All time Word : ATW A compendium of The Word for Today

Am inspired to publish this compendium for your motivation , know that their is a word for all situation.

As shared by my great priest friend, Rev.Abidemi Aina.

Credit: Publisher of Word For Today

Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 16 June 2015.

You Can Break the Cycle (3).

'...One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.' John 9:25 NKJV.

When Jesus restored this blind man’s sight, the Pharisees tried to engage him in a theological debate about who Jesus was and where His power came from, but he refused to argue with them. He simply said, ‘…One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see,’ and the same arguments still continue today. Some people say, ‘The day of miracles is past.’ The truth is that there is no day of miracles; there’s only a God of miracles Who says, ‘…I am the Lord, I do not change.’ (Malachi 3:6 NKJV) The Bible says, ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.’ (Hebrews 13:8 KJV) That means what He was, He still is. What He did, He still does. What He said, He still says. Whatever your problem may be, you have two choices: live with it and try to adjust to it, or believe God to set you free from it. Certain things like alco-holism, addiction, and abuse may run in your family, but by the grace of God you can break the cycle! Please hear this: God’s power is greater than your habit! Not only can He set you free from the thing that holds you captive, He can deliver you from its lingering effects. His Word to you is: ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way…’ (Isaiah 43:18–19 NIV) So turn to God today. Give Him a chance. You’ve tried other things, now try Him. He will not fail you!

SoulFood: Ezek 37:1-40:9, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 73:17-28, Prov 15:22-24.
Jwealth: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 16 June 2015.

You Can Break the Cycle (3).

'...One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.' John 9:25 NKJV.

SoulFood: Ezek 37:1-40:9, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 73:17-28, Prov 15:22-24.

You Can Break the Cycle (4)
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
'...he went and washed, and came back seeing.' John 9:7 NKJV
Sometimes Jesus healed sick people by speaking to them, other times He laid His hands on them. But this blind man’s healing was not the work of a moment; it was the result of a process. ‘…He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam”…So he went and washed, and came back seeing.’ (John 9:7 NKJV) Question: How far away was the pool of Siloam? For a blind man, any journey is a long one. Picture this man with mud in his eyes, trying to navigate his way to the pool of Siloam. There’s an important lesson here. Even when God touches us, sometimes we’ve got to walk with our mess until we get to the place of healing, freedom and deliverance. Here’s another thought. Whoever told this man about Jesus, and brought him to Jesus, had to keep walking with him until he got his sight back and could walk on his own. You can’t say to someone who’s struggling with a problem, ‘I told you about Jesus, and I even brought you to church but you’re still stumbling around in darkness bound by the same problems, so I give up.’ God never gives up on people, and we must not give up on them either. When someone continues to struggle with an old habit, some Christians say they mustn’t really be saved. Question: How often do you give in to resentment, pride, lust, greed, gossip, etc.? The list is endless, yet God doesn’t give up on you. Sometimes people have to ‘walk out’ their deliverance and healing until it fully comes to pass. That’s how long you need to love them, believe in them, pray for them, and keep working with them.

SoulFood: Ezek 40:10-42:20, Matt 20:1-16, Ps 139:1-6, Prov 15:25-27

The Word For Today.

Thursday , 18 June 2015.

You Can Break the Cycle (5)

'...Go to the pool...and wash...' John 9:11 NKJV.

Jesus told this blind man to go to the pool of Siloam and wash the dirt from his eyes. So here’s the question: What do you need to remove from your life today in order to see what God wants you to see and do what He wants you to do? Whether it’s a destructive habit, a toxic relationship, or a bad atti-tude, you must get rid of it. James writes: ‘Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double–minded.’ (James 4:7–8 NKJV) God will do His part, but you must do yours. God will extend grace to you, but you must act on it. It’s said that the water which flowed into the pool of Siloam came from under the temple and was used to wash the utensils which were part of worship and sacrifice. In other words, this water didn’t come from a man–made source, but from the presence of God. Don’t miss the point here! Jesus said, ‘You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.’ (John 15:3 NKJV) Paul speaks of ‘…the washing of water by the word’ (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). David writes, ‘How can a young man [or an older one] cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word.’ (Psalm 119:9 NKJV) The secret of victorious Christian living is bathing your mind each day in the Scriptures. Picture yourself taking a bath in God’s Word and the dirt and grime coming off you. That’s what meditating on the Scriptures does for you.

SoulFood: Ezek 43-45, Matt 20:17-28, Ps 139:7-12, Prov 15:28-30.

The Word For Today.

Friday, 19 June 2015.

What Are Your Children Watching?

'I will set nothing wicked before my eyes...' Psalm 101:3 NKJV.

Today our children have more access to the internet than ever before. Over half of all children between the ages of nine and seventeen have internet cable or satellite television access in their bedrooms. The old image of the family gathered around a single TV set in the living room is almost non–existent. Instead, often children are off by themselves where they can choose anything they want to see. They don’t even have to be in their bed-room because now they can access it all on a hand–held device like a tablet or an iPhone! One prominent social researcher put it this way: ‘Almost everything children are seeing is essentially going into their minds in some sort of uncensored or unfiltered way.’ Under the ‘freedom of expression’ rule, the government and courts permit internet sites to peddle explicit sex, violence, nudity and profanity to your children and your grandchildren. Are you concerned? You should be! Why do sheep need a shepherd? For the same reason children need loving and observant parents—wolves! And your ignorance of technology is no defence! Because you weren’t exposed to these evils growing up doesn’t guarantee that your children won’t get hooked on them. Many parents don’t even take the time to know what their children are watching! Don’t be one of them. After his disastrous affair with Bathsheba and the heartache and havoc it brought to his family, David said, ‘…I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes…’ (Psalm 101:2–3 NKJV) Parents, what are your children watching?

SoulFood: Ezek 46-48, Matt 20:29-34, Ps 139:13-24, Prov 15:31-33.

The Word For Today.

Saturday, 20 June 2015.

How to Overcome Doubt

'...If you have faith and do not doubt...' Matthew 21:21 NIV.

Doubt is a doorway through which Satan enters your life. It causes the ‘fight of faith’ to become the ‘flight of faith’. When fear, confusion, discouragement and despair take up residence within you, they rob you of confidence, joy and peace. But isn’t doubting just human? Of course it is and it’s also Satan’s ploy! ‘…whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given…’ (1 John 5:10 NIV) Your doubts reveal a lack of confidence in what God says. So how can you stop doubting? The same way you deal with other sin—by acknowledging you have a problem and doing something about it. Doubt cannot be conquered by reason or even resistance; it will only submit to complete relinquishment. Trying to overcome your doubts one by one is like an alcoholic trying to reduce his or her alcohol intake one drink at a time. It doesn’t work. The solution is two–fold. (1) It begins with a once–for–all decision. It calls for a total relinquishing of your right to doubt anything God promised. It’s saying, ‘From now on, I will not doubt God!’ It’s believing that when you surrender a thing to Him, He takes it and deals with it. (2) By faith declare, ‘Lord, I absolutely trust Your every Word!’ Will doubt come knocking again at your door? Yes, but instead of letting it in, ‘...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.’ (Ephesians 6:16 NIV) Don’t fret, wrestle, or reason with your doubts. Instead, repeat your Scriptural declaration of faith, disregard your feelings, and trust God to do what He says.

SoulFood: 2 Cor 1-4, Matt 21:1-17, Ps 144:1-8, Prov 16:1-3.

The Word For Today.

Sunday, 21 June 2015.

The Huddle

'I appeal to you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another...' 1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV.

To lead your family effectively, you need to learn how to huddle regularly. The ‘huddle’ is where a team: (1) sets its goals; (2) discusses the division of responsibilities; (3) tackles the issues that determine whether it wins or loses. Parent, even though you call the plays from overhead, your family must be taught how to accomplish them on the field. That means working through things, talking through the disagreements, motivating and appreciating each member. Try to listen with an open heart. Don’t just hear what your children say, try to understand how they feel. Yes, you’re the boss, and yes, you can try to enforce your will if you want to. But sooner or later you’ll have trouble, for resentment grows when people feel left out. Every member of your team has got to be part of the decision–making process. Involve them! Ask God to help you look beyond what you want to what’s best for all of you. And don’t fall under the spell of instant gratification. What looks good to you today could be taking you off the path to a better tomorrow. And don’t let ‘outsiders’ into your huddle. Tell them to stay in their own. Too often their opinions are based on hearsay, self–interest or jealousy. Respect the privacy of your team. Build loyalty. Huddle regularly in prayer. When you do that, everybody wins!

SoulFood: Esther 4:9-5:3, Heb 4:7-16.

The Word For Today.

Monday, 22 June 2015.

Handling Your Failures (1)

'...the hearts of the people melted, and became like water.' Joshua 7:5 NKJV.

Even the most seasoned believers experience failure and the big question at such times isn’t, ‘How could I have let that happen?’ but, ‘What’s the right way to deal with it?’ Indulging in self–condemning thoughts comes naturally to us, but it does no good. It just produces discouragement, and adds failure upon failure. As a result of Achan’s sin, Israel was defeated at Ai and fled before their enemies. Like us, in response to their defeat, ‘…the hearts of the people melted, and became like water.’ Their faith forsook them, and they ‘lost their courage.’ (Joshua 7:5 GNT) Even their leader Joshua ‘…fell facedown to the ground…’ (Joshua 7:6 NIV), despairing that things could only get worse! Have you been there? Do you recognise the pattern? Defeat, discouragement, despair, and more defeat. What was God’s response? ‘Get up! Why do you lie thus…? Israel has sinned… Get up, sanctify the people…’ (Joshua 7:10–13 NKJV) He’s a God of repentance—not wallowing in remorse; a God of getting up—not lying down in failure! Holiness is a path, not a place. When you’re off the path, God’s plan is simple—get back on it immediately. Confess your sin (1 John 1:9). By faith ac-cept God’s mercy and forgiveness. And refuse Satan’s condemnation (Romans 8:1). ‘…Forgetting those things which are behind…press toward the goal…’ (Philippians 3:13–14 NKJV) Like a child learning to walk, when you fall don’t lie down and give up. Minimise your down–time—get back up and walk again. Remember this: the moment that brings the awareness of sin should also bring the confession of sin and the assurance of forgiveness!

SoulFood: 2 Cor 5-8, Matt 21:18-32, Ps 144:9-15, Prov 16:4-7.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Handling Your Failures (2)
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
'Return... I will heal your backslidings...' Jeremiah 3:22 NKJV
What’s the root of our failures? Failure doesn’t lie in the strength of the enemy, or our own weakness, or God’s reluctance to help us overcome. Israel was defeated by a small town after having conquered mighty Jericho. Their failure, like ours, was the result of unconfessed sin (Joshua 7). But once their sin was brought to light and dealt with, God spoke encouragement to them. ‘…Do not be afraid…Take all the people of war with you… I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.’ (Joshua 8:1 NKJV) Sin unacknowledged will keep you defeated, but sin confessed will bring you forgiveness and restoration that leads to victory. Author Hannah Whitall Smith tells of moving into a new home. She noticed in the cellar a very clean–looking cider cask sealed at both ends. She de-bated whether to open it and see what was inside, but decided to leave it undisturbed. Each spring and autumn when the cleaning was being done, she’d remember the cask but put off opening it. Unaccountably, moths began to fill the house. She used every means she knew to get rid of them, without success. At last, remembering the cask, she opened it and thousands of moths poured out! The lesson here is simple: anything we cling to that’s contrary to God’s Word will cause us to fall before our enemies. Always keep before you David’s prayer: ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart…see if there be any wicked way in me…’ (Psalm 139:23–24 NKJV) Whatever God shows you, confess it immediately and by faith receive His forgiveness and cleansing. Then you’ll be able to stand victorious before your enemies.

SoulFood: 2 Cor 9:1-11:15, Matt 21:33-46, Ps 8, Prov 16:8-11
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: On the Home Front
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
'...I will raise up a faithful priest who will serve me and do what I desire...' 1 Samuel 2:35 NLT
Being the high priest in Israel was a prestigious job, and Eli seemed suited to it. Yet he failed badly on the home front. ‘…His sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.’ (1 Samuel 8:3 NIV) As a result, God told Eli He ‘…would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed against God, and he failed to restrain them.’ (1 Samuel 3:13 NIV) As a parent and leader you need to answer this question: If God applied the same standard to you as He did to Eli, how well would you do? Eli ended up losing his credibility, his children, his career, and eventually his life. He missed the mark because he made some critical errors. Let’s look at them and see what we can learn: (1) He had the wrong emphasis. He emphasised the Word of God to the people in his congregation, but not to his own children. (2) He had the wrong expectations. He thought his children would ‘get it’ because they lived under his roof and worked in the church. But it doesn’t work that way. (3) He set the wrong example. Eli failed to live at home what he taught at work. He had 20/20 vision when it came to his profession, but where his family was concerned he was blind to his own weakness. Leadership on the home front isn’t about power and control; it’s about ‘giving yourself’ to the people who should matter most (Ephesians 5:25). So, how are you doing on the home front?

SoulFood: 2 Cor 11:16-13:14, Matt 22:1-14, Ps 17, Prov 16:12-15
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Thursday, 25 June 2015.

Staying When You Feel Like Leaving (1)

'...humans must not pull apart what God has put together.' Mark 10:9 CEB.

Not every relationship can be saved. When physical, mental or emotional abuse threatens your child’s safety, or your own, you may be forced to leave. Failing to do so could lead to tragedy, but where a workable resolution can be found, a troubled relationship can become a source of shared joy and fulfilment. Here are some keys to make staying worthwhile: Adopt God’s perspective on sin—yours and your spouse’s. One of the major problems is the way we classify sin—especially our spouse’s. You’re understandably overwrought and anxious because they’re incorrigible and selfish. They’re the wilful sinner—you’re the offended saint. They need a major overhaul, and you’re responsible to see they get it. Things like being critical, nagging and controlling seem like small things compared to a spouse who swears, drinks and visits porn sites. From God’s perspective, sin is sin—yours and theirs! It’s all harmful to relationships. Stop ‘classifying’ sin and try to discover the relationship–transforming power of handling the situation the way Jesus taught. ‘How can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.’ (Matthew 7:4–5 NIV) You’ll be amazed at how God will cause your spouse to acknowledge and deal with ‘their’ problem when you get honest and deal with ‘yours’!

SoulFood: Song 1-4, Matt 22:15-22, Ps 21, Prov 16:16-19.

Friday, 26 June 2015.

Staying When You Feel Like Leaving (2).

'In order that Satan might not outwit us...' 2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV.

Recognise who the real enemy of your marriage is. On those days when you think, ‘I can’t spend another moment in this relationship,’ it’s easy to lose perspective and focus on the wrong things. Marriage was God’s idea. He planned it as the foundation of His earthly Kingdom. That makes marriage one of Satan’s prime targets. It’s why he poisoned the perspective and confused the thinking of the first couple. He deceived Adam into believing that Eve was his problem, blaming the fiasco on her (Genesis 3:12). But both of them were deceived by ‘…the father of lies.’ (John 8:44 NLT) Satan knew he could undermine God’s plan by driving a wedge between the first couple, creating antagonism, blame and self–interest, and his methods haven’t changed. It’s why we ‘keep tabs’ on each other’s shortcomings, identifying our mate as the problem and refusing to show grace. Paul helps us understand how to overcome Satan’s strategy. ‘…I have forgiven in the sight of Christ…in order that Satan might not outwit us…we are not unaware of his schemes.’ (2 Corinthians 2:10–11 NIV). Then he counsels us further by saying that ‘…love… keeps no record of wrongs…’ (1 Corinthians 13:4–5 NIV). That doesn’t mean love lives in denial, but that it chooses to practise self–denial! So rather than keeping score of your spouse’s worst qualities, choose to look for their best ones and show your appreciation. Nothing melts resentment and hardness like expressing appreciation for each other.

SoulFood: Song 5-8, Matt 22:23-33, Ps 59:1-8, Prov 16:20-22.

Jwealth: The Word For Today.

Friday, 26 June 2015.

Staying When You Feel Like Leaving (2).

'In order that Satan might not outwit us...' 2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV.

SoulFood: Song 5-8, Matt 22:23-33, Ps 59:1-8, Prov 16:20-22.

Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 27 June 2015.

Staying When You Feel Like Leaving (3)

'Pray then like this...Your will be done...' Matthew 6:9-10 ESV.

Here are another two helpful keys to resolving marriage conflict: (1) Let God direct your prayers. Prayer can be closed–ended or open–ended. When we think that our perspective is the only accurate one, we pray closed–ended prayers calling on God to solve the problem our way, believing it’s the only correct way. However, closed–ended praying produces two problems. First, it locks us into rigid thinking and blinds us to other perspectives. Secondly, it keeps us from seeing God’s perspective, the one that can heal and restore the relationship. Open–ended praying asks God to solve the problem His way. ‘Pray then like this…Your will be done…’ Ask God to reveal His will to you both, wait until He does, then pray accordingly. The Bible says: ‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us…we know that we have what we asked of Him.’ (1 John 5:14–15 NIV) (2) Remove the conditions from your love. Does this sound difficult? Love is a biblical command, not an arbitrary emotion. God’s not asking you to feel warm and fuzzy; He’s asking you to act in a loving way. Wouldn’t that be hypocritical? No, it’s rising above resentment, hurt, and fear, and practising real faith. It means asking yourself: ‘If I were loving unconditionally right now, what would I be doing? How would I be responding to my spouse?’ Then do it. The Bible says, ‘Love never fails…’ (1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV) You can lovingly act your way into a new way of feeling for both you and your spouse.

SoulFood: 1 Sam 1-3, Matt 22:34-46, Ps 59:9-17, Prov 16:23-26.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 28 June 2015.

Staying When You Feel Like Leaving (4).

'Leave your troubles with the Lord...' Psalm 55:22 GNT.

Give your marriage to God. The last word on the matter must be God’s Word! Seeking professional help is a good thing, but until you’ve transferred ownership of your marriage into God’s hands, you haven’t exercised your best option. You say, ‘What does handing my marriage over to God mean in practical terms?’ It means two things: (1) You stop calling the shots—that’s God’s job and you must get out of His way so that He can do His work unhindered. Your self–interest and need to control must bow to His will. As long as you insist on ‘being right’ and ‘straightening out’ your spouse, you will remain part of the problem. On the other hand, when you give the problem to God, He—not you—has a problem to work on! (2) You learn how to ‘walk by faith, not by sight.’ (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV) When things feel out of control, you will want to resume ownership of the problem. Don’t do it, or the result will be more of what doesn’t work. Renew your decision to allow God to have control and work in both of your hearts. ‘Walk by faith’, not by feelings. The psalmist puts it this way: ‘Leave your troubles with the Lord, and He will defend you…’ (Psalm 55:22 GNT) When you trust God to handle it, three things happen: (a) you experience peace; (b) your spouse’s resistance is likely to diminish because you’re no longer stirring the pot; (c) God goes to work: ‘…He who began a good work in you [both] will bring it to completion…’ (Philippians 1:6 ESV).

SoulFood: Exod 34:29-35, Mk 9:2-27, 2 Cor 3:7-18.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 29 June 2015.

Failure and Success.

'...The God of Heaven will give us success...' Nehemiah 2:20 NIV.

To turn your failures into successes you need to do two things: (1) Realise that God wants you to succeed because you’re His child. When you think about it, what good and loving parent wouldn’t? In the face of overwhelming obstacles and enemy threats, Nehemiah announced, ‘…The God of Heaven will give us success…’ and God did! (2) Realise that failure is a teaching tool. The greater the failure, the greater the opportunity to learn from it. But first you must acknowledge the teaching potential in your mistakes and commit to learning, growing and changing as a result. Thomas Edison said, ‘I’m not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.’ At 21 years old he set up his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, and became a full–time inventor. At any given time, he and his team were working on as many as 40 different projects and they applied for more than 400 patents a year. Edison’s feverish work schedule and productivity caused the local citizens to dub him ‘The Wizard of Menlo Park’. But he wasn’t always successful. The fact is, he struggled with many of his inventions but, despite embarrassing failure after embarrassing failure, he refused to give up. Often ridiculed for his perseverance, he engaged in some 10,000 experiments before finally inventing the incandescent light bulb in 1879. Concerning his chequered work history, he said, ‘I haven’t failed. I’ve found 10,000 ways that don’t work.’ Stop labelling your failures as negative. There are very few real failures in life—only options. Some options work, others don’t. The truth is, with God on your side you’ll win if you persist!

