The Real Christian

2013-08-02T07:23:00.000+01:00

Open Heaven of Friday 2nd August 2013. WHO DO YOU FEAR? Memorise: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 Read: Proverbs 29:25-27 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD. Proverbs 29:26 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. Proverbs 29:27 Bible in one year: Lamentation 3-5 Message The favourites of God often share similarities with eagle. One outstanding trait of the eagle is its ability to see its enemy coming long before it arrives, and as a result, decide on how to deal with it. Usually, when a snake is about to penetrate the nest of an eagle, the latter would have seen it earlier. The eagle will wait for the right moment to strike. Without warning, it will strike by grabbing it by the neck, take it to a great height and drop it from there. This will lead to the death of the snake. As a favourite of God, when the enemies are planning their evil attack, the Lord will reveal it to you so that you will know how to handle your enemies. How often does God forewarn you of the plans of your enemies? When Herod was seeking the life of baby Jesus, Joseph was warned. If you hardly ever get divine warning about the scheme of your enemies, it is doubtful if you are God’s favourite. It simply means you need to work on your relationship with God. In addition, the favourite of God enjoys divine security which leads to unusual boldness. Hence, Proverbs 28:1 says such believer have the boldness you find in lions. If you are a divine favourite, you will fear no man but God. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Whenever you are afraid of a man, you will definitely fall into a pit. There is a link between the fear of man and snares. If you carry out a fact-finding quest on those who found themselves in one trap or another, you will discover that majority of them got there because they were afraid of somebody or some persons. The fear of the Israelites made king Saul to be rejected. If you are afraid of offending men because you do not want to be sacked, spoken against or prosecuted, you will definitely offend God. Men are not to be feared but loved, respected or honoured. God is the only one you should fear. God’s favourites do not care about the opinions of men but about what God thinks about them. What do you fear? ACTION POINT Ask God to help you grow in love and in the fear of God.

2013-07-29T07:31:00.002+01:00

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL Monday 29 JULY, 2013 LEADING WITH GOD'S FEAR Memorise: The God of Isreal said, the Rock of Isreal spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just,ruling in the fear of God. 2 Samuel 23:1-4 In Exo 1:15-21,a Pharaoh who did not know Joseph came on board and passed a decree to kill all male Isrealites that were born. We see here that power must be balanced with the fear of God for it to be productive. It occured to me that if we leave the government of our nation in the hands of someone who lacks d fear of God, we are all bound to pay dearly for it. Even unborn children and many innocent people will suffer it. This is why we should obey 1Tim 2:1-3, Verse 2 of that scripture says we should pray. that means d level of peace and quiet we experience in our nation is a function of d amount of quality prayers rendered on behalf of our leaders. Some believers tell you they are not interested in politics. They do not care who rules them. Yet they complain of excessive taxation, bribery and corruption and misrule of such rulers. If you do not pray for those who lead you, then you have lost your right to complain. Beside those in secular government, you must equally prayerfuly determine who becomes your next General Overseer,Senior Pastor or Pastor. Pray that God will never allow anyone who lacks d fear of God to rule over you. Dis also applies to d one who accepts to be your husband. If he lacks d fear of God,dat home is doomed. Wake up today and start to pray! You would be amazed how much you can achieve through prayer. Your prayer can affect who governs you. Use this power to get the appropriate candidate that will bring joy to you and it will be well with you. As a student, you can prayerfuly ask for the right teacher, lecturer or supervisor dat will be instrumental to your success. Start to ask the Lord for a leader wit the fear of God from now on. ACTION POINT A leader who fears God is both accountable to God and the people under him/her. Ask dat such leaders will govern your life and nation from now on.

