ITS A BAIT!

"In the meantime, Saul's daughter Michal had fallen in love with David, and Saul was delighted when he heard about it. Here's another chance to see him killed by the Philistines! Saul said to himself...(1 Sam. 18:20-21;NLT) Some favors could turn out to be traps set to cause our downfall. But I decree that every weapon formed against you shall backfire. Saul's intention of giving David his daughter to marry, was not because he wanted David as a son-in-law, rather to use his daughter as the bait to get him killed. Saul asked David to bring 100 Philistine foreskin as the bride price. "But what Saul had in mind was that David would be killed in the fight...When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and how much his daughter Michal loved him, Saul became even more afraid of him..."(V25b,28-29). Someone may also be trying to set traps for you at your work place, marriage, ministry or school. It doesn't matter how far they may have gone, it won't work. For I AM is with you! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!

I SMELL A RAT!

"A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!"(Prov. 27:14,NLT). Someone may be thinking, then must we not greet when we meet our friends at the beginning of a new day? Our text is more of an admonition. Be suspicious and wary of the man who always flatter you with a loud voice and go out of their way to do so. It will turn out to be a curse instead of a blessing. The scripture is an idiom about excessive flattery. It is not to be regarded as genuine and sincere. Be wary of 'friends' who are always singing your praises and never find faults with you. There are friends who are there for benefits, and those who are there to create conflicts. Genuine friends stay with you through the good and bad and may not even give you reasons why they are. They just stick closer than a brother. Beware of people who are always showering you with praises as if you are superhuman with no mistakes. "A lying tongue hates it victims, and flattering words cause ruin". (Prov. 26:28, NLT) Sometimes you must smell a rat to stay away from trouble! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

NOTHING WILL BE TOO HARD FOR YOU!

"You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile...You drench the 'plowed ground' with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften 'the earth' with showers and bless its abundant crops. You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the 'hard pathways' overflow with abundance."(Ps. 65:9-11,NLT) Before you proceed, I want you to go over our text please. Note carefully any sentence with words like earth, ground, pathways. And answer this question: What was man made from? If you are thinking as I am, your answer will be 'The Dust of the Earth'! "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground..."(Gen. 2:7,KJV) So anywhere you see anything related to the ground put yourself there and claim it. "You take care of the EARTH and water it, making it rich and fertile. You drench the PLOWED GROUND with rain...You soften the EARTH with showers and bless its abundant crops. You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the HARD PATHWAYS overflow with abundance." Nothing will be hard for you! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

WHEN TO ATTACK!

"And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the philistine."(1 Chro. 14:15,KJV) There are different strategies for different battles. Just like in football, there are different game plans for different matches. And you mostly would need a signal as to when to go in for the kill. It is at your opponent's weakest point that you can take advantage and win. Even when David got behind the army of the Philistines he was not to attack until the very moment he heard a sound in the tops of the mulberry trees. And that was the success plan. David was bound to fail had he missed it. This sound was one of "a going", meaning the sound of a mighty army on the march, which struck terror to the Philistines and caused them to be confused and panic stricken. The Arabic version say the sound was the "noise of horses' hoofs". "When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army"(NLT) When do you attack? AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

GET IT STRAIGHT!

The word of God is to be believed in its totality with no exceptions. You would ask yourself, why many accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour but find it hard to accept He is their healer too. Isa. 53:5 paints a picture that He is both our Healer and our Saviour. 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) reads ''Who his own self bare our sins in his body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed'. God isn't only your Saviour, but He has already paid all your hospital bills on the cross of calvary. So it is spiritually and physically inappropriate for you to be oppressed by sickness. And don't for a minute think that your Loving Heavenly Father will punish you with sickness. A house divided against itself can not stand. Jesus Christ cannot pay for your sickness and His father will punish you with sickness, it is IMPOSSIBLE. Jesus Christ came to earth to give us both Salvation (Romans 10:9-10) and Healing (Acts 10:38). Get it straight! IA@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

FAITH MIXTURE(2)

"...Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in His prophets, and you will succeed."(2 Chro. 20:20,NLT) This means the men of God in every nation have an important role to play in its prosperity believe it or not. "O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord: Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work, until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth."(Isa. 62:6-7,NLT) As the Lord opened my eyes into this scripture, it dawned on me how sometimes we underestimate the power God has given to His chosen prophets in our land. A typical example that the Spirit of God drew to my attention was when our currency started depreciating and a servant of God stood to pray for its rise. The reactions from even Christians was shocking. But God's word says, we can change ANY SITUATION, no matter how bad it is, if we mix the word of God with faith. AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

FAITH MIXTURE!

"Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish."(Isa. 46:10,NLT) The word of God can be so assuring, but until it is properly mixed with faith, it wouldn't yield results. "I will call a swift bird of prey from the east-a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding. I have said what I would do, and I will do it."(V11) God can use anything to fulfil His plan for your life. He can turn the heart of Kings to your favour. "It is the same with my word. I send it out and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will PROSPER EVERYWHERE I send it."(Isa. 55:11,NLT) Did you just read that? It doesn't matter the situation you may be in, when you allow God's word to settle on it, things will change. How are you receiving the word you have heard? "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."(Heb. 4:2,KJV) Get the right mixture! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

NO MORE TIME WASTING!

"Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them."(Titus 3:9-11,NLT) This scripture appears to have a serious tone. In that, the writer doesn't mince words but emphatically states that some discussions and arguments are useless so we shouldn't engage in them. And those who try to bring divisions must be avoided completely. This is to teach us ways to be productive in using our time effectively and efficiently to become more profitable in life. Many lives are being wasted away due to unnecessary arguments on irrelevant topics. The next time someone comes to you with any discussion and you realize it wouldn't add any value to you, gently excuse them and find something profitable to do with your time. Time is precious, so use it wisely! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

WHO IS YOUR PARTNER?

Have you ever been in a company of three where the other two have a common ground say the same tribe, school, church...etc and instead of chatting about things common to all of you they begin to talk about their former school, church or even more painfully switch to their native language? When this happens you can feel so left out. At times it feels as if they are gossiping about you especially when they chat in an unknown tongue with much laughter. It can be very offensive and could cause separation. In much the same way, the Spirit of God ministered to me that challenges that come our way should be like the 3rd party to us as christians. Our fellowship with God should make those challenges feel left out even though they are around. When we associate ourselves with God we've got to speak our native language which is His word. Has God told you that your ministry will go international and touch lives yet you don't even get a LIKE on any social media platform when you share an inspiring post, so want to speak the language of failure? Or you have been exchanging words with bus conductors over some few coins when God has said you are a billionaire? Beloved never talk the problem, but instead keep associating and speaking one language with God, and in no time the challenge would disappear. But if you decide to associate and speak one language with the challenge then you would gradually be pushing God away. Who then do you have a common language with, is it GOD or THE CHALLENGE? Enjoy Lunch. RA@TWD...Inspiring Hope!

RUN, AGE IS CATCHING UP WITH YOU!

 "Someday the light of the sun and the moon and the stars will all seem dim to you. Your body will grow feeble, your teeth will decay, and your eyesight will fail..."(Eccl 12:2-3,CEV). Few years ago I was six. Mom and dad organised a super cool birthday for me. I felt like a princess as I blew the fire off my six coloured lit candles at a go. It felt magical. I remember it like yesterday, but amazingly I am grown already. Dear, time is flying like the passing wind, unable to catch it to suit our pace. If you have any childhood memories, it should prompt you on how fast the days are counting. In no time you will be celebrating your 70th birthday. If you have anything to do for God it must be NOW. "Keep your creator in mind while you are young. In years to come, you will be burdened down with troubles and say, I don't enjoy life anymore.."(Eccl 12 :1,CEV) Let us be about His business because tomorrow your grandchild will be wishing you a happy 80th birthday! Be on your toes, for the clock is ticking and you've got little time. KY@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

CONDITIONAL BLESSINGS!

"Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Only people who don't know God worry about such things. Your father in heaven knows that you need all of these things. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what He wants. Then other things will be yours as well."(Matt 6:25-33 CEV). There's a deep revelation to this passage. Please take time to carefully meditate on this scripture. It states categorically that you do not need to worry about anything when you are about God's business and obey His word. Your needs will be catered for without worrying. It will be a reward for your service to God. You don't need to be anxious about tomorrow when you make a concious effort to meet the conditions of God's word. All other things including your wants shall be added to you. Why worry about what God has already taken care of? 'When you make God's business your business, He makes your business His business.' Such blessings are conditional. KY@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

EQUAL TREATMENT, FAIR GAME!

"Don't condemn others, and God wont condemn you. God will be as hard on you as you are on others. He will treat you exactly as you treat them."(Matt 7:1-2,CEV) Have you ever wondered why you go through that pain, hurt and disappointment? Has it ever occurred to you that what you may be going through is because of your attitude towards another person? Do you ignore others and treat them as though they don't matter? Do you demotivate your subordinates by the words you utter? Do you meet your wants and neglect the needs of others? Change your ways today and watch things turn around in your favour. The next time you take an action, think of how you would feel should God take similar actions against you. Change your attitude towards someone today. Have the mind of Christ! KY@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

THE PHYSICIAN'S ADVICE!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."(Prov. 17:22,NLT) The cause of many sicknesses these days can be attributed to the high rate of depression. The above scripture confirms that. A merry heart is 'healthful', but one dejected will develop many bodily illnesses. Nothing ruins health more than grief, continual worry, fretfulness, bad tempers, hatred and the likes. We should therefore rid ourselves of such health-destroying agencies. Sometimes we can even accuse the devil for things he may not be aware of, because His mission statement has always been "To steal, kill and destroy." He mostly comes subtly with thoughts of fear, and tries to destroy anything that can empower you to overcome him, especially your joy. But resist the devil by staying happy always. He knows the joy of the Lord is your strength, and so would attack you from there. Never trade your joy. Stay cheerful, it is your emotional medicine! Endorsed by- Snr. Doctor Jesus. AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

ARE YOU A SUPER-MAN OR SPIRIT-MAN?

"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies..."(Rom. 8:11,KJV) Many of us have a desire to achieve great things. But even though we may have the determination to succeed, our strength alone cannot help us; we need power from God. When Jesus said "And you shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit has come upon you...", He meant power to do great things. Whenever you try to do things with your own strength, you are behaving like a super-man. But when you yield to the power of the Holy Spirit and rely on His strength, then you are more of a spirit-man. Paul admitted that it was Christ at work in Him and not his own might, when He said: "I can do all things, through Christ who gives me strength." It is good to give your best shot, but there is a point where only God can take you and something He alone can do. When you get to such a place, don't become a super-man; allow the Spirit of God to be in control. Just yield to Him! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

YES YOU TRIED...