SoulFood: 1 Sam 4-7, Matt 23:1-12, Ps 64, Prov 16:27-30.
Jwealth: The Word For Today.

Monday, 29 June 2015.

Failure and Success.

'...The God of Heaven will give us success...' Nehemiah 2:20 NIV.

SoulFood: 1 Sam 4-7, Matt 23:1-12, Ps 64, Prov 16:27-30.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Outcome Is Up To You
Tuesday, 30 June 2015
'...Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould...' Romans 12:2 PHPS
You determine the outcomes in your life, because God has given no one but you power over your options. When things aren’t working out for us, we often look elsewhere for the reason. Like Eve, we can say, ‘The devil made me do it.’ No, Jesus said, ‘…I give unto you power…over all the power of the enemy…’ (Luke 10:19 KJV) Like Adam, we say, ‘Eve made me do it.’ But the psalmist says, ‘…I trust God, so I am not afraid. What can human beings do to me?’ (Psalm 56:4 NCV) Sometimes we believe circumstances beyond our control are responsible, but with God ‘…all things [including people and circumstances] work together for [our] good…’ (Romans 8:28 NKJV)—not for our defeat! Your mistaken beliefs victimise you and predispose you to a lifestyle of trying to change people and circumstances. That’s like attempting to unscramble an egg. You become a blame–fixer instead of a problem–solver. Accept the truth that no matter what Satan, others or circumstances do, God gives you the right to the last word in your life. ‘…greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4 KJV) The outcome is not determined by what goes on around you, but by what goes on within you. ‘…as he thinks in his heart, so is he…’ (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV) The devil can only determine the outcome with your permission and co–operation—and you don’t have to give them! So believe in God’s ability to bring you triumphantly through this difficulty.

SoulFood: 1 Sam 8-10, Matt 23:13-22, Ps 95, Prov 16:31-33
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Wednesday, 01 July 2015.

Your Blind Spot (1)

'...Cleanse me from these hidden faults.' Psalm 19:12 NLT.

There are parts of yourself you’ll never see without God’s help. In one sense, you know yourself better than anyone else does. You alone have access to your inner thoughts, feelings and judgments. In another sense, you know yourself worse than anyone else does. Why? Because we rationalise, justify, minimise, forget, and embellish—and we don’t even know we’re doing it. We all fall for the self–serving bias. We claim too much credit and accept too little blame. We pay attention to experts who agree with our opinions, while ignoring or discounting all evidence to the contrary. Our memories are not simply faulty, they’re faulty in favour of our ego. The book Egonomics cites a survey in which 83 per cent of people were confident in their ability to make good decisions, but only 27 per cent were confident in the ability of the people they worked closely with to make good decisions. We’re stunned when someone sees past our defences into our souls. It’s not that they’re geniuses, it’s just that we’re sitting in our own blind spot and without the work of the Holy Spirit within us, much of the time we can’t even see our sin. The psalmist wrote: ‘How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep Your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.’ (Psalm 19:12–14 NLT) That’s a prayer you should pray—every day.

SoulFood: 1 Sam 11-13, Matt 23:23-39, Ps 98, Prov 17:1-3.

Aina Abidemi: Your Blind Spot (2)
Thursday, 2 July 2015
'...Who can discern their own errors...?' Psalm 19:12 NIV
Sometimes trying to see the truth about yourself is like trying to see inside your own eyeballs. ‘…Who can discern their own errors…?’ the psalmist asked. Fortunately, you’re not left on your own. The Spirit is already at work in you. Your job is simply to listen and respond. Guilt isn’t your enemy, sin is. God’s Spirit will often bring a sense of conviction, and, when it does, the proper response isn’t to try and suppress the guilt but to deal with the issue. When you don’t, those issues can build up like cholesterol in your arteries. At a moment of great crisis, Samson arose to exert his strength, ‘…but he did not know that the Lord had left him.’ (Judges 16:20 NIV) He’d become callous and lost his sensitivity to God. Our bodies have an amazing capacity to warn us about what ails them, if we learn to read the signs. Chest pains may indicate heart trouble and there are more subtle clues. Many of us will have seen the TV ads or read about detecting when someone is having a stroke: (FAST) Face, Arms, Speech, Time. God will enable you to find the truth about your soul if you’re open and willing. Left to yourself, you will usually rationalise or defend yourself. You’ll ‘…call evil good and good evil…’ (Isaiah 5:20 NIV) At the other extreme, you can become a neurotic over–analyser. Madame Guyon warned against ‘depending on the diligence of your own scrutiny rather than on God for the knowledge and discovery of our sin.’ What’s the answer? Allow your thoughts and responses to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

SoulFood: 1 Sam 14-15, Matt 24:1-14, Ps 102:1-11, Prov 17:4-6
Jwealth: The Hut

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for help to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, and soon there was nothing left. The worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. How could this happen to me?" he cried.

Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because The Almighty is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain, and suffering.

Remember this the next time your "hut" seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of The Most High.

You May Want To Consider Passing This On, because "You Never Know Who Feels Like Their Hut Is On Fire Today "

Good Morning!!!
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 3 July 2015.

Your Blind Spot (3).

'...Put off the old man...' Colossians 3:9 NKJV.

The Bible speaks about ‘putting off’ certain sins. Then it speaks about ‘putting on’ certain Christ–like characteristics. Using this metaphor of clothing, let’s think about the acronym RAGS: (1) Resentment. How’s your irritability level these days? Are you more, or less, easily irritated? How about bitter-ness and unforgiveness? When someone hurts you, do you attack or withdraw? Is your handling of resentment getting better, worse, or in neutral? (2) Anxiety. On a scale of one to ten, what’s your discouragement level these days? Do you have more or fewer fears about money, your health, your job, or what other people think of you? Do you allow those fears to keep you from doing what God wants? Do you find your concerns motivate you to pray more frequently? (3) Greed. Greed is just mis–managed desire. So is your self–control going up, down, or is it in neutral? Are you living with more openness and less hiddenness than you used to—living more of your life in the light? Do you find that what you desire and enjoy is increasingly in line with what God wants for you? (4) Superiority. Are you becoming less preoccupied with self? Do you find yourself thinking more about other people and God, as well as the work He has for you to do? How often in conversation do you remark on the positive characteristics of others instead of their negative qualities? Do you come across as hard, jaded and cynical? Are you spending more or less time serving others? Today, ask God to help you look into your own heart and give you the grace to deal with what you find there.

SoulFood: 1 Sam 16-17, Matt 24:15-25, Ps 102:12-17, Prov 17:7-10.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Your Blind Spot (4)
Saturday, 4 July 2015
'May...the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You...' Psalm 19:14 NLT
Jesus said when the Holy Spirit came He would convict us of sin, but conviction is not the same as ‘getting caught’. When we get caught doing wrong we feel pain, but it’s not necessarily conviction over sin. Often it’s just embarrassment over how others are thinking about us. If we thought no one would ever know, we wouldn’t be in pain. And conviction isn’t the same thing as fear of punishment. Conviction is when you get a glimpse of what you’re capable of: ‘How did I become the kind of person who can lie, cheat on a test, have an affair, claim credit for what I didn’t do, act in a cowardly way instead of courageously, or use people for my own ends?’ These aren’t questions you’d normally ask yourself. The Bible says, ‘This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light…’ (John 3:19 NIV) When God is at work in your life, the pain isn’t about other people knowing, or even about the consequences. That’s all external. The pain of conviction is internal—it’s over who you are. Unless your car windscreen is clean, you run the risk of ending up in a ditch and you can’t clean it yourself while you’re driving—that’s why you have windscreen wipers. Similarly, the Holy Spirit’s job is to reveal sin, let you repent of it, and cleanse you so that you can go where God wants to take you in life. Each day you need to pray, ‘Lord, send as much light as I can stand. Clean off my windscreen so I can see more clearly. Cleanse me.’

SoulFood: 1 Sam 18:1-20:29, Matt 24:26-35, Ps 102:18-28, Prov 17:11-14
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 5 July 2015.

Focus on Service, Not Promotion

'...Don't try to seem important in the court of a ruler...' Proverbs 25:6 CEV.

Aspiring to leadership is commendable. Paul said, ‘…If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honourable position.’ (1 Timothy 3:1 NLT) But there’s a difference between stepping forward to take on the responsibility of leadership, and stepping forward to project yourself into the limelight. Harry Truman said, ‘If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.’ The question isn’t whether you enjoy being the focus of attention, but whether you can take the heat that goes along with it. For every person who acknowledges your skills and appreciates your accomplishments, there’ll be ten who make demands on your time, talent and treasure. Consider Barnabas. When the Gospel was first preached to the Gentiles, church leaders in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check it out. ‘When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and…faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.’ (Acts 11:23–24 NKJV) Barnabas had three sterling qualities: (1) He’d nothing to prove. He never sought the limelight. When he mentored Paul, he happily let the emerging apostle rise above him, supporting him every step of the way. (2) He’d nothing to lose. He didn’t seek to guard his reputation or fear losing his popular-ity. He wanted to serve, not be served. (3) He’d nothing to hide. He didn’t try to maintain a façade or image. He remained authentic, vulnerable and transparent and, best of all, he rejoiced in the success of others.

SoulFood: Exodus 20:1-17, Matt 5:1-12.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 6 July 2015.

The First Five Minutes.

'...The right words bring satisfaction.' Proverbs 18:20 NLT.

What you say in the first five minutes can set the tone for the hours that follow. Good speakers understand they must grab the audience’s attention in the first five minutes, otherwise the opportunity to have an impact on them or move them to action can be lost. The same principle applies to your family. The first five minutes of a morning can determine how a mother will interact with her children that day. A snarl or a complaint as the children gather for breakfast can sour their relationship for hours. When a man arrives home from work at the end of the day, the way he greets his wife can influence their interaction throughout the evening. If he mutters, ‘Not tuna casserole again!’ the relationship can be put on edge until bedtime. But it doesn’t have to be that way in your house! When you’ve been apart from those you love, you can do an attitude check and reset your mood before you walk through the door. It’s ok to share your concerns but, generally speaking, you should leave work–related problems at work. Question: Does your family look forward to you coming home each night? If not, why not? A little sensitivity on your part can go a long way, and bring you wonderful benefits. The Bible says: ‘An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life…’ (Proverbs 18: 19–21 NLT) Remember: it depends on the first five minutes.

SoulFood: 1 Sam 20:30-23:29, Matt 24:36-51, Ps 110, Prov 17:15-17.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 7 July 2015.

Walk by Faith (1).

'...We walk by faith, not by sight.' 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV.

A blind man with a guide dog ‘walks by faith’ in his dog. He believes that what the dog sees will be translated into a signal that tells him when it’s time to go, stop, turn right or left. And he picks up on those signals by holding the harness that connects him with the dog. Why does he trust the dog? Because it has something he doesn’t have: sight. And it’s the same with you and God. Today it might be unclear where God is taking you. That’s why the blind man must hold the harness and stay con-nected to the dog. He may wonder, ‘Why am I stopping at this corner so long?’ Because there’s traffic coming and he’s being protected from unseen danger. God says, ‘I will bring the blind by a way they did not know…I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them.’ (Isaiah 42:16 NKJV) God has your tomorrow already planned out, even though you haven’t been there yet. He works outside of time, so He’s not held back by the limitations we labour with. Paul writes, ‘I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can see something of the future He has called you to share…I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him. It is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honour at God’s right hand…’ (Ephesians 1:18–20 TLB).

SoulFood: 1 Sam 24-26, Matt 25:1-13, Ps 122, Prov 17:18-21.!
Jwealth: No matter what the earth here offers us, whether we become the richest or the poorest man, great or otherwise.

It will be a great lost if we loose our soul, remember as you live in this terrestrial part of life, that it will end up one day.

But the fact is that life don't end, when we close our eye and breathe our last here, another unending celestial phase of our life will be opened, a life without end.

As apostle paul rightly put it " if in this life only we have hope , we are of all men the most miserable.

While we pursue the corruptible earthly crowns, medals, certifications, recognitions and all that last for a while, let's not forget to invest in eternity.

What shall it profit us , if we gain the whole world and loose our soul, we shall we give in exchange?

As we all can see, the world is fast fading away with its lusts, unthinkable things are happening, The signs of the end time are fast fulfilling.

Indeed when the Master shall come will he find faith in me ? will he find it in you?

Grace is still here the father is still waiting for the prodigals to return, if we call on him he will still answer.

" if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves , and pray and seek My face , and turn from their wicked ways , then I will hear from heaven , and will forgive their sin and heal their land"

Jesus is calling you again today.
Remember whatever the earth offers you, it will be a great loss, if you loose your soul soul.

Dear friend as you and mend our life, please help share

@ayoojohn

Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Concerned About Your Weight?
Thursday, 9 July 2015
'...Glorify God in your body...' 1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV
Here are seven principles for dealing with a weight problem: (1) Realise that your body is not your own. ‘…your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you…therefore glorify God in your body.’ (1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NKJV) Remind yourself that you’re the manager of a body God has entrusted you with, to do His will each day. (2) Keep a food journal to determine how much you’re eating, or not eating. Focus on eating foods that help your body, and avoid or minimise foods that hurt it. (3) Listen to the concerns of your loved ones. (4) Check your weight against the standard weight charts to see if you’re at a significant variation. It’s easier to lose five kilograms than twenty. (5) Instead of going on repeated diets, write down the kinds of food you will and won’t eat, and the portions. Yes, it will take time for your new discipline to take root and your will to strengthen. However, each day you do it, your self–control will increase until you start feeling so good about yourself that your old appetite begins to lose its grip on you. (6) Avoid fat–phobic people with a judgmental attitude toward those who are overweight. Often they’re just masking their own insecurities and reinforcing your distorted self–image. (7) Stay the course. You may have several ups and downs, but with determination and God’s help you’ll get on the road to freedom. ‘You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.’ (Hebrews 10:36 NIV)

SoulFood: Eph 1:1-4:16, Matt 25:31-46, Ps 79, Prov 17:24-26
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 10 July 2015.

Learning to Overlook the Flaws.

'...Love covers a multitude of sins.' 1 Peter 4:8 NLT.

A person’s sense of self–worth is often based on the reactions, positive or negative, of those around them. So your words and attitudes can literally build them up or tear them down. Dr Paul Brand was a flight surgeon during World War II. He tells in one of his books of a man named Peter Foster, a Royal Air Force pilot. Foster flew a Hurricane, a fighter plane with a design flaw: the single–propeller engine was mounted in the front, and the fuel lines ran past the cockpit. In a direct hit, the pilot would instantly be engulfed in flames before he could eject. The consequences were often tragic. Some RAF pilots caught in that inferno would undergo ten or twenty surgeries to reconstruct their faces. Peter Foster was one of those downed pilots whose face was burned beyond recognition. But Foster had the support of his family and the love of his fiancée. She assured him that nothing had changed except a few millimetres of skin. Two years later they were married. Foster said of his wife, ‘She became my mirror. She gave me a new image of myself. When I look at her, she gives me a warm, loving smile that tells me I’m ok.’ Your marriage, and other valued relationships in your life, ought to work that same way too—even when disfigurement has not occurred. It should be like a mutual admiration society that builds each other’s self–esteem, and overlooks flaws that could otherwise be destructive. There’s a Biblical word for this kind of commitment: it’s called love.

SoulFood: Eph 4:17-6:24, Matt 26:1-13, Ps 109:1-15, Prov 17:27-28.
Jwealth: The Word For Today.

Friday, 10 July 2015.

Learning to Overlook the Flaws.

'...Love covers a multitude of sins.' 1 Peter 4:8 NLT.

SoulFood: Eph 4:17-6:24, Matt 26:1-13, Ps 109:1-15, Prov 17:27-28.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 11 July 2015.

You Have A Sound Mind! (1).

'...God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV.

No matter what others say about you, God says you have ‘a sound mind’! Many people live their lives believing that they’re intellectually inferior—born that way, and will always be that way. The problem with believing this is that you begin to live accordingly. Not because it’s true—but because you be-lieve it’s true! God created us so that whatever we really believe, we act on. So our self–concept becomes a self–fulfilling prophecy. For example, we may act stupidly because we believe we’re stupid, or we may act wisely because we believe we’re wise. So we must choose to believe God’s opinion of what we are, and by faith adapt our actions accordingly, until His opinion becomes our opinion! The Bible calls this ‘…the renewing of your mind…’ (Romans 12:2 NKJV) This calls for an attitude transformation, and it can begin with a few small steps. Step 1: Choose to believe what God says about you. Every outcome begins with a choice—an act of your will. No matter what your emotions say, choose to ‘…let God be true, but every man [and every contrary emotion] a liar…’ (Romans 3:4 NKJV) Whatever you’ve said about yourself previously, or whatever others have said, God says He has not given you an attitude of fear, ‘…but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’ He has ‘given’ it to you, but you must choose to believe and receive His gift of ‘…power, love and a sound mind.’ Memorise it, and meditate on it until it takes root in you.

SoulFood: 2 Sam 1:1-3:21, Matt 26:14-25, Ps 109:16-31, Prov 18:1-3.

Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 12 July 2015.

You Have A Sound Mind! (2).

'...God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV.

Step 2: Start saying what God says about you in His Word. Words matter, especially when they’re God’s words! Look around you; everything in creation was first a word that was thought and spoken by God. ‘Then God said, “Let there be…And it was so.”’ (Genesis 1:14–15 NIV) His words contain the power of who He is. So when you believe and speak God’s Word, you’re connecting with His mighty creative ‘Logos’. Why is it necessary to speak God’s Word and not just think it? First, because hearing yourself speaking God’s Word is a powerful reinforcer. Second, because you remember what you recite. Third, because the enemy hears you. When Jesus spoke God’s Word to Satan in the wilderness temptation, he fled (Matthew 4:11). Step 3: Act on what God says about you. God has given you ‘a sound mind’—that means you’re a good thinker. Now, if you really believed that, what would you do that you’re not doing now? How big a step of faith would you be willing to take? God has given you the ability to ‘love’. If you really be-lieved that, how would you demonstrate your love for God and others? Would you begin or resume giving to your church? Would you forgive someone who has hurt you? Would you serve others instead of being self–absorbed? Nothing builds your faith like acting on God’s Word. Take these steps and it will change the way you believe about yourself and God’s Word.

SoulFood: Gen 14:18-20, Ps 110, Heb 5:5-11.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: You Have A Sound Mind! (3)
Monday, 13 July 2015
'...God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
You say, ‘What is this “sound mind” that God says He has given us?’ The original Greek word means ‘sane, rational, logical, realistic, and reasonable’. It includes qualities such as: (1) Being self–controlled. It’s not con-trolled by anyone or anything outside itself—including people, circumstances, impulses, emotions, intellect, and especially not fear. It stays in control at all times. Even when faced by problems with no easy solutions, it remains anchored to the truth, as defined by God and His Word. (2) Being discerning. It distinguishes wisely between alternatives. It discerns between reality and fantasy, good and evil, effective and ineffective, worthwhile and worthless. It’s the faculty that enables us to make good decisions in difficult situations. (3) Being focused. Like a laser beam, it has the capacity to lock in on a desired target. Like a finely tuned receiver, it can minimise distortion and resist competing sound waves. It limits interference, uncertainty and confusion. Once it’s ‘set on task’, a sound mind will help you concentrate your energies on fulfilling the important priorities in your life. (4) Being orderly. It is a process–oriented mind, operating with cause/effect logic. It’s concerned with getting you from A to B—goal to realisation—by a series of orderly steps that contribute to the fulfilment of your purpose. You are ‘…fearfully and wonderfully made…’ (Psalm 139:14 NIV) The God whose mind created you is reflected in the mind He gave you to use. Knowing who you are, now go forward and experience ‘…life…more abundantly.’ (John 10:10 NKJV)

SoulFood: 2 Sam 3:22-7:17, Matt 26:26-35, Ps 118:1-9, Prov 18:4-6
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 14 July 2015.

