as they've understood the proper using of the product through the manual. It's a similar thing with God.
What we, human products need, is the manual Bible. Many atheists are asking "where is the manufacturer, we've got to see the manufacturer." What you need is with you already, the manual. Read the manual, follow it and there will be the best use of the product. But instead, many are looking for error in the manual, or to discredit the manual, or to compare with other manuals. Your manual as a human being is the Bible.
Any person, family or nation that judiciously follows the manual will enjoy his stay here on earth, and even in the afterlife. All developed nations have their foundations deeply embedded in the principles of the manual Bible. Perhaps, today we do not see that foundation, all we may see is a disbelieving superstructure. But history, a sincere study of it, reveals that all developed and prospering nations and individuals follow the principles of the manual Bible.
Now, the Bible is not just new testament, it is both old and new testament. The old testament is referred to, in our text as 'the law and the prophets'. And our passage shows us the summary of the old testament. It is NOT to be discarded, it is our manual. It's very unfortunate many are deceived to think that the old testament is no longer relevant.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 2:15pm On Jan 08, 2012
But they have the old testament in their bibles, they have it in their phones, and in their head. But they say that one is old testament. The law that Christ came to fulfill are those ceremonial laws of clensing and purification, not the old testament(law and prophets). Don't tear off your manual, a major portion for that matter. You need it. Bring it back and obey it, just as Jesus said in Today's passage. God bless you.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 10:28pm On Jan 30, 2012
When Noah saw the earth desolated by the deluge, he must have been
traumatised. Whenever afterwards the skies grew dark overhead, he would need assurance. God said ‘I do set my bow in the cloud and it shall be a token of a covenant’. The rainbow is the flag of God, the seven-coloured royal standard. No icon, no regimental colours, no empire symbol could match that! The word ‘bow’ in Genesis 9:13 is the same Hebrew word as a bow for arrows – a war bow. What a war- bow, spanning the whole horizon! What mighty arrows it must shoot when God goes into battle. ‘The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies’. Isaiah
42:12. The rainbow is not a mere phenomenon of beauty but a Divine reminder of God’s archery. ‘There was a rainbow round about the throne and out of the throne proceeded lightnings’, God’s mighty arrows. (Rev. 4:3,5). No wind can blow a rainbow away.
No devil can switch it
off. The battle belongs to the Lord. We all suffer life’s storms when ominous blackness fills our skies, but that arching splendour of prismatic colour in the rain cloud, seen with our mortal eyes, is the objective standard of God to reassure us.
God’s rainbow is His love bent to the world - and you and me.
REINHARD BONNKE
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 1:42pm On Apr 02, 2012
March 2 1Peter 2v12

1Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Believers in Christ have a lot of work to do. there is a general but wrong implication in christian circles that once you've believed Christ, you have entered into a position of doing nothing. A false rest, a laziness, sloth and disuse of the powers and love bestowed upon us. The Bible affirms that God gave us power, as many as received Jesus. God is not a spendthrift, there is purpose why He has given us powers. We are not saved into the whatever will be will be kingdom. God will do it all if it is His will, NO!. this is gross irresponsibility and gracelessness, or frustration of grace. these has led to misbehaviour of supposed christians, dressing anyhow and talking anyhow. Doing whatever, under the guise that grace covers them.
There is another sect that does something, or more aptly put, claims to do something. But all they do is only between themselves and God. They'd say "I have a personal fellowship/relationship with God". If you would ask them what about this, or why that, they would tell you "God understands". you look for fruits in them and you cannot find it. You look for godliness, but it appears only to be revealed to themselves. their own works, according to them, is before God only. But Today, God is calling us all to let our lights SO shine before men, yes, before men.
Don't come with questionable actions, reactions and behaviours and think sanctimoniously that you are right in all honesty to God, without respect to your fellowmen. Let your lifestyle be honest among the gentiles, even among unbelievers. In church, at home, in the market, at your workplace, be honest. Let them behold your good works. If there are not seeing it, there is a problem. Let them behold your good works, and glorify God. Earth is given us for the glory of God. Let God be glorified through you today and always.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 5:13pm On Apr 03, 2012
As we draw closer to the remembrance/celebration of Christ's crucifixion, death and resurrection, may i remind you that He died for everybody.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man
Jesus Christ did not come to die for Himself. he didn't die for one generation, or for one nation. He died for the whole world. Just as Adam sinned and once you're born of Adam, you become a sinner automatically by inheritance. The same way as Jesus died for us all, you become righteous and your sins paid for the moment you're born of God i.e born again. It's necessary for you to be born to be a sinner, and it's also necessary for you to be born again/born of God for you to be righteous. Jesus Christ came to take our place in judgement. He came to be judged/punished spirit, soul and body, so that we'll not be judged/punished again by God. It was expedient that He should possess spirit, soul and body because man possesses spirit, soul and body. God is a Spirit, the angels are ministering spirits. Animals do not possess spirit i.e the life that God breathed on Adam. Jesus Christ came in the flesh as the seed of David and suffered judgement in His body.
We're told that His visage was so marred beyond recognition. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men (Isaiah 52v14). He was beaten to pulp, for me and for you. he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.(Isaiah 53). They beat Him so much that if you saw Him, you might spit, They hid their faces from Him. Even with these, He was still nailed. The hands must be nailed, for they love to sin. The mouth must suffer, for it loves to sin. The feet must be pierced, for they love to sin. The brow must be crowned with a thorny crown, for it too loves to sin. All that the human body needed to suffer was executed upon His body. Thus He suffered physically even to death. He knew no peace, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 9:44pm On Jun 01, 2012
June 1 Luke 1v26


Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

Going by experience, it appears that many prefer to have their visitors unannounced and surprisingly, especially when that visitor is a close friend or a near colleague. If your friend called you and said that he was coming, there is that tendency to want to avoid that visit. Ironically tough, when he comes, you can spend the whole day happily chatting away and it seems that you don't even want him to leave. God sent angel Gabriel on such an unexpected visit that produced a vibratingly wondrous effect. In the sixth month, God sent Mary an unexpected visitor. A fellow servant of God, an angel, God's messenger and minister. She got the visit of her life, unexpectedly, in the sixth month, after John the baptist was conceived.
Be prepared, this sixth month, anything can happen. this sixth month, everything is possible. god is ready for a spectacular performance. If you can believe, with God, impossible is nothing. There will be a performance, a heaven-class performance. This was a visit that changed Mary's to-do-list for good. This month, God wants to positively disturb your routine. Mary never planned to be in Judah from Nazareth that month. This month, an unexpected journey, a pleasant journey, a journey with God-speed, a journey in the Son. God has great plans for you. Your life is filled with potential hoping to be utilized by the key of faith. Make this month a faith month, make this a prayer month, make this your holiest month.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 5:39pm On Jun 03, 2012
June 3 A living faith that fears.


Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Recently the news made the rounds about a man that died from snake bite. It was argued that he died for his faith. Well, maybe he died for his faith. There are different kinds of faith and different levels of faith. For those who crave for living faith, you need to know that living faith has fear in it. Our Today's passage says fear came upon every soul. Every soul includes every soul, doesn't it? It includes all the souls of the apostles, the disciples, the "120", the 3000 souls that were added to the church of Christ, every soul.
The right mix of fear and faith produces living faith. Living faith is the faith without which it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God. It means, if you do not have living faith, you cannot please God. faith i.e living faith, should not be mistaken for lack of common sense, or arrogance, or for self-confidence or overconfidence. Any STUDENT of the Bible should know that a credible believer must have some fear, at least the fear of God. Any READER of the Bible can come up and say there should be NO fear of any kind, and even quote some scripture with it. How do you read (Like Jesus asked "How readest thou?"wink. Read like a student and read with the Spirit. God created fear and it should be put to good use and mix with faith. It's like cooking food, the right quantities have to be put for the food to be suitable for eating. The right quantity of water, heat/fire, maggi, salt, sugar, oil etc.
We all need some fear even naturally. Fear would make you cross the road carefully, not 'faith'. Fear would keep you far from wild animals and poisonous rodents, even if they were caged. Fear would make you not quit your job or studies abruptly. Fear came upon every soul, and it produced signs and wonders as seen in Today's passage. We ought to fear and reverence God. We ought to reverence and respect our leaders, spiritual, political and organisational/institutional. We ought to respect our church and its doctrine and fellowship.
Some people think it is unchristian to respect church leadership, they need living faith. you should not talk to, or about a church leader, any church leader anyhow. Fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. We need the old time religion, the early christian approach, we need to live eternal life the way the first century converts lived it. Then, we would experience living faith and its wonders and signs unlimited.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 1:24pm On Jun 06, 2012
June 6 The best investments