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, BUT VICTORY BELONGS TO THE LORD"(Prov.21:31NLT). The first question that is most likely to come to mind after reading this text is: If victory is the Lord's (or belongs to the Lord) why do I have to fight any more battles? But can you be quite for just a minute? Shhh! You would realize that even when you think you are quiet there is a part of you that keeps processing information and doesn't go on break. That is your MIND! Even when you are asleep, your mind may be roaming and combing through your unfinished projects. And by the time you wake up you are already tired for the new day. That is why you need to allow God to give the shots while you follow Him. Your strength can do only a little. Only God can see you through to the end. The Message translation of our text reads: "Do your best, prepare for the worst-then trust God to bring victory." Yes you may have tried, but it is time to rest in God. He has your victory in His hand, so partner with Him and you shall win! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!(Isa. 26:3,NLT) I wonder why at some point in life some things just don't work as expected. And its like the prayers don't satisfy, words of encouragement no more edify and you've made so many mistakes that you cannot rectify. The pressure from work, expectations from family, programmes to attend, deadlines to meet, goals to achieve are all part of the battles that go in your mind. How do you cope with the mental load as a Christian? The best remedy is to FIX YOUR THOUGHTS ON JESUS and not on the problems! So many thoughts can find their way into your mind without your permission, so it is your responsibility to control your thought life and fill your mind with positive things. "And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."(Phil. 4:8,NLT) What is on your mind? AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

BEHIND THE SCENES!

"So we don't look at the troubles we can see now, rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."(2 Cor. 4:18,NLT) The KJV reads "...for the things which are seen are temporal: but the things which are not seen are eternal"(Permanent). What you are seeing may appear real, but the truth is that it has a short lifespan. "For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!(2 Cor. 4:17,NLT). There is a purpose in every adversity as a child of God. "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.(James 1:2-3,NLT). This is spiritual capacity building! "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later."(Rom. 8:18,NLT) God is not done with you yet. He is working behind the scenes. You shall soon manifest! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!

"And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for."(1 Jn. 5:14-15,NLT) Here is one key to answered prayer many of us are yet to discover. It is truth hidden in God's word, and until the eyes of our understanding is enlightened, we may not see it. Here is the point: God doesn't answer our prayers because we use good vocabulary. He hears us because we ask for what pleases Him. And that is the difficult part, because most of our requests are self-centred and out of selfish ambition. "And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong-you want only what will give you pleasure.(James 4:3,NLT) So the problem is not with God, but with our motives. What are the reasons why you ask for the things you ask for? If they are genuine then God will gladly answer at the appropriate time. "And it is impossible to please God without faith..."(Heb. 11:6,NLT) Before you make your request, examine your motive. Look before you leap! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

CHANGE CLOTHES!

Sometimes as hard as it may be, you may have to allow certain things to go in order to enjoy life. You can't keep holding on to the past and its regrets. It is time to change clothes! Here is how David handled a painful loss in his life. "Then on the seventh day the child died. David's advisers were afraid to tell him. He wouldn't listen to reason while the child was ill, they said. What drastic thing will he do when we tell him the child is dead? When David saw them whispering, he realized what had happened. Is the child dead? he asked. Yes they replied, he is dead. Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and CHANGED HIS CLOTHES. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the Lord..."(2 Sam. 12:18-20,NLT) The enemy is happy when you appear depressed, frustrated, and miserable. But just like David, get back up and change your countenance. God has greater things ahead of you, so replace the spirit of heaviness with the garment of praise. Change your clothes! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

HELPLINE SERIES:THE CONCLUSION!

Let us meditate on the following scriptures as we conclude on our helpline series. "So we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" (Heb. 13:6,NLT) We are terrified by the threats of mere men because we are not conscious of the helper we have got. It is time to wake up. "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea."
(Ps. 46:1-2,NLT). If God is our helper, there is no need to fear. "We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield." (Ps. 33:20,NLT) And lastly the Lord says: "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
(Isa. 41:10,NLT) Now let us join our hearts and say this prayer: "Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes."
(Ps. 108:12-13,NLT) It is an undeniable fact that, we can not do without God's help. He is already willing and ready to help, all He needs is that you turn to Him. Will you call on Him now? AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

HELPLINE SERIES: WHO DO YOU TURN TO?

"My heart has heard you say, Come and talk with me. And my heart responds, Lord I am coming." (Ps. 27:8,NLT) Man can help you, but to an extent. It is only God who gives complete help irrespective of your situation. There is a natural tendency to share your issues with your close friends rather than the one truest friend who sticks closer than a brother. Man's help could be conditional or even in his convenience. But when God decides to help you, it is thorough. He makes sure He brings you to an expected end. He is a finisher and doesn't do things half-way. "I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth!" (Ps. 121:1-2,NLT) David knew that all the help he needed in life could not come from any man but ultimately from God. "One day as the king of Israel was walking along the wall of the city, a woman called him, Please help me, my lord the king. He answered, If the Lord doesn't help you, what can I do?..." (2 Kgs. 6:26-27,NLT) It is about time you also turned to God, for He is the only source of complete help. AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

HELPLINE SERIES: WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER?