Who's Advising You?

'...They prosper in all they do.' Psalm 1:3 NLT
The first Psalm in the Bible talks about the dangers of getting the wrong counsel, listening to the wrong voices, and mixing with the wrong people. ‘Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.’ (Psalm 1:1–3 NLT) Implicit in the word ‘prosper’ is stability, nourishment, productivity, strength, durability and success. So pick your friends carefully and prayerfully, because those closest to you can have the ability to make you or break you. Check out any advisor before he or she speaks into your life. Make sure they are: (1) people of integrity; (2) people of faith; (3) people with influence; (4) people with complementary gifts; (5) people who share your vision; (6) people who are loyal; (7) people who are creative. If you look for these seven qualities in those who advise you, there’s every chance you’ll succeed in what you’ve been called to do. Also be sure to get God’s input. ‘Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”’ (Isaiah 30:21 NIV) Make sure the goals and plans you’ve set are in harmony with God’s will for you. Because if they’re not, having the best counsellors in the world won’t help you one bit.

SoulFood: 2 Sam 7:18-11:27, Matt 26:36-46, Ps 118:10-18, Prov 18:7-9.
Jwealth: Word for today:"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalms 61:2)
As you lift up your eyes to God in faith and trust in Him alone, may God move you from grace to grace
And glory to glory. May the blessings of today far surpass that of yesterday in Jesus name, amen. Good morning({}) and God bless you O:)
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Wednesday, 15 July 2015.

Speak the Truth in Love.

'...Speak the truth in love...' Ephesians 4:15 NLT.

Even in a great relationship, you will have disagreements. That’s why you need to learn to fight fair. Paul addresses it this way: ‘…speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ…’ If you grew up in a home filled with tension and angry words, you may find yourself trying to avoid arguments at any cost. But silence doesn’t solve problems; it just allows them to become unspoken wedges between you. What should you do? First, try to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict. In an unstable marriage, hostility is aimed at your spouse’s soft underbelly with comments like, ‘You never do anything right!’ and ‘Why did I marry you in the first place?’ and ‘You’re getting more like your mother every day!’ Such remarks strike at the very heart of your mate’s self–worth. Healthy conflict, by contrast, remains focused on the issues that cause disagreement. For example: ‘It upsets me when you don’t tell me you’re going to be late for dinner,’ or ‘I was embarrassed when you made me look foolish at the party last night.’ Can you hear the difference? Even though the two approaches may be equally contentious, the first assaults the dignity of your spouse while the second addresses the source of conflict. When you learn to make this important distinction, you can work through your disagreements without wounding and insulting each other. Plus, when gaining the upper hand leaves your spouse feeling wounded and upset, you both lose. Remember: when someone feels loved and valued, they’re generally more open and receptive to what you have to say.

SoulFood: 2 Sam 12:1-14:20, Matt 26:47-56, Ps 118:19-29, Prov 18:10-12..
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Thursday, 16 July 2015.

Whose Company Do You Prefer?

'And being let go, they went to their own company...' Acts 4:23 KJV.

We all have our ‘own company’. It’s where we feel most at home, where we naturally gravitate to when we have the choice. The great Bible teacher AW Tozer once said, ‘The important thing about a man is not where he goes when he is compelled to go, but where he goes when he is free to go where he will.’ The apostles went to jail under compulsion, but when they were given their liberty they chose to return to ‘…their own company…’ of praying believers. How revealing! The clear choices of life—not the compulsions—reveal our true character. Let’s consider a real–life illustration. You’re absent from church on Sunday. Where are you? If you’re having surgery, your absence reveals that you’re compelled to miss church due to hospitalisation. However, if you’re on the golf course, that tells us a different story. Assuming that you’re not on a well–deserved vacation, we know that you chose to skip church in favour of your ‘own company’—your fellow golfers. Has your choice to play instead of to pray become a habit? If so, you might be on the threshold of letting slip ‘…meeting together with other believers, which some people have got into the habit of doing…’ (Hebrews 10:25 CEB) Habits are not the product of one decision—they’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?

SoulFood: 2 Sam 14:21-17:13, Matt 26:57-75, Ps 123, Prov 18:13-16.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 17 July 2015.

Dealing With Change (1)

'...Enlarge my territory...' 1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV.

Think how foolish it is to pray for success, and resist the changes needed to bring it about. However, we do that, don’t we? Let’s face it; it’s easier to settle for the status quo than to face the ‘what ifs’ that accompany progress. Some of us even think it’s selfish and unspiritual to pray for success. Not Jabez! Listen to his prayer: ‘…Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ (1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV) So God granted him what he requested. Consider this list of ‘changes’ you may be resisting: leaving an unfulfilling job, starting a business, or letting go of an unprofitable one, learning to use a computer, abandoning a toxic relationship, letting go of an unaffordable home, car or lifestyle, establishing a responsible spending plan. All these changes are normal; they’re part of daily life. However, panic sets in when the change is unexpected. That’s when we discover the difference between what we say and what we truly believe. ‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.’ (Romans 8:28 NKJV) The key words in this Scripture are ‘all things’ and ‘good’ and ‘purpose’. Since you are ‘in Christ’, nothing can get to you without first coming through Him. In ‘all things’, including things you don’t like, God has a ‘purpose’, and He’s working for your ‘good’. You’ll look back and say, ‘If I hadn’t gone through that, I wouldn’t be experiencing the blessing of God I enjoy today.’

SoulFood: 2 Sam 17:14-19:43, Matt 27:1-10, Ps 133, Prov 18:17-20.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 18 July 2015.

Dealing With Change (2).

'...Go to the land that I will show you.' Genesis 12:1 NLT.

How would you feel if God told you to leave your job, sell your house and go to a city you didn’t know? That’s what happened to 75–year–old Abram and his 65–year–old wife, Sarai. ‘…Leave your native country…and go to the land that I will show you.’ Why would God do that? Because He has a special destiny in mind for each of us! He told Abram, ‘I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you…and you will be a blessing to others.’ (Genesis 12:2 NLT) With no hint of resistance, Abram embraced change, trusted God, and reaped the incredible rewards. It’s no wonder the Bible calls him the father of faith. To walk with God and fulfil His will you must have a mindset that adapts to change—sometimes costly and uncomfortable change. How do you do it? ‘By faith’! (Hebrews 11:8) Faith in whom? Yourself? Others? No. Faith in the goodness of God! Did you know that those who flow with change rather than resist it are less stressed, healthier, and generally happier? So start developing a ‘change mindset’. Break out of your rut and develop a new routine and if you’re serious about it, ask your friends and family to point out areas where you constantly demonstrate inflexibility. Where should you start? With this Scripture: ‘Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.’ (1 Peter 5:7 AMP) Live by the principle: ‘Where God guides, He provides.’

SoulFood: 2 Sam 20:1-22:30, Matt 27:11-26, Ps 140, Prov 18:21-22.

Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 19 July 2015.

Dealing With Change (3)

'...Tell the children of Israel to go forward.' Exodus 14:15 NKJV.

With the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s chariots behind them, Moses told the Israelites: ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians, whom you see today, you shall see again no more, forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. And the Lord said to Moses…“Tell the children of Israel to go forward.”’ (Exodus 14:13–15 NKJV) Notice, God told the people of Israel two things. First, that He would fight for them. Second, that they must go forward in spite of their fear. When you face the unknown it’s normal to feel fear, but that’s when you need to put your trust and confidence in God! In order for Him to fulfil His promise to you, you must obey what He has told you to do. How should you deal with change? In three ways: (1) Focus on its long–term benefits instead of its short–term inconvenience. (2) Be honest with yourself about what you really feel and fear about the change, and take it to God in prayer. (3) Keep an open attitude toward new ideas, and refuse to be influenced by rigid thinkers. Stand on this Scripture: ‘Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left…’ (Isaiah 54:2–3 NKJV) God doesn’t change, but He moves! In order to succeed, you must move with Him.

SoulFood: Gen 5:22-24, Heb 11:5, 2 Kings 2:1-12.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 20 July 2015.

Lead With Your Strengths

'...I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit...' Isaiah 48:17 NKJV.

In case you’re wondering whether or not God wants you to succeed, the answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’ He told the Israelites, ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go.’ (Isaiah 48:17 NKJV) But you’ll only succeed if you know and do the right things. Only as the leader grows, will the company or ministry grow. It’s amazing how much time, money and energy we spend on things that can’t produce growth. Logos, websites, brochures and slogans are all important, but they’ll never make up for incompetent leadership. So what should you do? Once you know you’re walking in God’s will and your private life is in order, the keys to success are priorities and concentration. John Maxwell offers the following guidelines: (1) Focus 70% of your energy on developing your strengths. Effective leaders who reach their potential spend more time on what they do well than on what they do badly. (2) Focus 25% on new things. If you want to get better you have to keep changing and improving. That means stepping out into new areas. If you dedicate time to new things related to your strong areas, you’ll grow as a leader. (3) Focus 5% on areas of weakness. Nobody can entirely avoid working in their areas of weakness. (Note: we’re not talking here about sin or character weaknesses that must be dealt with.) The key is to delegate to gifted people the things that you’re not particularly good at. That way you’re free to concentrate in the areas of your God–given strengths.

SoulFood: 2 Sam 22:31-24:25, Matt 27:27-32, Ps 146, Prov 18:23-24.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Affair-Proof Your Relationship
Tuesday, 21 July 2015
'...Be careful not to fall.' 1 Corinthians 10:12 CEV
Most people don’t plan on getting into an affair. They just happened to be with the wrong person, at the wrong time, in the wrong frame of mind. The Bible plainly warns, ‘Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall.’ When you think, ‘It couldn’t happen to me,’ you’re a target for Satan! So how can you affair–proof your marriage? By consistent communication. (1) Communicate regularly with God. Jesus said, ‘…when you pray, [say]…Give us this day our daily bread’ (Matthew 6:7–11 NKJV). Daily communication with God arms you against marital mischief. He also knew you’d need to pray together. ‘Our Father…give us…forgive us our sins’ (Matthew 6:9–12 NLT) assumes we’re needy people praying together. Couples pray-ing together are harder to pry apart. (2) Communicate faithfully with God’s Word. Books about marriage can inform you, but only the Bible, God’s mar-riage manual, has the power to transform your life together. Shared Bible reading illuminates your understanding; it exposes, sensitises, and purifies your hearts’ intentions; it safeguards your relationship. (3) Communicate openly with each other. Build ‘relationship hedges’ so that temptation doesn’t get a foothold. Establish sensible guidelines for interacting with the opposite sex. Be open and honest with each other about your social, workplace and church relationships. Anything that makes your spouse uncomfortable should be noted, and, where possible changed. Next to God, you are each other’s best protection against failure. So, listen, learn, and love!

SoulFood: 2 Pet 1-3, Matt 27:33-44, Ps 14, Prov 19:1-4
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Wednesday, 22 July 2015.

The Power of God's Word (1)

'The law of the Lord is perfect...' Psalm 19:7 NKJV.

Of all the words ever spoken, only ‘…the Word of God is alive and powerful.’ (Hebrews 4:12 NLT) So when you read your Bible, you tap into a life–changing force. Let’s look at some of the wonderful characteristics and effects attributed to God’s Word in Psalm 19. (1) ‘The law of the Lord is perfect…’ To understand the word ‘law’, think of governing forces by which things like gravity, aerodynamics and physics work. When you deny or defy these laws you suffer; when you operate according to them you succeed, but either way they are always in force! So is God’s Word. It cannot be improved upon, added to, or taken from. It is adequate and able to accomplish His purposes in your life. Additionally, it ‘refreshes the soul’! Why wouldn’t you embrace it? (2) ‘The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy…’ (Psalm 19:7 NIV) You can count on the reliability and accuracy of God’s Word in every circumstance of life. In a world of changing values, conditions and relationships, you can place your full weight on the Scriptures, confident they will hold up—and hold you up, too! Furthermore, it will ‘make wise the simple’—the ignorant and immature. It will produce in you wisdom far beyond what’s available through study and education. (3) ‘The precepts of the Lord are right…’ (Psalm 19:8 NIV) God’s precepts are accurate, correct and virtuous, and we are called to ‘…add to [our] faith virtue…’ (2 Peter 1:5 NKJV) or moral excellence. This cannot be accomplished through will–power, but through God’s supernatural Word–power.

SoulFood: Nah 1-3, Matt 27:45-56, Ps 65, Prov 19:5-8.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Thursday, 23 July 2015.

The Power of God's Word (2)

'The commandments of the Lord are right....' Psalm 19:8 NIV.

Observe: (1) ‘The commandments of the Lord are right…’ When people like Plato and Shakespeare speak, the effect of their words on us depends on what we bring to the process. Some of us may be informed and entertained, while others may be indifferent or bored. Their words could be described as intrinsically neutral but this is not so with God’s words: they radiate! Like heat and light, they are sources of spiritual energy. They possess a dynamic power that produces change wherever it goes. Likewise, God’s Word is dynamic. It radiates transforming power that changes anyone who lives in its ‘environment’! (2) ‘…The judgments given by the Lord are trustworthy…’ (Psalm 19:9 NET) The Hebrew word for ‘trustworthy’ comes from ‘certainty, honesty and faithfulness’. With absolute confidence, you can stake your all on the reliability of God’s Word. It guarantees you that God says what He means, and means what He says. You can stand secure on every syllable of it. In other words, you can ‘…live…by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:4 NKJV) (3) ‘By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded.’ (Psalm 19:11 CEV) God’s Word is more than just a list of ‘dos and don’ts. It’s like radar that signals to you when you’re in danger of straying off course and getting into trouble. Your conscience alone is inadequate. ‘How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults…Don’t let them control me.’ (Psalm 19:12–13 NLT) By obeying God’s Word, you will be ‘greatly rewarded’!

SoulFood: Hab 1-3, Matt 27:57-66, Ps 1, Prov 19: 9-11.
Jwealth: The Word For Today.

Thursday, 23 July 2015.

The Power of God's Word (2)

'The commandments of the Lord are right....' Psalm 19:8 NIV.

SoulFood: Hab 1-3, Matt 27:57-66, Ps 1, Prov 19: 9-11.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 24 July 2015.

Are You Afraid of Losing Someone?

'...You will be missed, because your seat will be empty.' 1 Samuel 20:18 NIV.

Who’s the one person whose death you dread most? Is it causing you anxiety? If so, begin to put these things into practice: (1) Ask God for the grace to accept death as an inevitable part of life. Both you and your loved one will eventually die, and no one but God knows who’s going to do so first. Therefore, worrying about something outside your control only robs you of your peace and joy. (2) Maximise each moment. If you knew the exact date of your loved one’s departure, what would you wish you’d done? Or not done? Would you take that trip you’ve always talked about? Would you be less critical and more complimentary? Would you spend more time with them, and tell them more often that you love them? (3) Don’t give another moment of your time to silly arguments and little irritations. (4) Make every effort to be sure your loved one is in right standing with God. Then you can be assured they’re at peace, and that you’ll spend eternity together. (5) Remember, your loved one is God’s loved one, too. And He loves them even more than you do. When the time comes, God will be right there with you. ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me…’ (Psalm 23:4 NKJV) (6) Try to picture your loved one in Heaven. Jesus said, ‘…I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am, there you may be also.’ (John 14:2–3 NKJV) The parting will only be momentary, but the reunion will be forever.

SoulFood: 1 Tim 1-3, Matt 28:1-10, Ps 42:1-5, Prov 19:12-14.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For the Today.

Saturday, 25 July 2015.

Forgiveness Begins the Healing Process

'...If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them...' Mark 11:25 NIV.

The hardest offences to forgive are committed by the people who are closest to us. Why? Because we have to live with them every day! When we’re young, our emotions are so intense that wounds and injuries may stay with us for a lifetime. The pain is worse when the one who wronged us was a parent. Perhaps a mother rejected us instead of providing the love we needed, or an alcoholic father was sexually abusive in the midnight hours. Victims of such horror may still be consumed with resentment and anger many decades later. This can cause you to ‘act out’, and hurt the people you now love and need most. What’s the answer? Forgiveness. Dr. Archibald Hart defines forgiveness as ‘giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me.’ Only when you find the emotional maturity to release those who’ve wronged you, whether they have repented or not, will your wounds begin to heal. Jesus put it this way: ‘When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.’ (Mark 11:25 NIV) Here’s something you may not have considered: God’s willingness to forgive you depends on your willingness to forgive others. You say, ‘But if I forgive them, I’m letting them off the hook.’ No, you’re letting yourself off the hook! You’re setting yourself free of pain and resentment, and positioning yourself to walk in God’s blessing. Leave the offence and the offender with God; He’s the only one who understands what they did and why they did it. As far as you are concerned—forgiveness begins the healing process.

SoulFood: 1 Tim 4-6, Matt 28:11-20, Ps 42:6-11, Prov 19::15-17
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 26 July 2015.

Beyond the Myths of Parenting (1).

'...Children are a gift from the Lord...' Psalm 127:3 CEB.

Here are two myths of parenting: (1) Good parents always keep tidy homes. We think our house should look picture–perfect, so we get upset when our children turn it upside down. However, an obsession with neatness can result in missing precious moments that never come again. Unintentionally, we teach our children that things—not people—are important. We instil the idea that keeping up appearances matters more than enjoying life together. The truth is, the house will be orderly sooner than you think, and quiet, and empty! So enjoy the disarray, the laughter, the spills and scrapes. Let the nicks and scratches on the furniture become memories of precious moments with little people who’ll grow up feeling loved and important to you. (2) Good parents must always be ‘right’. Writer and mother Ann Peterson shares an insight that struck while she was engaged in a run–in with her son. ‘Finally, through clenched teeth I managed to ask him, “Why must you always be right?” He responded through clenched teeth (must have learned that from his father), “Because you always have to be right.” I sensed God watching that moment. Words were unnecessary. I got the message loud and clear. From that moment on, being “right” lacked the lustre it once held for me.’ The relationship with her son became less resistant, ‘Something I’d have missed, had I not conceded the need to be always right.’ So choose your battles carefully! Good parenting isn’t about racking up ‘victories’ and dishing out ‘defeats’; it’s about enjoying your family.

SoulFood: Num 9:15-23, Exodus 24:15, Matt 17:1-8.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 27 July 2015.

Beyond the Myths of Parenting (2).

'Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them...' Psalms 127:5 NIV.

Here are another two parenting myths. (1) Good parents always produce good children. If only that were so, but it’s not! Even when you do all the right things, your children get to make their own choices in life. Cain and Abel were raised in the same home by the same parents, but Abel’s choice pleased God while Cain’s led him to commit the first recorded murder. Even model parents have no control over the choices their children ultimately make. This doesn’t mean your attempts to be a godly influence on them are wasted; not at all! It just means that when you’ve done your best you should: (a) recognise and accept your limits; (b) teach your children wisdom, allowing them to be responsible for the consequences of their decisions; (c) trust God to do what you cannot do. Some kids get the message quickly, others like the Prodigal Son take detours—but God never gives up on them—and neither should you. (2) Good parents treat all their children the same way. The Bible says, ‘Teach your children to choose the right path…’ (Proverbs 22:6 NLT) Every child is wired with a unique set of needs and abilities, and wise parents recognise and work with these characteristics. Your responsibility isn’t to try to make them the ‘perfect kid’. It’s to try to discover the distinctive pattern God built into each child, and work to develop that pattern in them. The reward God promises such parents is ‘…when they are older [detours notwithstanding!] they will remain upon it.’ (Proverbs 22:6 NLT)

SoulFood: Zeph 1-3, Mark 1:1-8, Ps 46, Prov 19:18-20.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 28 July 2015.

From Guesswork to Guidance.

'I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go...' Psalm 32:8 NIV.