Mark 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

There are different kinds of land, barren land and fruitful land. Nigeria for instance, has fruitful land. If you throw away corn, even frivolously on the soil, and it is not eaten up by any bird or animal, it would naturally almost likely bud and bring forth maize when you come back in some months. Not all lands are that way. Some places you need to dig deep, come with manure and fertilizer, and water it adequately to obtain similar result. Some other places are barren like desert. It's the same way with human beings. Some need just one resource and they will make it. Some are even "making it" without the much clamoured for 'resources'. Some are just a waste of resources literally. You do not want to invest training, time or money on such individuals.
Our man in Today's passage was such great investment, such as the Samaritan woman Jesus met. This one did not even have to wait for any power, not to mention pentecostal Holy Ghost power, to bring in revival. This was the man in whom legions of evil spirits resided in. This was the man for whom Jesus told His disciples "Let us pass over unto the other side". This was the man for whom it appeared there was a great storm that made the disciples think that the end had come, that they would perish. This was the man for whom Jesus would not be deterred, but calmed the storm greatly with a rebuke. This was the man, who though possessed with legions of unclean spirits, willed himself against a 'thousand devils', and ran to Jesus and worshipped Him. This was the man whom Jesus would rather save even if a great herd of swine would perish.
This is One of the cloud of great witnesses looking at us, looking at you from Heaven and saying "You can do it, i did." This was the man who Jesus could trust with the whole of Decapolis, knowing that he would do a good job. The people of Jesus did not want Jesus, this man wanted to follow Jesus. Jesus knew that this man would make a good representative, a little Christ, a small Jesus, a real christian. He left him there. can God count on you, even if initially against your will and plan? Are you a good, fruitful investment? or you're just here on earth to make money, marry, and go to heaven? Obedience is better still, than sacrifice. This 'righteous mad man' obeyed, departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and God honoured his work. Are you fruitful or barren? Is your life a marvel to the world or they cannot spot the difference? Can you, yourself, even spot the difference? the question is, are you a good investment for God?
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 1:05pm On Sep 11, 2012
September 11 Kicking against thorns



Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

God gave life, and His purpose is that life must be centered on Him.. If a company or an individual manufactures something, they do it with a purpose or goal in mind. they state that this machine or equipment or noun should be used for that that purpose, at this temperature range, that current/voltage, having a warranty of Xdays, don't touch these parts or remove that part, else you lose the warranty. Once the machine, equipment or noun cannot perform its purpose, it is no more fit.
This is so similar to man. Man was made to obey God, to please God, to show forth His glory. Anything outside this grand purpose renders you unfit for Him. This is why it is not just disobeying the law of the land and nature, like stealing or killing that can earn you God's wrath. Sin is failure to meet the mark of God's standard of righteousness. it's the bull's eye or nothing. It's more than being good or right. it's about knowing what god wants and doing it. When and if you ever understand this, then it becomes less mysterious to you, why God would remove Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden without them committing murder or adultery or some 'terrible' sin. Why God would stop Moses from Canaanland, why God would punish Uzzah for touching the Ark, or the young prophet for eating bread and water, and some other such cases.
We are created by God and would function best if we follow God's will and plan for us, regardless of how sweet, good and made we may think of our plan for ourselves. God told Adam and repeated to Noah that His plan and will was for man to be fruitful, and to multiply, and to REPLENISH the earth. men came together in our today's passage, and felt that they had a better and cuter plan. their plan was to stay together and make a name by building a city. They ended up kicking against thorns, not a very pleasant activity to engage in. Today, we are still trying to pick up the pieces of the divisions their actions resulted in. The lesson is to do the will of God. the will of God will bring joy and fulfillment, man's ultimate pursuit.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 9:52am On Sep 12, 2012
September 12 Knowledge in Acknowledgement

