frosbel:


I will rather we go back to Genesis.

Man was made in the following sequence :

1. Body from dust
2. Gods breath ( also called 'spirit' )
3. living Soul

No.3 is what MAN is as a whole being and this can be verified all over scripture. MAN when alive is a SOUL , when he dies he is a BODY.

MAN has to be saved wholly or damned wholly.

I have no issue with the judgement for in the ressurection unto life or unto damnation, we will have spiritual bodies....I see it as spirit in the soul.
John 5:29
I am trying to relate what Bidam said to Genesis.

What part of man did God create in Genesis 1:27?
What part of man did he create in Genesis 2:7?

Bidam: Salvation of Man's spirit is instant...salvation of the soul and body is progressive.

This in a way explains the distinction of how Jesus stated how people are born again and whether we will see or enter the kingdom of God.

If we go back to creation, it seems our souls were created first (at that time there was no life, knowledge or will as God was yet to activate us). God formed man's body around the soul which is the house of our earthly being and breathed in his spirit which made us living souls. The spirit is the life. The soul and spirit are the consciousness, with the body it is the reality. Genesis 2:7. That's why it was not recorded that God breathed into animals for they have no spirit in that sense...more like body and soul. Matthew 10:28.
Please correct me if I got the order wrong.
So at death, in essence the spirit returns to God who gave it Eccl. 12:7; Job 27:3, Job 33:4; the body returns to the dust and the soul (the whole knowledge, will, understanding) is judged...this is after receiving the new spiritual body and life for those who have eternal life. This seems very symbolic of Ezekiel 37:1-14 where God said he will open the graves and put his spirit into the dry bones and they will live.
This seems to mean at the resurrection of the dead, the spirit will return to man's soul for the final judgement and anyone whose name is not found, all those who call Lord Lord but do not do God's will, will be judged. What will a man give for his soul, what will it profit a man to lose his soul?
Hmmmmn, more study is needed.

@cjnone, mama jelouxy you see am abi? Lolz. Thanks dear.

@honeypie, amen. Keep up the good work. May the name of the Lord be praised.

@pintoxx, no be me o, na God e. It is well with us.

@ayaakanoh, it is just a matter of time.

@newbies you are welcome.

@oldies and MIAs una weldone o. We no wetin go draw una people out.

@Udobaby, ntoin o. I luff your baby already. He get mind of his own o. He don show you who be boss. No worry dear, baby they consider the quit notice you better beg am o.
Like the Hebrew women dear...

@Arly, how bory. Yes o, you get shares seriously. How your LO and DH?

@All, regarding the prayers...e no dey tire you to cry and beg? Do you even know who you are? Jesus has said in Luke 10:19 that I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. First go and confirm who you are and when you are sure come back and perform it.

Like Moses, Oya look at your hand? Wetin dey there? It is time to stretch forth that rod. How come you don dey carry 'opa ase' (rod of authority) all this while and you dey hide am. We are daughters and sons of the King! He has given us authority! Who does God say you are?
David knew who he was because of the lion he had killed so Goliath na baby thins, Joseph knew who he was and knew he won't allow temptation catch him, Elijah knew who he was and called down fire on the captains and their fifties, who are you?
If you know, start preparing and join us to declare for out tongue is the weapon of the season, the rod we will stretch and we will all do this together. Every body go declare o. It is time to take over!

Hebrews 5:12-14
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Just like we have food for babies and that of adults, the word of God which is food for the soul also has milk for babies and those for the strong.
Jesus once said to His disciples that there are somethings He could not tell them at that time for they will not be able to bear it, same as the Hebrew chapter.
We see many packaged foods often written, not suitable for babies or children under a certain age because of the complexity of such diet.

Exercising our understanding of the Word of God requires meditation just like a baby exercises his teeth gradually on meat or bones by personalising it with his saliva, 'meditating' on it in his mouth, then trying to crunch it. Babies do not need to exercise like this when drinking milk as it is easy to take. Hebrews 6:1-3 admonishes us to move on to perfection, move from the foundation to perfection in God.
A baby is only often cute till a certain age then after it is expected he take up greater challenges or the parents start getting annoyed or concerned. It is time to work out this salvation we have. As you eat your meat and crunch you bones in your physical food, ask yourself if this matches with your soul and inner man.

