Tag Archive: Christ


It is sometimes difficult to give thanks in challenging circumstances. However, life is not without its fair share of trouble (John 16:33). Notwithstanding, when you look at the glass half-full instead of half-empty, you are inclined to give thanks in all circumstances.

 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV). Therefore, think for a moment, and see what you can still give thanks for in your life, despite any challenges that you may have overcome or may now be experiencing.

What if an angel appears to you, and says, “Hail, thou art highly favored and the Lord is with you.” Wouldn’t this be the most happiest moment of your life? Yes, it should be, because God is getting ready to do something powerfully significant in your life.

This is exactly what happened to Mary, Jesus’ mother (Luke 1:26-38).  She was highly favored among all the other women, not only in her city of Nazareth, but the entire world. This is so, that God chose her to be the mother of Jesus. He made this decision, because He knows Mary would be committed to the task he had given her. He also knew that Joseph was the perfect man to be called the father of Jesus. Together, they would nourish the Christ child through all the obstacles they would go through, so that God’s purpose could be fulfilled on earth.

Don’t get this all twisted. God loves everyone, but He knows who He can trust and depend on. He knows who will stay faithful, even when things seem like they are impossible. Notwithstanding, the faithful and favored person still holds true to God’s promises. This person will not runaway from the task when things get rough, but allows God to work through the situation for His glory to be manifested.

Being favored in God’s sight means He can trust you. He can tell you a secret, and you don’t run around telling the whole world, including the devil. He also knows that you seek Him and His Kingdom first, over your own agenda (Matthew 6:33).

God knows that you are obedient, and will follow instructions, even when others think you are not doing the right thing. He knows that you are humble. Therefore, when He blesses and favors you, you will be a blessing in giving Him glory, and not boasting to bring glory to yourself.  He also knows that you are a sinner, saved by grace, but you try to walk in a holy manner.  Furthermore, He knows that you have built a rock solid relationship with Him. In addition, you stay connected to Him through prayer, fasting, reading His words and worshipping Him in spirit and truth.

With that said, finding favor in God’s sight is not rocket science. It’s about keeping a covenant with Him. He needs people He can trust and depend on.

By and large, this new year, think on what you can do for God’s Kingdom, by putting His agenda first. In so doing, all things that you seek, He will give to you.  Not only so, but He will bless and highly favor you.

Answering God’s Call

When you are chosen by God to pursue His mission and purpose, you may become isolated because families and friends may turn their backs on you, as you face the storms of life in preparation for your Kingdom assignments.

The Scripture warns that, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you (John 15:18-19 ESV).”

Do not look to please people, but look to please God, as you are a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). You do not have to answer to people, but you do have to give a personal account to God (Romans 14:12). Therefore, you cannot explain to God that others have prevented you from answering His call, as they were jealous of you or hated you because you were chosen.

Answering God’s call requires you to deny yourself and take up your cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). As a result, you will endure trials and tribulations, as you follow God to fulfill the mandate of your calling. However, your obedience will bring blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-2), and your reward will be sure (Proverbs 11:18).

When you are faced with struggles in life, it is sometimes difficult to not worry. This is especially true, if you have been facing ongoing struggles, and it seems like there is no end to them. You may get anxious, overwhelmed, and tired. At that point in your life, it is also hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Your heart and mind are two vulnerable areas that Satan will try to attack. Therefore, you are reminded in the scripture, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).”

Do you feel that you are facing the darkest time of your life right now? If so, who is facing it with you? Do you have the support of your family, friends or church folks? You may be going through various trials and tribulations, which may include anything from sicknesses, addictions, financial setbacks, barrenness, joblessness, hopelessness, demonic oppression, business failure, ministry failure, marriage problems, singleness, or you may have lost your salvation, because you are not where you are with God right now. Alternatively, you may also have never been saved, and struggling to find out who God really is, and if He exists, or even care about you. Whatever your circumstances are today, you will need to know that no matter what you are going through, there is a God who sits high on the throne. As a result, your tears are not going unnoticed today, as He loves and cares for you more than you ever can think of. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

When the very people who you think should have your back, turn against you while you are facing your darkness, God never will. However, what you need to understand is this, “Weeping may last only for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalms 30:5). With that being said, sometimes you have to face the darkness, before you can face the light. Notwithstanding, the very same people who disregarded you, and isolated you while you were facing your darkness alone, are the same people who will run back to you when your troubles are over, and you are now facing the light. God sometimes isolates you because of where He is taking you. He has a greater plan and purpose for your life that will bring Him greater glory, and elevates you to your destiny. Consequently, He has to place you in the darkness to see how you will handle yourself, and also for you to see who will go through the darkness with you. Some people will want to revel in your blessings when your tribulations are over, and you have passed your test, but they did not want to bear the burden with you. Therefore, God will use your darkness to let some fake and toxic people leave your life for good. You need to just ride through the darkness now, as your light is coming soon. However, remember that the people who left while you were going through your darkness, God does not want them to come with you in the light, as they weren’t good for you in the first place.