1Corinth 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

REMEMBER- That is one big word. Nobody can pass if he does not remember. It is very important that we remember. There is no proof of knowledge if you do not remember. The three phases of time are before, now and after. In the quest of life, each phase has to be remembered in its own compartments.Do not blank out any phase. There should be acknowledgement.
Acknowledgement of your past should produce gratitude. Your acknowledgement should increase your knowledge. You know, acknowledge, that you were gentiles. You were! As a believer, always remember that. You were gentiles, but are NOW of the commonwealth of Israel! It is unfortunate many believers think they are still gentiles. You were gentiles. now, all things are become new. New culture, new custom, new tradition, new language, new style. YOU WERE. Stop acting like a gentile, talking like a gentile, thinking like a gentile.
Acknowledgement that you were a gentile should produce a change. Some people claim to be of the Israel of God without a corresponding change from their previous lifestyle as gentiles. They do not KNOW that they WERE Gentiles, carried away with dumb idols as they were led. They still worship gentile, dress gentile, pray gentile, eat gentile, walk gentile and work gentile. They are still in ignorance. From today, remember, know that you were gentile. No more gentile, you were. Now therefore, you are now focused, with your affections set, not carried away unto dumb things that have no eternal relevance. When you KNOW, you would not be so carried away by your job, or your music, or sport, or money, or learning, or internet, or social networking, or anything. You will boldly say "I am crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that lives, and I will not be carried away by anything but Jesus". Prayer and spiritual things will take priority and you will at last have those spiritual gifts that you only read about.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 5:18pm On Sep 19, 2012
September 19 The necessary decision
Psalm 18:1 I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.


Every man is a living soul. The soul of man is where his will resides. It is where his mind and self lies. It is the decision making centre, although it may be influenced by other parts of man or external factors. Decision influences destiny, your decision is determined by your will. you either decide "you will" or you decide "you will not." I will stand up, I will eat, I will go, I will not watch it, I will not forget; these are all decisions that we make.
There is an important decision every man has to make, it is a decision of love. you decide to love or not to love. Many people think that love is not a decision, but just an involuntary feeling. No, love can be decided. You can decide to love a person, little wonder that a command by God for husbands to love their wives. You can decide to love a subject or course. you can decide to love God, like the Psalmist. In our Today's passage, the psalmist says "I will love thee, O Lord". I WILL. it is a personal decision, a necessary decision.
Some people think that they cannot love God, they even have reasons not to love God.God did not do this for me or my family, God did not show up, God does not exist, God is wicked. Inspite of all these conclusions, there still remains a vital decision to make, a necessary decision. A decision to love God. Many waters cannot quench love. The first and most important command in the Bible is to love God. Make a conscious decision to love God irrespective of whethe He has been good or bad, understandable or mysterious to you. I WILL LOVE THEE O LORD. When you love God, He always shovels back His love to us, and He's got a very big shovel too. Make the Lord your strength from today. It means to trust in Him. This combination of loving and trusting God will bring you fulfillment like you've never known, and earmark you as a person after God's heart.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 11:53am On Sep 20, 2012
September 20 Minding your own business


Matthew 20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.


"Occupy and occupation", "busy and business". These phrases share a common root word. Having an occupation keeps you occupied, doing business keeps you busy. Many people and cultures frown at laziness and that rightly so. God's word also frowns at laziness. It explicitly says that if any man should not work, neither should he eat. We live in a very busy world. In some parts of the world, the night is like day. There is a clocking in and clocking out 24/7(all the time). People wake up at dawn and work till dusk. Some do 9-5, some 8-4, some 7-7 and so on. Work depicts responsibility, everyone should work, both secular and spiritual. The old adage says there is dignity in labour.
This been established, at work, you ought to mind your own business. There is a proverb that translates that even if a madman were to hoe, he would hoe to himself. Unfortunately, many 'sane' people do not hoe to themselves. Many do not take heed unto their own selves. They would rather poke their noses into others' business, or labour for others without nothing for themselves. Even the Holy Book says to love others as yourself, not more than yourself. But people spend their lives being very busy in others' business. More worrisome is when people are jealous and want to limit the life and reward of others, like in our Today's passage.
They are looking at the other person's salary, and complaining, even when it does not affect their own take home. They are envious and complain of the other person saying, "he's younger than me, he just joined us, she does not know anything, he's not doing enough, I spend longer hours." Just like the people in Jesus' parable. As believers, let's not be like others. Let your light shine, yes, let your light so shine. Let's be content. for godliness with contentment is great gain. And then, mind your own business. Don't be obsessed by what obtains around you. Don't be carried away or choked or drunk. Be focused, the last can be the first, and the first last. Don't give up or give in. You will have a full reward.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 10:47pm On Sep 23, 2012
September 23 not recognised by God?


