@nwapastor,
We are awaiting your testimony o. Please share. Everything and I are fine. ohhhhh, thanks. I am gladened that you spent time to read through the devotional. God usually send His Words to us in various ways and it always comes in season. Amen God has already answered.

It's Time to Take Action (3)


Tuesday, 16 September 2014


'They go from strength to strength.' Psalm 84:7 NKJV


The three essential steps to success are:
(1) Do something;
(2) Do something today;
(3) Do something every day.

One personal growth expert says, 'We read about people who sail around the world in a thirty-foot sailboat or overcome handicaps to win a gold medal at the Olympics, and we later find their stories are all about persistence.' If you want to know your future, look at your daily routine. You don't determine your future, you determine your habits and your habits determine your future. The secret to success lies in doing the right things day after day. If you do that, you will eventually succeed.

But a word of caution: important priorities have a way of slipping out of place while you're focused on less important things. Some sacrifices are simply not worth it:

(1) In your attempt to build a reputation, don't lose your character. Reputation is what people think you are; character is what God and those closest to you know you are.

(2) Don't sacrifice your family for your career. If you do you'll end up winning the admiration of those who don't matter, while losing the love of those who do.

(3) Don't sacrifice your relationship with God for material things.

God told His people, 'You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth... If you ever forget the Lord... you will surely be destroyed.' (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 NIV)


SoulFood: Neh 11-13; Luke 22:14-23; Ps 78:56-64; Pro 24:5-10




This is The Word For Today

@Odunharry,
Congrats on the successful completion of your exams and your successful result in advance. Amen. Thanks for your continuous publishing of the word for today. It always comes with great insights.
You will be surprised the people that come in here to read these posts.

@Bantino & @anice2014, thanks for popping in and posting. The word of God always comes anew and this is why apart from any private study we do, the word for today comes usually at a time that one needs an advice or another.

@Lateef4me, you scarce o.

@aminymas, @udoka2, @favouredgal, amen to your prayers. God bless you. We will rejoice.

@noblewife, amen to the prayer. May the Lord fill your mouth with laughter.

@all the auxiliary doctors, nurses and fertility polices as @blesseddiva said una weldone o.



Have you become a shadow of your former self? Have you lost your joy because of what you do not yet have? Has the song trailed of in your life?

Exodus 1:10-11
10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.

11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

Like pharaoh said concerning the children of Israel, the devil is dealing wisely with you...he has given you burdens that are not yours to take away your joy, happiness and gladness.
Infact you are now spending your resources and strength building empires for other people and making them rich because the devil has wisely take away the joy of salvation and trust in the promises of God.
Now instead of happiness is despair, instead of trust we have unbelief.

God had to bring the Israelites out of Egypt by a great deliverance so the children of Israel can do one thing for Him. What is that?

Exodus 9:1
"Go back to Pharaoh," the LORD commanded Moses. "Tell him, 'This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so they can worship me.
All God wanted was for Israel to worship Him.


Are you worshipping God today? Or do you not know that is His will? Yes it is:

I Thess. 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

So has anyone stopped giving thanks IN ALL THINGS now because of SOMETHINGS you do not have yet.

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.

So how many of us are doing that will of God? Thanking Him in all things....so we can receive all He has promised? I hope we now understand that it will only take the joy of the Lord to give us strength to be patient while we await God's full manifestation for He has heard us and given us our desire. Receive it with thanks.

May your heart be filled with joy. Amen.

Peace in the Time of Terror!


Thursday, 11 September 2014 01:07


'My future is in your hands.' Psalm 31:15 NLT


September 11, 2001, Americans awoke to scenes of horror that would remain enduringly etched on the national memory. Its shock waves told the world that things would never be the same again. Sleepy eyes stared transfixed as television brought home the collapsing twin towers with their thousands of innocent occupants, the deadly attack on the Pentagon, and the cruel fate of an airliner and passengers hurtling into a rural Pennsylvania field. Unexpected, swift and violent, these attacks shook people to the core and exemplified a jarring new reality: the proliferation of universal terrorism.

Fears of suicide bombers, chemical and biological attack still reverberate through our world of high-tech, security-conscious cities, airports, trains and bus terminals. Centuries before, King David faced the threat of conspiracy from both his enemies and his friends. Feeling abandoned, alone and vulnerable, he cried out, '[There is] terror on every side.' (Psalm 31:13 NIV) King, warrior and giant-slayer, David still felt the palpable terror of his situation. Frightened, he refocused his thoughts and heart to the source of real protection.