2013-07-28T07:00:00.002+01:00

Open Heaven of Sunday 28th July 2013. DANGER OF SILENCE Memorise: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3 Read: 2 Kings 4:1-7 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. 2 Kings 4:1 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. 2 Kings 4:2 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. 2 Kings 4:3 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. 2 Kings 4:4 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. 2 Kings 4:5 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 2 Kings 4:6 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. 2 Kings 4:7 Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 23-25 Message There are several lessons to be learnt from the Shunammite woman of 2 Kings 4:18-26, one of these is that in her time of need, she cried persistently for help until she got it. Another aspect for which she must be commended is that when her son died, she did not immediately set out for the man of God but first exercised are faith by placing the boy on the bed of the man of God. It was when the matter was beyond her faith that she set out to meet the man of God. Today, many Christians are very lazy. They hardly exercise their faith in time of crisis. They are used to calling one person or the other over the most trivial matter. What happens if there is crisis and there is no one you can call? Start trusting in the Lord. God wants you to grow. If only you can exercise your personal faith, no matter how small, it will begin to grow. When the boy failed to wake up on the bed of the man of God, she decided to take the matter to the man of God himself. Sighting her from afar, Elisha sent Gehazi his servant to her but she failed to disclose her problem to him. This raises the question of credibility and integrity. If as a minister of God people cannot share confidential matters with you, it may be that you rate quite low in integrity. If you are loosed tongued and what is shared with you in secret filters out, and probably becomes common knowledge, then you will end up overseeing strangers. Are you trustworthy as a leader? Moreover, when she got to the man of God, she grabbed his feet, resolving not to leave him. The reason many people are still nursing their problem is because they are too quiet. If you keep quiet, God will assume you are enjoying the situation, so He too will be silent on the matter. A widow of one of the sons of the prophets had a serious financial problem that could have led to her untimely death and she kept quiet. It was when she cried out that God arose for her. What situation are you or your family in? cry out today and the Lord will come to your rescue. KEY POINT It is your outcry that tells God you truly need what He thought you needed.

2013-07-27T07:51:00.000+01:00

Open Heaven of Saturday 27th July 2013. SECURE YOUR SALVATION Memorise: Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:16 Read: Philippians 2:12-16 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Philippians 2:14 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Philippians 2:15 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:16 Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 20-22 Message If you are born-again, go further to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and thereafter, walk in the Spirit. Do everything possible to retain the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. Several years ago, I used to preach to my mother to give her life to Jesus, but she would tell me she was among the early Christians in her village and that she had been a Christian before she was married to my father. Yet, I would ask her: “Are you really born-again?” When she could no longer stand the pressure, she asked me what I wanted her to do, so I led her to Christ. After this, I was worried about the genuineness of her salvation, so I told God that I needed to see the evidence of her conversion especially because she was advanced in age; I wanted God to baptise her with the Holy Spirit before she dies, so that I can be certain she is born-again. During a visit one afternoon, while praying for God’s help so that she would be baptised with the Holy Spirit that same day, I fell asleep. Two of my daughters visited and met me sleeping, so they went to ask mama whether she had been baptised with the Holy Spirit. They took some time with her and mama received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was the noise that woke me. Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? If you have, are members of your nuclear and extended families saved? If they are, praise God, but don’t stop at that; help them to receive the Holy Spirit. Luke 24:49 says, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” The presence of the Holy Spirit will be a witness of conversion to Christ as well as make them witnesses of the power of Gospel according to Romans 8:9 and Acts 1:8. Do not take for granted that you are saved or that your loved ones have given his or her life to Christ, take further steps to secure that salvation by having more of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. ACTION POINT If you have not experienced the baptism of the Holy Ghost, pray that the Lord will baptise you with His fire. You can also see your Pastor to pray with you.

2013-07-26T07:39:00.002+01:00

Open Heaven of Friday 26th July 2013. DON’T INHIBIT THIS CHEMISTRY Memorise: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4 Read: John 15:1-5 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. John 15:1 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. John 15:3 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5 Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 17-19 Message To succeed in life and in ministry as a believer, you must understand the relationship that exists between you and the Lord. You need to fully understand your rights, privileges and obligations. Today’s reading tells us that there is a tree-branch relationship between us and the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the tree – the Vine while we are the branches. If all is well with the tree, all will be well with the branches, all other things being equal. What passes through the Vine also passes through the branches. If the Vine is fruitful, the branches too will bear fruit. For a branch to be unfruitful while connected to a fruitful vine is a rarity except the branch is sick or detached from the vine. No branch produces fruits on its own except through the vine. As a believer in Christ, whatever is produced through you – be it physical, spiritual or otherwise is by the power working in you, which is Jesus Christ. Once in a while, it is possible for a branch to be sick. According to Psalm 107:17, sin brings affliction. The branch that goes into sin will end up in affliction. But when this happens, Psalm 107:20 says as the branch repents, God will send His Word to deliver healing to the sick. Who is that Word? John 1:1,14 says it is none other than the Word that was in the beginning, who was made flesh – the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence, John 6:51 says to live, you must eat of the flesh. Beloved, being a branch of the vine and a partaker of the flesh and blood of the Lord you must know that there is a divine chemistry operating in you, which you must never allow sin to inhibit. While you live free from sin and you take the Holy communion in faith, John 6:56 says you and Jesus will co-exist in each other. This is a very powerful revelation. If you walk in this revelation, the divine nature becomes manifest in your human nature. Your weakness will be absorbed by His strength. Your limitation will be absorbed by His super-abundance, and you will gradually manifest his person. The chemistry that connects you with Jesus is so profound that you must not allow anything external to inhibit it. As long as your relationship with Him is unbroken, you will be able to access all that God has for you. Guard your link with Jesus jealously. ACTION POINT List 20 things that can happen or cannot happen to you knowing that Christ is in you and you are in Him.