"One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty. My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook that overflows its banks in the spring when it is swollen with ice and melting snow." (Job 6:14-17,NLT)Sometimes what people really need is not only money. It is true money the Bible clearly says, answers all things, but we all know that there are some things money cannot provide. All a person may need in a difficult season is a tap on their shoulder and a soothing whisper saying "I can be of help". We must recognise the particular need of people and try our possible best to at least offer some help. We may not be able to meet all their needs, but at least we may have taken off some of the burden. We see many people going through hard times, and it is our duty as children of God to bring hope and inspire them. People are hurting, so if you can not help them, then don't add to their agony. How can you also be of help? AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!

COVENANT SERIES: FINAL EDITION!

Our focus this week has been to look at covenants and how necessary they are in our walk as Christians. We started by saying that, when God makes a covenant with a man, there are no breakages. We continued and saw the need for each individual to be in God's covenant family. We found out that, there is a direct correlation between a covenant and a sacrifice. Where there is a covenant, it is likely to see some of sacrifice. The sacrifice could be, a sacrifice of pain, a sacrifice of praise, or even a sacrifice of place. God never changes, neither does His word. It is forever settled in Heaven. "Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie..." (Heb. 6:16-18,NLT) He is THE COVENANT KEEPING GOD! AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!

COVENANT SERIES: SACRIFICE OF PRAISE!

"Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name." (Heb. 13:15,NLT) When you honour God's name through your sacrifice of praise, it shows there is a covenant relationship. Praise is a sacrifice that must come from a grateful heart. "Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You don't want burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit..." (Ps. 51:15-17,NLT) Most times what we think is a sacrifice may not be so in the eyes of God. Just like Cain and Abel, many sacrifices are rejected because they are not from the heart. And God sees the heart more than what is being offered. Praise that comes from a heart of gratitude is the sacrifice God accepts. What makes praises a sacrifice is when you don't feel like doing it but you still let it out, by killing every sense of pride. It may be hard for some people. But let your sacrifice of praise come forth. AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

COVENANT SERIES: SACRIFICE OF PAIN!

"Then God said to Abraham, Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility. This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumsized. You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you. All must be circumcized. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant. Any male who fails to be circumcized will be cutt off from the covenant family for breaking the covenant. (Gen. 17:9-11, 13-14,NLT) What does it mean to be cut off? It means such a person may not receive anything from the Lord because they are not part of the covenant family. David rightly called Goliath "an uncircumcized Philistine". He knew perfectly well that Goliath was outside the covenant family. Being circumcized is painful but once such a sacrifice is made God honours the covenant. There is a sacrifice of pain which brings a covenant in full force. AB@TWD...Inspiring Hope!©

YOUR MIND YOUR BATTLEFIELD!

"After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek under heaven. Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-nissi (which means the Lord is my banner). He said, they have raised their fist against the Lord's throne, so now the Lord will be at war with Amalek generation after generation." (Exodus 17:14-16, NLT) Yesterday, we understood that all we had to do with challenges in battle was to surrender to God and acknowledge His authority. However, most of us are not able to stay back and watch the victory of God. In that regard, yours then is to be mentally tough. And that was exactly God's instruction to Moses. He was to document God's promise to provide victory eternally and read aloud to Joshua. That was God delivering a psychology lesson. Thus, in every challenge Satan will first attack your mind. But how deep you are in God's Word will keep you victorious in battle. EN@TWD.....Inspiring Hope! ©

PURSUED BUT NOT HARMED!

"You know of my shame, scorn and disgrace. You see all that my enemies are doing. Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me. But instead, they give me poison for food; they offer me sour wine for my thirst."(Ps. 69:31,NLT). Have you ever been in a situation where you felt all those around you were against you? It can be very intimidating. But I see God working on your behalf and using all those people as a catalyst to hasten your miracle. When Jesus was born, there was a Herod who wanted to kill him. And Moses also had a Pharaoh who wanted to take his life. So who wants to get rid of you? "See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and humiliated. Anyone who opposes you will die and come to nothing. You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. For I hold you by your right hand-I the Lord" (Isa. 41:11-13). Your adversary will be your catalyst! AB@TWD....Inspiring Hope!

GOD IS TOO MERCIFUL!

"Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruits come from me." (Hosea 14:1&8, NLT) As creator of this world, i will always re-create a new set of human beings to worship me each time they rebelled against me. The option of cutting off and starting a new relationship is very common with us when hurt. It's the easiet option God should be taking. Israel had been punished by God for choosing to trust in idols instead of Him. And yet, after punishment God returns to Israel with a heavy heart. He says "O Israel". What God is this? A king full of mercy. In whatever depth of sin you find yourself today do not shy away. Just come to God repentantly. "The Lord says, then i will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever". (Hosea 14:4, NLT) Just come, he is merciful! EN@TWD... Inspiring Hope. ©

RISEN MENTALITY (5)

SPIRITUAL PRODUCTIVITY! "One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers - Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew - throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" (Matt. 4:18-19, NLT) Are you spiritually productive? What do you do for a living? Jesus noticed something about Simon and Andrew. The narration said they fished FOR A LIVING. This was an indication that their whole lives were dedicated to making physical ends meet. However, Jesus saw the need for a balance in their lives and called them to teach them how to win souls for heaven. What do you do for Jesus Christ? Does it place Him at the centre of your life or in that small box you open up when need be? At ascension Jesus Christ gave one promise that we will be His witnesses, telling people about Him EVERYWHERE. Are we spiritually productive? EN@TWD...Inspiring Hope! ©

RISEN MENTALITY (3)