Accordingly, you may be walking through the valley of the shadow of death right now, but you should fear no evil, because God is with you. It is not what the devil or people decide will happen to your life, it is what God decides will happen. The devil or people will spread rumors and wish bad things for you, but they cannot override God’s purpose for your life. God is supreme over all the elements in the world, and no one cannot prevent God from blessing you, unless you allow them to. You need to hold your head up high today, and focus on where God is taking you. Additionally, you need to also understand that the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11) is the same power that can heal and deliver you today. He still have that power, as He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). God does not change; therefore, He can still do anything, because nothing is impossible for Him. So when people think it is over for you, God’s power will set you free from whatever you are facing today, if you only have a little faith to persevere through your darkness. He will justly reward you when He sees your faith and perseverance (Hebrews 11:6).

As stated, people today who are of the devil will rejoice and spread rumors, lies, and gossip when someone is going through their darkness, not understanding that God is getting ready to bless them in the light. However, because those people are of the devil, they don’t understand that what goes around also comes around. Their darkness is coming, as everyone has to go through tribulations (John 16:33), and hopefully when their darkness comes, they are able to handle it. Consequently, they too will need help and support, but if they did not provide it to others, they may find themselves isolated throughout their tribulations.

Let us pray one for another, and be supportive of each other, as today will be someone’s darkness, but tomorrow will be yours.

Jesus' Body

 

Today is dubbed the “Resurrection Day,” because in retrospect, today would be the third day since Christ was crucified and buried, but when the women entered into the Sepulcher to search for him, he was not there! So they were confused, but two angels appeared, and said, “Why seek the living among the dead? He’s not here; but is risen!” (St. Luke 24:1-6)

Because he lives, you can face tomorrow; because he lives, your sins are forgiven and your fears are gone. Your life is worth living, just because he lives.

Happy Easter!

jesus-resurrection

 

 

I know almost all adults might answer ‘yes,’ to this question, especially if they have moved away from their parents’ home, and are working and taking care of themselves. However, independence appeals to all ages. It means “freedom from the control, influence, support, and aid of others.”

In reading a devotion by Bill Chowder, he too stated that, “It’s not surprising that teenagers talked about gaining their independence.”  However, as I delved deep into this devotion, he spoke of a craving for dependence, which is a spiritual recognition and acceptance of our deep spiritual dependence on the One who gives life.  Jesus stated, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

John15_5

In this dangerous and troubled world, you need the vine to sustain all your spiritual nutrients, or else you will be spiritually malnourished. If you are spiritually malnourished, you won’t be able to withstand the enemy and all the chaos and calamity that he throws at you.

By and large, when you think that you are independent, think about the one who you have to depend on – Jesus.

 

Do You Have A Healthy Heart?

It’s not only the type of food that you eat or lack of exercise that can make your heart unhealthy.

Heart

Your heart can be unhealthy, because it abhors or houses hate in it. If you love God, then you should love others as well. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20).

I agree that people, including your own families, friends, or spouse can hurt and hate you in the worst way, but you do not have to return the compliment. You can show them the love of Christ, so that they know there is something different about you. Showing them love does not mean that you have to allow people to walk all over you, or that you have to be in a relationship of any sort with them, if that relationship is negative and toxic. However, you can still maintain peace and love when you see or talk to them.

Hate in one’s heart can cause a lot of different tension and stress.  Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses (Proverbs 10:12). On the other hand, love makes your heart more healthier. Anyone who does not love, does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:8).

By and large, try to maintain a healthy heart, by eliminating any hate that may be in there; because hate causes too much hurt in one’s heart.

Merry Christmas!

In a perilous time such as this, where the world is in a turmoil, is war inevitable? There is no guarantee that war will cease, but there is a guarantee that you can have peace in the midst of war.  The greatest gift that God has given us, is His son – Jesus.  In light of this, amidst all the trials and tribulations of this world, Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33).

As Jesus made His entry into this world, there was a great rejoicing, because the prophesy has been fulfilled. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (St. Luke 2:10-11:14).

Jesus' birth

As we approach the birth of Jesus, remember that there’s still hope and a future. Jesus came that you will have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).  Therefore, your enemy has been defeated by the power of Jesus. Remember the reason that Jesus came, that you will have life and have it more abundantly.

By and large, as you go through this season, reflect on Him as a savior who came not only to give you salvation, but to deliver you from all evil.

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