2011-09-02T17:23:00.001+01:00

Would-be Couple, Others Crushed to Death on Benin-Ore Road http://ping.fm/E6DYG

2011-08-13T12:25:00.001+01:00

God’s building project is a spiritual house made up of people. It started with the first chosen and living stone, namely Jesus. But He was disallowed by His human evaluators. They had no insight into the fact that Jesus, the Son of God, was the most precious of all human beings. This lack of recognition led to Jesus’ death (1 Cor. 2:8).

2011-08-12T10:07:00.001+01:00

One of the privileges of being chosen by God is happiness and joy as a result of God’s wonderful blessings....(Ps. 33:4-12)
One of the privileges of being chosen by God is happiness and joy as a result of God’s wonderful blessings. Read more on http://ping.fm/fyDmg

2011-08-11T18:49:00.001+01:00

The number one factor to Changing situations around is through faith because without faith, failure will set in and weaken you. Faith is only what can change what seems impossible and very difficult, Therefore the house of comfort is built on Faith.

The number two factor is through Prayer, prayer is a weapon that is spiritual but affects our physical, to a man of prayer every door is open. when a born again prays all thing he ask for work for the best, that is prayer strengthen and stabilize you.
For more visit www.realchristlife.co.tv

2011-08-11T18:48:00.001+01:00

It is easy to understand suffering which results from doing wrong, but to suffer for doing right seems unfair. Yet Peter warns us that this could happen. Christ is our example of suffering in righteousness. “For Christ has also suffered for sins” (1 Pet. 3:18). He was without sin,yet He paid the price for all those who had no righteousness. He was an innocent man who sacrificed His life for the guilty. Therefore, we should not be surprised when we suffer. “Fiery trials” refers to the ordeals that purify us and make us more familiar with what Christ endured.

Characteristic Of Jesus

2011-08-01T16:28:00.000+01:00

Jesus Heals: Mk. 1:32-34
The evening being spoken of is Sabbath day’s evening when the sun did st (v.32). This means that the sabbath was over. Old testament regulations forbid carrying loads on the Sabbath (example Jer. 17:21). But now the people may freely bring their loved ones to the feet of Jesus. What desperation the people must feel. Their desperation leads to faith, and faith leads to deliverance. This should cause us to ask ourselves if we have the same kind of outlook today. Do we bring to Jesus the cares and concerns of ourselves and of our loved ones? And when we do, is Jesus our last resort or our first priority? The Faith of the people in v.32 challenges us to refocus our eyes on the Savior and behold His glory for what it truly is: life-changing. While our problems may not instantly vanish before our eyes, we can be rest assured that Jesus hears our prayers. We take hope that He can deliver us out of the depths of despair.
The city in v.33 is Capernaum, located on the northwest shore of the sea of Galilee. The population at this time is somewhere between 1000, and 2,000. This phrase “all the city was gathered” need not signify exactly 100 percent of the population, but just a substantial number. They are eager with expectation to receive their healing and deliverance. And Jesus did not disappoint them. The Bible records that the sick are healed, and demons are cast out from the afflicted (v.34). Jesus is the great Physician. He can heal you today if only you will come to and call on Him.
Jesus Preaches: Mk. 1:38-39
Jesus has a larger vision (global vision), than what His followers may have for Him. Jesus’ goal is not to preach and ministry only to the people of Capernaum, but to go to neighboring villages as well. Sometimes our vision may be clouded by the opinions of others. What are we to do? Consider Jesus’ example. Before Jesus makes the ministry decision. He spent time with His Father in prayer. Are our decisions in life birthed in a context of prayer? Or are we more susceptible to the whims of others? One thing is certain: we must be able to discern God’s will for ourselves. Sometimes we will need to take a stand against the desires of the crowd to pursue the will of God. Jesus therefore, preached in all the synagogues throughout Galilee (v.39). He demonstrated the saving messages of the Gospel in both word and deed.