'But, I am trusting You, O Lord.' (Psalm 31:14 NLT) Afraid, but still trusting! And choosing to trust restored his perspective. 'My future is in Your hands.' (Psalm 31:15 NLT) His litany of fears gave way to faith and prayer. 'How great is the goodness You have stored up...You lavish it on those who come to You for protection.' (Psalm 31:19 NLT) 'You hide them in the shelter of Your presence, safe from those who conspire against them.' (Psalm 31:20 NLT) In Jesus, you'll find peace in the time of terror!


SoulFood: Col 3-4; Philemon; Luke 21:1-11; Ps 78:9-16; Pro 23:22-25


This is The Word For Today

'Lord, Where Are You?' (2)


Wednesday, 10 September 2014 01:18


'He will bring justice if you will only wait.' Job 35:14 NLT


Have you ever tried to sit and watch a seed sprout? You can't, can you? It stays in the ground until the time is right for it to emerge. There's a lesson here. God has planted certain things within you, and you must wait for them to take root and grow. And the unresolved issues of your past can undermine this process. Often it takes prayer and counselling to bring these issues to the surface so that you can effectively deal with them.

With God, a delay is not a denial. When speaking to Job, his friend Elihu said, 'It is wrong to say God doesn't listen, to say the Almighty isn't concerned. You say you can't see Him, but He will bring justice if you will only wait.' (Job 35:13-14 NLT) What great advice! Charles Trumbull said, 'God knows when to withhold or grant visible signs of encouragement. It's good when He sends confirmation, but we grow faster when we've trusted Him without it.

Those who do, always receive the greatest visible evidence of His love.' God answers every prayer; it's just that across some He writes, 'The time is not right yet.' Job asks, 'How long will this trial last? Why doesn't God answer?' Because it takes as long as it takes - and usually feels uncomfortable the whole time. But there's good news. Eventually your prayers become less about getting answers and more about connecting with God.
By letting Him work:
(1) you begin to realise that He is with you;
(2) you develop a deeper level of intimacy with Him;
(3) you discover you can trust Him for the entire trip.


SoulFood: Col 1-2; Luke 20:41-47; Ps 78:1-8; Pro 23:19-21



This is The Word For Today

'Lord, Where Are You?' (2)


Wednesday, 10 September 2014 01:18


'He will bring justice if you will only wait.' Job 35:14 NLT


Have you ever tried to sit and watch a seed sprout? You can't, can you? It stays in the ground until the time is right for it to emerge. There's a lesson here. God has planted certain things within you, and you must wait for them to take root and grow. And the unresolved issues of your past can undermine this process. Often it takes prayer and counselling to bring these issues to the surface so that you can effectively deal with them.

With God, a delay is not a denial. When speaking to Job, his friend Elihu said, 'It is wrong to say God doesn't listen, to say the Almighty isn't concerned. You say you can't see Him, but He will bring justice if you will only wait.' (Job 35:13-14 NLT) What great advice! Charles Trumbull said, 'God knows when to withhold or grant visible signs of encouragement. It's good when He sends confirmation, but we grow faster when we've trusted Him without it.

Those who do, always receive the greatest visible evidence of His love.' God answers every prayer; it's just that across some He writes, 'The time is not right yet.' Job asks, 'How long will this trial last? Why doesn't God answer?' Because it takes as long as it takes - and usually feels uncomfortable the whole time. But there's good news. Eventually your prayers become less about getting answers and more about connecting with God.
By letting Him work:
(1) you begin to realise that He is with you;
(2) you develop a deeper level of intimacy with Him;
(3) you discover you can trust Him for the entire trip.


SoulFood: Col 1-2; Luke 20:41-47; Ps 78:1-8; Pro 23:19-21



This is The Word For Today

@darlenee,
Amen. You are blessed too and all our parents here as well.

@muma & @Loretemi, thanks. God is faithful.

@Santagelo,
Wow, wow, wow! That is one heaven of a powerful message. The way you wove it and broke it down is sooooo inspiring. If only we look back at all the times God came through for us just like the children of Israel got their deliverances on a platter of gold in Egypt when He showed up, we will always be able to believe Him for bigger things.
I think the Israelites (even us today) easily forget all the FAST things God did for us and get despondent when he is seemingly slow at some others. It is all a test of faith. That is why the bible says the just shall live by his faith.

I listened to the G.O. of RCCG, Papa Adeboye during the last Holy Ghost night aired on Dove TV where he gave the tesitmony of a lady who had twins WITHOUT a womb!!!! Which science can prove that? Naysayers and will try to explain it away using oppositions of science but at the end of the day like the blind man Jesus healed who said "I was blind but now I see!", that is the conclusion of the whole matter.

@Rute, 'So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry' Heb. 10:35-37.
Receive grace dear. The joy of the Lord strengthens you.

