Understanding the Essence of Christmas

 

Introduction

There is excitement in the air and the spirit of celebration is moving around! Also, the shops are flooded with new stocks, and multitudes are buying and buying. Gifts are being wrapped and sent to the recipients and greeting cards are exchanged. Christmas trees and the decors are out and the lights are up with beautiful designs. But then, what is the essence of Christmas?

 

Christmas To Many People

Every year, we look forward to celebrating Christmas with our family and friends. To some, it is a time to shut down all work and rest or travel. To others, it is a time to visit people and have fun with people they haven’t seen in a long time. For some, it is a time to cook that wonderful meal you never had time for and maybe try out new recipes. All these are great and they make a colourful season. I do enjoy all of that and I do look forward to them every year.

 

Jesus Christ is the Essence Of Christmas

But when I considered all these, I wondered if these are all what Christmas is all about. It is certainly more than these. What then is the main reason for the celebration? Jesus Christ is the complete essence of Christmas. 25^th Dec is the accepted birthday celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ and it has been named Christmas. This is a celebration that is honoured mostly by Christians.

 

The will of God is for the creation to honour and reverence His son Jesus. God showed His love to mankind by sending His son to die for us so that we might be reconciled back to God, (John 3:16). Jesus Himself agreed to come and die despising the shame just to fulfil the burning desire of God. He was God, yet He left all to be born and to live like man, (Philip 2: 5-8). Thank God, His mission was accomplished! (John 1:12)  Read more..,

 

 

 

Turn Those Prayer Request To Thanksgiving

 

Introduction

Have you been praying and it's as if your prayers are not being answered? This can depress or discourage one if one is not grounded in God's love and word. It's time to switch to thanksgiving and praise for a change of story.

 

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed - Acts 16:25-26 (KJV).

 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God - Philippians 4:6 (NKJV).

 

Thanksgiving Prayer

People have prayed for things to the point they think that God does not answer prayers or God doesn't want to answer them; yet it's not true. The word of God says we should pray and conclude with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). When you pray according to God's will, He hears you. Since He hears you, you know that you have received the petitions that you asked of Him (1 John 5:14-15). So, the next thing to do is to thank Him till you see the manifestation of what you asked for.

 

It's time to turn those prayer requests into thanksgiving. Instead of asking for those things again and again, start thanking God for them. Thank Him for hearing your prayers and for their manifestation. This shows that you believe that God has answered your prayers and that it will soon be a reality. Start celebrating as if you already have them. Thanksgiving is an express indicator of your faith in God. Read more...

 

 

Shiloh 2023 Update-Redeemed To Flourish In Hard Times

 

 

Praise God!

 

Shiloh 2023 is finally here. It’s a time when God will appear to you and reveal Himself to you via the word of God.

 

So, please tune in today for the Shiloh event hosted by LIVING FAITH CHURCH WORLDWIDE. It's from 5-10 Dec 2023. It  will run morning and evening sessions

The theme is “REDEEMED TO FLOURISH IN HARD TIMES”.

 

Click the link below and tune in and your life will never be the same again in Jesus name.

 

https://shiloh2023.org

 

Jesus is Lord!

Shiloh 2023-Redeemed To Flourish In Hard Times

 

Praise God!

 

 

 

 

Another Shiloh event is here. It’s a time when God will appear to you and reveal Himself to you via the word of God.

 

So, please tune in from 5-10 Dec 2023 for the Shiloh event hosted by LIVING FAITH CHURCH WORLDWIDE. Time is according to the schedule above (GMT+1)

 

 

The theme is “REDEEMED TO FLOURISH IN HARD TIMES”. Click the link below at the set date and tune in, and your life will never be the same again in Jesus name.

 https://shiloh2023.org

Jesus is Lord!

 

 

 

What Is The Word Of God? Part 3

 

IT'S FULL OF POWER

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account - Hebrews 4:12-13 AMP

 

The amplified version of the Bible describes 'Full of Power' as "making it operative, energizing, and effective". Truly, this is the Word of God: very reliable and sure. It's not idle, occupying a space in your heart. Rather, the word of God is very active, firing you up towards successfully producing your desired or intended outcome.

 

It's operative

The Word of God is not something you acquire just for knowing sake. No! It's functional and no one can miss the effect it produces. So, you acquire the knowledge of God's word for the impact and changes it produces in people's lives.

 

For example, the word of the Lord says, "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

John 14:13-14 NKJV

 

Now, Peter received this word, believed it, and went ahead to put it to work. So, when he saw the lame man at the beautiful gate (Acts 3:1-10), he asked him to get up and work in the name of Jesus. And the man got up and started leaping, walking, and praising God! So, when the Word was engaged, it went ahead to put right what was wrong, effecting a change in the life of the lame man. Read more...

What Is The Word Of God? Part 2

 

The Anchor Scripture

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account - Hebrews 4:12-13 AMP

 

Now, from the above scripture, we see that the word of God is alive, powerful, a double-edged sword, and a discerner of thoughts and intents of man.