Set Your Mind and Heart 1 Chro. 29:17-19

2011-07-29T19:12:00.000+01:00

At a point in the life of king David, when the Lord had given him rs from war, he thought it wise to build a house for the Ark of Covenant which is a symbol of God's presence among His people. But God said no, because David had shed so much blood in war, but that his son Solomon would do ti. But because David heart was set on building a temple for God, he made provision for what Solomon would eventually use to build the temple. This is a type of heart of heart that is set to seek God, nothing will be too much for you to give to God. You will always pray for an opportunity to give to God's work. From today, set your heart on seeking God, working for Him and doing His will.
Point Of Emphasis: Set your mind on things above where Christ is.

Hearing the Law of God Neh. 8:1-12

2011-07-29T10:29:00.000+01:00

How do you hear and listen to the Word of God? People are not so much blessed in church services because of the poor and faulty way with which they hear or listen to God's word. They may be gazing at the minister, but their hearts may be miles away. Some may hear and not understand. Some listen half-heartedly. All these are faulty ways of hearing God's Word. In the days of Ezra,when he read the book of the law,the people listened attentively (v.3)with the heart to understand (v.2). the result was that God's Word mixed with faith in the people and they started weeping. When last has the Word touched your heart and life to the bone? What has been your disposition, action, or reaction to the Word God? Allow your heart to be softened towards the Word of God.

Assured For The Task Judges 7:9-15

2011-07-27T10:26:00.000+01:00

Many Christians do not know the value of the grace, the power and the authority of God they are carrying about. That is why many are going about looking sorrowful and conquered, when indeed the enemies are fearful and trembling at their coming. If truly you are on the lord's side, your enemies are afraid of you because God has delivered them into your hand. When Gideon was still exercising fear for the task God had committed into his hands, God caused him to hear His plan right in the midst of the the enemies camp and this emboldened Gideon to go ahead. I prophesy that the right word or the right circumstance that you need to strengthen and assure you that God is with you in the task you embark on, God will give it to you today in Jesus' name.
Point of Emphasis: With God victory is sure.

Thinning The Ranks Judges7:2-8

2011-07-26T17:44:00.000+01:00

Our God is Powerful that he can deliver with few number of people. The Bible says, some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Those who trust in horses and chariots are brought down and they fall. We are risen and stand upright (Ps. 20:7-8). After Gideon had been convinced to lead war against the Midianites, he gathered 32,000 people to himself to do the work with him. But God said the people were to many, lest they boast that their hands have brought victory to themselves. Hence, God pruned down the number to only 300 people. Do you realize that God is the brain behind all the various victories you have been recording? It is not by your might or power that you are excelling. God is the source. Give Him all the glory and praise

Cautious Obedience Judges 6:25-27

2011-07-25T18:34:00.001+01:00

At times, we need caution and God's wisdom to carry out His instruction. As a matter of fact, there are some missions of God that are dangerous and can costs us our lives if care is not taken. At such time, God is expecting us to seek the help of the Holy Spirit as to how to go about such missions. Such was the case of Gideon. God gave him the instruction to destroy his father's grove of idolatry and build an altar unto Him, but did not tell whether to do it by day or night. However, Gideon thought it wise to do it at night to avoid unnecessary resistance and apprehension. The most important thing is to he obeyed, even though with caution. You too must obey God's instruction no matter how difficult.
Point of Emphasis: Obeying God at all times endears you to God.

Seeking Proof Of Favour Judges 6:14-24

2011-07-25T18:02:00.000+01:00

When God speaks to many Christians today, they tend to seek for confirmation and proof again and again to be sure that it is God that is leading. This is very good and necessary as a result of human nature and the fact that we are still in the flesh. God Himself does not get angry for seeking proofs from Him. However it will be dangerous not to do the work after giving us the confirmation. When God appeared to Gideon and told him that he would deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, he couldn't believe that God could use an insignificant and unrecognized person like him.
He sought for the proof that God had indeed chosen him which God gave him, Always be sure of God's leading before taking the step into anything in life.
Point of Emphasis: Always be sure of God's leading in all things

Skilled in the Law of Moses Ezra 7:1-6

2011-07-23T17:30:00.000+01:00

Every profession in life requires skill acquisition. If a man refuses to acquire the necessary skill required of him in his profession, he will
die in obscurity. These are the kinds of people that complain of low or no patronage by customers. The same things go for being God's
minister, servant or child. After complaining to God, you need both personal and corporate spiritual development that will make your faith in
God to be established and make your service (s) acceptable to Him. You have to acquire skills in studying the word in prayer, in fasting, in holy
living, etc. This will require your diligence, dedication and consecration to the things of God. Ezra did all these and it was recorded of him that
he was a skilled scribe in the law of Moses. What is the testimony about you?
Point of Emphasis: You need spiritual skill to know more of God.