@Godsgrace, What a wonderful testimony of what you passed through to get admission and how God eventually came through for you. IT PAYS TO SERVE THE LORD NO MATTER WHAT.

You need not compare yourself with those who did all sorts yet they have no delays people. That is them and this is you. It becomes self-righteousness when we feel some people do not deserve something than others. God is faithful and merciful to those who trust Him yet he rains on both the good and the bad. Despite the blamelessness of Zechariah and Elizabeth they were called for a purpose as @Santagelo said.

Like Jesus said to Peter when Peter asked him aboyt John 'When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, Lord, what about this man? Jesus said to him, If I want him to stay (survive, live) until I come, what is that to you? [What concern is it of yours?] You follow Me!'
Everyone will face their own battles in life, carry YOUR OWN CROSS and follow Christ is the command.
May we continually lean on the help of God alone.

Good morning all.

@Odunharry,
I wish all the best of favour and grace in your exams. Thanks for the continual publishing of the word.

@Lateef4me, how now?

'Lord, Where Are You?' (1)


Tuesday, 09 September 2014 01:13


'I cry out to You, O God, but You do not answer.' Job 30:20 NIV


Do you feel like God isn't answering your prayers? Job the patriarch felt the same way: 'I cry out to You, O God, but You do not answer; I stand up, but You merely look at me... When I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness.' (Job 30:20; 26 NIV) All of us go through times when it feels like God has moved and left no forwarding address. What's He up to? Why doesn't He respond? There are some lessons you only learn when God is silent:

(1) Silence isn't absence. An old proverb says, 'Speech is silver, silence is gold!' Sometimes God says to you, 'Be still, and know that I am God.' (Psalm 46:10 NIV) You have to be really secure with somebody to just sit quietly with them. Silence takes the emphasis off words and builds a level of intimacy where they're no longer necessary. If you want to be comfortable with God, learn to enter into meditation and silence with Him.

(2) Silence tests your faith. How much faith is actually involved when somebody's coaching your every step? It's like a parent running alongside a child who's learning to ride a bike. Right now the child lacks confidence, but they're going to look strange at age twenty if that parent is still trotting along beside them! At some point God takes His hands off the wheel to see how far you've progressed. And for a while it can be a wobbly ride. That's when you demonstrate how far you've come, and where you're placing your trust.


SoulFood: Josh 22-24; Luke 20:27-40; Ps 27; Pro 23:16-18



This is The Word For Today

Good morning mums and dads,
@Santagelo, @Loretemi. @Zezzy, @Chyvia, @Udobaby, @MSTIA and others too innumerable to mention, my greetings.

May the Lord perfect and manifest all concerning us. He is God that does a quick work...too faithful to fail.

@bolateetoe,
Please quickly visit the hospital but in the meantime stand against whatever evil it is in prayer.

Be blessed.


'Lord, Where Are You?' (1)


'I cry out to You, O God, but You do not answer.' Job 30:20 NIV


Do you feel like God isn't answering your prayers? Job the patriarch felt the same way: 'I cry out to You, O God, but You do not answer; I stand up, but You merely look at me... When I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness.' (Job 30:20; 26 NIV) All of us go through times when it feels like God has moved and left no forwarding address. What's He up to? Why doesn't He respond? There are some lessons you only learn when God is silent:

(1) Silence isn't absence. An old proverb says, 'Speech is silver, silence is gold!' Sometimes God says to you, 'Be still, and know that I am God.' (Psalm 46:10 NIV) You have to be really secure with somebody to just sit quietly with them. Silence takes the emphasis off words and builds a level of intimacy where they're no longer necessary. If you want to be comfortable with God, learn to enter into meditation and silence with Him.

(2) Silence tests your faith. How much faith is actually involved when somebody's coaching your every step? It's like a parent running alongside a child who's learning to ride a bike. Right now the child lacks confidence, but they're going to look strange at age twenty if that parent is still trotting along beside them! At some point God takes His hands off the wheel to see how far you've progressed. And for a while it can be a wobbly ride. That's when you demonstrate how far you've come, and where you're placing your trust.


SoulFood: Josh 22-24; Luke 20:27-40; Ps 27; Pro 23:16-18

The Time Is Near



Monday, 01 September 2014


'Know that it is near-at the doors!' Matthew 24:33 NKJV


Almost three thousand years ago, God said through the prophet Amos that just before the coming of the Lord, the Jews would return from the four corners of the earth and rebuild the nation of Israel. 'I will bring back my exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the Lord your God.' (Amos 9:14-15 NIV)

In 1948 the nation of Israel was born. In 1949 they elected their first president, hoisted their own flag, instituted their own constitution and started minting their own money. It's an amazing fulfilment of prophecy. Now read what Jesus said: 'Learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near - at the doors!' (Matthew 24:32-33 NKJV)

In Scripture the fig tree represents the nation of Israel. Surrounded and threatened by hostile neighbours, she stands today as a testimony to the accuracy and reliability of God's prophetic Word. And the same Christ who announced the rebirth of Israel made an even greater promise to those of us living in the end of the age. 'Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.' (Revelation 3:11 NKJV) Are you ready? Are you living your life in the light of His soon return?