 

IT'S ALIVE

The word of God is living and exhibits traits of a living being. So, it can reproduce, grow, metabolize, respond to stimuli, adapt to the environment, move, and breathe.

 

It Reproduces

The word of the Lord has the ability to reproduce itself. This is because when you receive any scripture in your heart and apply it, it has the ability to produce the same result in your life.

 

For instance, we're born again by the word of God and this is reproduced and is still being reproduced in many believers.

 

It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself—sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes]. - James 1:18 AMP

 

Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever - I Peter 1:23 NKJV.  Read more...

 

What Is The Word Of God? Part 1

 

Introduction

What is the word of God? God's word is the answer to every question and solution to every challenge. Surely, as nothing is too hard for God, so also, nothing is too hard for God's word to handle. For indeed, it's the word of God put in writing. Furthermore, nothing is hidden from it; it can reach out to anything no matter where that thing may be.

 

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give an account - Hebrews 4:12-13 AMP

 

You can't separate God from His word, for He is one with His word. This is the same with man where you can't separate a man from His word. So, you can't have God and not have His word. And you can't love God and not love His word.

 

The mandate

Truly, the word of the Lord is the essence of our living because we're living out God's words. This is so because when the Lord made man, He blessed and charged him with what to do on earth. And since then, man has lived to carry out this mandate as given in Genesis 1:28. Read more...

 

 

 

 

Learning To Live By The Word Of God

Introduction

What is the word of God to you? The word of God is more than a book we carry to church. Surely, it's the creator's manual for living on earth, where He poured out His heart to His creation made in His image. And anyone who lives by it gets satisfied with life and fulfils destiny and purpose.

 

But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’

Luke 4:4 NKJV

Why Live By The Word?

1. You are created and sustained by the word

You're made by the word of God and you're maintained by the same word. Therefore, it's wise to live by it to avoid malfunctioning of your life and destiny.

 

Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Hebrews 1:3 NKJV

2. The Just shall live by his faith

The scripture says that you shall live by your faith, and faith comes by hearing the word of God. As such, the scripture can be interpreted as, "The just shall live by the word of God." It is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path and leads you to your glorious future.

 

Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.

Habakkuk 2:4 NKJV

3. God is committed to His word

He will not break His covenant nor alter His words. Therefore, you're secured following His word, for the Lord is bound by it and it will never change. So, God's word is a sure pillar to lean on in life.

 

My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.

Psalms 89:34 NKJV Read more... 

 

 

 

 

5 Benefits of church going for family life (Part 2)

 

 

In my last post I gave the first 5 benefits of Church going for family life. Today, I want to share the last 5 benefits. Family is the bed rock of the church. Should the family be unstable, the church will certainly be affected. So, church activities are programmed among other things, to build a stable family life for members.

Here are the other benefits

1. Avoidance of trouble

Church going has been a great blessing to my family. We have kept away from troubles because we chose to be in church when there was service in church.  The people who would have put us into trouble did not find us available for outings that would have ruined our family life.

2. Choice of company

Going to church enables you to choose the right company to keep. Children make friends with people that love God and will never lead them astray. Children who go to church and participate fully with their hearts tend to overcome peer pressure more.

3. Choice of spouse

When you go to church, you have the opportunity to meet and marry a God fearing person. The marriage foundation will be solid because both of you are on the same spiritual platform which is needed for a successful family life. Read more...

5 Benefits of Church Going For Family Life

 

 

Hey there! Jesus certainly loves you!

“I don’t want to go to church!” screams a little boy. “I don’t feel like going to church”, says a parent. You must have heard or said one of these sentences many times or at least twice. This calls for a reflection on the benefits of church going for family life.

An understanding of these benefits will change our perspective and attitude towards making the trip to church, no matter the distance or how we feel at that time.

The benefits: 

 
1. Obedience to God
God commanded us in Hebrews 10:25, not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. This is for our own good so that we will not be swept away by the things of the world. So, as a family we obey God by going to Church.

2. Fellowship
When families go to church together, they interact with other families and learn from one another. What was a challenge in one family life will be easily solved by learning how another solved it. The bible says in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend”. (NLT)

3. Family Life moulding
Church going is crucial and plays a major part in moulding our family life. The teachings mould our individual characters which we manifest in the family. My family is built on love, honesty, integrity, openness, faithfulness, discipline and trust because individually we have these moulded in us through the teachings we get from church. Read more...

 

 

 

 

How To See The Glory Of God In Churches

 

 

How do you see God’s glory in the church? Surely, some Christians have wondered this in their hearts. So, in today’s post, we will look at it! Here we go,

1. Clean up

This is the first thing to do. The Lord cannot come in the midst of filth! (Habakkuk 1:13) You have to clean up your life to attract God. Also, the level of His glory you see is determined by how much of your life you have surrendered to Him. And every step you take towards Him determines how many steps He will take towards you (James 4:8).

