Break the chains oh Lord

Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

A song writer said it best in these words “there is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain.” Many persons today are locked away in one prison or another; debt prison, mental prison, spiritual prison etc. but there is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain.

Peter was locked away in prison but prayer was made without ceasing for him. Who do you know that is imprisoned by the past, the troubles of today or the fears of tomorrow? Are you or someone you know locked away by situations beyond your control? Fear not, only commit yourself unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesian 3:20 )

What prison do you want release from today?

Answer me oh Lord

Genesis 25:22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.

 The Lord is all knowing and Rebekah knew that well. Therefore, when she was unsure of what was taking place in her body, she sought the Lord for an answer.

James 1:5 says If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. No doubt there might be unanswered questions in your life, unexplained situations and confusing answers to queries. Not to worry, God is ready and waiting to answer all your questioning.

 What is it you need answers for today? 

Call on Him

Judges 16:28 And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

Maybe you have made some terrible mistakes in the past and as a result you have been beaten, mocked and abused. Maybe the strength to fight back has left you and you feel like all hope is gone. The story of Samson is here to remind you that grace is much greater than all your sins. Jeremiah 29:12 says “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” Samson called on the Lord from the depths of despair and the Lord heard and answered and He will do the same for you too.

What is your hopeless situation today?   

Guide me Great Jehovah

Genesis 24:12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

Many times persons are led to believe that God is only concern with some aspect of their lives. They may pray for food, shelter and protection but try to solve everything else on their own. This notion is wrong. God is concern about every aspect of your life; from where you live to who you live with. From where you do your job to how you do your job. Like Abraham’s servant you are encouraged to seek God’s intervention in making the right choices as you carry out your day to day duty.

The scripture says in Proverbs 3:5 -6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

What is it you need guidance in today?

Cry out!

1Samuel 1:10-11 £And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child…

One of the greatest prophet ever lived was born out of the bitterness of the soul of a woman who wanted nothing more than a son, a woman who have tried everything humanly possible to bring forth and failed, a woman who faced constant torture from her adversary. Yes, Samuel was born because Hannah prayed and believed.
Which dream or desire have you been wishing would come to life? Like Hannah you need to look pass the obstacles, pass your adversaries and cry out in faith to the One who said in Mark 10:27 “… With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

What is your greatest desire today?

Order my steps O Lord

Judges 6:36-38 And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.

 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. You like Gideon may be uncertain about you purpose in life. You may be wondering which direction to go. Well, don’t wonder about it, why not pray about it instead? Don’t be afraid to ask for direction, Psalms 32:8 says “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

What is it that you needs direction in today?

My eyes are upon you o Lord

Share 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

It is quite natural to feel helpless in certain situation you are face with. In fact, the human thing to do when faced with troubles and trials on every hand is to find an escape route as quickly as possible or try fighting on your own. But here is an example given by King Jehoshaphat, he cried out to God because he knew that he had not the might needed to fight this battle. Have you been fighting a losing battle? Well, now is the best time to acknowledge your helplessness and turn it over to the Lord, Zechariah 4:6 says “… Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Which battle do you want to hand over today?

Depths of despair

Psalms 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
David had committed the ultimate sin when he deliberately transgressed the law of God by committing adultery with Bathsheba and then murdering her husband. And as a result he felt stained and defiled by sin. He knew no atonement could be made for such a presumptuous sin so his only hope was in appealing to God’s grace and mercy. David prayed these words as his soul cried out in anguish and pain and you know what? The Lord heard and forgave him! The same can be done for you. Isaiah 1:18 says “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

 What are you praying about?

The Two Sides of Life

The Two Sides of Life (Part 1)

There are two sides to everything in life and as a result we are blessed with the privilege of choice. We can choose to dwell on the negative side of life or we can choose to dwell on the positive side.

The negatives in today’s world is at times so overwhelming that it is so easy to give in to our natural intuition, which is to fear, cry, run and hide or to become stressed out and depressed. But Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us and 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient for us: for His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Bearing in mind these two texts, how then should we face life with its two sides?

Walk with me down to the valley of Elah, here you will see the Philistine’s army camped against Israel and in the midst of their camp you will see Goliath, the champion of their army. Goliath is no ordinary man; he is a giant, full of big speech and his only agenda is to destroy the Israelites. If you look closely you will also see the Israelites trembling in fear as Goliath thunders his treats and demand a man of the Israelite’s army to fight him. But look even a little closer, yes right there in the Israelites camp, a youth who is ruddy and of a fair countenance.  

What is he doing? Why is there no fear showing on his face like everyone else and where is he going? Oh my word! Is he heading towards the giant! Let us draw a little closer and see if we can hear what the giant is saying to him.

Living an Abnormal Life

In a world where evil seems to be in control and where rendering evil for evil is the norm, how should we as Christians live? Well Matthew 5:38-47 tells us that we ought to live an abnormal life. In living an abnormal life we are expected to suffer any injury that can be borne for the sake of peace. Though not easy, as Christians we should turn the other cheek, love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us and pray for them which despitefully use and persecute us. Is this normal? No it isn’t and that’s why the life we live is abnormal.