SoulFood: Josh 1-4; Luke 19:1-10; Ps 84; Pro 22:24-26



This is The Word For Today

@Slim,
Congrats! Happy 9 months to you and safe delivery.

@All,
It is another month end. May the Lord show forth His glory. Below is an excerpt from a message. Let us offer ourselves as living sacrifices unto the Lord so every 'fat' in our lives will be burned and we will be a sweet smelling savour unto Him.

Leviticus. 6:12
And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings

God's desire for us as his children is that we burn with inner fire thats too hot for sin ot the devil.

From our text, we see that for the fire to keep burning, the priest must lay the burnt offering in order upon the altar. What is this burnt offering and why must it be in order?

The burnt offering that will ensure a continuous burning on the altar is you. Rom 12: 1 implores us to present our bodies as living sacrifices....

There is also need for order in the things of God. A disorderly altar cannot attract divine fire.
Elijah in 1 Kings 18 put the wood and stones in order before the fire fell. Put your life in order. Get rid of sin and all such and get ready for a fire fall.

We also see that another thing that will sustain the fire is the fat that will be burnt on it. Fat as we know is sweet but not healthy. When God want to cause a man to burn for him, he demands for those things which he loves too much. Those things that are too sweet to let go. His response will determine if he is usable. Abraham must let go of Isaac, Elisha must let go of a buoyant business etc. Sleep is sweet but it might just be the fat to sacrifice to burn for the king.

Ready to be ever burning?
Get set. Now is the time.

Prayers:

1. Father thank you for today and for your word to me today, Amen.

2. Father whatever I need to drop on the altar to burn better, I let go today, Amen.

3. Father make me an ever burning life for you, Amen.

4. Father, as i present my body as a living sacrificd, burn off anything not giving you glory, burn off barrenness that is causing people to question my belief in you.

5. Lord let your word concerning me that i be fruitful and multiply be hastened to be performed before this month ends in Jesus name. Amen.

@Odunharry,
I wish you divine success and retentive memory as you read. I pray for wisdom as you read, knowledge gained based on your studies and inspirations and understanding of how to download it at the exams. May you receive direction to know where what questions will be examined so you can prepare better. Amen.

Thanks I have shared your post.

JesusisLord85:

It's like you people do not know what a shadow is.

You quoted colossians 2:16 "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days"

It is clear you believe this is being used to justify not keeping holy days. Well, the problem is you don't understand the precept for Colossians 2:16. Let me show you the precept and you can judge for yourself, or keep making excuses for your sin:

Ezekiel 45:17 "And it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moon[/b]s, and in the [b]sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel."

Paul was talking about OFFERINGS. Christ was the lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the word. It is NOT talking about not observing the holy days. If it were, that would make Paul a false teacher.

See my latest thread that sheds more light.

https://www.nairaland.com/1873588/gods-laws-commandments-done-away

Shalom

Paul was talking about what we eat, or drink or regarding keeping holy days...it was not just about the keeping of holy days, he covered people who said it is wrong to eat this or drink that too.

What does this mean, he had no issues with whether they wanted to eat or not eat, drink or not drink, keep holy days or not keep it. All he meant was that people should not judge you on such things. That was why he emphasised the shadow and reality. All these things had a reality which was revealed but he did not judge anyone who chose or chose not to regard the 'shadow'.


Jesus placed emphasis on the essence of the Sabbath. He said it was about doing good and man was not made for rest (Sabbath) but rest (Sabbath) was made for man. It did not mean if something happens to a man's animal (means of livelihood), he should not go handle it because it was Sabbath or if people were hungry, they should not go get the food because it was Sabbath. It is all about love...it is you making such a big deal out of it.

That is why i simply asked, what did Jesus say about the feasts?

'The Sunny Side of the Street'


Friday, 29 August 2014


'Give me life through Your Word.' Psalm 119:37 NLT


Jane Johnson Struck set out on a frigid winter evening to deliver dinner to the family of a friend who had died. Snarled in traffic and juggling an already overloaded schedule, she was feeling sorry for herself - and irritated when she arrived and found nobody home. Using her mobile phone to let them know she'd been there, she was dumbfounded when the answering machine kicked in and a familiar voice started singing: 'Grab your coat, collect your hat, Leave your worries on the doorstep; Life can be so sweet on the sunny side of the street.' It was her friend Annie, the one who died after a prolonged battle with breast cancer, leaving three kids and a grieving husband.