Your Storm Shelter (3)

Wednesday, 27 November 2013

'I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go...' Genesis 28:15

To prepare for life's storms you must:
(1) Practise self-control. Storms are much harder on the undisciplined and self-indulgent. The illusion that life should be easy, painless, an air-cushioned ride, makes you vulnerable to discouragement, disillusionment and defeat in hard times. The truth is, tough times don't last but tough people do! And tough people practise self-denial and self-control. It's their spiritual muscle for handling life's hardships. The Bible says, 'The fruit of the Spirit is...self-control...' (Galatians 5:22-23) God's Spirit will make you tough enough to control your greatest weakness - yourself - the thing that ultimately defeats you in the tough times. Paul lived by this principle. 'I discipline my body and keep it under control...' (1 Corinthians 9:27) Great athletes know that it's their conditioning, not the conditions, that determine their victory.

(2) Depend on God, not people. 'It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.' (Psalm 118:8.) Yes, others can help you at times, like a cast helps a broken leg. But once that leg is ready to bear its weight, you must discard the cast or your leg won't regain full strength. People can go so far; only God will go all the way with you.
Paul writes: '...No one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me...The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly Kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!' (2 Timothy 4:16-18.)

SoulFood: Gen 17-19, John 13:31-38, Ps 118:1-9, Pr 31:6-9

This is the The Word for Today

@Ayoku777,
Thanks for that perspective. As the bible says, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God and only those who have eternal life in Jesus will. God's kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost and eternal fellowship with God. Thank God for His grace to salvation and grace to help us live in fellowship with God always thus shunning the things that makes Him displeased.

Daniel 7:18
But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

Psalm 78:16-22
16 He made streams pour from the rock,
making the waters flow down like a river! 17 Yet they kept on sinning against him,
rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
18 They stubbornly tested God in their hearts,
demanding the foods they craved.
19 They even spoke against God himself, saying,
“God can’t give us food in the wilderness. 20 Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out,
but he can’t give his people bread and meat.”
21 When the LORD heard them, he was furious.
The fire of his wrath burned against Jacob.
Yes, his anger rose against Israel,
22 for they did not believe God
or trust him to care for them.

Thanking and believing God takes all our effort, will and being especially when you look at surrounding situations. The Israelites could not fathom how God will be able to provide them with meat and food in the dessert despite the fact that He had provided water. They demanded for food yet said God was not competent enough to provide it. What wickedness!!! They brought God down to their level of reasoning instead of elevating themselves to His by faith.
Even Father Abraham who had been told expressly by God to go and sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering knew that God was just too faithful and replied to Isaac when he asked for the lamb that God will provide himself a lamb for burnt offering. Oh my! What a level of faith!!!

Yesterday I felt a little weary and asked God for some encouragement before I slept and smiled. ! I did not need to ask, it is around me already...I am a living proof. I have seen Him pour out water from rocksin my life, what more do I need to see the quails and manna drop from heaven? Faith like Abraham's.

Psalm 78:16-22
16 He made streams pour from the rock,
making the waters flow down like a river! 17 Yet they kept on sinning against him,
rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
18 They stubbornly tested God in their hearts,
demanding the foods they craved.
19 They even spoke against God himself, saying,
“God can’t give us food in the wilderness. 20 Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out,
but he can’t give his people bread and meat.”
21 When the LORD heard them, he was furious.
The fire of his wrath burned against Jacob.
Yes, his anger rose against Israel,
22 for they did not believe God
or trust him to care for them.

Thanking and believing God takes all our effort, will and being especially when you look at surrounding situations. The Israelites could not fathom how God will be able to provide them with meat and food in the dessert despite the fact that He had provided water. They demanded for food yet said God was not competent enough to provide it. What wickedness!!! They brought God down to their level of reasoning instead of elevating themselves to His by faith.
Even Father Abraham who had been told expressly by God to go and sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering knew that God was just too faithful and replied to Isaac when he asked for the lamb that God will provide himself a lamb for burnt offering. Oh my! What a level of faith!!!

Yesterday I felt a little weary and asked God for some encouragement before I slept and smiled. ! I did not need to ask, it is around me already...I am a living proof. I have seen Him pour out water from rocksin my life, what more do I need to see the quails and manna drop from heaven? Faith like Abraham's.