Gen 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.


Due to the huge unemployment rates in many parts of the world, people do various things to get a job. Some lie, some cheat, some commit adultery, some change names and age and certificates, all in a desperate bid to secure a job. The greatest thing to secure though in this life is eternal life with God. Whatsoever else a human might do, should be in the light of seeing God's favour ultimately.
I have heard of, and seen cases where in order to get a job, people work with an organisation without being employed. Imagine working in a place without being employed! But it happens, I have seen and heard it before. The individuals resume with workers of the organisation/company, do the work with them, and close with them. But unfortunately, because they are not employed, they are not recognised. So when payday comes, they do not get paid. When bonus day comes, no bonus for them. No promotion, no retirement benefits, nothing. Many do it in the hope that they will be first to hear word of a recruitment plan, and to court the favour and admiration of the recruiters. Imagine doing such a thing in the house of God. Doing aggresively what God did not send you.
Our Today's passage shows up the pitiable condition of Hagar, Abraham's bondwoman. In the eyes of Sarah and Abraham, Hagar was wife. Sarah had earlier taken Hagar and given her to Abraham to be his wife. So Hagar thought she was wife. Ishmael must have been taught to think so too. But God never recognised her has wife. he said she is Abraham's bondwoman. She had no part in the inheritance and promise. Infact God referred to Isaac as Abraham's only son. All of Hagar's labour, Sarah's hep, were not recognised by God.
Again, are you doing something. Maybe some around you are even applauding, your soul feels that you are doing right, your heart seems to agree with it. but it is not recognised by God. Is it of eternal value and reward, if it were to be weighed? If there were to be promotion, bonus, salary, reward, will God remember you, or will your work be burnt up worthless? The work God recognises is for us to preach the good news to sinners, and to build up the body of Christ. Are you self-employed or God employed?
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 3:54pm On Sep 28, 2012
September 28 Go and preach the good news



Act 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.



God, who many times spoke before by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son. Prophets may be scarce, even in Israel, there might be no open vision or the Word of god. So, in the past, the Word of God was limited to the availability of prophets. But thank God today, the Word of God is available through His Son Jesus. Jesus Christ is everywhere. Not every believer thinks himself a prophet, but trouble not yourself, you have Jesus the Son in you. God wants to speak through you, that's why He gave His Son to the world. He did not give His Son just to some number of prophets but to the whole world.
From today, let God speak through you, if you claim to be a child of God. The world is literally dying to hear from you, of the good news. Do not leave it to the evangelists and the church workers. Every hand should be on deck in the spread of the good news. We understand that your money is reaching where you cannot reach, but please what about where you can reach? Are you preaching the gospel? They desire to hear what you think. Forget about what they already know. Many times, we tend to look and conclude that a set of people have already heard the good news, therefore I do not need to talk. We see them in our offices, schools, classrooms, on the road, and in the neighbourhood. We think in our heart that this one goes to church too. She dresses well, the preacher must have told him.
In Today's passage, they said that the gospel had reached everywhere. And they even KNEW that everywhere, it was spoken against. What would have been your reaction if you heard such a report? Would you water down the gospel, or deny the gospel, or change the gospel? Would you say, well this is bad ground, they are not ready to receive the gospel? Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season. The open secret today is that they desire to hear you, what you think. Do not hesitate, the Holy Spirit will help you. Do not be discouraged, you just go and preach the good news, whether they will hear or no.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 6:16pm On Dec 06, 2012
December 6 Uprooting the wicked in the church.