BATTLE JUST BEGAN! "When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, i will return to the person i came from. So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And that person is worse off than before..." (Matt. 12:43-45, NLT) In this series, I am seeking to bring our attention to issues that we need to know to fortify our minds and beings so as to remain focused and grow in the Christian race. Through prayer warfare i have learnt that the devil will exploit every vacuum that we create in our lives. Unlike countries who have 'no mans land' along borders, that is not the case with this race. Our text prompts us of some actions we need to take. Ridding our lives of sin is the first step. Filling it up with God's Word and the Holy Spirit is another. The amount of His Word in you will determine how far you can go. Fill up for the battle is at hand. EN@TWD...Inspiring Hope! ©

RISEN MENTALITY (2)

RUN TO WIN! "Don't you realise that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! So i run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing". (1 Cor. 9:24 & 26, NLT) I ever wonder if any olympic athlete has competed without the goal of winning a medal, at least a bronze. Purpose is that which keeps us going in difficult moments, and staying faithful to God is the winning formula. In this race all can win and the struggle is against our adversary (Satan). The prize a crown of righteousness. "I have fought a good fight, i have finished the race, and i have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return..." (2 Tim. 4:7-8, NLT) The righteous Judge expects us to be right with Him. Its time to look inward again, what are the things that so easily entangles you? Those very little sins are making you slow. Selah! EN@TWD...Inspiring Hope! ©

RISEN MENTALITY (1)

SLAVERY ABOLISHED "We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might loose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. Sin is no longer your master..." (Romans 6:6,14a, NLT) Today's chosen text is quite a common one but has a very important lesson to teach. Did you KNOW? It is said that knowledge is power. There are times that we are caught up in a grueling dream only to wake up suddenly and feel relieved because you know it was just a dream. Oh such a relief. Same is the knowledge that Paul brings to us, that with Christ risen, we are risen above sin and its grip. Not that sin has disappeared in our lives but rather we rise above it. "Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die..." (Romans 8:12-13, NLT) Now you KNOW! EN@TWD...Inspiring Hope! ©

ARE YOU BEING SEEN?

"He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time... Last of all, as though i had been born at the wrong time, i also saw him". (1 Cor. 15:4-8, NLT) Jesus Christ ensured that many saw His risen body after resurrecting on the third day. This was to prove to all eternity that He was for real. His half brother James, at first did not believe Christ was the Messiah. After seeing the resurrected Christ, he became a believer. Not all of world will believe the message of the risen Christ by your words. Many more will believe by your actions. Are you showing yourself as an ambassador for Christ? Or are you hiding in your closet? Are you a sign post or a billboard for Christ? Actions speak louder than words. STAND UP STAND UP FOR JESUS. EN@TWD...Inspiring Hope! ©

JESUS CHRIST WAS THERE TOO!

"So he went and preached to the spirits in prison". (1 Peter 3:19, NLT) Jesus Christ had the master plan. That when He gave up His spirit, He needed to complete the work of sharing the Good News to the dead as well. So that those of the Old Testament era, who were not alive would not be left out. Indeed Jesus Christ died for a reason. "For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence". (Ps. 16:10-11, NLT) "David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah's resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave". (Acts 2:31, NLT) In these texts, it is made clear that Jesus Christ will not ignore His HOLY ONES. Neither will he leave us among the dead. Prayer: Lord Jesus we thank you for your death and resurrection, we plead that you cleanse us from all sin. And use us to share your Good News this Easter and beyond. EN@TWD...Inspiring Hope! ©

THE DAYS OF THE UPRIGHT(2)

"Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, even in famine they will have more than enough." (Ps.37:18-19,NLT)
Sometimes we may try to understand the ways of God but we never would. MY TESTIMONY: Being in a foreign land for several months with no job and things seem really hard. You wonder how you would manage to survive without having regular income. You have no idea where you would get money for bills and meals, but it just gets sorted. It certainly proves that God is at work! And just when you least expected, God proves Himself faithful. A good job comes your way and then other doors begin to open around the same time. Beloved, our God never sleeps nor slumbers. He is the I AM. He may be quiet and may seem far from reach. Yet He is too close to lose His grip on you. Just like a teacher, He may be quiet during a test, but will always be there to give you His helping hand. When things get tough, just know that its God who has the final say. The days of the upright are glorious. AOG@TWD...Inspiring Hope©

RAIN IS COMING!

"The Lord will send rain at the proper time from His rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do..." (Deut. 28:12,NLT) Sometimes we may wonder why we don't get the breaks like other people are getting. But what we must know is that, there is a season and a time for everything. If you are in a season of sowing you must not envy someone who is enjoying a bumper harvest. You must understand the times and not weary yourself to death. God has a plan for everyone and in that plan He has ordained a time that your rain will fall. If the rains fall and there have not been any seeds sown, nothing shall grow. God shall send rain at the PROPER TIME. "Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea the set time is come." (Ps. 102:13,KJV) Don't fret about what others have, for God is sending rain at just that time you need it. Even in the time of famine, the Lord has an eye on you to prosper you and perfect all that concerns you. AB@TWD...Inspiring HOPE!©

WHAT CAN YOU REMEMBER?

