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Devotionals

Presence of Jesus Vs Statues of Jesus

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God is a person; He has emotions, will and an intellect.
His basic nature is love and his greatest motivation is one-on-one relationship with human people.
The reason why He created human beings was so that they can meet His heart desire for children the same way husbands desire children today.
According to the Bible, after God created Adam and Eve, we understand that He usually would come visiting with them to enjoy their company and love.
His nature has not changed; His motive today is the same-a love relationship with people. (See Genesis 3:8)
Though Adam and Eve never saw God’s form and image; they had His presence, which was beautiful.
Adam and Eve missed God when they disobeyed Him-distrusting His word and believing the lie of the devil;
and that broke their relationship and trust with God. So down through the ages, as time began to wane from the Eden experience,
people began to have a blur view of God and they started looking for visible things that would represent Him
(the longing of Adam and Eve for God never died with them after they sinned).

But with God in a distance and something inside people just wanting to reach out and to worship Him,
they had to find something they can see, feel and touch as they would God;
so humans started making all kinds of creatures to represent Him and to serve as an object of worship;
at least they wanted to feel after God. (See Acts 17:16, 22-29)

But God in a bid to continue to relate with human and to preserve His image, (though not known to many people),
made a covenant with Abraham and from Abraham came a nation-the nation of Israel.
And when God instituted that nation, top on the list of the things He told them not to do was to not make anything
in the form of image that represents Him or anything else that they would worship.
He said He is a jealous God and does not want any rival.

God has not changed, His word and instruction has not changed. (See Deuteronomy 5: 6-10, Psalm 119:89, Malachi 3:6)
Then came Jesus of Nazareth in history, the Word of God made flesh, God in human form; at last a true representation and image of God has come.
He came to show what God is like. In the Old Testament nobody ever saw God, but Jesus came as God in human flesh,
so He can be seen and touched and lived in loving relationship with people. (See John 1:1, 14, 18)

Then this Jesus secured our redemption, and in His death, He put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself
in other to make it possible for God and people to reunite again in loving relationship.
The thing that made the image of God vague was sin and Jesus had to settle that so that God and people can be friends again and walk in fellowship; partnership and relationship again after their sins are forgiven. (See Hebrews 9:26, 1 John 3:5)

When Jesus was done He went back to heaven and then God send down the Holy Spirit to take the place of the absent Christ.
So that today, the Holy Spirit conveys the very presence of Jesus. (See John 7:39, 14:16-18)
If we are born again, then we have the great privilege of walking in the presence and the power of the almighty

Now, images do not represent Christ, He is not a statue, He is a person.
His presence is revealed and communicated to us by the Holy Spirit.
When a person receives Jesus and the Holy Spirit come and live in him or her (for we are born again by the Holy Spirit through the word
of God: See John 3:5-6, 1 Cor. 12:13, 1 Peter 1:23 and Titus 3:3-7), the very presence of Jesus is created in that person’s life
by the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ name is Emmanuel; which means God with us.
He is with us today in His name and by His Spirit. (Matthew 1:23)

A close examination of the early church as documented in the Acts of the Apostles shows
that there was no such thing as images that the apostles bowed to or worship as taking the place of their absent Lord.
So let us not deviate from apostolic practice.

God’s mind about images and idols has not changed.
He has given us a representation of Himself in the person of Jesus and NOW in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Let us therefore seek to know Jesus and His Spirit.
Bowing down to images is worship of other gods because God is not stone, statues or images.
He is a PERSON. Lets enjoy His company, press into His presence.
Let’s give Him the Worship and the honor that He alone deserves.
His presence accompanies the praises of His people.

 

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Devotionals

Embracing God’s Word as foundational Truth

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The world is full of mixed concepts, and it can be quite confusing to navigate them, let alone be firm in understanding what is truly true. If we’re not careful, we can easily be swayed by the ideas that come our way. In this case, how do we find certainty? How do we discern what is true and what isn’t?

As Christians, we stand firm in the truth found in the Holy Word of God – the Bible. This is the foundation of what we believe. It is God’s love letter to us, through which we come to know who we are and what we are here for. The Bible also reveals who God is and everything that revolves around Him, serving as the solid foundation upon which we should build our lives.

Here are 10 Bible Verses that illustrates the importance of embracing God’s Word as the foundational truth:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.” (Psalm 119:160)

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.” (Colossians 3:16)Regardless of the changes that happen in the world, we can trust that God’s Word never falters nor wavers. It will remain true until the end of time, just as God never changes. We must keep our eyes firmly fixed on Him and His Word so that we are not easily swayed by the mix of ideas that this world injects into our minds. We must know God’s Word by heart so that we are not deceived.

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Devotionals

Overcoming Sinful Addictions

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Addiction is a heavy burden that many of us carry, whether it’s an addiction to substances, habits, or even harmful thought patterns. It often feels like an unshakeable chain, binding us to habits or behaviors that we know are not aligned with our values or our faith. It’s essential to understand that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their spiritual journey.

The Bible acknowledges human struggles and offers guidance and encouragement. As Christians, we are called to live a life of freedom and grace, and overcoming sinful addictions is a significant part of this journey. So here’s a quick and practical guidance for those struggling with addiction, while reinforcing the loving and transformative power of Christ. It is my prayer that you will find these tips helpful as you journey through overcoming sinful addictions.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV), it is written: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” This verse reminds us that while we may face trials, God provides us with the strength and means to overcome them.