1Corinth 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

The universal church is the body of Christ. It is made up of believers functioning as different parts of the body in which Christ is the Head of the body. As we await the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord, His desire and may i say, our desire is to present the body spotless, clean and without wrinkle. This is a far cry from present reality. Even Jesus Himself, looking at the church said "Nevertheless when the Son comes, will He find faith on earth?"
Today, we need to begin to look less at people and more at the Word and will of God. Today's passage informs us that we have a part to play in preparing the Bride and body of Christ. It is a part of purging. This issue of purging is neglected and often misconstrued today. There is the one group that does no purging of any kind, claiming a 'Judge not' law hanging on their head. There is the other group that purges so much, one would think that the church had diarrhoea. They have cut off so much and so many that the Body and Bride is left looking more like an helpless amputee at the mercy of the next operation..
God did not command us to put away our fellow brethren from the church. Doctrine should not divide us. We need to come to an understanding tha w all have varying knowledge and exposure. Although we do not have a unity of faith, believing things equally, we are told to press on to it, and endeavour to KEEP a certain unity of the Spirit. Today's passage is not asking to cast out or put away a brother or sister based on different view. 'A' believes in eating meat, 'B' does not. 'A' is a presiding pastor, he puts away 'B'. Or vice versa. NO!! 'C' believes in miracles today, 'D' doesn't really. We are to put away wicked people. Put away sinners. purge the church of sinners, fornicators and adulterers, drunks, idolaters and thieves. Put them out of the church. It's unfortunate that we tend to do it the other way round. A sinner agrees with your theology, then he is a brother. Yet, he is an unbeliever, perhaps an atheist or a fornicator. But then the same folk that accepts the fornicator goes on to make enemies with a brother because he thinks women should not wear headcovering and folks think otherwise. Brethren, this ought not so to be. Put away fom among you the sinner instead.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 11:57am On Dec 07, 2012
December 7 Judge not




Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.


Have you ever imagined of a country without prisons? Ever thought of a state or situation without law enforcement? You can be guaranteed a place of anarchy. The legal institutions of any developed country also have to be developed. The corrupt countries lack solid legal institutions and are often under-developed. So, progress and justice go hand in hand. In civilized regions, there is a corresponding organized system of justice.
Justice remains an integral part of the law. Justice is not served when the wrong person is acquitted. justice is not served when nobody is held responsible for wrong doing. Think of yourself or family been robbed or abused and you refusing to acknowledge it as wrong. In such a case, you become an accomplice to crime. Sanity demands that you judge the act of robbery and abuse as a crime, and the perpetrator as a criminal. What you then do after the judgement might vary, you may forgive or punish. And would not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Jesus is the Judge of all the earth. Yet, in our today's passage He says to Judge not! A complete reading of the verse though renders the command mute, as it were. Judge not, that ye be not judged. Don't you know that we MUST all appear before the judgement seat of Christ? Is it not plain that it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this JUDGEMENT? How then can we attempt to escape the inescapable? In another instance, the same Jesus advocates for men to judge righteous judgement. from the foregoing, it becomes imperative that Jesus is not saying that we should live as accomplices to crime, neither are we to condone injustice. You need to judge to make decisions. Is this the right man to marry. Is this the right staff to employ, or dismiss. Is this worship place glorifying God. is it right to do this or not? These are all cases/instances of judgement. What Christ is actually implying is 'condemnation'. Condemn not.
Learn not to condemn people. The thief you condemn, the adulterer you refused to preach to, or invite, because you have condemned him/her as not fit for the kingdom of God/gospel. God can touch any heart. Anybody can repent and have a change of heart. Don't condemn, don't put people in hell. It's not your job or ministry. This is the exhortation to all even today.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 10:13pm On Dec 31, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 12:50pm On Mar 01, 2013
March 1 Genesis 1v28

Gen 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.


A good day to you there, God bless you. "God bless you", "God bless you", that is a pretty common phrase, isn't it? It's actually more of a meaningless cliche to many, and not an explainable or tangible expression to several minds. Coincidentally, today's passage happens to be the first place that this expression is used for humans. Blessing is all compassing care given us by God. God has blessed and still blesses the human race. A reflection on our fragility and paradox dominion shows the blessings of God on us.
Consider that man is about the weakest 'animal' on the earth surface and the most susceptible to diseases, stomach ache, headache and other aches. A human embryo is said to be smaller than a grain of rice at four weeks old. The human body is so fragile that just by sneezing, all bodily functions, including your heart, stop momentarily. The human body has tons of processes going on inside even without our consciousness or consent. For instance,about 2million red blood cells die inside you every second, 10 billion skin flakes are shed daily, one billion cells must be replaced within the next hour. We have a stomach that gets a brand new lining every three days, and produces 2litres of hydrochloric acid daily. Think about if you(your entire body system) had to be managed and maintained by fellow humans, if you had to foot the bill for all that process! Respiring one litre of air every 10 seconds, heart beating 35million times a year and pumping one million barrels of blood annually, millions of skin cells per square inch and 100,000 miles of blood vessels in the body. Indeed, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and so are you. Not forgetting the mysterious fact that all humans are 99.9% genetically identical, it can safely be said that God blessed them.
God also gave responsibility, His blessings are usually conditional. God blessed them AND SAID. When He blesses, He says, and when He says, He blesses. The two are linked. There is a 'your' part and a 'His' part. He gave us responsibility to be fruitful, reproduce, replenish, subdue and have dominion. Every human has this awesome capability inherent in him/her. We should not live a purposeless life after all we have and are being blessed with. God blesses us with free gifts and wants us to make the earth like He made us. Replenish God's grace and goodness into other's lives and in every place, yes you.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 5:23pm On Mar 13, 2013
March 13 1Samuel 13:11