"When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted...I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I searched my soul and ponder the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will He never again be kind to me? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on His compassion?" (Ps. 77:2,5-7,9;NLT) This was written by someone who the Lord Himself called His choicest servant (a man after my own heart). And now this same man is asking series of questions because of the troubles he was facing. God never leaves us neither does He forsake us; not even for a moment: He is always with us. We mostly don't see or feel Him with us because we magnify our problems and make our God rather look small. David later wrote: "But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago." (V11). There is something to remember God for! AB@TWD

WHAT IS YOUR ISSUE? (2)

"...The Lord said to me, You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession." (Ps. 2:7-8;NLT) The Word of God is loaded with so much assurances and prophecies for us. But they seem so abstract or far fetched when we hear them. Why do we need to see things happen before we believe? It is said that actions speak louder than words. Is it why we cannot believe God's word and walk in it faithfully? "You don't have enough faith, Jesus told them. I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it would move." (Matt. 18:20, NLT) What more can God say to get us to believe? Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (Heb. 11:1, NLT) The seed of success, prosperity and victory is right in us. What we need to do is to set its growth in motion with a little act of faith. What then is your issue? EN@TWD

WHAT IS YOUR ISSUE?

"Three different times I
begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he
said, My GRACE is all you need. My power
works best in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:8-9;NLT)
After reading this scripture you may be
wondering, like seriously? How can you be
going through all the pain and come to God for
help only to be told that, all you need is grace?
And what could even worsen the case would be
the fact that you don't understand what this
grace means. Paul was in a similar situation;
and all he had to do was to believe what God
had said and simply move on with his life
without getting too worried. And that is what
we are recommending to you too, that no
matter your issue just know that the Grace of
God is available and that's all you need. So
what is this grace? It can be said to be God's
free and unmerited favor towards sinful
humanity. And this is how to access it: "So let
us come boldly to the throne of our gracious
God. There we will receive his mercy and we
will find GRACE to help us when we need it
most." (Heb. 4:16,NLT) What is your issue? His
grace is all you need! AB@TWD

IS YOUR CONVICTION YOUR CONFESSION?

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us...But if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (Dan. 3:17-18,NLT) One of the aims of the enemy is to cut the flow of your fellowship with God; the source of your life. Once that link is cut, he becomes certain that you have no security. For the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are safe. The enemy wants you to bow to him and worship the statues he has raised in our times. He will make some nice offers, just like he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Once you refuse and decide to stand for God, so many afflictions may come your way, to cause you to have a change of mind. But no matter the situation, you must be still. Just like the three Hebrew friends, if even things don't go your way, don't change your confession. The fact that God may be silent doesn't mean He is absent. He will be with you even in the fire. AB@TWD

NEVER GO AHEAD OF GOD; WAIT!

"And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering, the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; ...And Samuel said, what hast thou done? And Saul said, Because the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore I said, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering." (1 Sam. 13:10-12,KJV) Waiting is one of the tests of obedience. Some hindrances to waiting: (1)The feeling of being rejected. He thought all his men had scattered, so he had to do something at all cost. Don't be pressured out of your waiting room. (2) The feeling that time is far spent. He thought Samuel had delayed in coming as he mentioned, so he had to go on with proceedings. (3)Fear of a possible attack from the enemy, might force you to act foolishly. But still it pays to wait! AB@TWD

KEEP FAITH TILL YOU MAKE IT!

"Even when there were no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping-believing that he would become the father of many nations..." (Rom. 4:18;NLT) The caption for today sounds interesting. Until we get to the place where we have faith that God is able to do all He has said concerning us, we are no point near maturity. For we walk by faith not by sight. Sometimes even in unpleasant situations you must choose to say it is well. The Bible says: 'Let the weak say I am strong. And let the poor say I am rich.' How can you tell people you are rich when your bank account is saying otherwise. Is it a white lie? But that is the realm of faith; where you call those things that be not as though they were. You believe to see but you don't see to believe. It is a higher dimension where deep calls unto the deep. Till what you are believing God for becomes evident, your faith would not make sense to some people. Abraham saw Himself as a father of many nations before it became a reality. You must keep faith till you make it! AB@TWD

TAKE IT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER.

"Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" ( Matt. 11:28; NLT). Does it mean that if even God is aware of the situation, He would still want us to bring it to Him? The answer is very simple; you have a role to play, and you cannot ignore it and expect to receive anything from God. Have you seen a doctor going round looking for patients? It is the sick who run to the hospitals for treatment. It is the same thing with God. He wants you to come to Him with your problem (sickness). The emotional sickness, spiritual sickness, financial sickness etc. Some people think that because God is All-knowing, He sees the problem and so is expected to render solution. But even though the Lord knows all your problems, He wants you to trust Him and turn to Him, and ask for His help. When you don't take everything to God in prayer, you forfeit your peace and carry needless pain. So take it to the Lord in prayer and He will surely give you rest. AO@TWD

DOES GOD NEED A REMINDER?

“O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, God of Israel, I have been bold enough to pray this prayer to you because you have revealed all this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings!’ For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant. And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your, servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!” (2 Sam. 7:27-29,KJV) One of the attributes of God is that He is Omniscient. People assume that since God is all-knowing, including knowing the hidden things in secret, there is no need reminding Him on anything. But hear what God says: "Put me in remembrance..." (Isa. 43:26,KJV) David reminded God of His word to him. Sometimes it is not about the length of your prayers, but a simple reminder of what God has said in His word concerning you. Yes God needs a reminder! AB@TWD

YOU CAN NOT HIDE!