Your Storm Shelter (2)

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

'You have been...a shelter from the storm...' Isaiah 25:4

To be prepared for life's storms you must:
(1) Know your storm manual. The hymnist Kelso Carter wrote: 'Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God.' Emotion-based faith is like a broken crutch; it won't support you in life's storms. It's fair-weather Christianity and it doesn't work. God's Word stands sure; it's greater than surrounding conditions and will enable you to outlast any storm. 'Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly...' (Colossians 3:16) Keep a rich deposit of Scripture within you at all times so you can make a withdrawal when you need it. Withstanding life's storms depends on your willingness to '...hear these words...and put them into practice...' (Matthew 7:24) So, memorise the Scriptures; read them until, if you're cut, you bleed Scripture. Meditate on God's Word until it fills and shapes your consciousness. When the storm came, Job said, '...I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.' (Job 23:12)

(2) Storm-proof yourself through prayer. Many of us treat prayer like a visit to the emergency room; until then we neglect it. Imagine where Daniel would have been if he'd held off praying until he was staring down the lion's throat? Not a smart move. Instead, in his time of crisis Daniel drew on faith built by a lifestyle of daily prayer. And in your crisis, you too can make withdrawals from your account - as long as you've been faithful to make regular deposits.


SoulFood: Gen 13-16, John 13:18-30, Ps 114, Pr 31:1-5


This is The Word for Today

OLAADEGBU:

God bless you my sister. Let's hope that the antinomians will see the light and come to the knowledge of truth.

Amen. The gospel is and has always been the same all through scripture. Believe/Obey God and LIVE. So simple to understand. There would have been no need for a curse when we abide in Jesus or sacrifice to atone for sins when we keep holding on to God as we see Abraham did not need such for He was faithful.
As I said earlier, I hope we all believe the very words of Jesus Christ Himself that is Light, Life and Truth with the understanding of the Holy Spirit that guides us for The Word of God is truth.

Galatians 3:8-9
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the GOSPEL unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith ARE BLESSED with faithful Abraham.


Genesis 22:16-18
16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
18 And IN THY SEED shall all the nations of the earth be BLESSED; BECAUSE thou hast OBEYED my voice.

Genesis 18 was the clinching point of the Faithfulness...note that I did not say faith but FAITHFULNESS of Abraham. Abraham was continuously faithful to God and OBEYING His voice and that was the reason God blessed Him. This was even before the law.

I Corinthians 10:1-5 tells us the Israelites were baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, they drank and ate the same spiritual food and drink from the rock that followed them, Jesus, but God was not pleased with them because of their lust. Even the below is another proof:

Hebrews 4:2
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but THE WORD PREACHED did not profit them, not being MIXED WITH FAITH in them that heard it

The gospel has always been the same throughout generations:

God said the same thing to Adam...of all the trees you may eat except the tree of good and evil else in that day Adam will die....He expected obedience. Adam failed. Adam actually died that day for he was cut off from the tree of life and driven away from God's blessing and suffered a curse.

God said same to Abraham, Walk before me and be blameless and the ultimate was God's request for Isaac (his most precious) and Abraham Obeyed! Woooow! God had to swear BY HIMSELF! That all nations will be blessed in Abraham.

God kept that promise and said same to Abraham's descendants that they should Obey His voice and receive life but they failed. He gave laws meant to keep them in blessing and life but it brought a curse and death instead for they just couldn't keep it due to unbelief and many perished.

God promised the Israelites another prophet to speak again in Deuteronomy 18 and Jesus coming affirmed it. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus expected His words to be believed for in it is life, health, abundance but many still don't even believe the words of Jesus as He predicted. John 5:42-43. His commission is the same preach the gospel and life and he who does not receive it is condemned already. He sent a helper for those who believe to enable them understand the mind of God...that is Holy Spirit.
That is the simplicity of the gospel. Life or death, blessing or curse.

God is longsuffering and still waits for the sinner to repent for He wants no one to perish but He won't toy with mans choice. Either OBEY God by the gospel unto life He has put before us or DiSOBEY and be left condemned. Mark 16:16.

Genesis 8:20-21
20 And Noah built an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
There are three things often significant in a sacrifice...the altar, the fire and the food (the usual sacrifice item).
The altar is the base, the location or the medium that carries the process, the fire is the heat needed to make changes to the food and causes a chemical reaction that brings out the effect needed and the food is what is offered.

Altars cannot be underemphasized as even Elijah had to build an altar in the name of the Lord in I Kings 18 to depict a holy place of worship. God was also particular about how altars were even built in the bible. Exodus 20.
Our hearts are the altar that is the basis for all we do in worshipping God. True worshippers worship in Spirit and truth.

The fire signifies trials and temptations needed to cause a change in what we offer to God. God loves it hot, vibrant and flavoured dornit pleases Him just like sweet aromas make us close our eyes in glee and inhale.

Now the food matters. Somethings give off horrible odours when burnt and some pleasant.