1Samuel 13:11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

King Saul was a man of reason. He was very good at logical reasoning. But God removed him and put David as king. David was not a man of reason, he was a man of faith. By that, i do not mean that he could not reason, but that he was not driven by reason but by faith. Faith is what makes you a man after God's heart. David had reasons not to confront Goliath. Boy, he had a promise and anointing from prophet Samuel as the next king of Israel. David had reasons to hate king Saul and even kill him when he had the chance, but he was a man of faith. Faith many times make you to do the unreasonable, like forgiving, or asking God for guidance(when you have God given brains for that matter), or telling a lame man to rise up and walk in Jesus' name, or going Abraham mode.
King Saul always had reasons, cogent reasons. It takes faith to please God, not reason. the world is looking for reason to please God. Are you like the world or of the world? Have you ever met people who had reasons to displease God? i have met folks who had sound reasons to displease God, people who had valid excuses to lose their faith. Who doesn't? Adam also had excuses, you are not the first person with a valid excuse.
Unfortunately, excuses would only excuse you out of God's kingdom. Do not spend your life on building excuses and reasons. Instead, be found building up yourself on your most holy faith. To obey is better than sacrifice. Obeying God is faith, not reason. People with faith will achieve much for God. People with reason will achieve little for God. i get usually wary of people who serve God because He has done this or that for them. Your love and service should be hinged on faith, not on reason. if you think you have reason, there is someone else that has a stronger reason than you do, who can convince you and reason out/away your reason with his own reason. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, not reason.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 10:14pm On May 19, 2013
.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Alwaystrue(f): 11:03pm On May 19, 2013
shocked Image123,
Una weldone here ooooooooo. See consistency. I am just seeing and visiting this thread for the first time.
May you receive God's blessing In Jesus name. More power to your fingers.
Great work.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 11:41am On May 20, 2013
Alwaystrue: shocked Image123,
Una weldone here ooooooooo. See consistency. I am just seeing and visiting this thread for the first time.
May you receive God's blessing In Jesus name. More power to your fingers.
Great work.
thanks my sister and Amen. na the 'consistency' part con get as e bi oh.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 4:09pm On Oct 20, 2014
October 20 1Timothy6:6

1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.


'Contentment' means satisfaction. To be content/contented is a little different from being complacent. Contentment is a virtue while complacency is a vice. Complacency breeds mediocrity and incompetence, complacency promotes self. The Bible gives a story of a complacent rich man. It is popularly known as the "parable of the rich fool". Here was a rich man, he had PLENTY. But he rested on his oars and trusted in himself. He said "take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry". It is considered foolish of man to rest on his oars. You know, i used to see this warning right from nursery school on report cards. This rich man should have learnt this. he learnt the hard way. He was complacent.
The Lord wants us to be contented. What again does it mean to be contented? Does it mean to happy at one's miserable condition? NO. If you're in a miserable condition, there should be plans and effort to get out of it. It is better to try than not to try at all. Does contentment mean to glorify poverty, or illiteracy? If i am in primary school, should i make no effort to get to secondary school? Would that be contentment? If i live in one room, should i never desire or plan towards owning three rooms? Would that be contentment? If i was a sinner, should i be satisfied in my sins? If i became born again(gave my life to Jesus, became saved, or whatever term you describe it as) last week, should i press towards the prize of God's high calling, and thirst for spiritual gifts and fruits, and the knowledge of God? Or should i remain satisfied and thanking God for saving me? Would that be contentment? NO.
The contentment this verse focuses is to know how to ABOUND and how to ABASE. Longsuffering is not long suffering. One is a fruit of the Spirit of God, the other is an affliction. True Contentment is to be happy and rested IN GOD. Real and genuine contentment is to trust God whatever may be, whatever we may be facing. You might be going through poverty and lack, it is not a time to be discouraged or to backslide. You still trust and believe in God, this is contentment. You might face something tragic like a loss of a close one, it is not a time or opportunity to become an atheist, or to charge God foolishly. This is Bible contentment. Contentment is not a resignation to fate, but faith in God's power and ability to see you through. Paul says "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need". He knew how to ABOUND. Contentment is not making poverty a permanent dwelling place. Contentment is SEEING constant need/want as SUFFERING. He did not enjoy need, He suffered need. Balance godliness with contentment, it is great gain.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 1:00pm On Jan 01, 2015
January 1 Psalm 144:14,15
SEND MORE LABOURERS.