 

When the Lord wanted to reveal Himself (His glory, for no one can see God and live) to the Israelites in the wilderness, He asked them to clean up. This they did and He showed up (Exodus 19:10-20).

 

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

Exodus 19:10-11 NKJV

 

Therefore, if you want to see the glory of God in your church, the church members must clean up their lives. They’re to live right before the Lord, for without holiness no man shall see Him (Hebrews 12:14) Read more...

 

 

 

God Has Not Changed

This is a repost, but very vital today. May God minister to you as you go through this.

 Introduction

God has not changed! He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever. No matter the situation you may be in or what people may say, always remember that the Lord Almighty has not changed. What He did yesterday He will do again today and tomorrow. This post is aimed at jiggling you out of your doubt position.

 

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever - Hebrews 13:8 (KJV).

 

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 - Hebrews 4:2 (KJV).

 

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? - Jeremiah 32:27 (KJV).

 

God can do it again

Don't you believe that God will do what He said He will do in the scriptures? If you have seen it in the bible, it is an indication that He will do it again. The Lord is the God of all flesh, nothing is hard for Him. When people think of the Almighty Father, they somehow think that He is like man, and so see Him as being limited. Just to remind you, He is the creator of the entire universe. What He did yesterday, He can do again.

 

The great King is still as mighty and powerful as He was when He delivered the Israelites from bondage in Egypt with great signs and wonders, when He delivered Daniel from the lion's den, when He delivered the three Hebrew boys from the burning fiery furnace, when He gave Solomon the kind of wisdom and wealth that no man ever had before him and when He made Sarah who had passed the age of child-bearing to give birth to a son. The scriptures are full of the great acts of God in the lives of men LIKE YOU. Read more...

The Big God In You

 

 

Introduction

Do you acknowledge the big God in you? A man's greatest challenge is the evils that come from within him. This is because they defile him and make him vulnerable to attacks from the enemy. And you can't defeat him because you habour his evils in your members, especially your thoughts.

And He said, “Whatever comes from [the heart of] a man, that is what defiles and dishonors him. For from within, [that is] out the heart of men, come base and malevolent thoughts and schemes, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, acts of greed and covetousness, wickedness, deceit, unrestrained conduct, envy and jealousy, slander and profanity, arrogance and self-righteousness and foolishness (poor judgment). All these evil things [schemes and desires] come from within and defile and dishonor the man.” - Mark 7:20-23 AMP

 

And these evil thoughts determine who you become, for as a man thinks in his heart so is he (Proverbs 23:7). This is so, despite what God says about you, because you're not aligning your life with God's word.

What God says about you

One profound thing God said in His word of you is in 1 John 4:4. And an understanding of this will change your life entirely.

 

Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind] - 1 John 4:4 AMP

 Read more...

 

 

The Lord Is My Shepherd I Shall Not Want

 

Introduction

Is the Lord your Shepherd? In this present time that many people are struggling to make ends meet, you need a shepherd. Also, you have to ensure that he is not a hireling in a shepherd's clothing.

 

Who Is A shepherd

He is one who feeds, tends, protects and leads flocks of sheep. And he stays with the sheep day and night and the sheep go where he goes. Also, the sheep know their shepherd's voice and will not follow another.

 

Christian Leaders As Shepherds

Leaders are considered to be shepherds over their followers because the characteristics of a shepherd are associated with them. These include Christian leaders. As such the followers expect them to feed them with the word of God, tend, protect and lead them in the ways of the Lord.

 

Good Shepherd

However, there are good and bad shepherds. And the bad ones are the hirelings, who don't care about the sheep and flee when there's danger. However, a good shepherd will give his life for the sheep. And no other shepherd is as good as our Lord Jesus, who gave Himself for the whole world. Furthermore, He knows us by our names and those who are His also know Him. Read more...

 

You're Marked For Unending Progress

 

Introduction

Some widows find it difficult to pick up their lives after the death of their husbands. And some others live perpetually under the shadow of their husband's death, refusing to move forward. They always attribute their predicament to the death of their husbands. However, his death is not meant to be an end for you, but the opening of another chapter of your life. This is the truth!

An Unending Progress

Truly, as a child of God, your life is to be unending progress till you meet your Lord. The scripture in Proverbs 4:18 makes it clear that your path is to keep shining brighter and brighter until the perfect day. So, until it reaches its full strength and glory, it will keep shining brighter and brighter.

 

But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day.”

Proverbs 4:18 AMP

Don't pity yourself

Therefore, don't indulge in self-pity, your light won't stop shining if you don't cover it with self-pity. What has happened is that you have come to a crossroads. This is where you must stop before making a turn to the right or to the left. And it's a point you're to wisely, by the help of the Holy Spirit, decide where to turn to.

Let what has passed pass

Surely, it's sad that your husband died when he did. However, you can't turn the hand of the time backward, it can only move on, so let him pass on. Also, let the living ones, including you, continue their lives. What has happened has happened. Read more...