Where am I getting to? Well cooked and flavoured food and grills please God. So today let us offer our bodies (our will, desires, ambitions and self-firstness) up as a living sacrifice on the altars of a willing heart so that we give off life giving savours and aromas of love, joy, peace, patience, endurance, faithfulness and so on which is so pleasing to God.

Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Good morning all,

@bloomingbuds, this is a powerful and inspirational message. God always knows how to bring His will to pass so that the promise He gives us will make us continaully glorify Him.
Also remember David who was annointed King yet suffered so much from the same person he was to take over from. He even had opportunity to kill him in the caves but David refused to put forth his hand to do such evil and kill the Lord's annointed. He respected authority and knew his own time will come.
Let's seek God and delight in Him and do His pleasure. It is God that will give us the key or the wisdom for our situation and step in when we are well 'cooked' to release a pleasing odour to Him.

Your Storm Shelter (1)

Monday, 25 November 2013 

'...When a storm strikes...God will keep safe all who obey Him.' Proverbs 10:25

Heart-rending scenes of nature's devastation are hard to forget. Victims caught in the path of hurricanes, floods and earthquakes are tossed around like matchsticks. But those prepared in advance escape its destruction. There is no such thing as a storm-free life! The words 'When (not if) a storm strikes,' teach us that we all go through times of heartache and trouble. The question is: are you prepared? You can be. God can protect you in times of loss, sickness, divorce, unemployment, loneliness and depression. You may not be able to predict life's storms or prevent them, but you can prepare for them and be protected in them by doing the following things: Locate your storm shelter. Mid-storm is no time to be caught in confusion, seeking refuge for yourself and your family. You must know in Whom and where your protection lies. The Bible says, 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run to it, and are safe.' (Proverbs 18:10) God's 'name' speaks of His character, His reliability and His faithfulness. A man or woman without God is forced to be their own God - what a fearful thought! But those who love God can say, 'God is...always ready to help in times of trouble. And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea. Let the ocean roar and...its raging waves shake the mountains.' (Psalm 46:1-3 ) The old preacher had his own take on the hymn. He'd say, 'On Christ the solid rock I stand - all other rocks are sham-rocks!' Trust God; He's the only storm shelter you'll ever need.

SoulFood: Gen 10-12, John 13:1-17, Ps 95, Pr 30:29-33

This is the Word for Today

@Ola,
I believe everything we do should point to Christ. Last year, I started asking myself questions concerning the way Christmas is celebrated. Now I have no problem with the day we choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus but more on how it is being celebrated. Even on trips abroad, we get to see so many decorations from November but unless someone is told you never link it to Christ. The Christmas tree, the decorations, Santa wears and so on but none actually really shows the why and the whom we are celebrating.
I refused to put a holly wreath around my door knocker, I am not sure I even put up my Christmas tree though I put up lovely lights around the lovely shrubs in the compound of my house to signify celebration. I did all this because I needed clarity. The Jeremiah scripture you quoted is so apt however. Christmas trees are cut or the plastic types used and decked with silver and gold but what is the message. Do we hang scriptures around the tree or words of Christ like peace, joy etc, what about gold, myrhh and frankincense versions? Anything to truly show the essence. What about Santa clause and what children understand of who he is, who is he when we have to explain him to children? Some may think He is even God...hmmmm.
He is a creation of a mind, coming from a cold region, up somewhere in the sky and that logic is foisted on these little ones and many do not understand.

My message in essence is for us to bring Christ back into what we celebrate and make Him the centre of the celebration. Do we have tree decors like a manger, sheperd shapes, sheep, franckincense, angels ascending? Can't the 'Santa clause' be dressed like wisemen (google will show how they were dressed then) and give gifts to children for children to truly understand the significance of what and why we celebrate?

Let's just ensure all we do point back to Christ and let it be anothe point to win souls and be creative ways to get the world for Jesus.

2 Kings 4:38-41
38 And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
39 And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not.
40 So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.
41 But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot.

Divine wisdom is just so key in every area of life even cooking. See how a wild plant caused such a frantic statement by the prophets, that there is death in the pot.
If we spend time to watch food channel, you will see how many competitive chefs will say they will use pepper to cut down the sweetness of chocolate or some other ingredient to cut out the sourness of lemon. We use tomatoes to cut down the amount heat or spiceness in pepper and yam to cut own saltiness.
If you look critically at this passage, Prophet Elisha cut out the 'deathness' in the pot by using flour (meal). He provided the solution. Afterall, we did not hear any sons of the prophet died, they used their own mouths to say it.