Struck writes: 'People who'd been touched by Annie's larger-than-life personality, perseverance, and testimony in the face of gruelling and unfair circumstances, hadn't expected to hear her voice on the machine. Her indomitable spirit amazed me... she'd talked openly about her prognosis, yet never hesitated to give God glory for the grace and peace she experienced. She knew that life with Jesus, come what may, was a walk on the sunny side of the street.'

The Psalmist prayed, 'Give me life through Your Word.' Struck continues: 'As I listened to Annie's voice on the machine... even in death God used her life to challenge me. I drove home pondering how He illuminates the darkest journey... how pity parties keep me from savouring life's sweetness... then asking forgiveness for my selfish attitudes. It was a powerful reminder that one day life will be complete on the sunny side of the street... in Heaven, where there's no darkness, disease or death.'


SoulFood: 2 Chron 35-36; 2 John; Luke 18:18-30; Ps 119:161-168; Pro 22:17-19


This is The Word For Today

Thanks @Odunharry. My family are all fine. Hope you are through with exams now.

You're Protected from Evil (3)


Thursday, 28 August 2014


'I give...you power...over...the enemy.' Luke 10:19 KJV


Have you dabbled in the occult and now you're wondering what to do? Repent and renounce it. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us...and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' (1 John 1:9 NKJV) Note the words 'all unrighteousness'. It doesn't matter what you've done; there are no big sins and no little sins. God forgives them all! Learn from your past, leave it, and don't look back.

'No one who has become part of God's family makes a practice of sinning, for Christ... holds him securely and the devil cannot get his hands on him.' (1 John 5:18 TLB) Is Satan powerful? Yes, but Jesus is all-powerful! He said, 'All power in Heaven and on earth is given unto Me,' then He delegated that power to you. 'Behold, I give you the authority...over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.' (Luke 10:19 NKJV)

God has given you three powerful weapons of protection:
(1) The sword. 'Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.' (Ephesians 6:17 NKJV) Satan has the advantage when you don't know what God says, but he flees when you stand on the Scriptures.

(2) The shield. 'Taking the shield of faith...you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.' (Ephesians 6:16 NKJV) Your faith is a protective shield against the arrows of doubt and fear Satan directs at you.

(3) The Spirit. 'You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.' (Acts 1:8 NKJV) Positioned 'in Christ' and filled with the Holy Spirit, you're more than a match for the forces of evil that surround you.


SoulFood: 2 Chron 32-34; Luke 18:1-17; Ps 119:145-160; Pro 22:14-16



This is The Word For Today

You're Protected from Evil (2)


Wednesday, 27 August 2014


'Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.' Psalm 17:8 NIV


Here are three ways you can open yourself up to the power of evil:

(1) By choice. The author of The Satanic Bible said, 'A successful witch or wizard must first surrender totally to Satan.' You're probably wondering what kind of person would say or do such a thing. But the fact is, God gives each of us a free will capable of surrendering to Christ or to Satan. Paul writes, 'Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves... so...present your [bodies] as slaves of righteousness.' (Romans 6:16-19 NKJV)

(2) By unrestrained indulgence. When any natural desire is indulged to excess, it can become an addiction and a force of destruction. Now, let's be clear here: addiction doesn't equate to someone being demon-possessed. Many Christians battle stubborn habits, and Christ has promised to set them free (John 8:32). When you were saved, Christ moved in and Satan moved out, because Christ won't live in a building with the devil.

(3) By dabbling in the occult. God told Israel that those who put their trust in mediums were to be cut off from the community (Leviticus 20:6). Ever wonder why spiritual mediums can't pick the right lottery number, win a fortune and feed the starving masses? Because they're fake, that's why! Speaking of Satan, Jesus said, 'There is no truth in him...he is a liar and the father of [lies].' (John 8:44 NKJV) Don't mess with the powers of darkness through horoscopes or anything else. The only true guidance that comes from a star, comes from Jesus, 'the Bright and Morning Star.' (Revelation 22:16 NKJV)


SoulFood: 2 Chron 29-31; Luke 17:20-37; Ps 119:137-144; Pro 22:11-13


This is The Word For Today

JesusisLord85:

The feasts the Most High gave us to observe are listed in the law, Leviticus 23.

Christmas and Easter have pagan roots. The romans simply merged their pagan traditions to the religion of the jews.