Excelling in Generousity 2 Cor. 8:1-7

2011-07-21T09:29:00.000+01:00

It has been observed and confirmed over the years that one may not appreciate the value of what he or she has until such things are lost. Also what don't you appreciate may be appreciated the more by an outsider. This is the case of the macedonian church. they were a Gentile church, but once they were able to get in to the kingdom of God, they handle His principle with serious hand, especially giving to the needy in the church. This shows us that God is no respecter of any person. There is no one He cannot use for His work, whether Jew or Gentile who is saved. Paul was proud of them and so used them as a point of reference for good works to others. Since you put your faith in God, can God be proud of you? Are you doing good works in Him.
Point of Emphasis: Don't Frustrate God's grace extended to you.

Need for Deliverance: Mk 5:1-5

2011-07-15T16:50:00.001+01:00

The event in this division took place in the region of Gadarenes. The city of Gadara one of the cities of the decapolis man who had been living in the tombs came to meet him. This man had been alone, and this gave the Devil more of an advantage. The man was isolated from his own familiar surroundings and the people.
This is just what Satan wants. He wants us to feel alone and be removed from the flock. Anyone who falls for his scheme, he will deal with them squarely knowing fully well that there is no one to support them.
This demon-possessed man must have been a pitiful sight. He was being tossed back and forth by desires and impulses that were not in agreement. He could not have appeared normal or sane because he was being controlled by so many differing thoughts. His very appearance tells us that the conflict happening inside him must have been displayed on the outside. Having broken away from the shackles and iron, he probably had bruises and torn flesh on his ankles and wrist. He was out of his mind.
People were afraid to go near this demon-possessed man because of his unclean spirits. He was so strong that nothing could hold him. No chain or iron fetters could hold restrain him. He needed to be bound for the safety of others as well as his own safety, but he had broken everything. He was out of control that he had to be staying in the tombs. He couldn't live among normal people and have a normal life. Sadly, while in the tomb, he would cut himself with sharp stones and objects. Indeed, this man was in need of deliverance.

Confession and Forgiveness Ps 32:1-5

2011-07-08T17:06:00.002+01:00

The Bible says whoever covers his or her sins shall not prosper, but he or she that confesses them shall have mercy.
Unconfessed sin is a burden and sickness to the soul and body. It makes one's bones to grow old and gives groaning
to the heart. It causes God's heavy hand to be on the person for unpalatable occurrences. Until sins are confessed, the
person is in bondage of the devil. Confession of sin also precedes forgiveness from God. Until the psalmist acknowledge
and confessed his sins, he didn't receive forgiveness but damnation. Why must you be carrying about the guilt of sin? Why
will you allow God's enemy? Why can't you lay it all open before Him, confess all the evils you have done, He will surely forgive you.
Point of Emphasis: Confess your evil deeds and be Forgiven.

Skilled in the Law of Moses Ezra 7:1-6
Every profession in life requires skill acquisition. If a man refuses to acquire the necessary skill required of him in his profession, he will
die in obscurity. These are the kinds of people that complain of low or no patronage by customers. The same things go for being God's
minister, servant or child. After complaining to God, you need both personal and corporate spiritual development that will make your faith in
God to be established and make your service (s) acceptable to Him. You have to acquire skills in studying the word in prayer, in fasting, in holy
living, etc. This will require your diligence, dedication and consecration to the things of God. Ezra did all these and it was recorded of him that
he was a skilled scribe in the law of Moses. What is the testimony about you?
Point of Emphasis: You need spiritual skill to know more of God.