You can know God’s will for your life. He promises, ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.’ (Psalm 32:8 NIV) His Word says, ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.’ (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV) God wants you to move from guesswork to guidance, but getting there requires four things: (1) Knowing that God’s will begins with surrendering your will. Jesus said, ‘I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.’ (John 5:30 NAS) You only recognise God’s will as you learn to lay aside your own will, and that gets easier with practice. (2) Keeping a spiritual mindset. It’s not possible to sense God’s will while you’re controlled by self–interest. ‘The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.’ (Romans 8:7 NIV) (3) Praying for God’s guidance. David prayed, ‘Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me…’ (Psalm 143:10 NIV) James also en-courages us: ‘If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.’ (James 1:5 NLT) (4) Reading God’s Word with a heart that’s open to hear from Him. ‘Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.’ (Psalm 119:105 CEV) Daily exposure to the Word of God will help you recognise His voice when He speaks to you. ‘…the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice.’ (John 10:4 NKJV).

SoulFood: Ezra 1-2, Mark 1:9-20, Ps 78:1-8, Prov 19:21-23.
Jwealth: Nugget of Wisdom!!!

Every King was once a crying baby n every building was once a picture . The person u admire so much was once a "nobody" , the most anointed man you see was once a church member. The person you attended his or her wedding was once a chief bachelor or spinster. why worry in life ? Its not abt where you are today but where you will reach tomorrow. Alphabet “O” which stands for Opportunity, is absent in “yesterday” but available once in “Today” And Thrice in “Tomorrow” So Stay Positive Always and have hope....The future is bright.

Good Morning & Have a great day ahead.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: This is my sister . Please vote for her and tell others to vote also.

I am very excited to announce that HeelsintheKitchen has been selected as one of the top 12 finalists for the She Leads Africa Pitch Competition. Now we need your votes to get to the finals. Please click on this link Www.Sheleadsafrica.org/#!heels-in-the-kitchen/c18ld vote up to 3 times a day. Help us make bring this awesome project to life!!! Thank you! Imoteda
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Wednesday, 29 July 2015.

How to Test Your Thoughts.

'...We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.' 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV.

You will never be any better, wiser or happier than the thoughts that influence you. You say, ‘I can’t help it; these thoughts just come into my mind.’ Yes, you can! ‘The weapons we fight with…have divine power to demolish strongholds…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 10:4–5 NIV) A ‘stronghold’ is a thought–pattern that controls you. It could be fear, greed, inferiority, lust, etc. It’s a ‘stronghold’ because it holds you strongly in its grip. How do you break that grip? With God’s Word. For example, when fear and inadequacy tell you you’re not good enough to succeed, become proactive and say, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) If your immediate goal is to ‘feel good’, you’ll never develop self–control. ‘For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it…’ (Hebrews 12:11 AMP) Discipline doesn’t bring immediate joy, but it brings lasting joy later on. Note the words ‘trained by it’. You must train your mind to go the right way; otherwise it’ll take you the wrong way. God says, ‘…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…’ (Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV) God gives you choices. But He won’t make your choices for you; you must do that. In order to walk in God’s blessing each day, you must choose the right thoughts each day, and the longer you keep doing it the easier it will become. You’ve just got to get through the ‘training’ period.

SoulFood: Ezra 3-5, Mark 1:21-34, Ps 78:9-16, Prov: 19:24-26.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Stop Trying To Control Everything (1)
Thursday, 30 July 2015
'...He shall direct your paths.' Proverbs 3:6 NKJV
Without self–control we end up hurting ourselves, but when we become overly controlling of ourselves or others, it’s an indication that we’re not trusting God enough. In the final analysis God alone determines our outcomes. So: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.’ (Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV) If you find yourself trying to control every detail and aspect of your life, try using these strategies for developing the right mindset: (1) Understand that you are not an independent, self–sufficient being. ‘…We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.’ (Psalm 100:3 NKJV) Sheep cannot take care of themselves; they need the shepherd to feed them, lead and protect them. Getting the idea? (2) When the unexpected happens, practise responding calmly. God is never taken by surprise. What seems like a crisis is often an opportunity for Him to demonstrate His love and care for you. (3) Focus on the internal and leave the external to God. Once you settle within yourself that you cannot control most external happenings, but only your internal response to them, you’ll be able to stop stressing out over the uncontrollable and the inevitable. Take a deep breath to slow the flow of adrenaline, send up a silent prayer, then turn the problem over to God. Realise that His plans for your life have not been derailed. ‘You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.’ (Psalm 139:16 NLT) Stop trying to control everything.

SoulFood: Ezra 6-8, Mark 1:35-45, Ps 78:17-31, Prov 19:27-29
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 31 July 2015.

Stop Trying To Control Everything (2).

'...My strength is made perfect in weakness...' 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV.

If you find that you are overly controlling, try doing these three things: (1) Rather than dreading your helplessness, embrace it as a place of strength. It positions you to experience God’s power. ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV) Let go, and let God! (2) Be quick to express your helplessness to God. King Jehoshaphat realised that his forces were no match for three invading armies. So he prayed: ‘Oh, our God …we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.’ (2 Chronicles 20:12 NKJV) How does his story end? Miraculously! The invading armies destroyed each other and Jehoshaphat’s army didn’t have to fight at all. Your biggest miracles will happen when you feel the least able, and trust God to intervene. (3) Meditate on Scriptures that speak about the sovereignty of God and the futility of trying to control life. ‘People throw lots to make a decision, but the answer comes from the Lord.’ (Proverbs 16:33 NCV) ‘We may make a lot of plans, but the Lord will do what He has decided.’ (Proverbs 19:21 CEV) ‘He does as He pleases among… the angels of Heaven and among… the people of the earth. No one can stop Him or say to Him, “What do you mean by doing these things?”’ (Daniel 4:35 NLT) ‘…For He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.’ (Ephesians 1:11 NLT) Relax and start trusting God—He knows what He’s doing and He has your best interests at heart.

SoulFood: Ezra 9-10, Mark 2:1-12, Ps 78:32-39, Prov 20:1-3.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 1 August 2015.

When Jesus Comes on Board.

'He got into one of the boats...belonging to Simon...' Luke 5:3 NIV.

One day Jesus ‘…saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats…belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.’ (Luke 5:2–6 NIV) Are you sitting today where Peter sat? Your outlook is bleak, your nets are empty, you’ve tried everything you know and you’re ready to give up? It happens; you get to the place where you simply stop expecting anything good. You’ve experienced too many disappointments and you’re afraid to dream, reach, stretch or broaden your horizons. Jesus knows how hard you’ve tried and today He’s inviting you to try again—this time with Him. Even though you’re wrestling with depression and tormenting memories, unemployment, addiction, financial failure or sickness, the Lord of new beginnings wants to come on board. If you listen to Him, He will show you what to do. Now, what He says may not initially make sense to you. But if you’re willing to respond like Peter—‘Because You say so, I will’—you’re on the threshold of a miracle. Today, listen and obey the words of Jesus and watch how your situation changes.

SoulFood: 1 Jn 1:1-3:10, Mark 2:13-22, Ps 78:40-55, Prov 20:4-6.
Jwealth: August signals the beginning of the end of planting and tending time for farmers in this part of the world.
It is harvest time for every successful farmer.
May the Lord grant you bountiful harvest for all you have toiled for this year.
Remember to invite me to celebrate with you.
Welcome to August.
Cheers!!! @ayoolakola
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 2 August 2015.

Don't Go by Your Feelings.

'...you will be able to discern what is best...' Philippians 1:10 NIV.

God gave you feelings, and you should never be ashamed of them. They can alert you to danger and give you insight into various situations. God actually uses our feelings to draw us closer to Him and highlight areas in our lives that need to be submitted to His Holy Spirit. But feelings are subjective; you can’t always trust them. Jon Walker says: ‘When old feelings creep back in we feel fearful, ashamed, hopeless, not good enough, unlovable, victimised, helpless and resentful… An event can trigger these reactions…ending a relationship, stress, problems at work and at home, times of change or illness…and sometimes these feelings return for no reason.’ So you must test your feelings, otherwise you’ll end up allowing ‘…your feelings [to] get out of control.’ (Colossians 3:5 NIV) It can be disastrous to act on what you see, hear and feel. Instead of reacting to feelings, you must learn to act on what God’s Word says. That’s the gold standard, and it never changes! For instance, even if you feel like you can walk on water, you can only do it if God has called you to step out of the boat. Paul says, ‘…my prayer [is] that [you]…abound…in knowledge and…insight…that you may be able to discern what is best…’ (Philippians 1:9–10 NIV) Bottom line: don’t rely on your feelings, rely on the knowledge and truth of God’s Word. You may feel worthless, but God says, ‘…You are precious to Me …I love you.’ (Isaiah 43:4 NLT) You may feel like a failure, but God says, ‘There is…no condemnation for those…in Christ.’ (Romans 8:1 NIV)

SoulFood: Ezek 37:1-14, Matt 27:50-53, 1 Thess 4:13-18.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 3 July 2015.

It All Belongs to God (1)

'These all wait for You, that You may give them their food in due season.' Psalm 104:27 NKJV.

We fear losing our job, our health insurance and our retirement benefits, so we amass possessions, thinking the more we have, the safer we are. Jesus told a parable of one such person: ‘...“The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.' (Luke 12:16-18 ESV) Can’t you hear the presumption in those words? Just like us stockpiling pensions, possessions and property, he accumulated and stacked until his barns of belongings were overflowing. Then he said, “...Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” (Luke 12:19 ESV) The Bible says, ‘Command those who are rich&h ellip;not to…trust in uncertain riches but in the living God…’ (1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV) Riches don’t bring security. The more you have, the more you have to lose! It’s ironic; the more you accumulate the more protective you become, and the greater your concern that it could all be swept away by events you can’t control. That’s not how God intended you to live. He wants you to save and He wants you to sow. And when you’ve done all that wisdom demands, to trust in nothing but Him. The Psalmist said, ‘…Living things…small and great…all wait for You, that You may give them their food in due season.’ (Psalm 104:25–27 NKJV) And He does. God’s the great giver, absolutely generous and utterly dependable. The resounding message of Scripture is clear: God owns it all. God shares it all. So place your trust in Him—not in belongings.

SoulFood: 1 Jn 3:11-5:21, Mark 2:23-3:6, Ps 78:56-64, Prov 20:7-10.

Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 4 August 2015.

It All Belongs to God (2).

'When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot Me.' Hosea 13:6 NIV.

Paul writes: ‘Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, Who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.’ (1 Timothy 6:17–18 NKJV) Are you ‘rich in this present age’? Almost half the world—more than three billion people—lives on less than $4 a day. So if your income is more than that, you’re rich by comparison. But prosperity comes with a warning: don’t be arrogant. ‘Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.’ (Proverbs 16:18 NIV) The Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle wrote, ‘Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man. But for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.’ God wants you to enjoy things without becoming obsessed with them. Accumulating possessions has a way of eclipsing God, no matter how meagre they may be. There’s a predictable progression from poverty to pride. The poor man prays and works; God hears and blesses. The humble man becomes rich and forgets God. The faithful poor man becomes the proud rich man. As God said through Hosea, ‘When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot Me.’ How can you avoid this trap? Remember that everything you own comes from God, and He’s the source of everything you’ll need in the future. So live with a grateful heart, and in total dependence on Him.

SoulFood: 1 Chr 1-2, Mark 3:7-19, Ps 78:65-72, Prov 20:11-14.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Wednesday, 5 August 2015.

It All Belongs to God (3).

'"The silver is Mine and the gold"...declares the Lord...' Haggai 2:8 NIV.

How would you describe someone who built a house without giving any forethought to the foundation? Foolish! Likewise, God says, don’t put your trust in ‘uncertain riches’ (1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV). Between 1948 and 2001 the U.S. economy endured ten recessions, each averaging one year, and resulting in the loss of billions of dollars. That means every five years or so, the economy dumps its suitors and starts all over again. What word would you use to describe a husband who philandered his way through nine different wives over fifty years? Fickle? And how would you describe wife number ten? Foolish? Abraham was one of the richest men of his generation, and so was Job. The New Testament church had some rich people in it. The Bible says, ‘…all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them …brought the proceeds…and laid them at the apostles’ feet…’ (Acts 4:34–35 NKJV) God wants you to be blessed financially so you can bless His work. But the reason He doesn’t give some of us more money is because He knows we don’t have the maturity to handle it. It would be our undoing. And to those He does entrust with money, He says, ‘Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.’ (1 Timothy 6:18 NKJV) You don’t really own anything; you’re just a steward. ‘“The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine,” declares the Lord.’ The truth is, you’ll never be financially secure until you’re willing to say, ‘Yes!’ to God in whatever He asks you to do, knowing that He will always take care of you. Always!

SoulFood: 1 Chr 3:1-4:23, Mark 3:20-35, Ps 119:1-8, Prov 20:15-18.
Jwealth: Whoso Verizon
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: ???
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: ???
Jwealth: Sorry jere
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: It All Belongs to God (4)
Thursday, 6 August 2015
'To the Lord your God belong the heavens...the earth and everything in it.' Deuteronomy 10:14 NIV
When it comes to our money, we like to think, ‘I earned it, so it’s mine.’ But that’s where you’re dead wrong! The Bible says: ‘To the Lord your God belong the heavens…the earth and everything in it.’ (Deuteronomy 10:14 NIV) ‘Yours, O Lord, is the greatness…the power… the glory…the majesty and the splendour, for everything in Heaven and earth is Yours.’ (1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV) ‘“The silver…and the gold is Mine,” declares the Lord Almighty.’ (Haggai 2:8 NIV) Riches are like Monopoly money; if you’re better than your competition, you end up with the deeds to the most expensive properties. But guess what? At the end of the day when the game is over, the participants leave the table and all the stuff goes back in the box. And if you were overly aggressive, the other players may end up not liking you. Here’s a humbling Scripture: ‘Do not be overawed when others grow rich... for they will take nothing with them when they die... Though while they live they count themselves blessed—they will join those... who will never again see the light of life. People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.’ (Psalm 49:16–20 NIV) The God who owns it all gives it to us for two reasons: (1) To enjoy. (2) To invest into fulfilling His purposes on earth. When we live with that attitude, we replace fear with faith in God.

SoulFood: 1 Chr 4:24-5:26, Mark 4:1-12, Ps 119:9-16, Prov 20:19-21
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 7 August 2015.

Ask God.

'...in Him we live, and move, and have our being.' Acts 17:28 NKJV.

George Washington Carver, an agricultural chemist who discovered three hundred uses for peanuts, shared these observations about God: ‘As a very small boy exploring the almost virgin woods of the old Carver place, I had the impression someone had just been there ahead of me. Things were so orderly, so clean, so harmoniously beautiful. A few years later in these same woods…I was practically overwhelmed with the sense of some great pres-ence. Not only had someone been there, someone was there…Years later when I read in the Scriptures, “…in Him we live, and move, and have our being,” I knew what the writer meant. Never since have I been without this consciousness of the Creator speaking to me… the out–doors has been to me more and more a great cathedral in which God could be continuously spoken to and heard from… Man, who needed a purpose, a mission to keep him alive, had one. He could be…God’s co–worker… My purpose alone must be God’s purpose—to increase the welfare and happiness of His people… Why, then, should we, who believe in Christ, be so surprised at what God can do with a willing man in a laboratory?’ In 1921 Carver spoke before the United States House of Representatives. The chairman asked, ‘Dr. Carver, how did you learn all these things?’ He answered, ‘From an old book.’ The chairman asked, ‘What book?’ Carver replied, ‘The Bible.’ The chairman enquired, ‘Does the Bible talk about peanuts?’ Carver replied, ‘No sir, but it tells about the God who made the peanut. I asked Him to show me what to do with the peanut, and He did.’ Do you need a creative idea or solution today? Ask God!

SoulFood: 1 Chr 6:1-7:19, Mark 4:13-25, Ps 119:17-24, Prov 20:22-24.
Jwealth: The Word For Today.

Friday, 7 August 2015.

Ask God.

'...in Him we live, and move, and have our being.' Acts 17:28 NKJV.

SoulFood: 1 Chr 6:1-7:19, Mark 4:13-25, Ps 119:17-24, Prov 20:22-24.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 8 August 2015.

How to Overcome Perfectionism

'...think about the things that are good...' Philippians 4:8 NCV.

Be honest: Have you ever met a perfectionist who was truly happy? No, because when things must always ‘be a certain way’, life becomes miserable because it’s constantly changing. As soon as you solve one problem, another comes along. Instead of dwelling on their blessings and being grateful, perfectionists focus on what’s wrong and why they need to fix it. It may be a job they did that was less than perfect, a few kilos they need to lose, or even a disorganised wardrobe. Or it could be someone else’s imperfections: the way they live their life, how they behave, or the way they look. Constantly dwelling on flaws—your own or someone else’s—makes it impossible to be grateful. And gratitude is at the core of happiness. Now, let’s be clear; we’re not talking about striving to do better. That’s a good thing. We’re talking about obsessing over what’s wrong. There’ll always be a better way to do something, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life the way it is right now. So what’s the cure? Catch yourself before you fall into the trap of insisting that things should be different from how they are. Stop and remind yourself that, in the absence of your judgment, everything will work out just fine. Paul says, ‘…in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…’ (Romans 8:28 NIV) Are you getting it? God’s in control; it’s ok for you to let go. Instead of focusing on the negative, ‘think about the things that are good and worthy of praise.’ (Philippians 4:8 NCV) When you do, you’ll begin to discover how wonderful life is.

SoulFood: 1 Chr 7:20-9:44, Mark 4:26-41, Ps 119:25-32, Prov 20:25-27.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 9 August 2015.

The Power of Vision (1).

'...men shall dream dreams [and]...see visions.' Joel 2:28 NKJV.

A boy supposedly once asked Michelangelo why he was working so hard chipping away on the block of marble that would become his greatest masterpiece: David. The artist replied, ‘There’s an angel inside this rock and I’m setting him free.’ The power of vision enables you to see a potential masterpiece in what others overlook or consider worthless. It also helps you discover things within yourself you never knew were there. It brings out the best in you. Many of the people God used in Scripture looked like losers before they looked like winners. After the disciples fished all night and caught nothing, Jesus told them, ‘…Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.’ (Luke 5:10 NKJV) They did, and they ended up: (1) building a church that’s still thriving two thousand years later; (2) writing history’s greatest books; (3) having our sons named after them. Does that mean you can just dream a dream and God will fulfil it? No. Paul says, ‘…You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God…’ (1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV) Belonging to Christ means you lost the right to take your talents, opportunities and experiences and run off in any direction you please. But why would you even want to? What could possibly be more fulfilling than God’s purpose for your life? And what could be more tragic than missing it? You can’t wring enough meaning out of secular accomplishments to satisfy your soul. The hole you’re trying to fill has an eternal dimension only Christ can fill. That’s why you must pray, ‘Lord, show me Your vision for my life.’

SoulFood: Eccl 11:7-12:1, Ps 39:4-13, 2 Tim 4:6-8.
Jwealth: YOUR BLESSINGS ARE RESERVED http://kolayoola.blogspot.com/2015/08/your-blessings-are-reserved.html

Open heaven devotional
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 10 August 2015.

The Power of Vision (2).

'...acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.' Proverbs 3:6 NKJV.

Having God’s vision for your life gives you four things: (1) Passion. It makes you wake up in the morning and bound out of bed because there’s something out there you love to do; something you believe in and are good at; something bigger than you; something you can hardly wait to get at. (2) Motivation. Author Richard B. Edler said: ‘Safe living generally makes for regrets later on. We are all given talents and dreams. Sometimes the two don’t match. But more often than not we compromise both before ever finding out. Later on, we find ourselves looking back longingly to that time when we should’ve chased our true dreams and talents for all they’re worth. Don’t be pressured into thinking your dreams or talents aren’t prudent. They were never meant to be… They were meant to bring joy and fulfilment to your life.’ (3) Direction. Vision simplifies decision–making. Anything that moves you closer to your vision gets a green light; everything else should be approached with caution. Vision brings what’s important to the surface, and weeds out anything that stands in your way. Without vision, good things will keep you from achieving great things. People without a clear vision are easily distracted. They’ve a tendency to drift aimlessly from one thing to another. They’ve no spiritual, relational, financial or moral compass. Consequently, they make decisions that rob them of their dreams. (4) Purpose. Having vision is like getting a sneak preview of things to come. It says, ‘If you don’t show up, something important won’t happen. Your life matters. Without you, what could be—won’t be.’