All I am trying to bring out is that there is an antidote or code to counter anything in life. All we need is wisdom. God gives wisdom if we ask. Ask Him today.

frosbel: I am with our sister Alwaystrue on this one.

The resounding message all through the bible is everlasting life in the kingdom of GOD which will shortly come to stay. There was never another objective, for no sooner did Adam sin away the privilege of gaining everlasting life , did God begin to initiate the plan of restoration through Christ Jesus.

Jesus is that king of the new Kingdom and he has come to not only show us the father , but how to become partakers of that kingdom through his sacrifice and our conduct.

There is one gospel, irrespective of the dispensation, it has never changed.

Let us not complicate simple bible truths with excessive theology.

I am glad we agree on this. That is the simplicity of the gospel message. Let us be attentive to God's word and incline our ears to His sayings, for they are life and healing.

The gospel message is the message of LIFE.
That is the entirety of it.
The same gospel was preached to the Israelites for Paul affirmed that what should have brought life led to death because of unbelief. The message God even gave Adam in Eden was life...Do not eat of this tree...man disobeyed.
The same gospel was preached to Abraham that we will be JUSTIFIED through faith. Anyone not justified by God is as well dead.
In God's favour (grace) is life. In His rest is life. His commands and words are life. Jesus said He came to give us life more abundantly.
Everything in the good news is about life. The kingdom of God is life and life everlasting.
God gave His only Son so whoever BELIEVES in Him will NOT perish but have everlasting life. Even Jesus told us what eternal life is...that we may KNOW HIM...
That is the message. LIFE, LIFE, LIFE and accepting the messgw is by BELIEF and FAITH.

What Does God Want You to Do?

Sunday, 24 November 2013

'...You have laid Your hand upon me.' Psalm 139:5

David writes: '...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.' (Psalm 139:16) God put you here for a reason, but that doesn't mean others will understand it or agree with it. Nehemiah's critics thought he was on an ego trip, getting the prophets to speak well of him, and only out to enrich himself. Paul's critics called him a madman, a fool and a babbler. Christ's adversaries said that He was controlled by a devil. Expect attack, and be ready for it! Don't let it keep you from moving forward. Journalist Anna Quindlen, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 1992, had a dream in her heart that took her down a road others couldn't understand. In an address for the class of 2002 at Sarah Lawrence College, Quindlen explained: 'When I quit the New York Times to be a full-time mother, the voices of the world said I was nuts. When I quit the paper again to be a novelist, they said I was nuts again... But if success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your soul, it is not success at all.' David said, 'You have laid Your hand upon me.' When a dream comes from God, it will seem outrageous to more than a few people. You'll have to overcome some nay-sayers to achieve it. That's ok. If someone tries to silence your hope or deny your progress in the course of pursuing your dream, maybe that person isn't your friend.


SoulFood: Matt 4:18-20, Matt 16:13-23, Matt 26:69-75, John 21:15-19

This is The Word for Today

Lolz,
@Uteh, I get some work to do here for now but I dey post small small for ttc thread na. OK na, I don hear you @twinsgirls and @uteh o. Today is day 23, e be like say after the challenge, we go change the name of the thread because I don gbadun @dreams recipes too much. 'Beans brownies' ye!

@dreams, where you enter o. U nefa come back from market come cook o?


Ezekiel 18:2
and said, “What is this proverb people keep repeating in the land of Israel? ‘The parents ate the sour grapes, But the children got the sour taste.’
This proverb is deep. Whatever people do now may have repercussions on their children in so many areas even in food.

When you eat right, even children enjoy it. That is why pregnant women are advised to avoid certain foods because it may have negative impact on the foetus. Taking some antibiotics have effect on the teeth of unborn babies. Even taking unhealthy food can cause both mum nd breastfeeding baby to have diarrhoea. There is a repercussion for poor choices.

In the same way imagine the logic of what you eat now having positive result in your body thus affecting your baby/children positively. Why eat 'sour grapes' today that will make your children feel the taste tomorrow?

Why not eat healthy today so that even when your children are grown, you will spend your old age for proper omugwo rather than letting your children pay hospital bills due to effect of poor choice of meals at this time.
Take your health seriously, take your feeding seriously so you can enjoy prosperity now and in the future by God's grace.
Before you make meal choices today, think of your children (born and unborn).