Same way some nigerian churches today often hold onto elements of their traditional religion.

Acts 16:19-21
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

So you see, the roman traditions were completely at odds with that of the Jews. But why should they not be. These are the sons of Edom. Devils

These feasts of Leviticus 23, do you happen to know their meanings in Christ or do you celebrate these feasts as if Christ never came:

- Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day-- things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ

These were the things that pointed to Christ. Just like we do no longer celebrate the passover like it was in Leveticus but as the Holy Communion.

In Leviticus, some of the feasts were celebrated with burnt offering of a lamb without defect, sheafs, ephah of flour and other things, there is even one speaking about atonement and so on. Is that how you celebrate these feasts or do you know what it means in Christ.

Like I said, the law is spiritual, it is not just about throwing it away but understanding what it is about and the intent for which they were given.

How did Jesus celebrate these feasts? Those are salient things you are to note. Jesus is the Word become flesh, so let's hear your views on what Jesus said concerning these ordinances.

Philadelphia:

Google the origin of Christmas and discover hidden Truths. December 25th was a day they kept for worship of their pagan gods such as Attis, Dionysus, Osiris, Mithra and some of their festivities.

I knew what I was saying when I posted @Phil. While you look at it as celebrating some funny pagan god's, others have chosen to celebrate Christ's birth that day. Just like many believe that birthday celebrations are wrong because the one held in the bible by Herod was where John got killed. Everyone can have a reason for not celebrating it therefore because of that while others use it to celebrate Christ. Some even do it in October so are you stuck on the date or on the essence?

The whole aim is what does it mean to you? If according to you, it is not unto the Lord then don't do it and for others, let them do it.

If it is the attendant fanfare and all the kind of stuff done on these day or in its preparation that you have issues with then that is a seperate matter entirely.

In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable - Romans 14:5.

Good morning mums and dads in the house. @Pinky apinky, is this your face (post) e af tey o. How is everyone doing? Thanks for the prayers all.
Please be blessed by one of the messages i usually receive everyday from a friend:


Topic: When your word comes....


Psalm 105:19
Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.

Things will remain the same until a man's word comes. The word that will bing you out of that experience is a word from above. When you read the earlier verses of Psalm 105, you discover that Joseph went through all these just because his word had not come.

It is one thing for your word to come and another for you not to be found wanting. God's word tried Joseph and his life was correct. The word tried his moral life and he passed. The word tried his ability to take care of others and he passed. The word tried his ability to take care of another man's property and he passed. The word tested his leadership and he passed. The word tested his fear for God and he also passed.

Will you be found standing when your word comes or you would have given up? When Job's word came he was found standing. Beloved that situation is 'changeable' and that need is 'meetable'. Just pray that your word will come. When the word comes, changes come. When the word comes, help comes.

I pray for a reader today that your word will come and that your word will not find you wanting, Amen.

Prayer

1. Father thank you for today and for your word to me today, Amen.

2. Father send your word into my life and situation today, Amen.

3. Father may I never disappoint you in my Christian walk, Amen.

Declaration: God's word remains God's test standard. Obey the Word.

Do have a wonderful day.

You're Protected from Evil (1)


Tuesday, 26 August 2014

'No evil shall befall you.' Psalm 91:10 NKJV


Here's a promise you can stand on in times of trouble: 'Because you have made the Lord...the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.' (Psalm 91:9-11 NKJV)

There's a spiritual realm around you that's as real as the physical one you live in. One is the world of darkness; the other is the world of light. One is governed by Satan, the other is governed by God. How else can you account for the brutal, senseless killing of men, women and children at the hands of evil people? Paul explains it like this: 'We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies - the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world.' (Ephesians 6:12 TLB)

Does that mean you're supposed to live in fear? No, and here's why:

(1) You are shielded by the blood of Jesus. Just as the angel of death on the night of the Passover couldn't enter a home with blood on its doorposts, the blood of Jesus is a protective shield around you that the devil cannot penetrate.

(2) The odds are on your side. When Satan fell from heaven he took one-third of the angels with him. That means we still have two angels for every one of his! 'Angels [are] ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.' (Hebrews 1:14 NIV) Rejoice: as a redeemed child of God you are protected from evil!


SoulFood: 2 Chron 25-28; Luke 17:11-19; Ps 119:129-136; Pro 22:8-10

This is The Word For Today

JesusisLord85:
Thank you. I agree with what you have said. So you believe we must keep the sabbath? and the feast days of the Lord, instead of the pagan ones such as Easter, Christmas etc?
Shalom

I believe we should keep the Lord's commands.

Which feast days of the Lord? The holy communion as He commanded at the passover? Yes ofcourse...