SoulFood: 1 Chr 10:1-12:22, Mark 5:1-10, Ps 119:33-40, Prov 20:28-30.

Jwealth: OPEN HEAVENS , NORMAL AND ASSISTED PROGRESS http://kolayoola.blogspot.com/2015/08/open-heavens-normal-and-assisted.html
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 11 August 2015.

The Power of Vision (3).

'I will instruct you...in the way you should go.' Psalm 32:8 NKJV.

Mother Teresa didn’t set out searching for fame; it found her. She simply went to India, found a need no one else was meeting, heard the call of God, allowed her heart to be consumed by it, and ministered to multitudes of the world’s most neglected and forgotten people in the slums of Calcutta. One of her most famous slogans was, ‘A life not lived for others is not a life at all.’ Let’s face it; much of what we do each day doesn’t seem to matter until it’s evaluated as part of a larger picture. When you take the minutiae of any given day, drop it into the cauldron of a God–ordained vision and stir it around, suddenly there’s purpose, worth, adrenaline and the joy that comes from knowing you’re fulfilling your destiny. It’s like the difference between filling bags with dirt and building a levee to save a town. There’s nothing glamorous about filling sandbags, but saving a town from the ravages of a flood is another matter entirely. Building a levee gives meaning to the drudgery of shovelling dirt into sandbags. And it’s like that with your vision. Many times the everyday routine of life can feel like shovelling dirt. But take those same routines and view them through the lens of a God–given purpose, and suddenly everything looks very different. Vision brings your world into focus. It brings order and purpose out of chaos. It enables you to see everything in a fresh light. And the good news is that God is the giver of visions—so ask Him for one!

SoulFood: 1 Chr 12:23-15:29, Mark 5:11-20, Ps 119:41-48, Prov 21:1-3.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Wednesday, 12 August 2015.

Take It to the Lord.

'...so the power of God could be seen in him.' John 9:3 NLT.

When Jesus encountered a blind man, His disciples immediately began to discuss the man’s condition. They asked, ‘Was this man’s blindness the result of his own sins, or the sins of his parents?’ Jesus answered, ‘This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.’ Notice four things: (1) The disciples were eager to attribute the man’s problem to sin. Satan will try to convince you that, because of your sin, you’re disqualified from God’s grace. You’re not! ‘For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”’ (Romans 9:15 ESV) (2) When Jesus healed him, the neighbours wanted to debate, not celebrate. They started asking, ‘“…Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said he was… others said, “No…”’ (John 9:8–9 NLT) (3) His healing failed the ‘religiosity test’ because the Pharisees said, “…This man Jesus is not from God for He is working on the Sabbath…”’ (John 9:16 NLT) (4) Even the man’s parents weren’t free to praise God, because ‘…anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue.’ (John 9:22 NLT) To the neighbours he was a misfit, to church leaders a topic of debate, to his parents a social stigma, so they ‘…threw him out.’ (John 9:34 NIV) End of story? Thank God—no! ‘Jesus...found him... and said, “...I have come into this world, so that the blind will see...”’ (John 9:35, 39 NIV) So instead of rehashing your problem and listening to other people’s opinions, take it to the Lord in prayer. When you share it with others, the best you’ll get is sympathy, but when you share it with Jesus you’ll get a solution.

SoulFood: 1 Chr 16-18, Mark 5:21-30, Ps 119:49-56, Prov 21:4-6.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Thursday, 13 August 2015.

Go on a Complaining Fast.

'...do not complain...' James 5:9 NCV.

Whatever you keep doing becomes a habit. That’s why James says, ‘…do not complain…’ Author Jon Gordon says, ‘A complaining fast won’t just make everyone around you happier…you’ll experience more joy, peace, success and positive relationships.’ So instead of complaining when things go wrong: (1) Practise gratitude. Giving thanks for three blessings every day energises you and makes you feel happier. It’s impossible to be grateful and negative at the same time. (2) Encourage others. Instead of complaining about what people do wrong, focus on what they’re doing right. ‘…encourage…people who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.’ (1 Thessalonians 5:14 NCV) It’s ok to criticise people’s weaknesses as long as you balance it with three times more praise. (3) Focus on your success. Start a success journal. Every night before you go to bed, write down something great about your day. It could be an uplifting conversation…or an accomplishment you’re proud of. There’s truth to the old saying, ‘Nothing succeeds like success.’ When you focus on success you set the stage for more to follow. (4) Learn to let go. Instead of obsessing about what you can’t change, focus on what you can influence. When you stop trying to control everything and place your life in God’s hands, things have a way of working out. (5) Use the power of prayer. Paul says, ‘…pray…on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…’ (Ephesians 6:18 NIV) Prayer reduces stress, boosts positive energy and promotes health. When you’re under pressure, instead of complaining, plug in to God’s power and recharge your batteries.

SoulFood: 1 Chr 19:1-23:20, Mark 5:31-43, Ps 119:57-64, Pro 21:7-9.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 14 August 2015.

Wait (1).

'Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous...' Psalm 27:14 NLT.

It’s in looking back that we realise: (1) God had something better in mind for us. (2) We weren’t mature enough at that point to handle what we were asking Him for. We think we’re ready, but God knows when we are. Scripture often commands us to ‘wait on the Lord’. Learning to wait is a test of maturity. John MacArthur writes: ‘People find it difficult with life if they can’t instantly gratify every desire. They want to eliminate every discomfort, difficulty, injustice or deprivation instantly. Scripture responds with two revolutionary concepts: heavenly mindedness and delayed gratification.’ Waiting forces us to accept that we’re not in control. It humbles us in ways we need to be humbled. Consider the trapeze artist: for a split second, which must feel like an eternity, he or she is suspended in nothingness. They can’t go back, and it’s too soon to feel the grasp of the one who’ll catch them. They must wait in absolute trust. You may be at that same point in your life right now. You’ve let go of what God called you to let go of, but you can’t feel His hand catching you yet. Moses waited eighty years for a ministry that lasted forty years: two–thirds of his life was spent getting ready! Jesus spent thirty years preparing for a ministry that would last three–and–a–half years. From God’s perspective, your life isn’t measured by its length, but by its effectiveness and its impact for His Kingdom. So wait, and keep a good attitude while you’re doing it. God won’t disappoint you.

SoulFood: 1 Chr 23:21-26:19, Mark 6:1-13, Ps 119:65-72, Prov 21:10-13.
Jwealth: Open Heavens

Friday August 14

HE USES FISHERMEN http://jwealth.blogspot.com/2015/08/open-heavens-friday-august-14-he-uses.html
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 15 August 2015.

Wait (2).

'I waited patiently for the Lord to help me...' Psalm 40:1 NLT.

The Psalmist said: ‘I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair…He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed.’ (Psalm 40: NLT) Waiting means trusting that God knows what He’s doing, even when He doesn’t give you all the details. Perhaps you’re single and looking for someone to share your life with. Maybe there’s a relationship at your fingertips, but you know it wouldn’t be pleasing to God. It isn’t the right person, because he or she doesn’t share your values, goals, or commitment to Christ. Maybe they’re putting pressure on you to get involved sexually even though you’re not married. Sampling the product before you buy may be the world’s way, but you know it’s not God’s way. Still you’re tempted to think, ‘I’m tired of waiting. I’m going to reach for whatever satisfaction I can get and worry about the consequences later.’ Samson did that and ended up losing his sight, his strength, his reputation, his freedom and his life. Hold out for God’s best! Pray: ‘Lord, I don’t want to get involved in any relationship that I know would dishonour You, hurt me, and bring pain to the lives of others. You said the plans You have for me are good. So even though I sometimes feel no one understands how hard it is, I’ll trust in You and wait patiently.’

SoulFood: 1 Chr 26:20-29:30, Mark 6:14-29, Ps 119:73-80, Prov 21:14-16.
Jwealth: Open Heavens

August 15

FAVOUR UPROOTS OBSTACLES
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Give It Your All
Sunday, 16 August 2015 01:11
'...I will go...And if I perish, I perish.' Esther 4:16 NIV
Esther, a Jewish girl married to a pagan king, risked death
to break with long–standing tradition, marched into her
husband’s throne room, spoke her mind, and rescued her
people from annihilation. One girl saved a nation because
she was willing to put everything on the line. Are you
feeling inadequate today? Are you thinking, ‘Someone else
should be doing this job instead of me’? Then read these
words by clergyman Edward Everett Hale: ‘I am only one;
but still I am one. I can’t do everything; but still I can do
something: and because I can’t do everything, I will not
refuse to do the something I can do.’ How many people did
it take to rescue the dying man on the Jericho road? One
Good Samaritan. How many people did it take to save the
whole known world from the consequences of a seven–year
famine? One man, Joseph. John Maxwell writes: ‘God has
put a dream inside you. It’s yours and no one else’s. It
declares your uniqueness. It holds your potential. Only you
can give birth to it. Only you can live it. Not to discover it,
take responsibility for it and act upon it is to negatively
affect yourself as well as all those who would benefit from
your dream.’ Poet John Greenleaf Whittier wrote, ‘For all sad
words of tongue and pen; the saddest are these, “It might
have been.”’ In your twilight years, will you look back and
feel you’ve spent your life struggling to fulfil other people’s
expectations? Or know that you lived to the fullest by striving
to fulfil your God–given dream? Think about it now, while
there’s still time to change direction.
SoulFood: Jer 31:31-37, Heb 8:1-13
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 17 August 2015.

'Now' Faith.

'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for...' Hebrews 11:1 NKJV.

When you’re in the middle of a crisis, what you really believe manifests itself in your words, attitude and actions. When Lazarus died and his sister Martha said, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died’ (John 11:21 NCV), she was voicing past–tense faith. When Jesus said, ‘[Lazarus] will…live again’ (John 11:23 NCV) and she replied, ‘I know that he will…live…in the resurrection…’ (John 11:24 NCV), that was future–tense faith. And when she said, ‘…Even now God will give You anything You ask’ (John 11:22 NCV), she was demonstrating ‘now’ faith, which is present–tense. As believers, the Bible tells us not to ‘…look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen…’ (2 Corinthians 4:18 NKJV) ‘Now’ faith stakes its claim on ‘something…even if we do not see it.’ (Hebrews 11:1 NCV) Paul says, ‘…we walk by faith, not by sight.’ (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV) Too often we base our feelings on what we see, instead of what God says in His Word. But as Jon Walker writes: ‘When we believe that reality is confined to what we see, we become trapped into thinking the only truth is what we see. We become prisoners of our own perceptions; we cease walking in faith… For those who walk by faith, appearances are never the ultimate reality… Reality extends beyond what you can see… the things we do not see are eternal [time and circumstance do not diminish or alter them] (2 Corinthians 4:18). Even though things may appear bad, God is working things out for our good (Romans 8:28). He knows how the story ends, so fix your eyes on the unseen and not on what you see.’

SoulFood: 2 Chr 1–4, Mark 6:30–44, Ps 119:81–88, Prov 21:17–19.
2 Chr 1-4, Mark 6:30-44, Ps 119:81-88, Prov 21:17-19.

Jwealth: You need to read today's open heaven

Open Heavens :PROGRESS WITH SPEED
http://jwealth.blogspot.com/2015/08/open-heavens-progress-with-speed.html
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Jesus Loves You Unconditionally
Tuesday, 18 August 2015 01:35
'...God so loved the world...' John 3:16 NKJV
David said, ‘ Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose
sin is covered .’ (Psalm 32:1 NKJV) No matter how hard we
worked, we could never pay off our sin debt. And thank God
we don’t have to, because ‘God so loved the world, that He gave
His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not
perish, but has everlasting life .’ Years ago a congregation
decided to honour one of its retired pastors. He was ninety–two,
and some people wondered why the church even asked the
elderly man to speak. After a warm welcome and introduction,
he rose from his chair and walked with great dignity and effort
to the pulpit. Leaning on the podium to steady himself, without
notes of any kind, he began to speak: ‘When your pastor invited
me here, he asked me to talk about the greatest lesson I’ve
learned in fifty–plus years of preaching. I’ve thought about it for
a few days, and boiled it down to the one thing that has made
the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my
trials. The one thing I can rely on when tears, heartbreak, pain,
fear and sorrow paralyse me… the one thing that always
comforts me: Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells
me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but He is
strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus
loves me. The Bible tells me so.’ You could hear a pin drop as
the old man shuffled back to his seat. It’s something the
congregation never forgot. And it’s something you should never
forget either—Jesus loves you unconditionally. That’s so today,
tomorrow, and forever!
SoulFood: 2 Chr 5-7, Mark 6:45-56, Ps 119:89-96, Prov
21:20-23
Jwealth: Important Notice! A friend just sent this to me:

......Please beware of who you give lift on the road. A commuter assisted a uniformed police man while traveling; after a very short trip the policeman got off the car and had secretly dropped two bullets on the floor of the car. The commuter out of divine intervention had a prompting to check where the policeman sat, and fortunately noticed the bullets and threw them away. Shortly after a few poles he was stopped at a police checking point and was asked to park properly. He was then thoroughly searched as if they knew he had something. They dismantled the seats while they communicated with someone on the phone. After several hours of thorough searching he noticed the guy he gave lift earlier had arrived at the check point but refused to come close, and he was allowed to go. He noticed that they were startled like it's impossible. Please rebroadcast this. Many innocent persons may have been killed or jailed as a result of this wicked plot of criminal minded and wicked hearted uniformed men.
Good day.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Get Rid of Your Scarcity Mentality
Wednesday, 19 August 2015 01:07
'...God will generously provide all you need...' 2 Corinthians 9:8
NLT
‘… God shall supply all your need according to His riches in
glory .’ (Philippians 4:19 NKJV) Whose riches? God’s! And His
ability to bless you is not limited by the job market, the stock
market or the housing market. For forty years He fed His people
in the wilderness with manna from Heaven. He sent ravens to
deliver meat to Elijah during a famine. He fed over five
thousand people with a boy’s lunch. Paul writes, ‘ God will
generously provide all you need. Then you will always have
everything you need and plenty left over to share with others…Yes,
you will be enriched in every way …’ (2 Corinthians 9:8, 11 NLT)
The scarcity attitude is rooted in fear and shows distrust of the
awesome power of God to supply all our needs according to
His unlimited resources. It’s based upon the faulty assumption
that if someone else has something, you can’t have it because
there’s only one pie, and every slice that someone else gets
means less is available for you. It makes you believe that the
blessings of others come at your expense. It says, ‘You win, I
lose.’ That’s no way to live the abundant life! Start today to
reprogramme your thinking. Remind yourself that you’re not in
competition with anybody, for anything, in any area of your life.
Cling to the words of Jesus: ‘… I have come that [you] may have
life, and that [you] may have it more abundantly. ’ (John 10:10
NKJV) Pray: ‘Father, help me to reject all thoughts of scarcity.
Show me how to help others achieve their goals by sharing my
time, talents, treasure. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.’
SoulFood: 2 Chr 8-11, Mark 7:1-13, Ps 119:97-104, Prov
21:24-27
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Install Your 'Cables' Now

Thursday, 20 August 2015

'A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions...' Proverbs 27:12 NLT

Half Dome is a granite peak that towers above the valley floor in Yosemite National Park. Your final climb is between steel cables bolted to the rock; they were designed as handholds to safeguard and help you reach the top. Columnist Mary Hunt writes: ‘The final ascent up the sheer granite surface…is by far the most challenging. Once you see the cables you experience terror like you’ve never known… and you’ve no choice but to finish the trip. At that moment you’re thankful for cables that become the guardrails you need to pull yourself to the top. The secret to [continuing] when you feel like quitting is to erect ‘cables’ in your life before you need them so that when you face difficult situations, the help you need to make it will be there to protect you from your own fears and self–defeating attitudes.’ Solomon says, ‘A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.’ Sooner or later you’ll face a mountain you can’t conquer alone. And if the ‘cables’ you need are in place, you’ll conquer it. What are they? (1) God’s Word. Jeremiah said, ‘Your words…sustain me…’ (Jeremiah 15:16 TLB) Get into God’s Word, and get God’s Word into you. That way, when trouble comes you’ll be able to handle it. It’ll ‘...guide you when you walk…guard you when you sleep…speak to you when you are awake.’ (Proverbs 6:22 NCV) (2) A strong prayer life. ‘…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]…’ (James 5:16 AMP) Time spent with God changes you; it makes you more like Jesus and strengthens you for what lies ahead.

SoulFood: 2 Chr 12-15, Mark 7:14-23, Ps 119:105-112, Prov 21:28-31
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Are You Trying To Make An Important Decision?
Friday, 21 August 2015 01:05
'...if...you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it
to you; because God gives generously and graciously to
all.' (James 1:5 GNT)
If you are, here are some suggestions to help you. (1) Don’t
ask God to bless YOUR plans , instead ask for HIS wisdom and
direction! And remember, God will never tell you to do anything
that doesn’t line up with what He’s already told you in His
Word (Isaiah 8:20). (2) Make sure your goal is to glorify God .
Sometimes that’s hard to know, for the worst pride often
masquerades behind feigned humility. The human body is
amazing—just pat a man on the back and so often his head
begins to swell. But God opposes pride. (James 4:6) (3) Use
your brain . God’s guidance transcends human reasoning, but it
doesn’t exclude it. When God saves you, He doesn’t remove
your mind, He renews it. (Romans 12:2) So pray, then put it to
work. (4) Seasons aren’t meant to be ignored . If it isn’t God’s
timing, wait! In the right season, the plan will be clear, the
people you need will show up and the funds will be provided
(Ecclesiastes 3:1). God has promised it, so trust Him! (5) Seek
trustworthy counsel . Beware of those who patronise you for
selfish reasons. Listen to those who value what you value and
have been where you want to go (Proverbs 27:17). (6) Never
act without the facts , but never limit God to them. When
knowledge won’t take you another step, faith will carry you
through, for that’s what connects you to the power of God. Now
listen again ‘... if...you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who
will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to
all .’ (James 1:5 GNT)
SoulFood: 2 Chr 16-18, Mark 7:24-37, Ps 119:113-120, Prov
22:1-3

Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 22 August 2015.

Dad, Equip Your Kids for the Real World! (1).

'...To turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children...' Luke 1:17 NAS.

Research shows the results of the ‘dad deficit’. Too many children today are growing up without a father’s input. And as a result they end up making poor life, relationship and marriage choices. So how does a dad equip his kids for life in the real world? (1) Know what they’re up to. Get to know what makes them tick. Ask what subjects they enjoy in school, and which ones they’re struggling with. Learn who their friends are; who they spend time with at break and after school. Try to listen and learn. Take them out occasionally for breakfast or a ham-burger; they’ll feel like royalty spending one–to–one time with Dad! (2) Teach them to stand tall. A tragedy of their young world is the increasing suicide rate because of playground bullying. Teach your children to stand up for themselves. Teach them respect, and how to protect themselves by speaking up appropriately in class when they’re unclear about the lesson, or to courageously say what they believe. Teach them assertiveness in confronting unfair treatment. Kids who become ‘punch bags’ are set up to be victimised! (3) Give them an example. However accomplished your ‘preaching’ skills may be, you need to be ‘walking the walk’ in front of your children. You can tell them it’s important to be healthy and active, but if you’re a couch potato inhaling bags of chips and watching endless footy matches, they’re not convinced. Set an example by getting fit, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, activities and interests, and watch them think how ‘cool’ it is to be like Dad!