Pray from Your Heart

Saturday, 23 November 2013

'...when you search for Me with all your heart.' Jeremiah 29:13

God isn't moved by your eloquence or the multiplicity of your words. He's moved by a heart that spills the burdens of the day across the altar, exposing every pain to the power of a God who 'can'. Can what? Can do whatever you have the faith to believe Him for. '...Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.' (Mark 11:24) Your confidence in prayer is not based on your ability to speak, but on God's ability to hear and understand. He knows what you are trying to say. The old hymn goes: 'In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief. And oft escaped the tempter's snare, by thy return, sweet hour of prayer.' Either learn to pray, or become good at worrying! What you give to God, He handles. What you keep, handle. Spiritually, when everything is 'going out' and nothing's 'coming in', you collapse under the weight of it all. Is that where you are today? If so, prayer is your answer. It restores what life depletes. When you pray you're saying, 'Lord, I believe You're more competent to deal with this than I am, and I trust You to do it.' When you pray that way, the heart of your boss is in God's hands, the surgery you dread is in His hands, your children and your finances are in His hands. God is ready to intervene on your behalf - just pray from your heart. 'Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.' (Psalm 37:5)


SoulFood: Gen 7-9, John 12:37-50, Ps 102:18-28, Pr 30:24-28

This is The Word for Today

italo:
One can remain a Christian without the Bible. All the apostles and their companions never saw a Bible...and they remained Christians.

@Italo, people became BELIEVERS by believing the word of God. Check all the gospel accounts....those that accepted Christ's teachings were all called believers before they were coined as 'CHRISTIANS' afterwards.
All the believers of that time may not have seen a 'compiled bible' as we see today but they had the books of the law & prophets as you have seen as written in scrolls, parchments and books atimes.
Their going to the synangogue was to hear the book of the law. Jesus came to provide the light, truth & LIFE to the Word of God as written not just the letters. We have many scriptures that tell us the importance of hearing the word of God before believing for belief is a deep word. Faith is deep as well as you need the Word and the Spirit to keep us FAITHFUL. Faithfulness is continuous. Please find below some scriptures that show that they needed to study or hearing scripturers to believe.

Romans 10:13-15
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

II Timothy 3:14-17
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them
15 And that from a child thou hast known the HOLY SCRIPTURES, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord

You need the bible (collection of scripture) to remain a Christian for you need it for training, teaching, reproof so as to be adequate and equipped. The Word of God is the life and truth of living and is the oil for our 'lamps'.

Believers (coined as Christians) is the key word here NOT CHURCH-GOERS.

@ajayikayod,
I must admit I have drawn a lot of understanding from some of your posts. God uses tools (good or bad) to bring His will and purpose to pass.
If anyone is wicked and presents Himself as a wicked man, God will use that wickedness to ensure His plan still materialises. It is still left to the wicked person to chose to repent.
Jospeh said it that His brothers meant evil by selling Him to Egypt but God had planned it for good but if you notice Joseph did not go to Egypt and mess up himself with Potiphar's wife or mess up in prison. He remained a vessel unto honour. His will remained aligned to God's.

II Timothy 2:20-21
20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work
The above scripture shows that there are different kinds of vessels or tools that God uses, but there is a clause....IF ANYONE CLEANSES HIMSELF...He will be a worthy vessel unto Honour.
Man has to subject His will with God's will and cleanse His way to be a worthy vessel.

@ayaakanoh,
Hmmmmmmn. See as @Pink22 who herself is going through a lot is comforting you and you are encouraged. Wow! Just watch the salvation of God as you delight yourself in Him. It is time to be fully encouraged in the Lord. It is time to feed yourself more in the word of God so we can pray the will of God to manifestation. See the Word as food today and devour it more than medicine. It will give you wisdom on what to do, who to go to and direct your steps with the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives beauty for your ashes.

Luke 21:19
Stand firm, and you will win life

Hebrews 10:36
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised

@twinsgirls,
Thanks for the suggestion. I have, however, dropped a message sometime back on the ttc thread that I paste messages here and they can pop in from time to time to get some spiritual and physical diet insights.




Job 23:12
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Jeremiah 15:16
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts

In this challenge, we see more clearly that we need to delight ourselves in the Lord. Nourishing our inner man is what is needed for us to stay comforted, happy, encouraged, warned, reproved, and instructed. Just as we eat our food and receive strength to forge ahead in the days work, the same way we need to nourish our spirit to be able to maintain the peace of God He has already given us through His Son Jesus Christ. We may try to behave ourselves like believers should or preach to sinners but if we do not have the word (food) we will quickly tire and wear out. It is the word of God that makes our hearts satisfied and happy just as you feel after eating a well-cooked meal. Job said He treasures the word Of God more than his daily bread....remember our diet of yesterday?
With constant meditation, you will be surprised how much a scripture will come alive at you that you will ask yourself if you ever saw that scripture before. You did, its just that you looked at it without seeing it, the eyes our our understanding are now opened to see the deep riches of the jewel of God's word. Wow!