I do not know what you mean by pagan feasts of Easter and Christmas. One celebrates the birth of Jesus and the other, commemorates His death.
I never knew pagans celebrate the birth and death of Jesus or is it the fanfare it comes with?

Philadelphia:
None of the texts you posted indicated worship on Sunday. Acts 2:46 was after the day of Pentecost when the new believers came to meet the disciples at the temple to break bread. Does breaking of bread indicate worship to God? John 4:24 is not indicating worship on Sunday and Acts 20:7 still talks about breaking bread. Now this particular one was even before Paul traveled because Paul traveled and built churches.
Read those texts I asked you to and you'll see it spelt correctly 'worship'. Now this is Paul here, still worshipping on the Sabbath.
Acts 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

I do not know what you mean by the texts I posted did not mention worship on Sunday.
The texts said they continued DAILY in the temple...with one accord.
Does that sound like they were not worshipping to you? So unless its Saturday its not worship?
Did you miss where i said the Lord is Spirit and those who worship him must worship him in Spirit and truth? What does worship even mean to you? Is it about the physical day or in who we worship?

Lol @Phil, i simply showed you...we worship the Lord EVERYDAY except you mean you worship God only on Saturday.

Luke 19:47
And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

I believe you can see Jesus was in the temple daily teaching...like Paul was reasoning...so is that worship or not?

Like i advised earlier, read my initial post noting everything I said on Sabbath.

JesusisLord85:
Good. So do you believe, like 100% of today's church Christians that you do not need to keep the commandments, as "they are done away with"/"fulfilled" etc

I dont know where you get your statitics from but there was nowhere Jesus said the commandments of God were done away with. Fulfilled is not the same as done away with.
Fulfilled simply meant He gave full expression to it and said or did it in truth. Example?

Do not commit adultery meaning do not lust
Do not murder meaning do not hate
Do not steal meaning do not covet/lust etc.

Fulfilment is carrying it out as it should. Jesus simply actually even raised the bar.

After forgiving us, He helps us to do God's will from the right heart.

When a person doesnt lust after a woman, he cannot fall into adultery...at this point he is dead to the law for He walks in the Spirit. If he succumbs to flesh, He is under the law and needs to come to Jesus for forgiveness and help.

That is why Aposle Paul says the Law is Spiritual and He delights in the Law of God after the inward man.

Jesus expects us to obey His word and His command for it is life and cleanses.

Anyone claimimg to believe Jesus and refuses to even heed the word of the person he claims to believe then the person needs to check himself.

JesusisLord85:
I agree. Psalms tells us that.
The reason I asked is because I struggled to understand what you meant by Jesus was never legalistic.
Cheers

Jesus was not legalistic because He is the WORD full of grace and truth. He wasn't like the pharisees who lived by the letter devoid of the Spirit. He gave full expression to God's word and law and was full of mercy and forgiveness.
All Christ said or did was graceful.

JesusisLord85:
You mention truth and you mention love.
According to the Word of the Most High, what is truth? And what is love?

God's word is truth. His law is truth too. God is love. All the laws and prophets are hinged on truth.

Philadelphia:
Please explain Luke 4 : 16 And Isaiah 66 : 22-23 if Sabbath Is not meant for worship. Please show me 1 bible text that said we should /can worship on Sunday or any day of the week.

Seems you did not read my post. I said everyday is meant for worship. I said some churches even have programs everyday. I have fellowship every Saturday for example so nowhere did I say Saturday is not meant for worship or attending church. We worship Fridays atimes and even Thursdays apart from Sunday.
What I simply said was Jesus gave full expression to the Sabbath in its spirituality apart from the physical. That is why He is the Lord of the Sabbath.
Reread my post please.

For bible texts you can read Acts 2:46; John 4:24;
Acts 20:7

paulcr7: whatever spiritual application does nt nullify its application.Does d fact dat God compares adultery to going away from God means adultery is now ok?

Read my post above. Nowhere did i nullify what Christ did not nullify. I simply showed the extra mile it meant. Read my post above to @Phil.

Thanks.

musKeeto: Matthew 19


To those who are fervent supporters of the prosperity gospel, how does this verse fit into your 'prosperity theology'?

CONTEXT. WHOLESOME WORDS OF CHRIST.

What did the young man lack! He lacked LOVE! He did not LACK POVERTY. The gospel of Luke even said 'He lacked one thing?'. What he lacked is captured in why he couldn't give. That was an area Christ wanted Him to Trust Him.

He wanted eternal life, He had to make Jesus HIS LORD, which involved BELIEVING HIM. He could not. Today many claim to believe Jesus yet cannot even believe and do what He says.
This was what he was afraid to do. Jesus caught him at the point he could not let go of.