Remorse Expanded Ezra 9:10-11

2011-07-07T16:28:00.000+01:00

Ezra is overwhelmed by three things
(i) the goodness of God that has permitted him and others to return from captivity.
(ii) the favourable actions of the Persian kings who have allowed the nation to be restored when such a task was considered to be impossible, and
(iii) how the ingratitude of some of those who have disobeyed so flagrantly by having wives and children who can lead the entire nation back into idolatary. Ezra is well aware that the cycle of punishment and exile can begin again.
Ezra considers the goodness of God to them and concludes that of a truth, they have forsaken God's commandments. The commands for Israel to avoid spiritual compromise began with Moses. The same message has been repeated through the centuries (Ex.23:32-33; Deut. 7:1-3; 12:1-4; Judges 2:1).
It is absurd to worship a god that is not God. Absurdity is compounded when such a practise is used to justify immoral acts that accompany such a practice. The subsequent loss of decency and respect will eventually lead to the destruction of whatever nation is involved.
We recall that these kind of warnings are ultimately prompted by the motive of love. The warnings may be from God or from parents, for both have concerns about their children. Ezra jusitfies God and concludes that God actually warns them, it is they who refuse to heed the warnings. God still
warns His peoople today from going astray. Endeavour to heed his warnings so as to avoid incurring His wrath.\

Characters of Jesus (part 1)

2011-07-07T07:53:00.000+01:00

Characters of Jesus
Jesus Heals: Mk. 1:32-34
The evening being spoken of is Sabbath day's evening when the sun did set (v.32). This means that the Sabbath is over. Old Testament regulationns forbid carrying loads on the Sabbath (example Jer. !7:21).
But now the people may freely bring their loved ones to the feet of Jesus. What desperation the people must feel. Their desperation the people must feel. Their desperation leads to aith, and faith leads to
deliverance. This should cause us to ask ourselves if we have the same kind of outlook today. Do we bring to Jesus the cares and concerns of our loved ones? And when we do, is Jesus our last resort or our
first priority? The faith of the people in v.32 challenges us to refocuse our eyes on the Saviour and behold his glory for what it truly is: Life-changing. While our problems may not instantly vanish before our eyes,
we can be rest assured that Jesus hears our prayers. We take hope that He can deliver us out of the depths of despair.
The city in v.33 is Capernaum, located on the northwest shore of the sea of Galilee. The population at this time is somewhere between 1000, and 2,000. The phrase "all the city was gathered" need not signify
exactly 1000 percent of that population, But just a substantial number. They are eager with expectation to recieve their healings and deliverance. And Jesus did not dissapoint them. The Bible records that the
sick are healed, demons are cast out from the afflicted (v.34). Jesus is the Great Physician, He can heal you today if only you will come to and call on Him.

Enjoying Relief Ezra 9:8-9

2011-07-02T15:36:00.000+01:00

Ezra does not only recount God's punishment for their disobedience to Him, but also expresses God's relief, deliverance and favour that had been showed to them. For instance, he rejoices that the Lord permits a remnant to have a brief period of time of freedom from oppression.
This is with the aim of allowing them to be taught again, and worship in God's temple in Jerusalem. The deliverance from captivity was made possible by God through Cyprus the Great, the king of Persia, who made a gracious proclamation that permitted all captives to return to their
homeland (Ezra 1:2-4). Cyprus also asked that God's temple in Jerusalem to be re-built. When Judah's neighbors attempted to stop the work, another Persian, Darius, made an edict for the resumption of work on the temple. Through Nehemiah, the wall of Jerusalem was set up. All these
are God's mercies enjoyed by the people. How many times has God sent such a relief to you even when you are unfaithful to Him. All these are to show you how merciful and gracious God is to you and that He will not cast you away forever.

Expression of Repentance Ezra 9:5-7

2011-06-25T16:17:00.000+01:00

When Ezra heard about the sin of inter-marriage with ungodly people, his actions demonstrate vividly that he was disappointed.
How do you feel when you hear that a brother or sister in the Lord has fallen into sin? After spending time sitting (vv.3,4),
probably without uttering a word, he changed his position, fell on his knees, and spread his hands in prayer towards the Lord.
His first words describe his personal feelings, that he was ashamed, even to approach God. This sincere prayer of repentance is
a first step in a dramatic reformation that must take place.
Ezra describes the magnitude of the transgression (v.6). Their sin even reached heavens, where God is. Let us know that the fact
that Ezra says "our iniquities" is not to be taken that Ezra himself was not personally guilty of sin under the discussion. But
he was identify himself with his community (Neh. 1:6; Dan. 9:5-19). Ezra knew that those that are not guilty of a sin may still
suffer the colateral effects of God's Wrath when he punishes the guilty.
In his prayer of Repentance, Ezra reaccounts how the flagrant disobedience to God's statues has started with their fore-fathers,
kings and priest, and that this had lead them to captivity from God, such as death, poverty and humiliation. Ezra expresses all these
because he did not want his people to go through these ordeals again.