I have made a covenant with my eyes!

I’ve made a covenant with my eyes to look only to Jesus, my guide.

I have learned from Peter that looking at the boisterous wind will only cause me to sink (Matthew 14:30),

I have learned from Lot’s wife that looking behind might result in me, becoming a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26),

I have learned from Gehazi that looking at riches may lead to leprosy (2 Kings 5: 20-25),

And I have learned from Pharaoh that looking to idols will only result in plagues after plagues (Exodus 8-11).

Therefore,

The greatest want

The greatest want of the world is the want of men-- men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.

E.G. White

Education, page 57

Looking Beyond What Others Sees

You may be one of those persons who are not treated as someone special, who is the ugly duckling of the family, the weak link of the company or the underdog in your school and as a result you are often left feeling dejected, depressed and even suicidal. You often asked why me, with tear filled eyes and an aching heart.  

Well, I think it’s time you look beyond what others see in you and look at and hold on to what God sees in you. Every time you take up the Bible to read, bear in mind that it is a letter from God to you. Every promise that lies there in belongs to you. Every assurance, every blessing is a message saying I love you; you are special in my sight.

Looking beyond what others sees takes courage and believing in what God sees in you takes faith. You are not worthless, incompetent, ugly or good for nothing; you are only a king been prepared by shepherd duties, Listen to what God said to Samuel when he was looking in the same manner in which your families, school mates, co-workers etc are looked upon based on their external physique: “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

God sees you as the apple of His eyes (Zec 2:8), fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14), peculiar (1 Peter 2:9) and a treasure worth dying for (John 3:16). If the King of the universe sees you in this light, how then should you see yourself? Shouldn’t you stop seeing yourself as others see you and see you for who God want you to be?

God bless you.

Stand Anyway

There are times when you look around and your heart ached. Oh how you wish your friends, family, community, country and even the entire world would follow God's law and live morally correct lives. Unfortunately it is not so, sin has marred us so bad, it is much easier to do bad than to do what's right. However, as individuals we can stand anyway. Joshua, looking around him and viewing the people he had led for many years said, "choose today whom you will serve" then he declare his choice " as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15 In other words, regardless of the choices you make, as for me and my house, we will stand for righteousness.

To stand and declare undying obedience to God often means declaring yourself out of the spotlight, out of the popular group. But in declaring you have placed yourself in The Way, The Truth and The Life.

Maybe, unlike Joshua, you may not get your whole household to stand with you BUT stand anyway Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Stand in Jesus name

True Friends

Everybody needs friends but when we have friends who are willing to tear the roof off in order for us to meet Jesus, then we can proudly say, yes we have true friends!  

When we read the story in Mark 2:1-5 we can clearly see that true friends will go to the extent to get their friend the healing they desire.

1. healing of the mind
2. healing of the body
3. healing of the soul

Which ever state you might be in, Jesus is still the great physician and is waiting to grant you your desire.

Your prayers, your words of encouragement, your songs, your presence, your faith maybe all you need to tear the roof off and bring healing to your friend.


Go now and be a true friend in Jesus name.

Whose eyes are you looking through?

How does the situations in your life look? Does the future look bleak? Is your hope in a dying state? What about your relationship, you dreams, your desires, are they ready to be buried? Well that depends on whose eyes you are looking at the situation with.
In Mark 5:38-42 we see the difference between looking at a situation through your own eyes and looking at it through Jesus' eyes. "And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth" This is Jesus speaking to you, speaking to me. He is saying why are you weeping over your situation? Why are you behaving as if there is no hope? The situation is not dead, it is just sleeping. You need to wake it up. How can I wake it up you make say, read Mark 5:38-42 again, look closely at Jesus' method:

• He analyzed the situation
• He moved away from the crowd (skepticism, negativity and false friends)
• He took only those who truly concern or were affected by the situation
• He took the situation by the hand (He did not just leave it lying He got hands-on)
• He then spoke wonderful words of life to the situation
• He then command that the situation be fed (with love, compassion, forgiveness, determination ...)

 Your situation may look dead but there is hope. Listen to Jesus in Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

God is able to resurrect your situation regardless of the state that it is in. This child had just die (Mark 5:38-42), Lazarus was dead for 4 days (John 11) and when we look at the dry bones in Ezekiel 37 we realize that there are no situation beyond the resurrecting power of God.

Have faith, God is able.

Trials and Tribulations

ME: God, are you crazy or have you forgotten that I am your child! My life is full of trials and tribulations, ups and downs and heartaches and pains. All I tried fail and I can't seems to find the peace and enjoyment that others find in this life.

GOD: My child, I love you and that's why I allow these things to happen to you so you can be equiped for your task ahead.

ME: I don't understand.

GOD: Ok, let Me help you understand. Turn to James 1: 2-7 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you,  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Hebrew 12:6-8 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
So you see my child, I am not crazy neither have I forgotten your place as My child, I only want the best for you. Like the clay in the potter's hand all I want you to do is yield and let Me fashion you in my likeness.