There is nothing as important as knowing the mind of God over a matter for then we can pray the will of God. When you now share such with people, many ask if you are a pastor even when you are not. It is not about what you what to say to people but how well nourished are you like the five wise virgins who had enough oil in their lamps that nourished the light in them and thus made it possible for them to meet the groom. We need Jesus more when we feel weary, weak and poor in the Spirit for then when we mediatate, His words will dwell in us more richly and makes us have a continual feast of rejoicing.

Check yourself today, do you have oil in your lamp?

When God Puts You on Hold (2)

Friday, 22 November 2013
'By your patience possess your souls.' Luke 21:19

Make peace your priority. Don't let your inner man be controlled by outside pressures. When you 'go to war' everybody suffers, but when you let '...the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts...' (Colossians 3:15), it restores your perspective and creates an atmosphere that's conducive to solutions. Look for a breakthrough from an unexpected source.When you 'commit your way to the Lord...' (Psalm 37:5), don't be surprised when the people and circumstances He sends into your life aren't what you expected. He spoke to Balaam through a donkey (Numbers 22), and He used a burning bush to get Moses' attention (Exodus 3). Don't be in such a hurry. Ever notice that the faster you go, the more behind you get? Jesus said, 'By your patience possess your souls.' As Henry Blackaby observes: 'God's timing is...best...He may be withholding directions to cause you to seek Him more intently. Don't try to skip the relationship and get on with doing. God is more interested in a relationship with you than He is in what you can do for Him.' Don't be too proud to ask for help. Solomon said, '...with humility comes wisdom.' (Proverbs 11:2) If the people you turn to aren't immediately available, be patient and don't give up. God designed us to work together, and somewhere up the road you will be called to help somebody by sharing what you're learning right now. 'He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble.' (2 Corinthians 1:4)


SoulFood: Gen 4-6, John 12:20-36, Ps 102:12-17, Pr 30:21-23

This is The Word for Today

Luke 4:17
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written

Luke 24:45
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
What the early Christians had as written were the law of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms as seen in the quote above and this is what Jesus Christ, full of the Holy Spirit, drew His teaching from for He is the Word, opening the eyes of our underststanding to the deep mysteries and spirit of the laws to make us understand better the mind of God. This is what only Jesus and Holy Spirit can do...it is the same scripture.
One thing Jesus also said was that we should let His words abide in us. His words which He said are Life, Spirit, Light, Truth and Grace. The preaching of the life of Christ as said by the disciples I.e. The doctrines of Christ as well.

What happened after the death of Christ was the Chronicles of the Acts of the Apostles, the letters and epistles and the revelations as received by the Holy Spirit.
Holy Scriptures remain but if read wrongly will never profit the reader. Searching scriptures require eyes of our understanding being opened to understand the deep riches of God.

The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit agree, none contradict.
That is why Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law but fulfil it, that is give is full expression, meaning and life..

The bible is a collection of these books and letters. It documents the Word of God from the beginning to the end and it is the Word of God that we hear that brings us to Christ and gives us Faith. (Romans 10:14-15)

Jesus has said adultery or any sin starts from the heart. So when a man or woman looks at the opposite sex (who is not their spouse) with lustful desire, the person has already sinned. We however have grace in Jesus to have pure hearts and renewal of thoughts daily.
Matthew 5:27-28
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Never commit adultery.’
28 But I can guarantee that whoever looks at a woman and desires her has already committed adultery in his heart.


Even Job understood the importance of this spiritual law, that God judges the intents of the heart.
Job 31:1
I made a covenant with my eyes
not to look with lust at a young woman.

Sex is only approved in marriage and as long as they are not (yet) married, let the man treat her in all purity as he would his own sister and she the same (I Timothy 5:2) or let them marry as they are behaving improperly (I Corinthians 7:36). It is the hard but simple truth.

The onus is on us to guard our hearts with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.