"And sure enough, when Abram arrived in Egypt, everyone noticed Sarai's beauty. When the palace officials saw her, they sang her praises to Pharaoh, their king, and Sarai was taken into the palace. Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her..." (Gen 12:14-16,NLT) There are 3 things we can see here;
Firstly, when you are favored something unique about you is noticed. It could be a gift, a talent or something you may not even value. In Sarai's case it was her beauty. Thus her gift made room for her. Secondly, others will recommend you to great and influential men. The praises of Sarai was sang to Pharaoh and she was invited to the palace. Thirdly, anyone connected to you would also enjoy some level of favor. It is contagious. There are some people in life once you hook up with them, favor locates you automatically. Just like in our text for today, Abram got gifts from Pharaoh because of Sarai. Your beauty (God's glory) shall make you stand out! Amen. AB@TWD

GOD'S CROSSED HANDS!

Gen. 48:13-14,17,19 KJV
And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him. And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. And his father refused, and said, I know it , my son, I know it : he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations." God is about to cross His hands for your sake and give you a blessing. It is another level of favor! AB@TWD

THERE ARE LEVELS OF FAVOR!

Psalm 5:12 KJV
"For thou, Lord , wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Four key things to note in our text are:
(1)Favor is from God
(2)Favor is a form of blessing
(3)The righteous easily attract favor
(4)Favor surrounds like a shield
When God favors you it makes you stand out and shine even in dark places.
In Luke 2:52 (KJV) the Bible says: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Once a person has favor WITH God all things are possible, including having favor with man. There are levels of favor, that is why we must desire to grow in it. Jesus increased in favor with God and also with men because He subjected His will to the father. To attract the favor of God, you must honor Him and reverence Him. Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Move to a higher level of favor in Jesus name. AB@TWD

GOD HAS NO FAVORITES (2)

"For God does not show favoritism."(Rom. 2:11,NLT) One thing we must note is that, even though God doesn't show favoritism, there are some people who received God's favor in one way or the other in the Bible. The point is, God can choose to favor anyone if He wants to, but we shouldn't think some people don't deserve anything from God. He is a just God and not partial. If it happens that His hand of favor falls on someone, it doesn't mean he or she is His favorite. "The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation."(Ps. 145:9,NLT) God does not have favorites, but He certainly would favor anyone who favors His course and stands for Him. "Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs."(Dan. 1:9,KJV) Once a person honors God and does what pleases Him, he puts Himself in a place where he can easily attract favor from God. It doesn't make them favorites, but it is God who decides to grant them favor. AB@TWD

GOD AIN'T GOT NO FAVORITES...

"So whenever we are in need, we should come BRAVELY before the THRONE of our MERCIFUL God .There we will be treated with the UNDESERVED GRACE and we will find help" (Heb 4:16,CEV) MY TESTIMONY: My friend and I went for the same interview and she was selected. I felt so disappointed, because I had wanted this job pretty bad. I sat in my room crying and asking God all the questions: Did I not pray well enough? Did you not say I should ask and I will be given? Or it was because of some sin I had committed? But just then it occurred to me that, God wasn't a man that He would lie. He says I will find help when I ask. So I presented my need to Him, and in as much as I wanted quick results, He wanted it to be just perfect for me. My friend's blessing had nothing to do with being God's favorite, we both had equal opportunities with God. After three years, I received my testimony. It was even better than I had wanted. When in need, come before God with boldness. Make your petition known and expect results. He has no favorites. KY@TWD

DON'T DARE GOD!

"Elisha replied, Listen to this message from the Lord! This is what the Lord says: By this time tomorrow in the markets of Samaria, five quarts of choice flour will cost only one piece of silver...The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, That couldn't happen EVEN IF the Lord opened the windows of heaven! But Elisha replied, You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won't be able to eat any of it" (2 Kgs. 7:1-2,NLT) This is a very sad story. What was this man's business challenging what the man of God had declared as the Word from God? He absolutely had no reason. All he could have done was to be quiet and see the prophecy come to pass. Many of us sometimes behave like this man. We receive a Word from a man of God and instead of believing it and mixing it with faith, we resort to analysis and try to rationalize how impossible it is. But when God says something for the honor of His name, He does it. If you don't believe, you are better off staying silent. Don't dare God. AB@TWD

ARE YOU STANDING FIRM?

"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths." (2 Tim. 4:3-4,NLT) Paul wrote this to Timothy, and it is still relevant today. The things mentioned in our text are not far-fetched. We see them all around us. People don't desire the true unadulterated Word of God, but instead they would want to hear stories and lies. But the Bible says that, we should desire the sincere milk of the word, so that we may grow thereby. This is the reason for so many unmatured Christians in the Kingdom. People want quick fixes and answers and can't seem to wait on God and His promises in His Word. Unfortunately they hear exactly what they want to hear and get deceived. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Hold on tight to the Word and stand firm so that no one can mislead you with any false doctrine. AB@TWD

THERMOSTAT OR THERMOMETER (2)

I asked a friend in the field of science to educate me on our topic for today and this is what he sent to me. "Thermostats and thermometers both work on the same principles but they function differently. One regulates and influences heat while the other is influenced by the heat. One is good at telling us(complaining) how cold or hot a place is while the other dominates the hotness and coldness of a place. Taking the pressing iron as an example with a thermostat, it allows itself or submits its will to its user and maker, it gives a preferred heat according to the taste of the user. Thermometer does the opposite, it does what its influenced to do by the system. Thermometers conform but thermostats transform. When a thermometer works with a thermostat, as in placed in the same appliance/working environment, even though the thermostat depends on the thermometer to function, the thermostat still wins.Thermostats have in built thermometers[weakness] but they convert them into a positive outcome. Which one are you? Enjoy lunch. AB@TWD (Credit: Dale Quist)

THERMOSTAT OR THERMOMETER?