ME: Ok, Lord help me to yield to your will.

Should you fear your enemies?

When we think of an enemy we think of someone who is out to get us and indeed we are correct! Our enemies hate us and wouldn't mind if they could eradicate us but does this give us, children of God, reason to fear them? No it does not. Matthew:10:28 says, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

2 Kings 7 is also a perfect example of how powerful our God is. Our enemies, armed, enraged and having a desire to destroy us, encamped round about us but our Almighty God whisper softly "fear not because I will use them to bless you instead."

Who God bless no man curse!!! 

Should we let our present situation determine our future?

Many times persons allow the law of society, what others say about them or where they are in life to determine their future. This ought not to be so and I will give you an example from the Bible. In 2 Kings 7 we see a city in a deplorable state, suffering of the greatest and most degrading level were taking place. The focus though is on the four leprous man outside the city, out-cast, rejected, starving, and would seems hopeless. But did they let their current state determine their future? No! They say we will not die here! They saw hope in a hopeless situation, they saw just a gleam of hope and they took it. You too my friend can say I will not die here, I will no longer remain a nobody, I will no longer live according to how others treat or see me, I will no longer believe that I am the ugly duckling, I WILL NOT DIE HERE and even though death or the same treatment is possible on the other side I WILL TAKE MY CHANCES BUT I WILL NOT STAY HERE.   

How many kids should you have?

I heard someone asking the question, how many kids should a couple have, seeing that the Bible say be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28)? To answer that, of course we will turn to the Bible. In Luke 14: 28-32 we get the perfect answer. If you want to be fruitful and multiply that is ok but make sure that you sit down and count the cost first. How much am I earning? Will I be able to take care of my children basic needs? Will I be able to spend quality time with ALL of them and still have time for my spouse and myself? Will I remain emotionally, mentally, spiritually and financially stable? These are a few questions one must ask when considering to REALLY BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY and I hope the answer to them will help you to make the right decision.

Until next time remember to hear what the Bible have to say about it.

Please post your comments and questions I would be most eager to reply.

Blessed Love  

The Child's Right

Every child is entitle to love, education, shelter, food, clothing etc. But in these tough economical times, parents are finding it difficult to provide these basic necessities for their children. So what can be done for the Children's Sake? Today we will take a look on providing education for our children. Back to school time can be a really stressful period for parents and sometimes for children too. Mommy and Daddy don't know where the school fee or the necessary back to school items such as books, shoes, uniform etc are coming from and the time is drawing near. Children don't know whether or not the parents will get things togather in time for school restart and so everyone is stress. Here is a little advice, 1 start saving for the next term from now, it don't have to be much. All you need is a little box, bottle, bag or whatever you would rather and start dropping your $1, $2, $5, $10, $20 etc in it. All the little spare change you carry back from the supermarket drop it in there and you will be surprise at how much you will have when the next school term comes around. 2 Let the children know the situation from early. Teach them to take care of their shoes, uniforms, books etc. so you don't have to buy these every year/term. 3 budget well, always keep in mind your obligation to provide a good education for your child and do no unnecessary spending.

Remember every child can learn, every child must learn and it's all for the children's sake

Strength Through Faith In God (Pt 3) | She's Classic

Strength Through Faith In God (Pt 3) | She's Classic

Don't play with sin!

Do you believe it is ok to continue doing wrong because you have been getting away with it for a very long time? Someone once told me " don't play with sin because sin will take you further than you had planned to go and keep you longer than you had planned to stay". Therefore, be carful of what you do, when you do it, how you do it and why you do it, why? Because Galatians 6:7 says "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

What Blessing it is!

Just being alive is a blessing. Last time we looked at how we should treat those who treated us badly. For this session we will look at how to deal with bad situations in our lives. Okay, so life was going well, you had almost everything you wanted and THEN everything or most things start to go bad, can you still be at peace? Can you still be happy in spite of all your adversities?
OH YES YOU CAN!
WHY?
BECAUSE: Philippians:4:11 says: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
AND: Romans:8:28 says: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Remember it did not say ALL THINGS ARE GOOD but ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD. So in spite of all that you may be going through, just believe that God is working something out for your good and indeed you can be at peace in the midst of your adversities.

Many persons believe that the Bible is outdated but I believe that it is more up to date than any book I have come in contact with. In fact I believe that it has something to say about every aspect of our lives. Everything that we might be going through, someone has gone through it in the Bible, it may look different, but when you take the time out to analyze it, you will realize it is the same thing.
So, what is it that you are wondering if the Bible contains anything about?
What encouragement you are seeking from the Bible?
Let us explore together!!!

Sandria Watkis Madden

Hello my friends how are you? It's been a long time but I am back and I'm here to stay.

Now the question for today is? What if someone you did your very best to help treated you very bad? should you continue loving and treating that person good?

From a human perspective our first impulse might be "hell no!" but what does the Bible say?

Matt:5:43: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
Matt:5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Well there you have it. Let the Bible Speak