SoulFood: 2 Chr 19-21, Mark 8:1-13, Ps 119:121-128, Prov 22:4-7.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Dad, Equip Your Kids for the Real World! (2)
Sunday, 23 August 2015 01:09
'...I am your spiritual father through the Gospel; that is why I
implore you to follow [my] footsteps.' 1 Corinthians 4:15 PHPS
Dad, do these three things for your kids: (1) Alert them to the
dangers of having a sense of entitlement . Yes, they need parents
who express unconditional love for them. But some of us think
our kids can do no wrong—even when they do! Consequently
they grow up having unrealistic expectations and a distorted
view of how life works. Everybody gets a scorecard in life, and
it records both our wins and our losses. Let your kids know that
we all make mistakes. Failing to recognise that just makes them
self–deceived and sets them up for heartache. Children learn
from failure how to deal with disappointment; it prepares them
for later life when things don’t go their way. (2) Teach them the
truth about death —yours and theirs. The Bible says, ‘… it is
appointed unto men once to die …’ (Hebrews 9:27 KJV) Let them
know that death is universally ordained because of the sin of
humanity. Tell them that life, however long, is a gift to be
maximised, and Heaven is a family reunion not to be missed.
The death of a friend or loved one can be an opportunity to
diminish their fears and equip them to handle loss, grief and
recovery. (3) Show them why you married their mother . It’s the
most formative relationship in their early lives; one that will
influence who they ultimately become, their choice of a partner,
and their future happiness. When they see you loving their
mother, treating her like a queen, and giving her consideration
and honour, they’ll admire, appreciate, and emulate their
awesome dad!
SoulFood: Ex 17:8-16, 2 Cor 1:3-7
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Set Yourself Free from People Pleasing
Monday, 24 August 2015 01:12
'...We ought to obey God rather than men.' Acts 5:29 KJV
Too often our actions are dictated by a misguided need to
please others. We care so much about what they think that with
every step we take we look over our shoulder to see whether
they’re smiling or frowning. Understand this: if you’re always
looking for people’s approval, you’re not looking where you’re
going and eventually you’ll hit a wall or trip over your own two
feet. The Bible says, ‘… We ought to obey God rather than men.’
What do you think will happen if you open your mouth and
stand up for yourself? The truth is that people who don’t respect
your rights and honour your wishes are not worth your time or
effort. Nor are they worthy of a long drawn–out discussion; just
say goodbye! (We’re not talking about your marriage or
children.) When the land became too small for the flocks of
Abraham and Lot to graze together, strife broke out. Abraham
loved his nephew Lot, but he realised he could no longer live
in this situation. So he said, ‘… Please separate from me. If you
take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then
I will go to the left .’ (Genesis 13:9 NKJV) How does their story
end? Lot chose the best grazing land close to Sodom, and, as
a result, everything he worked for went up in smoke. But
Abraham, who always sought to please God, ended up not only
being blessed himself, but being a blessing to the nations of the
world. So the word for you today is—God wants to set you free
from people pleasing.
SoulFood: 2 Chr 22-24, Mark 8:14-26, Ps 119:129-136, Prov
22:8-10
Jwealth: OPEN HEAVENS:

INSANITY TERMINATED INSTANTLY http://jwealth.blogspot.com/2015/08/open-heavens-insanity-terminated.html
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For
Today.

Tuesday, 25 August 2015.

Love Works When Nothing Else Will.

'Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church...' Ephesians 5:25 ESV.

After many years of marriage, John decided to divorce his wife. The reasons he gave his counsellor were: ‘She’s not attractive, she’s not interesting, she’s overweight, and she’s a poor housekeeper.’ So the counsellor gave him this suggestion: ‘Starting today, I want you to go home and treat your wife like a goddess. Start doing everything in your power to please her. Listen intently when she talks about her problems. Help around the house, and take her out to dinner at the weekend. I want you to literally pretend that she’s a goddess. Then after two months of this wonderful new behaviour, pack your bags and leave. That should get her attention!’ John agreed it was a great idea, and decided to implement it. He took his wife away on romantic weekends and read poetry to her every night. After two months the counsellor called and asked, ‘John, did you file for divorce? Are you looking forward to being a bachelor again?’ John replied, ‘Are you kidding? I’m married to a goddess. I’ve never been happier in my life. I’d never leave my wife in a million years. In fact, I’m discovering new, wonderful things about her every single day. Divorce? Not on your life!’ The Bible says, ‘…A man reaps what he sows.’ (Galatians 6:7 NIV) And when John changed his strategy and started sowing seeds of love, he reaped a marriage he never dreamed possible. Do you think this same strategy might possibly work for you? What’ve you got to lose? Give it a try and see what happens. Chances are you and your spouse will love the results.

SoulFood: 2 Chr 25-28, Mark 8:27-38, Ps 119:137-144, Prov 22:11-13..
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Your Eyes: A Divine Masterpiece
Wednesday, 26 August 2015 01:05
'...I am...wonderfully made...' Psalm 139:14 NIV
Evolution says that, where there’s a want, nature will provide
what’s needed. Really? In Natural Theology , Dr. William Paley
writes: ‘To keep the eye moist and clean—which qualities are
necessary to its brightness and its use—a wash is constantly
supplied by a secretion for the purpose; and the superfluous
brine is conveyed to the nose through a perforation in the bone
as large as a goose quill. When the fluid has entered the nose,
it spreads itself upon the inside of the nostril and is evaporated
by the current of warm air which in the course of respiration is
continually passing over it… It’s easily perceived that the eye
must want moisture; but could the “want” of the eye generate
the gland which produces the tear, or bore the hole by which
it’s discharged—a hole through bone? Let the evolutionist tell us
who bored the hole… and laid a water pipe through it for the
dispersion of tears.’ When it encounters darkness, your eye’s
ability to see increases one hundred thousand times. The finest
camera ever made doesn’t even come close! And what’s more,
your eye will find the object it wants to see, and focus on it
automatically by elongating or compressing itself. Both eyes
moving in tandem must adopt different angles in order to fix
themselves on what’s to be seen. Evolution tells us when the
eye got ready to create itself, it had forethought for its own
protection and built a bony ridge of the brow, which provided a
nose on which to position the glasses many of us need. Then it
provided a shutter to protect itself from foreign objects. Perhaps
it takes more faith to believe in evolution than creation! What do
you think?
SoulFood: 2 Chr 29-31, Mark 9:1-13, Ps 119:145-160, Prov
22:14-16
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Pray, and Keep Praying!

Thursday, 27 August 2015

'...Pour out your heart before Him...' Psalm 62:8 NAS

More than anything else in life, Hannah wanted a son. And as the years passed she wrestled with disappointment and despair. ‘…and [Hannah] was in distress of soul, praying to the Lord.’ (1 Samuel 1:10 AMP) However, she did two things that worked—a nd they’ll work for you, too! (1) Instead of turning away from God, she turned to Him. Instead of praying less, she prayed more. She knew that while her husband couldn’t give her a child, God could. She may not have been happy with God’s timing, but she never doubted His goodness. Unfortunately, one of the things we’re tempted to do when things fall apart is to avoid God’s presence. That’s a mistake, because He’s the one you need most! Yes, it’s hard to pray when your heart is breaking. But unless you’ve prayed with a broken heart and a deep sense of your need, you’ve never really poured out your heart before God, or learned what the Bible truly means by prayer. (2) She didn’t just think about what she wanted, she also thought about what God wanted. ‘…she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if You will…not forget Your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to t he Lord for all the days of his life…”’ (1 Samuel 1:11 NIV) And shortly after that Samuel was conceived. When you’re willing to make a promise to God that He can hold you to (which is what a vow is), you’re getting serious about prayer. And that’s when God will get serious about your prayer as well! So, ‘pour out your heart before Him.’

SoulFood: 2 Chr 32-34, Mark 9:14-29, Ps 119:161-168, Prov 22:17-19
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: What You Need in the Wilderness (2)

Saturday, 29 August 2015

'...He led them on safely, so that they did not fear...' Psalm 78:53 NKJV

You can be in the wilderness and still be in the centre of God’s will. ‘…He made His own people go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock… He led them on safely, so…they did not fear…’ (Psalm 78:52–53 NKJV) In the wilderness you get to know God in a way you never knew Him before. So, what else did Israel need to survive in the wilderness? Food! Someone calculated it would have taken about twenty–six wagonloads of food to feed that many Israelites every day. The problem is there were no trains and no tracks! But they had something much better—God! For forty years He delivered manna, ‘the perfect food’, to the doors of their tents. The supply was according to each family’s individual need—and God never missed a day. So if the economy has you feeling anxious and wondering whether or not God can take care of you—this is the word for you today! God may not give you everything you want, but He will give you everything you need. The God we serve doesn’t suffer from lack or limitation! The Psalmist said, ‘I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging for bread.’ (Psalm 37:25 NKJV) The old country preacher got it right when he said, ‘Where He leads me I will follow; what He feeds me I will swallow.’ Think of it: for forty years Israel never missed a meal or went without. And their God is your God, so put your trust in Him today and stop worrying!

SoulFood: 3 Jn, Jude, Mark 9:38-50, Ps 84, Prov 22:24-26
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 30 August 2015.

What You Need in the Wilderness (3).

'...He brought you water out of hard rock.' Deuteronomy 8:15 NIV.

What else do you need in the wilderness? Water! You can live without food for about forty days, but without water you’ll die much faster. It’s the same in the spiritual realm; you can get by in life without a lot of things, but you won’t make it without God. In the wilderness God was teaching His people a lesson He wanted them to remember when they arrived in the Promised Land: ‘Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord…Who brought you out of…slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you.’ (Deuteronomy 8:12–16 NIV) Note the words ‘that it might go well with you’. In spite of what you’re going through today, God has great blessings in store for you. But in order to handle them properly you must learn humility, develop a heart of gratitude, and never forget that He alone is the source of every good thing you’ll ever have. Then God added this P.S.: ‘If you ever forget…you will surely be destroyed.’ (Deuteronomy 8:19 NIV) That’s how serious He is about making sure you depend on Him each day.

SoulFood: Gen 11:1-9, Phil 2:1-11.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: What You Need in the Wilderness (4)

Monday, 31 August 2015

'...And there was none feeble among His tribes.' Psalm 105:37 NKJV

Notice something else Israel enjoyed in the wilderness: divine health. Think of the health issues you’d expect among two million people walking through endless desert with no doctor or hospital in sight. Yet from the youngest to the oldest, ‘He…brought them out…and there was none feeble among His tribes.’ That’s because they lived on a diet provided by God Himself. Their troubles began when they complained and wanted to go back to the food they ate as slaves in Egypt. Hello! There’s an important lesson here for those who live on fast foods that promote ailments like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Imagine pouring five pounds of sugar into the fuel tank of your car and complaining that it won’t run properly. Now, when health problems run in your family, or economic circumstances force you to eat less than ideal food, God understands and you can go to Him with confidence, believing, ‘…the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up…’ (James 5:15 NKJV) But when the choice is between exercising wisdom in order to have good health or exercising faith in order to be healed, your choice is clear. When Israel entered the Promised Land, God told them, ‘…serve the Lord…and He will bless your bread and your water…take sickness away from the midst of you…[and] fulfil the number of your days.’ (Exodus 23:25–26 NKJV) But don’t forget, He also gave them dietary laws to live by that set them apart from the surrounding nations. Question: How many of us fail to ‘fulfil the number of [our] days’ and the assignment God gives us, because we refuse to exercise wisdom and discipline when it comes to our diet? Think about it!

SoulFood: Josh 1-4, Mark 10:1-12, Ps 103:1-12, Prov 22:27-29
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: What You Need in the Wilderness (5)

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

'Acquaint now yourself with Him, and be at peace...' Job 22:21 NKJV

When you find yourself in the wilderness, what’s the one thing you need more than anything else? God! That’s why the Lord told Moses to build the tabernacle and He used it as a teaching tool to show His people that: (1) He wants to meet with us regularly. The word ‘tabernacle’ means ‘tent of meeting’. God wants you to spend time with Him. He wants you to get to know Him. Because when you do, you’ll worry less and trust Him more. The Bible says, ‘Acquaint now yourself with Him, and be at peace…’ It’s important to listen to God’s Word being taught, to meet with other believers, and be encouraged by their testimonies. But at some point you’ve got to stop trading in second–hand information and get ‘up close and personal’ with God. James writes, ‘Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…’ (James 4:8 NKJV) (2) God wants to be at the centre of our lives. When Israel set up camp each night, the twelve tribes pitched their tents in formation surrounding the tabernacle, where God’s presence dwelt. Every man, woman, boy and girl could stand in the door of their tent and see God in their midst. Could the message be clearer? When your deepest affections and greatest ambitions are centred around Christ, your life will take an upward swing. ‘…delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.’ (Psalm 37:4 NIV) The formula for thriving in the wilderness is: centre your life on Christ and soak yourself in His Word!

SoulFood: Josh 5:1-8:29, Mark 10:13-22, Ps 103:13-22, Prov 23:1-3
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: What You Need in the Wilderness (6)

Wednesday, 2 September 2015

'...You are to receive the offering for Me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.' Exodus 25:2 NIV

God’s people already possessed everything necessary to build the tabernacle. So Moses went to God for the plan, and to the people for the resources. And that’s still how it works! Pastor, don’t come up with a plan of your own, or one you got from somebody else, and then ask God to underwrite it. Ask God for His plan, because that’s the only one He will bless. And don’t feel intimidated about going to the people and asking them to give. Perhaps you’re reluctant to talk about finances because some people in church complain and say, ‘All the pastor ever talks about is money.’ Of course, if they’re right, you need to get back into balance. But generally speaking, people need clear biblical teaching on giving; to see it as a privilege and an opportunity to go into partnership with God. Over and over the Bible refers to giving as ‘sowing’. And when you sow, you should expect to reap. The law of giving is like the law of gravity; it never fails. God said, ‘As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest…will never cease.’ (Genesis 8:22 NIV) Observe how it works: first you sow your seed, then there’s a time of waiting, and finally you get to reap. Money can be a touchy subject; it can stir up resistance and resentment. But God promised that when you sow generously, you will reap generously: ‘...whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully... for God loves a cheerful giver.’ (2 Corinthians 9:6–7 ESV) Now, either God told the truth or He didn’t. And you need to find out whether or not it’s true. The only way to do that is to try it and see for yourself.

SoulFood: Josh 8:30-10:43, Mark 10:23-34, Ps 111, Prov 23:4-6
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Thursday, 3 September 2015.

Today, Let's Remember That!

'...Remember the Lord your God...' Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV.

On March 3, 1863, anguished by the ravages of civil war, Abraham Lincoln declared a Proclamation Appointing a National Fast Day: ‘Whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognise the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord… We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self–sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.’ God warned Israel: ‘When…your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied… you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant…’ (Deuteronomy 8:13, 18 NKJV) Today, let’s remember that!

SoulFood: Josh 11-13, Mark 10:35-52, Ps 142, Prov 23:7-9.

Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 4 September 2015.

Practise Soul Care.

'He restores my soul...' Psalm 23:3 NKJV.

David said, ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul…’ (Psalm 23:1–3 NKJV). Today car engines are computerised. A light on your dashboard will let you know something’s wrong and that it’s time for a checkup. Your soul will do that too. But you’ve got to pay attention to the signals! Don’t wait until you have a spiritual, moral, emotional or relational breakdown before you stop and pay attention. When your soul’s thirst is not quenched and its needs are not met, it will seek relief some other way, often a way that will hurt you. You must know when to say ‘when’. Most of us don’t take breaks that enable us to ‘restore our souls’. We’re ensnared by guilt, as if stopping would somehow be irresponsible. Or we fear losing ground because we took a minute for ourselves. One of the hardest things in life to achieve is not success, but a sense of balance. So in all your goal–setting and ‘go–getting’, don’t forget your soul. Even God rested (Genesis 2:2). And if He did, then you need to also. The power of rest is that it allows you to enjoy the journey of life and not just the destination. Indeed, if you don’t learn to walk in the park by choice, you may end up in the hospital by necessity. When God ‘makes you lie down in green pastures’, enjoy them. When He ‘leads you beside the still waters’, it’s to refresh and restore you. So practise soul care!

SoulFood: Josh 14-15, Mark 11:1-11, Ps 20, Prov 23:10-12.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 5 September 2015.

Turn the Other Cheek.

'...If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.' Matthew 5:39 NLT.

There are two ways you can respond to negative criticism. If there’s truth in it, humbly accept it and grow through it. If not, practise what Jesus taught: ‘You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say…If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.’ (Matthew 5:38–39 NLT). Sometimes a person’s criticism may actually have nothing to do with you at all; they simply feel cheated by life. And rather than take control of their heart’s dreams, they go around trying to squelch other people’s dreams in an attempt to drag them down to their own level of despair. And while it’s tempting to want to retaliate and point out their weaknesses and failures, that’s not the example Jesus set for you. Nor is it the high road you are called to take. ‘Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.’ (Romans 12:17–18 NLT) What does it mean to turn the other cheek? It means don’t let your critics get under your skin. Simply listen to them, thank them, and take their criticism with a grain of salt. Save your time and energies for those you trust, those who love you enough to tell you the truth even when it hurts. Someone has said, ‘You owe nothing to a critic!’ Actually, you do. Jesus said, ‘…Pray for those who persecute you!’ (Matthew 5:44 NLT).

SoulFood: Josh 16:1-19:23, Mark 11:12-26, Ps 112, Prov 23:13-15.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 6 September 2015.

Different Ways to Pray (1).

'...the Spirit pleads for us...in harmony with God's own will.' Romans 8:27 NLT.

Someone who’s better at prayer than you are is already at work on your behalf. ‘...the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us... [and] pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.’ (Romans 8:26–27 NLT) Notice, the Holy Spirit ‘prays for us’. Sometimes we’ve a hard time being ‘fully present’ in prayer. We all know what it’s like to be with another person when their mind is a million miles away. What’s the answer? Try jotting down what goes on while you’re praying. The two most common hindrances to praying successfully are: (a) your mind gets easily distracted by other thoughts; (b) you get tired. When author John Ortberg shared these two frustrations with a friend, he suggested that John go outside alone and simply invite Jesus to come along with him. Ortberg writes: ‘The next day I went to the ocean, took off my shoes, started to run and invited Jesus to come along. I found the strangest thing. When I thought I was supposed to be talking to Him, I found it effortful and difficult. Now that all I had to do was invite Him, I couldn’t stop thinking about Him. My mind kept reflecting on His being with me. I found myself wanting to point out the pelicans and the waves to Him. People and concerns would pop into my mind, and I would find myself telling Jesus about them. Everything changed.’ So, invite Jesus to come along with you today and share each thing you do with Him.

SoulFood (Father's Day): Dan 6:1-24, Acts 12:1-19.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 7 September 2015.

Different Ways to Pray (2).

'Hezekiah received the letter...and spread it out before the Lord.' Isaiah 37:14 NIV.

Hezekiah, King of Israel, received a threatening letter from a much more powerful king—the King of Assyria. The Assyrian potentate demanded unconditional surrender, and told Hezekiah not to trust in God. The letter was graphic, warning that resistance meant the Israelites would have to ‘eat their own excrement and drink their own urine’ before they died (2 Kings 18:27 NIV). So Hezekiah went to the temple ‘and spread it out before the Lord.’ Then he prayed: ‘…God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made Heaven and earth. Give ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see…’ (Isaiah 37:16–17 NIV) Hezekiah basically said, ‘Lord, would you read this, then do something about it!’ And God did. Indeed, what He did was spectacular. ‘Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty–five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!’ (Isaiah 37:36 NIV) So, what piece of paper would you like to spread out before the Lord? A financial statement that’s overwhelming? A divorce decree? A medical diagnosis? An angry email? Any piece of paper that causes you stress can be an invitation to prayer, and a candidate to be spread out before the Lord. If it’s important to you, it’s important to Him. You say, ‘I’ve never done anything like that before.’ Try it. Give it to God, trust Him, and watch how He works things out for you.

SoulFood: Josh 19:24-21:45, Mark 11:27-33, Ps 27, Prov 23:16-18.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 8 September 2015.

Different Ways to Pray (3).

'I lay prostrate before the Lord...' Deuteronomy 9:25 NIV.