@Mamas and Papas, I thought to post this very inspiring message for anyone out there about to give up. I want to tell you to hold onfor God's perfect plan is unfolding:

When God Puts You on Hold (1)

Thursday, 21 November 2013
'...Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.' Romans 12:12

We've been dubbed 'the microwave generation' for good reason - we charge through life like we're on fire! But God has His own timetable and it can't be rushed. So when He puts you on hold: Watch your words. Like a small rudder on a big ship, what you say determines your direction and helps stop the wrong thoughts from infiltrating your mind. Mel Weldon said, 'My mind is a garden, my thoughts are the seeds; my harvest will be either flowers or weeds.' Ask God to help you control your emotions. Paul says, 'Be glad for all God is planning...Be patient in trouble...and prayerful always.' Complaining magnifies the problem. Prayer turns negative energy into a powerful force for good. Look for the humour in it. Solomon said, '...he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.' (Proverbs 15:15) Laughter dispels tension, lightens the burden and fills your soul with joy. Appreciate the chance to learn, however difficult the problem.Solomon said, '...the diligent make use of everything...' (Proverbs 12:27) Learn from your experience regardless of how hard it is, and remember, some of the world's greatest discoveries and breakthroughs resulted from crises. Love unconditionally. Problems are caused by people, and under pressure it's tempting to lash out. The bottom line is: we all make mistakes, and nobody is beyond redemption! Aren't you glad about that? Learn to see people through God's eyes. '...Overcome evil with good.' (Romans 12:21) Be courteous, and maintain your dignity when you're under pressure (Romans 12:10).


SoulFood: Gen 1-3, John 12:12-19, Ps 102:1-11, Pr 30:18-20

This is The Word for Today



@Kike100,
I just want you to know I watched the link you posted on the prayers for mothers. It is really powerful. I listened over and over again. We shall enjoy the fruit of our labour over our children in Jesus name. Amen.

POWERFUL WORD FOR TODAY!!!

When God Puts You on Hold (1)

Thursday, 21 November 2013
'...Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.' Romans 12:12

We've been dubbed 'the microwave generation' for good reason - we charge through life like we're on fire! But God has His own timetable and it can't be rushed. So when He puts you on hold: Watch your words. Like a small rudder on a big ship, what you say determines your direction and helps stop the wrong thoughts from infiltrating your mind. Mel Weldon said, 'My mind is a garden, my thoughts are the seeds; my harvest will be either flowers or weeds.' Ask God to help you control your emotions. Paul says, 'Be glad for all God is planning...Be patient in trouble...and prayerful always.' Complaining magnifies the problem. Prayer turns negative energy into a powerful force for good. Look for the humour in it. Solomon said, '...he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.' (Proverbs 15:15) Laughter dispels tension, lightens the burden and fills your soul with joy. Appreciate the chance to learn, however difficult the problem.Solomon said, '...the diligent make use of everything...' (Proverbs 12:27) Learn from your experience regardless of how hard it is, and remember, some of the world's greatest discoveries and breakthroughs resulted from crises. Love unconditionally. Problems are caused by people, and under pressure it's tempting to lash out. The bottom line is: we all make mistakes, and nobody is beyond redemption! Aren't you glad about that? Learn to see people through God's eyes. '...Overcome evil with good.' (Romans 12:21) Be courteous, and maintain your dignity when you're under pressure (Romans 12:10).


SoulFood: Gen 1-3, John 12:12-19, Ps 102:1-11, Pr 30:18-20

This is The Word for Today

Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread

This is part of the words of Jesus when He taught us how to pray. God realises that what we put in our bodies is important because that is the fuel needed to help our bodies fulfil the purpose to which God created us.
In Matthew 4:4, Jesus said "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God". We may think Jesus is not concerned about feeding but His statement is perfect, He linked food and the Word of God, telling us that yes, we may eat bread but that is not what we live on alone, for we also need the Word of God.
Why is this? Jesus is telling us to feed both our physical body and also our spiritual body. Daily bread means both physical food and spiritual food.

Besides, He said...Give us THIS DAY (or TODAY), meaning we should always depend on God for provision and insight DAILY. Just like the manna that was gathered by the children of Israel daily for freshness for they were commanded not to keep the food till the next day or it will grow worms except in preparation for the Sabath, Jesus does not want us to feed on stale food of yesterday but to enjoy His lovingkindness, justice, strength and compassion every morning for they are new everyday. (Lamentations 3:23; Isaiah 33:2; Zephaniah 3:5).
He understands that people like @twinsgirls will ask for new recipes everyday so we do not get tired over eating the same thing everyday so He gives us our daily bread EVERY DAY with a freshness of taste that can only be from God. Hasn't our God just thought everything out for us and pre-empted our desires? He is Jehovah tooooooo much!