Psa 144:14 That our oxen may be strong to labor; that there be no breaking in, nor going out ; that there be no complaining in our streets.
Psa 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.


That our oxen may be strong to labour. This is the plan and will of God for us His children. Our oxen depicts something we acquired to work for us. Our oxen symbolizes what we purchased, planned and got to produce for us. Our oxen ought to be strong to labour. If you got a phone, a car, a property to function and be productive for you, it ought to be strong to labour. It ought not to crash needlessly or develop unnecessary faults. It ought not to become a source of drain and pain, regret and wastage. That our oxen may be strong to labour; and that there be no breaking in, nor going out. This is your heritage, this is God's will and desire and focus. This is happiness, this is blessing. When the Bible says "Blessed", it refers to the same vein and state of being "Happy". Happy is that people, that is in such a case. Blessed is that people, that is in such a case. This is the case that God wants us to be in. So when we say "God bless you", it shouldn't be a vague saying or a vague expectation. When God blesses you, your oxen should be strong to labour. There should be NO COMPLAINING.
When we say Happy New Year 2015, we are actually saying "Blessed New Year 2015 to you." Happy, Blessed is that people, whose God is the LORD. The people that are blessed are in such a case. What case? A case and situation of no complaining. No breaking in, nor going out. We need those labourers Lord. This year must be sweet.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 4:36pm On Mar 02, 2016
March 2 Genesis 1:29
God's gifts to men.

Gen 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.



The Bible is likened to our Manufacturers manual. It is the book that contains information and instruction on how best man should operate and be operated. When you use an expensive device by trial and error method, you are likely to damage it or not optimally enjoy it. Man is more expensive and more precious than any device or equipment. We achieve optimal result when we live our lives based on information and instruction from the Word of God. The Bible contains the Word of God.
Today, God reminds us that we should see, Behold, every herb and every tree is a gift from Him to us. There are millions of species of trees and herbs, and in the thousands of years that the human race has been on earth, we have yet to make the most use of God's gifts to us. God cares for us. He provides for our spiritual and physical needs.
So many people limit God to the spiritual. They believe and think that anything that is not spiritual doesn't concern God, that it is not His realm or business. But God made all things. God wishes that we should have good health. Our feeding and health are primary concerns for God. He made provisions for them before we got here, from the beginning.
The solutions to all our sicknesses and diseases remain untapped and undiscovered, right inside the gifts of herbs, trees and fruits given to us by God. The Lord God made them all. Yes, of course, He gave us His Son and His blood too.
The pharmaceutical industry is said to be worth about $300 billion annually. This is WHO's estimate of how much they make from the gift of God every year. Children of God can have it cheaper. Children of God should eat good food, balanced diet and vitamin rich fruits to help their body system stay fresh, nourished and healthy. The Word of God remains settled in Heaven.
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by Image123(m): 9:48am On Apr 07, 2019
smiley smiley smiley
Re: Today's Rhema (God's gifts to men). by charlie34: 12:38pm On May 26, 2022
You can also buy a gift for a man for his birthday. If you're looking for a gift for a man, it's best to take some time to research the man you're buying for. Consider what he likes to do and what he already has. The Dad Shop has more information about the gifts for men.

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