Find a prayer style that works for you. In Scripture people pray as they stand, kneel, lie on the ground, sit, stretch out their hands, lift their faces toward the sky, or bow them toward the earth. Just find the method that works best for you, and use it. Some people pray better when they are moving. If you’re one of them, take a walk, go for a drive, or run. You are free to use your body and posture to help you turn your mind and heart towards God. When you’re acknowledgingyour sins, you may find it helpful to have your head bowed and to kneel; it’ll help you to remember and experience the humility of the moment. In worship, you may want to turn your face towards the sky. In asking for guidance, you may find it helpful to turn your palms upwards as a way of expressing with your body: ‘Lord, whatever You want.’ When praying for someone, say at a restaurant, you may want to look that person right in the eye while talking to God and say, ‘Father, I’m so grateful for this person. You know what they need. Give them what is required by their heart.’ When you’re praising God, put on a worship CD and sing along. The point is you should approach God with the joy, excitement and simplicity with which a child runs into the arms of a loving parent. Just as you don’t have anyone else’s fingerprints, you don’t have anyone else’s temperament. So just approach God in a way that’s natural, spontaneous and comfortable for you.

SoulFood: Josh 22-24, Mark 12:1-12, Ps 78:1-8, Prov 23:19-21.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Wednesday, 9 September 2015.

Different Ways to Pray (4).

'He will call upon Me, and I will answer him...' Psalm 91:15 NIV.

When we try to spend an extended period of time in prayer, our minds tend to wander. When that happens, is God upset with us? No, when your mind wanders—God’s Spirit is still with you. Sometimes your wandering thoughts can actually guide you into prayer. Jon Ortberg writes: ‘I begin praying, and then I imagine myself being wildly successful at something. Or I replay a conversation with a person I’m upset with. Or I try to figure out how to solve a problem I’m worried about. I used to think of those kinds of thoughts as obstacles to prayer, but I’ve come to think of them as prayers waiting to be offered. Maybe the reason they pop into my mind isn’t simply my short attention span, but rather what my mind is really concerned about. So instead of trying to suppress these thoughts, it’s better to begin to talk to God about them. And just like that, I’m back in the flow of prayer. Indeed, we are free to pray in ways that will best help us live in the joyful awareness of God’s presence.’ Obviously, things like getting your hair done or your car fixed are distractions. When these arise, just write them down and say, ‘I’ll get to that later,’ then get back to prayer. Developing a rich and rewarding prayer life isn’t something you accomplish overnight; you have to work at it. But the rewards are more than worth the effort. You’re not unique; everybody battles distractions in prayer. Those who succeed are those who learn to deal with the distractions.

SoulFood: Col 1-2, Mark 12:13-27, Ps 78:9-16, Prov 23:22-25.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Thursday, 10 September 2015.

Are You Burying Your Talent?

'...I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground...' Matthew 25:25 NIV.

One of the most familiar parables Jesus told illustrates how things work in God’s Kingdom: ‘Then he who had received one talent came. “Master,” he said, “…I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.”…His master replied, “You wicked, lazy servant!… You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him …throw that worthless servant outside.”’ (Matthew 25:24–29 NIV) Can you imagine going to work next Friday and watching your boss hand your pay packet to someone else, while you stand there? That’s exactly what’s going on in this story. It’s a picture of what will happen at the judgment seat of Christ—and you’ll be there to see it. Why did the Lord come down so hard on this guy? Because he buried his talent. And why did he bury it? Because he ‘was afraid’. Afraid of what? (a) Afraid the talent God had given him wasn’t equal to the task. (b) Afraid to take a risk in case he failed. (c) Afraid he didn’t have the talents others had, therefore his didn’t count. Just like there are degrees of punishment at the Last Judgment (Matthew 11:21–24; James 3:1; Matthew 18:6), there will be degrees of reward in Heaven. And how you steward your talent now determines what your reward will be then.

SoulFood: Col 3-4, Philemon, Mark 12:28-44, Ps 78:17-31, Prov 23:26-28.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 11 September 2015.

The Power of Love.

'...God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.' 1 John 4:16 NIV.

When Dr E Stanley Jones preached a sermon on love in India, a church leader told him how a layman, whom he loved and had helped, was making trouble and threatening to split the church. The frustrated clergyman asked Dr Jones what to do because, in this case, love didn’t seem to be working. ‘Increase the dosage!’ retorted Jones. Our self–centred nature would have us believe that happiness comes when we get what we want and all of our needs are met. Yet, when we do get a better job, or a bigger house, or a bit of fame, we find ourselves empty because these things don’t bring us lasting joy and fulfilment. They actually whet our appetite for more—and around and around it goes. Peter Gillquist said, ‘Every time we have a chance in any way to flesh out the love of God to others, our joy cycle gets fulfilled all over again.’ Francis of Assisi may have expressed it best in his famous prayer: ‘Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.’

SoulFood: Neh 1-4, Mark 13:1-11, Ps 78:32-39, Prov 23:29-35.

Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 12 September 2015.

Can You Take Advice?

'Where there is no counsel, the people fall...' Proverbs 11:14 NKJV.

The only thing that’s worse than making a mistake is concealing it and allowing pride to lock us in to it. Why do we do that? Insecurity! Low self–esteem! We’re all prone to being defensive from time to time. But if you find that this has become a pattern in your life, you must do something about it. So: (1) Try to listen to yourself as you speak; become aware of your tendency to defend and justify your actions. (2) Guard against defensive body language. For example, crossing your arms when someone is offering their opinion could be your subconscious way of saying, ‘I’m closed to what you’re saying.’ (3) Counter the anxiety that comes with feeling attacked, by breathing deeply and silently praying, ‘Lord, I receive Your strength now.’ Combining this physical and spiritual act will help to minimise your emotional response. (4) If there is a genuine and credible justification for your action, state it in a calm, unemotional manner. And if you are really brave, ask a trusted friend or co–worker if you are being defensive. Then refuse to become defensive if the response is, ‘Yes!’ (5) Don’t attack your attacker. Simply ask them what they would have done in the situation under discussion. Then thank them for sharing their insights. (6) If you are guilty of a bad decision or wrong behaviour, try admitting it before it comes to light. A simple ‘I made a mistake’ will give you credibility, preserve your integrity, and not allow your mistake to redefine who you are in the eyes of others. It may even increase their level of trust in you.

SoulFood: Neh 5-7, Mark 13:12-23, Ps 78:40-55, Prov 24:1-4.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 13 September 2015.

Divine Protection.

'...He will see the blood...and...not permit the destroyer to enter your houses...' Exodus 12:23 NIV.

When the angel of death visited Egypt, only those whose doorposts were painted with lamb’s blood were protected from ‘the destroyer’. And the blood of Jesus [the Lamb of God] is still your best protection from the enemy who ‘…prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.’ (1 Peter 5:8 NLT) His atoning death on the cross to secure forgiveness of our sins. (Ephesians 2:12–16) Christians have also been sealed with the Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:13), and our salvation is assured by the Lord (Romans 8:38–39). So when Satan confronts us he knows he cannot ultimately succeed... but he still wants to try and make us stumble. Generally speaking, he’s looking for an ‘easy mark’. Just like a thief who cases your house for a hole in your security, he’ll be on the lookout for a weakness in your life. But if you ‘put on the whole armour of God, [you’ll] ...be able to stand against the schemes of the devil’ (Ephesians 6:11 ESV), and he’ll have to move on. God put a hedge around Gomer, the prophet Hosea’s wife, a promise that He would always draw her back to her husband. He said, ‘…I will fence her in with thornbushes. I will block her path with a wall to make her lose her way.’ (Hosea 2:6 NLT) Before your family leaves home in the morning, remind them of Christ’s ultimate ‘hedge of protection’—His victory at the cross. Remind them to stand firm in the finished work of Jesus, wearing the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10–18). In prayer speak out His promises (Psalm 118:6, Psalm 27:1, James 4:7) and ask Him to safeguard you and your family throughout the day, directing all your paths away from wrong influences.

SoulFood: 2 Kings 6:8-20, Eph 1:15-23.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 14 September 2015.

Beauty Is an Inside Job.

'Those who look to Him are radiant...' Psalm 34:5 NIV.

It’s said, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’, but you can waste your life trying to please the wrong beholder. Kristin Armstrong says: ‘When it comes to beauty, each of us carries baggage from childhood… I’ve fretfully hung clothes of every size in my wardrobe… messed with make–up when I should have slapped on sunscreen and gone outside to play. I’ve eaten close to nothing in an effort to stay small… wasted time worrying I wasn’t pretty enough when I should have been enjoying the things that made me interesting. Throughout history the definition of beauty has shifted to reflect society. Sometimes we should be curvy, other times thin as a lathe; sometimes tanned, sometimes pale; sometimes with long hair, sometimes with short… We devote our energies to meeting the latest standards and… guess what? There’s always another mandate… We must seriously consider whose heart we’re trying to capture… God’s is the only one worth pursuing.’ Paul says, ‘…Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re–mould your minds from within…’ (Romans 12:1–2 PHPS); ‘If anyone belongs to Christ…The old things have gone; everything is made new!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17 NCV) You won’t find the secret to inner beauty and peace by comparing yourself with the photoshopped models on magazine covers. That kind of image is unsustainable. You’ll find peace by asking God to remove the scales from your eyes and show you what you look like in His eyes. ‘Those who look to Him are radiant.’ The only healthy and lasting definition of beauty comes from God because He judges people by ‘...what is in their hearts.’ (1 Samuel 16:7 CEV).

SoulFood (Feast of Trumpets): Num 29:1-6, Matt 24, Rev 11:15-19, 1 Cor 15:50-58.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: When You Don't Understand

Tuesday, 15 September 2015

'...secret things belong to the Lord... things revealed belong to us...' Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV

When you don’t understand what’s happening in your life, start with what you know for sure; namely, that God is good all the time, and His ‘…love for those who respect Him continues forever…’ (Psalm 103:17 NCV) He’s not fickle. He doesn’t bless you one day and curse you the next: His ‘mercies…are new every morning.’ (Lamentations 3:22–23 KJV) But there are things God chooses to reveal to us, and ‘secret things’ He doesn’t—for our own good. Writer Beth Jones says: ‘If God keeps a secret from us, it’s for our benefit and the benefit of others… For example, He doesn’t go around blaming, tattling or disclosing our sins, weaknesses, unbelief, carnality, selfishness or pride to others. When things happen, God knows why… Secret things belong to the Lord. And when He reveals something to us, it’s because He wants us to walk in that truth by faith. For example, He reveals His character and His will in His Word… so we can live by faith knowing that He’s good, fair, kind, generous, merciful, faithful, gracious, patient, and He’s in the saving, healing, redeeming, restoring, sanctifying, and blessing business. Things revealed belong to us. When we don’t know why… here’s what we know for sure. God’s Word is truer than our circumstances or experiences… and just because He knows everything about us doesn’t mean He tells us about everything. We also know that when things look bad, God is still good.’ ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ (Job 1:21 ESV) No matter what happens or doesn’t happen, at the end of the day—God is still in control and worthy of our praise!

SoulFood: Neh 8-10, Mark 13:24-37, Ps 78:56-64, Prov 24:5-10
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Wednesday, 16 September 2015.

Are You Struggling Financially? (1).

'...your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.' Matthew 6:32 NLT.

Donna Savage writes: ‘In my husband’s first years as a pastor our mortgage payment gobbled up half his income… I learned to replace panic with peace by praying for: Clarity. Money is linked to our self–esteem. It can trigger feelings of shame, fear, pride, and anger. But “understanding [God’s] Word brings light to the minds of ordinary people.” (Psalms 119:130 CEV) Creativity. If you want more money, you must earn more or spend less. We serve a creative God, and He rewards those who “…diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) Ask Him to show you how to increase your income. Connections. Kids are familiar with connect–the–dot puzzles, where you join a random collection of dots to produce an image you’d otherwise miss. It’s all about the right connections, and God can send the right people into your life with answers to your money problems. Contentment. Just like earthquakes expose structural weaknesses in buildings, financial pressure exposes our spiritual weakness. Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content.” (Philippians 4:12 NIV) Key phrase: I have learned. Hardship enrols us all in a basic contentment course, but we don’t all get the same homework. Some of us learn through financial hardship and proving God’s faithfulness for ourselves.’ Savage continues: ‘I’ve given God an “I can’t do this” ultimatum more than once… I’ve also celebrated the adventure of moment–by–moment dependence on His resources. I’ve proved God’s faithfulness in my prayers and in my pantry, and it’s never limited by my bank balance.’

SoulFood: Neh 11-13, Mark 14:1-11, Ps 78:65-72, Prov 24:11-14.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Are You Struggling Financially? (2)

Thursday, 17 September 2015

'...all these things shall be added unto you.' Matthew 6:33 KJV

Pray: ‘Heavenly Father, Your Word says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” You are well able to take care of my financial situation; You know what needs to be done. Direct my steps (Proverbs 3:5–6). Help me to remember that Your resources are meant to flow freely from the place of abundance to the place of need (2 Corinthians 8:14). I believe You have a financial plan for my life, and when fear of the future threatens to overwhelm me, I will hope continually and praise You more and more (Psalms 71:14). As You walk with me through this crisis and I stay focused on You, You promised to keep me in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Forgive me for worrying. I cast all my cares on You right now (1 Peter 5:7)… I don’t have to bear these burdens on my own… I lay them down and receive Your divine rest (Matthew 11:28). You promised to supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19); that it’s Your good pleasure to give me the blessings and benefits of Your Kingdom (Luke 12:32). You told me not to worry about anything and instead make my requests known to You with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6–7). I know You’ll take care of tomorrow because You’re Jehovah–Jireh, my provider (Matthew 6:34). You know what I need and when I need it… You’re the God of more than enough (Ephesians 3:20). Thank You for meeting my every need, and for the sense of peace and security You’re imparting to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’

SoulFood: Mic 1-4, Mark 14:12-26, Ps 24, Prov 24:15-18
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Get Over It!

Friday, 18 September 2015

'He who...forgives an offence seeks love, but he who...harps on a matter separates...friends.' Proverbs 17:9 AMP

Countless friendships are destroyed because one person gets offended by something the other one said or did. A mark of spiritual growth is how quickly you get over slights and insults; the more mature you are, the less time it takes to ‘forgive an offence’ and move on. One Christian writer says: ‘Okay, your friend ditches you and your feelings are hurt… or she’s too busy to return your phone call or email… or you’re out to dinner with another couple and the other man insults your husband in an attempt to be funny …Offences come…Jesus said they would (John 16:33). People are people. If you’ve been offended by a friend, or felt slighted, get over it! Hit the Control>Alt>Delete buttons. Don’t let bitterness even think about putting down roots… “Love…is not irritable…it keeps no record of being wronged…never gives up…and endures through every circumstance” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7 NLT) …It seems impossible…and without God’s love it is. So yield to His love, overlook offences and walk in love, because next week you’ll be the one needing unconditional love. When it comes to being perfect, we’ve all failed. If you want your friends to overlook your offences, be quick to overlook theirs.’ Make this your prayer today: ‘Father, thank You for the relationships You’ve blessed me with. I make a decision today to release anyone who has ever offended me in the slightest… to overlook it… forget about it, and move on. I will not keep a record of their wrongs. I will offer mercy and unconditional love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’

SoulFood: Mic 5-7, Mark 14:27-42, Ps 19, Prov 24:19-22

Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 19 September 2015.

God's Laser.

'...Sharper than any double-edged sword...' Hebrews 4:12 NIV.

Does reading the Bible sometimes make you uneasy? Does the sermon feel like it’s directed at you? ‘…the Word of God is…sharper than any double–edged sword…it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered…before…Him to whom we must give account.’ (Hebrews 4:12–13 NIV) When it comes to judging our motives, Jesus, the Great Physician, can determine with laser precision the difference between what’s healthy in our lives and what needs to be removed. Jon Walker writes: ‘A cyst developed under the skin of my right hand…and since I was a journalist I had to do something about it. The procedure was delicate, requiring the surgeon to cut at just the right point… He was confident he could do it …but I was nervous… He did an excellent job and the only reminder I have is a slight scar …The Word of God is as delicate and precise as a surgeon skilfully removing a cyst from cartilage…He operates with perfection… slices away bad attitudes, thoughts, motives, and actions... When God speaks to you it’s for a purpose—to bring your life into conformity to Christ. And your response should always be, ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart…’ (Psalm 139:23 NIV) Let the Word of God highlight the areas in your life that need work. Don’t run from the process.’ Remember ‘…do not despise the discipline of the Almighty... He wounds, but He also binds up; He injures, but His hands also heal…’ (Job 5:17–18 NIV).

SoulFood: 2 Tim 1-4, Mark 14:43-52, Ps 3, Prov 24:23-25.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 20 September 2015.

The Importance of God's Sovereignty.

'This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.' Lamentations 3:21 NAS.

Lamentations chapter three describes Jeremiah’s despair, and how he conquered it. He opens with: ‘I am the man who has seen affliction…’ (Lamentations 3:1 NAS), and it intensifies as he lists all his troubles. The fact is, when our circumstances deteriorate, we can sound a lot like Jeremiah. At first he sounds like he’s blaming God for his afflictions. In prayer he recites his troubles and fears of being singled out as an object of public ridicule. No wonder he felt powerless and hopeless! (Lamentations 3:18) That kind of situation, handled badly, can initiate and intensify despair, depression and feed a negative outlook on life. But here’s the lesson to be learned: ‘This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.’ Jeremiah acknowledged God’s goodness and mercy: ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.’ (Lamentations 3:22–23 NIV) He also acknowledged the Lord’s sovereignty in his trouble: ‘For the Lord... though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies... Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that woe and well–being proceed?’ (Lamentations 3:31–38 NKJV) When you acknowledge the sovereignty of God in all things it gives your faith in Him a boost, no matter what! It doesn’t happen automatically; you have to deliberately refocus your thinking at the very time when you feel least like doing it. Notice: Jeremiah’s circumstances didn’t improve—his outlook did. He was reminded of the sovereign goodness and faithfulness of God—and his depression lifted: ‘“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I have hope in Him.”’ (Lamentations 3:24 NAS) .

SoulFood: 1 Kings 3:4-28, James 1:2-8.

Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 21 September 2015.

Dump Your Grudges!

'Love...keeps no record of being wronged...' 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT.

Holding a grudge is costly, and you and the people in your life end up footing the bill! In all probability the offender has moved on, forgotten the offence and left you holding the bag. But in reality, blame, not the offender, is the crux of the problem. And until you understand and accept that, you will continue to be upset. Don’t let your grudges fester and turn into: (1) Self–victimisation. Negative energy expended on others just drains your resources and robs you of the chance to fulfil your God–given potential. Stop cheating yourself. Don’t surrender your power to your grudges! (2) Bitterness. It’s like a deadly poison; a little of it can contaminate your entire system. The hurt you harbour pollutes the stream of your daily experience, including your experience with God! (3) Isolation. There’s no joy in being around someone who constantly indulges in blame, defensiveness and anger. Others pick up the vibes and feel at risk, so they keep a safe distance in case they become a target in the event that they displease you. It’s a formula for isolation and self–induced loneliness. (4) Negative role–modelling. Maybe you think, ‘My feelings are nobody’s business!’ Maybe—if you live on a desert island. Grudges are highly communicable. ‘…Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up…corrupting many.’ (Hebrews 12:15 NLT) (5) Sabotaged repentance. Genuine repentance and forgiveness aren’t possible until you’re willing to face up to your grudges. If you’re still blaming others, you’re avoiding responsibility. A bad attitude is like a flat tyre—until you change it, you’re not going to get anywhere.

SoulFood: Zech 1-4, Mark 14:53-65, Ps 39, Prov 24:26-28.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 22 September 2015.

Start Thinking Creatively (1).

'...God created mankind in His own image...' Genesis 1:27 NIV.

The Bible calls you a ‘child of God’. Stop and consider what that means. God’s creativity is already built into your DNA; your job is to identify it, release it and put it to work. Writers and even ad–men have recognised the great power of creativity is in its defeat of habit by originality. But for your creativity to be released, you must first identify the barriers and start taking them down. Here’s a common one: ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ People who say that have stopped thinking for themselves. They’re just putting in their time, waiting for a pay packet and going home at the end of the day without thinking, reflecting or even considering the possibilities of change. If you’re one of these people, it’s time to wake up and start looking around you. Mind–deadening routine is the cancer of creativity. If you mindlessly go about your business the same way every day, your routine is opening you up to mistakes. Why? Because, the chances are, your habits have caused you to lose the ability to think critically and question your methods. Start questioning policies, techniques, forms, rules, paperwork—anything that’s become routine. Ask, ‘Why do we do that? Is it even necessary? Can we do it better?’ On the farm of success there are no sacred cows. If you insist on doing things the way they’ve always been done, you’ll end up being out–thought, out–sold, out–produced and finally out of business. So start thinking creatively.