"But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it." (Num. 14:24,NKJV) How would you feel if God endorsed you this way? I know it would have been a real good feeling. When the twelve spies were sent to the land God had promised the Israelites, ten of them came with an evil report. Only two could see beyond the difficulties ahead. They decided not to go the way of the ten. Like thermostats, instead of being influenced by the negativity, they took control and kept their cool. They had a constant temperature. The others acted like thermometers and easily became afraid of people they saw on the land. When you enter a place, do you exude joy and enthusiasm even in the presence of negativity or you join in the complaining and murmurings? That will tell if you are being a thermometer or a thermostat. Don't lose your temperature (hope) no matter what comes at you. AB@TWD

EVEN IMPOSSIBLE SAYS I'M POSSIBLE!

“The Lord your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give you when he made a vow to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant." (Deut. 6:10-11,NLT) You may be asking, so how can this be looking at my current state? And I will tell you: "There is nothing impossible WITH GOD." We can toil all our life and still catch nothing, just like Peter answered Jesus. But one blessing from God can make us forget all our troubles. It would sound too good to be true, because it will be like a dream. God is about to bring you into a place where your qualification couldn't send you. He is giving you properties you couldn't have bought. He says: behold, I do a new thing. And all men will see and know that I AM God. With God, even the IMPOSSIBLE says I'M POSSIBLE! AB@TWD

CHECK WHAT YOU ARE WEARING!

"To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The GARMENT OF PRAISE for the spirit of heaviness..." (Isa. 61:3,NKJV) Your dressing may determine how you may be addressed. And dressing here is not just an outfit, but your countenance. What is the first thing people see when they meet you? Are you cheerful and fun to be with or a killjoy? When the devil succeeds in putting on you a spirit of heaviness it can take away your joy. And when your joy is gone, your strength is gone as well. For the joy of the Lord is your strength. Don't lose it no matter what life throws at you. Put on the garment of praise to prevent any contrary spirit that would want to steal your joy. Praise is like an attire you put on. And when God sees you in it, He is drawn to your environment. As He shows up, all demonic forces and powers flee. God then begins to fight on your behalf. Because God inhabits the praise of His people. So now, what are you wearing? AB@TWD

NO SHAKING!

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge." (Ps. 46:1-3,NLT) Many a times, when we are faced with challenges we begin to feel like all hope is gone. We easily throw in the towel because no help seem to be readily available. God says: "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." (Isa. 43:2-3,NLT) There is still hope! God would not bring you this far to leave you. He did not call you to disgrace you, but has better plans for you, i.e to bring you to an EXPECTED END. What are you going through that makes you think you have come to the end of the road? God says, FEAR NOT. He is your present help in times of need. He is the I AM. No Shaking! AB@ TWD

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHANNEL?

"Remember what it says: Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts..." (Heb. 3:15, NLT) Over the past few days we have been trying to look at some of the ways through which God speaks to us, to ensure that we don't miss our time of visitation. God deals with each individual uniquely depending on the relationship that person has built with Him. Just as each person has a favorite channel they often tune in to even in the physical, so it is in the spirit. When you want to hear some particular kind of messages, you know which channels to select. Much the same way, if you want to hear from God, there are available channels you can tune in to. You can hear him through His Word, His Son, His Spirit, His creation, through prayer, through other believers, through circumstances and even through music. So it is left to you to be sensitive to know which channel God may be speaking through. But He may try to get your attention, through your favorite channel. Which one is it? AB@TWD

HEARING GOD'S VOICE: "G.B.C" CHANNELS! (1)

There are so many ways God speaks to us. He is sovereign and even spoke through a donkey when the need arose. Here are some of His channels: HIS WORD: "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." (2 Tim. 3:16) HIS SON: "Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, He has spoken to us through His Son..." (Heb. 1:1-2) HIS SPIRIT: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth..." (Jn. 14:16-17) HIS CREATION: "For since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities...So they have no excuse for not knowing God." (Rom. 1:20) Do you catch these channels? AB@TWD

HEARING GOD'S VOICE:"G.B.C" CHANNELS! (2)

Let us look at the rest of the channels: PRAYER: "...But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying..."(Rom. 8:26-27) OTHER BELIEVERS: "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others..." (James 3:17) CIRCUMSTANCES: "So Moses lifted his hand to the sky, and a deep darkness covered the entire land of Egypt for three days. Finally, Pharaoh called Moses. Go and worship the Lord, he said..."(Exo.10:22;24) MUSIC: "As the men of Judah stood before the Lord...the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there...He said, Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising Him..." (2 Chro. 20:13-15,21) AB@TWD

YOU ARE SPECIAL!

 Psalm 37:23;25 "The Lord directs the steps of the godly, He delights in every detail of their lives. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread." (Ps. 37:23;25-NLT) I have come to understand that, there is nothing about my life that doesn't concern God. He actually knows me by name, so it means He knows me so well. "See I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem's walls in ruins."(Isa. 49:16). God is constantly thinking of you. "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows."(Matt. 10:30). The Bible says: "...be anxious for nothing..." But as humans, there is always the tendency to switch from walking by faith to walking by how you see things. God has the roadmap of your life's journey right before Him with all the details. Trust Him, nothing will go wrong. AB@TWD