Alwaystrue:

Matthew 19:20-22
20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

LOL. This young man seemed to be or may have been baiting Jesus. But at the end of the day, He could not give all He had and follow Jesus even though giving our all to Jesus does not mean we will still not have more possessions, infact he will even be much more blessed.

[b]Matthew 19:29
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, AND shall inherit everlasting life

Mark 10:30
But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life



I Timothy 6:17-19
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us RICHLY ALL things to enjoy
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life

The scriptures are really wholesome. All we need is just patience to meditate and learn the truth.
(edited)

messpero90: You know, it's ironic to me that Christians want to keep the Ten Commandments in our schools, because Christianity has abrogated four of the Ten Commandments. For example, the Sabbath day according to the Ten Command ments is Saturday, not Sunday. And the reason is because God rested, not because Jesus was resurrecte d. I just hope that we are not being misled.

Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. When you look at all the commands of God with the eyes of love, you will realise the importance of the meaning of the commandment.

All it basically means is this:

1. When we come to Christ, heavy laden and burdened, He gives us rest for He is the Lord of teh Sabbath. When we rest from our labours and instead use the strength of Christ to live instead of our strength, we are enjoying the Sabbath.

2. When we rest in Him and trust completely in Him, we are at rest. Read Hebrews 4.

3. The commandment simply means (as Jesus said all the commandments are hinged on love) love yourself enough to rest....stop chasing after this and that. Everyone needs a recharge. Many don't even rest their bodies and start falling ill. God had it all covered.

4. Jesus did not abolish the commandments, he gave it its full expression which involved doing good...that was why when the Pharisees were fighting Him for healing on the Sabbath or when they accused his disciples for plucking corn on the Sabbath, he answered them in such a way to shut them up.

5. If you are talking about days of worship, sorry the early church met every day. Some churches even have services everyday for those that can attend and not limited to Sunday.

6. It doesn't stop us resting too on Saturday anyway. This is something that is very good to be imbibed. Rest, have time for family, use the day to have personal time to fellowship with family. It has been eroded today. Families don't even have time for each other.

When Jesus said all the laws are based on love. I struggled with what Sabbath meant till I understood it in the eyes of love.
Jesus was never legalistic. HE IS THE TRUTH. That is why everything He did and said is TRUE. If only we take time to allow the eyes of our understanding to be opened, we will fully understand how much all these are Spiritual and not just of the letter.

Wow , what a beautiful and graceful word for today. Whatever we do is because of Christ's love that controls us and that is why we joyfully and willingly volunteer our service to God not as conscripts but as children who love the Father, not motivated by the law but by the Spirit of God in us and understanding of His Word!

Amen.

It is a priviledge to serve God and all our being is His. Our devotion to God should make us always want to go the extra mile.

Today I was thinking, If Jesus Christ could forgive all our terrible sins and cloth us with glory and honour, how will we not appreciate Him by being devoted to Him and hanging on his every word. You don't get clothed in purple and finest fabric and go and wallow in the mud again.

That is grace!

Good morning folks.

Volunteers, Not Conscripts


Monday, 25 August 2014

'Whatever we do, it is...because Christ's love controls us now.' 2 Corinthians 5:14 TLB


Paul writes, 'Whatever we do, it is certainly not for our own profit, but because Christ's love controls us now.' God is looking for volunteers, not conscripts. Conscripts are motivated by law; volunteers are motivated by love. After the attack on Pearl Harbour, enlistment centres all over America were jammed with boys too young to fight, men who had retired, and even the blind.

One elderly man said to a recruitment officer, 'I'd consider it my greatest privilege to die defending this country.' Why do men and women do this? Duty? Yes, but something even greater - devotion! Their hearts have been captured by a cause. Facing the loss of his freedom, his ministry and possibly his life, Martin Luther told the ecclesiastical powers of his day, 'I will not recant. My conscience is captive to the Word of God!'

No one should ever have to beg and pressure you to teach a Sunday school class, work with young people, give to the cause of Christ, visit the sick, lonely and needy, or serve others. You should be begging for the privilege! Paul said, 'What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ... for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.' (Philippians 3:7-8 KJV)

Commitment to Christ is like signing your name on a blank cheque and saying, 'Lord, You fill in the amount.' You're not doing God a favour by serving Him; He's honouring you by allowing you to serve Him. Today, measure what you would do for the Lord - by what you actually do.


SoulFood: 2 Chron 22-24; Luke 17:1-10; Ps 119:121-128; Pro 22:4-7


This is The Word For Today

Hey @Lateef4me, welcome back. Welcome back by His grace. Amen. @Odunharry hope you are good too. Happy new week.