SoulFood: Zech 5-8, Mark 14:66-72, Ps 34, Prov 24:29-31.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Wednesday, 23 September 2015.

Start Thinking Creatively (2).

'Do you see a man skilful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.' Proverbs 22:29 ESV.

God has given you the skills and creativity you need to succeed, but you need to steward them and continue stretching your capacity. In other words, thinking creatively. Film director Frank Capra said, ‘A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.’ So if you’re part of a church or a business that continually throws up obstacles to productivity, forms barriers to originality and puts the brakes on momentum, it’s time to speak up. And if nobody will listen, it’s time to pray and ask God if you’re in the right place. An environment doesn’t just ‘happen’, it’s created by the people who live and work in it. People, systems and policies either stoke the fire of creativity or put it out. Alexander the Great once visited the famed teacher Diogenes and asked whether he could do anything for him. Diogenes replied, ‘Only stand out of my light.’ One of the best things you can do for a creative person is not to get in their way! Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci all used the best equipment and went to extraordinary lengths to find the finest materials for their paints, brushes and canvas. And they’d be no different today. But don’t expect change to come easily. Insecure leaders tend to penalise honesty and feel threatened by creativity, especially when it suggests there’s a better way of doing things. But you owe it to God, to yourself and the people you work with to give it your best shot.

SoulFood (Yom Kippur): Lev 16, Lev 23:26-32, Heb 9:1-14, Heb 13:11-16.
Jwealth: TAKE THAT RISK

“If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.”
(2 Kings 7: 4)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

The lepers in our Focal Scripture were faced with three options: going back to Samaria, remaining at the city gate, or entering into the Syrians' camp. There was no food in Samaria and at the city gate; but there was food in the camp of the Syrians, though the risk of facing soldiers was possible.

Those lepers moved to the camp of the Syrians. They moved to where they could find food. They moved towards their opportunity. They went to where they could find what they needed. There was danger in the Syrians' camp but they were undeterred. They took their chance despite the danger and risk involved.

Friend, God says, take the risk and go to where there is 'food'. Move closer to opportunities that will favour you; move to where you can find resources that will benefit you. Go closer to what you need even if there is a risk. Take the risk and go for that job even if you feel you are not wanted; take the risk and start that business even if circumstances are not favourable.

The lepers took a risk and went towards their opportunity, and they found what they wanted without being harmed by the risk. If you dare to take the risk, you just might discover that the risk is not harmful afterall. If you take the risk and go closer to your desired opportunities, you will find what you need without being harmed.

The risk of taking action is more profitable than the safety of inaction. Take a step of faith and God will surprise you with uncommon results.

Pray With Me: Lord, give me wisdom to take risks that will favour me, in Jesus’ name!

Enjoy A Wonderful Wednesday.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Thursday, 24 September 2015.

Start Thinking Creatively (3).

'Diotrephes...does not acknowledge our authority...' 3 John 1:9 ESV.

Not everybody is willing to think creatively, and where it becomes problematic is when people disregard the authority of those who have been put in charge. The apostle John said: ‘I have written briefly to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead among them and put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority and refuses to accept my suggestions or listen to me.’ Every organisation has at least one of these people; just make sure it’s not you. Author Phil Cooke says: ‘One of the most damaging sacred cows in organisations is basing employee status on seniority rather than talent. Yes, loyalty is important, but some of the most loyal employees I’ve ever met are loyal because of selfishness. They project loyalty to keep their jobs, retain their benefits, or hold on to their authority. Real loyalty is about innovation, original thinking and helping the company get to the next level… Every person has worth and is important. But a great leader always knows the people who bring the most value to the organisation. Those are the people to be developed, trained and cultivated. When you create an atmosphere of original thinking, you’ll have more loyalty than you’ll know what to do with. Most companies are so ignorant of how to develop an environment of innovation that if you’ll do it, you will have people coming from every direction to work with you.’ The apostle Paul practised and taught this principle: ‘We urge you… to recognise those who labour among you… and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake…’ (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 NKJV) To become a creative thinker, you must value creative thinking.

SoulFood: Zech 9-11, Mark 15:1-11, Ps 52, Prov 24:32-34.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 25 September 2015.

The Deal is Sealed.

'...Having believed, you were marked...with a seal...' Ephesians 1:13 NIV.

If you are having doubts about your salvation, understand this clearly: the moment you trusted in Christ as your Saviour, His blood cleansed you from all sin. At that point ‘you were marked…with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…guaranteeing [your]…redemption.’ (Ephesians 1:13–14 NIV) The Bible says, ‘You should not be like cowering fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into His family—calling Him, “Father, dear Father!” For the Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we will share His treasures—for everything God gives to His Son, Christ, is ours too.’ (Romans 8:15–16 NLT) In the book of Ruth we read that ‘the custom…in Israel concerning redeeming…[was] one man took off his sandal…gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation...’ (Ruth 4:7 NKJV) Notice, the ‘redeemer’ put on another man’s sandal, signifying his willingness to stand in his place. That’s what Jesus did for us at the cross. He stood in our shoes so we could stand before God in His—redeemed and righteous! Don’t let doubt steal your joy. Refuse to go by your feelings. Make up your mind to believe what God says, for until you do you’ll be plagued by uncertainty. Study God’s Word until you can say with assurance, ‘...I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.’ (2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV) Are you trusting in Christ as your Saviour? Then your salvation is not in doubt. The deal is sealed!

SoulFood: Zech 12-14, Mark 15:12-20, Ps 54, Prov 25:1-3.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 26 September 2015.

Characteristics of Godly Leadership.

'...If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously...' Romans 12:8 NLT.

Leadership in business, politics and public service doesn’t automatically qualify you for leadership in church. J Oswald Sanders says, ‘The overriding need of the church... is for a leadership that’s authoritative, spiritual and sacrificial.’ Let’s look at each of those qualities: (1) Authoritative leadership. People respect leaders who are certain about where they’re going, and inspire confidence in those who choose to follow them. Tentative leaders don’t motivate others to get on board and stay on board. Uncertainty confuses and disheartens followers. People follow, almost without question, someone who’s wise, strong and faithful to what he or she believes. (2) Spiritual leadership. We’re attracted to leaders who are gifted and charismatic. But these natural characteristics alone aren’t enough. Followers can be captivated by human traits—often to their own cost. Don’t settle for being a popular ‘Pied Piper’. Godly leaders are committed to connecting their followers with Jesus, not with themselves! Do your people know, love and serve God more because of your leadership? If so, you’re a godly leader. (3) Sacrificial leadership. Would you still lead if, like Paul, you were betrayed, falsely accused, beaten, half–drowned, starved, stoned and left for dead? Godly leaders lead when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, unrewarding and costly. They’re dedicated to the sheep they’re responsible for, and the ‘Chief Shepherd’ they’re responsible to! They recognise that Jesus drafted and modelled the prototype of godly leadership at the cost of His own life: ‘To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.’ (1 Peter 2:21 NIV).

SoulFood: 1 Cor 1-3, Mark 15:21-32, Ps 25:4-8.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Sunday, 27 September 2015.

What Are You Called to Do?

'...Jesus...went around doing good...' Acts 10:38 NIV.

Your value in God’s eyes was established at the Cross. The Bible says, ‘He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?’ (Romans 8:32 NIV) Notice the words ‘all things’. We are all equal in Christ. But when it comes to your career, your value is determined by the problem you solve. That’s why we pay a cardiologist more money than a chef in a fast–food restaurant. Jesus was a problem solver. People were spiritually hungry so He said, ‘…I am the bread of life…’ (John 6:35 NIV) They were sick so He ‘went about doing good…healing all.’ He discerned what He had, that others needed, and provided it for them. What do you have to offer? What would you attempt to do if you knew it was impossible to fail? You are not here by accident. God told Jeremiah, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’ (Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV) Everything God makes is to meet a need and solve a problem. So what are you called and gifted to do? That’s where you’ll find your highest level of joy! Think of your contribution to others as an assignment from God. Paul made tents to support his ministry. So your ministry may be supported by your job. But whether you are in a full–time ministry or a part–time ministry, don’t leave this earth until you have found and fulfilled what God called you to do.

SoulFood: Eph 5:21-33, Song of Songs 2:1-7, Ps 45, Prov 5:15-19.

Jwealth: OPEN HEAVENS FROM DEBTOR TO CREDITOR http://jwealth.blogspot.com/2015/09/open-heavens-from-debtor-to-creditor.html
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 28 September 2015.

Get Rid of Your Entitlement Attitude.

'...through love serve one another.' Galatians 5:13 NKJV.

The Bible says, ‘…through love serve one another.’ In other words, ‘Get rid of the you–owe–me attitude and develop an IOU mindset.’ Some of us think: (1) A lifetime job with good pay and a guaranteed retirement plan at sixty–five come with just being born. (2) Promotion is just a matter of time. (3) Forty hours a week is the maximum endurance for any worker. (4) The last hour of each day is there to make the transition to home easier. (5) A ten–minute coffee break should take at least half–an–hour. (6) A half–hour lunch break should take at least an hour–and–a–half. (7) An equal share of company profits belongs to all workers regardless of their contribution. What gives us our source of entitlement anyway? Part of it is found in the middle of the word entitlement itself: ‘title’. We think people ‘owe us’ because of the title we hold in their lives: mother, daughter, brother, wife, husband, friend, donor, pastor, employee, boss, etc. We treat our title as if it were a title deed that gives us the right to whatever benefit we expect. But life doesn’t work that way! When the Prodigal Son left home and landed in a pig sty, the Bible says, ‘…no one gave him anything.’ (Luke 15:16 NKJV) Humbled and slapped with reality, he became willing to work in the servants’ quarters of his father’s house. Fortunately, his father loved him and restored him. But the point is, life ‘owes you’ nothing. God ‘owes you’ nothing. Anything we receive from Him is an act of His grace and benevolence. He has given us opportunities to study, work hard, grow, and sacrifice to get to where we want to be but ultimately we must remember that ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights...’ (James 1:17 ESV).

SoulFood: Lev 23:33-44, Jn 7:1-40, Zech 14:16-21, Heb 11:8-16.

Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Tuesday, 29 September 2015.

Making Yourself Look Good (1).

'...lay your hand upon your mouth.' Proverbs 30:32 AMP.

Your tongue is just centimetres from your brain, but the way some of us rattle on, you’d think our mouths and minds were kilometres apart! James says, ‘…The tongue…corrupts the whole body…’ (James 3:5–6 NIV). Ramona Cramer Tucker writes: ‘I admit I’m a talker …I don’t set out to break a confidence, but somehow my mouth kicks into gear before my brain… But God takes a clear stand on gossip. He knows loose lips can ruin another person’s reputation, introduce mistrust into a relationship, encourage the gossiper to embellish their tale, and cause them to sin by being tempted to lie when confronted… I love to share news, to be “in the know”, and because I’m wired this way it’s easy for me to spread gossip under the guise of being well–meaning, even prefacing my news with “I wish you’d pray for”… But just because my sharing is well–meant doesn’t mean it’s appropriate.’ The most common reason for making someone else look bad—is to make ourselves look good! We are like the proud Pharisee in the temple who stood alone and prayed, ‘…God, I thank you that I am not like other people…’ (Luke 18:11 NCV) The writer of Proverbs says, ‘If you have done foolishly in exalting yourself, or…thought evil, lay your hand upon your mouth.’ (Proverbs 30:32 AMP) It’s one thing to think bad thoughts—it’s another to voice them. The saying goes: ‘You can’t stop the birds from flying over your head, but you can stop them from building a nest in your hair!’ So do yourself and everybody around you a favour—practise putting your brain in gear before engaging your mouth.

SoulFood: 1 Cor 4-6, Mark 15:33-47, Ps 91, Prov 25:9-12.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Making Yourself Look Good (2)

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

'...if we could control our tongues...' James 3:2 NLT

When you’re upset, it’s tempting to ‘hand out other people’s dirty laundry’. But making yourself look good at somebody else’s expense always backfires. One Christian author observes: ‘That righteous feeling turns to shame faster than you can walk away, hang up the phone, or hit “send”…I can’t emphasise enough how crucial it is to get control over your tongue. I wish someone had warned me to stop talking and start praying.’ A lady named Michelle learned her lesson the hard way. She was having lunch with a co–worker at a restaurant and they visited the ladies’ toilet. While they were fixing their hair they started to talk about people at work who drove them crazy. Immediately Michelle launched into a diatribe about Beth, a co–worker who had no idea how much trouble she created for the rest of the team. As Michelle prepared to launch into more specifics, a cubicle door opened and out walked Beth, flushed and upset. In a split second what felt like a pressure–relief session turned into an embarrassing mess… Beth ran out in tears, and Michelle couldn’t take back the words she’d said. Beth never returned to work, and the next day she resigned. While her co–workers openly cheered what they considered to be good news, Michelle was miserable… She tried to call Beth, and even wrote a letter of apology, but there was no response. And what’s worse, Michelle is a Christian and Beth made no such profession. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). What goes around comes around, and idle chatter will surely come back to haunt you.

SoulFood: 1 Cor 7-9, Mark 16:1-8, Ps 68:1-18, Prov 25:13-16
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Thursday, 01 October 2015.

The Power to Solve the Problem.

'...overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.' Romans 8:37 NLT.

Everyone has problems. The only people who don’t—are in cemeteries. The real problem is—how we handle our problems. Often we try to solve them with our own power. How can you tell when you’re doing that? Because you’re tired all the time! You’re like the guy who said, ‘I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.’ Or we’re like the lady who said, ‘Just about the time I manage to make ends meet, somebody moves the ends.’ We say things like, ‘I’m doing ok under the circumstances.’ Well, what are you doing under them? Someone has said that circumstances are like a mattress; if you’re on top you rest easy, but if you’re underneath you suffocate! What’s the answer? Take your focus off your problems and put it on God’s promises. Here’s one of them: ‘Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble?...’ (Romans 8:35 NLT) Paul answers, ‘No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.’ (Romans 8:37 NLT) The word ‘conqueror’ means ‘one who overcomes by gaining control’. And Paul says that we are ‘more than conquerors.’ (Romans 8:37 NKJV) To be a conqueror means to fight a battle and win. To be more than a conqueror means to win a battle without having to fight. Jesus fights on your behalf; He does it in you, and through you, and that makes you ‘more than’ a conqueror.

SoulFood: 1 Cor 10-11, Mark 16:9-20, Ps 68:19-35, Prov 25:17-20.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Friday, 02 October 2015.

The Power to Change.

'...I will strengthen you and help you...' Isaiah 41:10 NIV.

We go to seminars and conferences looking for a painless cure by which our lives can be zapped and changed. We go on diets. We join health clubs and our enthusiasm runs strong for about two weeks. Then we fall back into the same old rut. We don’t change. We read self–help books, but the problem with self–help books is that they tell us what to do but can’t give us the power to do it. We are told things like: ‘Get rid of all your bad habits. Be positive; don’t be negative.’ But how? Where do we get the power to change? The Greek word for ‘power’, dunamis, is used in the New Testament to describe the most powerful event that ever happened—the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. And that resurrection power is available to change your life today. The most important thing in life is knowing Christ and experiencing the power of His resurrection. Paul writes, ‘I want to know Christ… to know the power of His resurrection…’ (Philippians 3:10 NIV) Again he writes, ‘I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe in Him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead…’ (Ephesians 1:19–20 TLB). This Greek word for ‘power’, dunamis, can be understood in two ways: (1) ‘dynamite’, which is an explosive force, or (2) ‘dynamo’, which is a constant flow of power. And in Christ, you have both. Through Him you can break the chains that bind you and the limits that constrain you, and walk victoriously in His power today.

SoulFood: 1 Cor 12-14, John 1:1-13, Ps 60, Prov 25:21-22.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Saturday, 03 October 2015.

Rules for Serving.

'Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them...' Romans 12:9 NLT.

When it comes to serving others, try to live by these three rules: (1) Serve sincerely. ‘Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them…’ God knows your heart, so be honest with yourself about your true motives in serving and sacrificing for others. If you need help in this area, turn to the Scriptures: ‘For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two–edged sword…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’ (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV) (2) Serve silently. ‘…when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet…that [you] may have glory from men…’ (Matthew 6:2 NKJV) Note the words, ‘do not sound a trumpet’. When people take your kindness for granted or fail to appreciate the things you do for them, don’t toot your own horn. Look to God for your reward, not people; otherwise you’ll be disappointed. ‘…as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters… so our eyes look to the Lord our God…’ (Psalm 123:2 NKJV) (3) Serve selectively. You’re not called to go to every place, meet every need, and help every person. On two different occasions God stopped Paul from going into Asia to preach the Gospel. But look what happened next: ‘And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”…immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Gospel to them.’ (Acts 16:9–10 NKJV) Why is this important to know? Because when God guides you, He provides for you!

SoulFood: 1 Cor 15-16, John 1:14-28, Ps 51, Prov 25:23-25.
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: Shake It Off

Sunday, 4 October 2015

'...shake the dust off your feet...' Mark 6:11 NIV

Here’s some good advice Jesus gave His disciples. When someone rejects you or won’t listen to you, ‘…shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.’ When you experience rejection, you have two choices: allow it to affect your confidence and self–worth, or ‘shake it off’ and move on. Now, Jesus was not talking about sincere minds that don’t understand, but proud minds that reject the truth. He was saying, ‘Don’t let it break your stride and keep you from accomplishing what needs to be done.’ When Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Malta, he was bitten by a snake while gathering firewood. Immediately the islanders said to one another, ‘…this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.’ (Acts 28:4 NKJV) How did Paul respond? ‘…he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.’ (Acts 28:5 NKJV) What did the islanders say about him then? ‘…they changed their minds and said that he was a god.’ (Acts 28:6 NKJV) Wow! People’s minds change like the wind! So don’t let their compliments puff you up, or their criticisms tear you down. God’s will is for you to help others. If they accept your help, give it. If not, go where you will be accepted and appreciated. Jesus said, ‘…I say to you, he who receives whomever I send, receives Me…’ (John 13:20 NKJV) In the final analysis it’s not you they are rejecting, but the One who sent you. Knowing that, gives you confidence and peace of mind.

SoulFood: Jos 1:7-8, 2 Tim 3:14-17, Ps 119:1-16
Abidewithmi
Aina Abidemi: The Word For Today.

Monday, 05 October 2015.

Are You Afraid? Trust God!

'You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You...' Isaiah 26:3 NLT.

Fear is a normal part of living. And the most successful and confident people you know experience it. The difference is they refuse to be ruled by fear because they know that, when it gets out of control, it can paralyse you. The Bible says, ‘…fear involves torment…’ (1 John 4:18 NKJV).
Neuroscientists at Yale University discovered that patients who expected to experience an electric shock had anxiety levels similar to those who responded to the real thing. Researcher Elizabeth Phelps writes, ‘A lot of our fears and anxieties are learned through communication. If someone tells you to be afraid of a dog, then the brain responds as if you actually were.’ In other words, our brains don’t know the difference between real and imagined threats. This goes a long way toward explaining why the National Institute of Mental Health reported that almost twenty million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. Someone who’s perfectly safe, but has a fear of being robbed, suffers just as much as someone living in a situation with a high risk of robbery, or someone actually in the act of being robbed. Because our brains don’t discriminate between emotions that are real or imagined, fear can dominate our lives, and it’s just as devastating as physical injury. Psychologist Marilyn Barrick said, ‘For the most part, fear is nothing but an illusion. When you share it with someone, it tends to disappear.’ So share your fears with God and watch them begin to disappear. The Bible says, ‘You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!’

SoulFood: Ex 1-3, John 1:29-42, Ps 63, Prov 25:26-28.

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