The first step towards overcoming any addiction is to turn to Christ. Jesus offers us a new identity and strength to break free from our past. In John 8:36 (NIV), Jesus says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”This freedom is not just a promise of eternal life but also a present reality that we can experience in our daily struggles.

  1. Prayer and Surrender: Begin by surrendering your struggle to God in prayer. Acknowledge your weakness and ask for His strength to overcome. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God’s grace and guidance.
  2. Scripture Meditation: Immersing yourself in Scripture can renew your mind and transform your heart. Verses such as Philippians 4:13  which says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” can be powerful reminders of the strength available to you through Christ.
  3. Community Support: Surround yourself with a supportive Christian community. Fellowship with others who understand your struggles can provide encouragement and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

While spiritual strength is crucial, practical steps are also essential in the journey to overcoming addiction. God gives us wisdom to know exactly what to do when a situation arises and taking on steps such as these below will help you become better and stronger in overcoming sinful addictions.
Seek Professional Help

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a Christian counselor, your trusted spiritual mentor or a Christian therapist. Professional help can provide you with strategies to address the underlying issues of addiction and support your recovery process.

Helpful tip: It’s important to find a fellow believer in Christ as they incorporate Biblical guidelines whilst they help you along. It also keeps things faith-centered and not just science or psychologically-focused.
Develop Healthy Habits

Replace addictive behaviors with positive habits. Engage in activities that uplift your spirit and contribute to your well-being. Exercise, creative hobbies, and volunteering can be fulfilling alternatives.

Helpful tip: Make a list and mark your calendar to make sure you don’t forget it. Setting reminders and getting accountability will even make this more achievable. Choose people who are willing to fight this through with you not only through prayers but also through practical steps.


Set Realistic Goals
Break down your recovery journey into manageable goals. Celebrate small victories along the way and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Progress is often incremental, and every step forward is a testament to your perseverance and God’s grace.

Helpful tip: Keep in mind that failures can still happen along the way but don’t let these slow you down. It’s part of being human. Anything is possible when you put your mind to it and give it your best most especially if you have trusted God with the process in the first place.


Establish Boundaries
Identify triggers that lead to addictive behavior and create boundaries to avoid them. Developing a plan to handle situations that might tempt you can help you stay on track.

Helpful tip: Don’t play around with sin. Never trust yourself too much to be confident in your own flesh.
Embracing Forgiveness and Grace
Remember that overcoming addiction is a process and not a destination. You may encounter setbacks, but this does not mean you’ve failed. God’s grace is sufficient for us, even in our weakest moments. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) tells us, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” Embrace this grace and allow it to renew your spirit and strengthen your resolve.

Helpful tip: Always remember that our capacity is limited. God is sovereign and He is the high authority. Trust Him for strength and willpower and never stop doing that.

Overcoming sinful addictions may be a challenging journey, but with Christ’s strength, prayer, community support, and practical steps, freedom is possible. Trust in God’s promises and lean on His grace as you navigate this path. Remember, you are not alone; God is with you every step of the way, guiding you towards a life of peace, freedom, and fulfillment.May you find hope and strength in Christ as you work towards breaking free from addiction and living a life that honors Him.

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Devotionals

Finding Purpose and Fulfillment

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We all have the desire to find purpose and fulfillment in this life. But in a world like ours where everyday is full of challenges and distractions, our journey towards reaching the unfolding of this desire becomes even harder. What we often don’t realize is this: Knowing God is the best way to finding satisfaction and fulfillment in life. It is the only transformative journey that offers a sense of direction, peace and true satisfaction – something that the world will never be able to give.

Here’s a quick note: We don’t have to be perfect to know God. He gave His love to us through His Son Jesus Christ while we were yet sinners. Jesus didn’t come for those who think they’ve already figured things out. He came for the lost, for the hurt, for the blind and those who are searching for the truth.

So why is it important to know God? Let’s dive in a little more.

Knowing God enables us to understand our true identity. Our worth and purpose are rooted in the Diving Supreme Being who is none other than God Himself. When we seek to understand who He is, we will also come to better understand who we are. This includes our strengths, our weaknesses and our potentials. God designed us intricately that we have been given so many things to explore in our personhood and enjoy in the light of His purposes and plans for us.

Knowing God gives us purpose and direction. Although life may seem aimless at times, knowing who God is will give us a sense of purpose and direction. Our faith and relationship with Him will give us a framework for understand what our role is in this life, what missions we are to fulfill and how we play out in the ultimate plan that God had in mind from the very beginning. It is only in the light of God’s perfect ways that we are able to see things clearer.

Knowing God gives us inner peace that nothing in this world could ever give. There are so many things in life that promises us peace yet they don’t last. Some are even just the fake kind, masked to give us the tranquility we desire yet brings us to more troubles than otherwise. The peace that God gives is something that transcends human ability and understanding. It is a peace that remains in spite of bad circumstances. It gives us the calm assurance that no matter what happens, there is a wonderful purpose and reward waiting for us when we trust in Him even in the greatest of storms.

There are a lot more benefits to knowing God and it can be endless. It is a lifetime journey that we will only experience if we surrender our lives to His Lordship and sovereignty. It is something that He has offered to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ His Son as their Lord and Savior. This offer was given to all mankind, take it freely and it will be yours.

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