the watcher

Where the battle begins and where it ends is in the the mind. Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. We know we live in a world where we do not have total control over all that happens. Information is communicated to us through many sources consciously or unconsciously through * tele media * social media * radio * paper media * friends * colleagues * family * employer/employee * government and their officials * people we come in contact with casually * religious leaders * lecturers/teachers/facilitators All these sources seek to feed our mind one way or the other and if they persist enougah they reach our soul. There is therefore a need time and again to "purge" The same way we gather up a lot of unwanted substances in our feeding toxic in different degrees. We need to keep detoxifying our system now and again to save us from the negative effects of those unwanted substances. The mind also need to be detox

Isaiah 31:2  Yet he also [is] wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity. Isaiah 30:18  And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him. The old testament seems sometimes to be filled with killings and disasters especially to those who prefer to live with their head buried in the sand. The question is: who is in charge, and who dictates the pace?" Does the creator not have the right to dictate to His creation? Are we not of a source, should we not give account? Was man created to live anyhow without consequences? We live in times when the word of God has been revealed to many, yet many have decided to live in disobedience. They devise means to justify their wickedness.   *Some say there

When you pray, remember what Jesus said: Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. When we pray a lot of activities take place, we need to remember that we pray to change things. Just like Jabez' prayer. Do we also understand that when we change a part, the other part is automatically affected. Take the case of the sons of Zebedee: Matthew 20:20 & 21 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping [him], and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. Well we may all attack her as selfish, infact, the other disciples were not happy with them. It is an illustration of requests that affect other things or other people. Are you expecting great things this year? The Lord may have already answered, though it may not have been exac

2Thessalonians 1:2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul kept repeating this statement in all his letters why? John 14:27  "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. When Jesus was leaving the earth he left us with peace. Troubles may arise, temptation may keep coming, things might look tough but the child of God will have God's peace which passes all understanding and which can calm every storm. Mark 4:39  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. His peace resides in us in the prescence of the Holy Spirit. That is what the kingdom of God is about Romans 14:17  for the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. You carry peace in your inside if you have been born again God is

1Corinthians 4:7  For who made you better than your brother? or what have you that has not been given to you? but if it has been given to you, what cause have you for pride, as if it had not been given to you? Why do we have issues and problems in the groups, committees, churches and communities. It arises when we do not understand that "we are not all in the same phase". Everyone goes through a phase, from one to the other and ofcourse it is not always of the same degree with another. Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; There are: * the freshers - those who just began the journey * the children - those who are in the early stage of growth, though this is not a matter of how long, many may have been there a while, yet grow at a very slow pace. * the youths - these are moving from childhood to adulthood * the matured - these have grown and have began to eat strong meat, this category is also subdivid

Naturally people get acquainted with us because of one good nature or the other they observe that we have. Even places of employment take us in because of one good quality or the other they believe we have. Those qualities qualify us and make us useful and a blessing to others. Matthew 5:16  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Our good friends came close to us because of those good characteristics we carry. (although some might just be there, cause of what they can get from us). Titus 3:8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. In all, as time passes by we must not let those good qualities of ours fade away due to pressures, challenges or bad reaction of others. 1Peter 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silen

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. The whole christian life is all about faith. Our faith began in believing that God exists, that He created us and goes further to believe what He says and further to what He has done. Definitely we believed after we heard! Romans 10:17  So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We should thus ensure that God's words come to us day after day to strengthen our faith. (that is one reason for this devotional). Any christian living or acting away from faith . . . sins Romans 14:23b for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin. So no matter what the enemy brings, no matter what comes our way, nothing should take away our faith. Hebrews 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? Yes, things may arise since we are st

2Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work. 2Corinthians 8:2  that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. It is eazy to reach out when all is well with you. In multitude of wealth  to give little.(although some still find it hard to give). God never ignores those who know how to give. They are the ones useful in God's hands, they attracted prophets of old and where the ones who gave them shelter, God made sure they had supply.  However the true test of giving is when you give out of little. I remember the event in scriptures when many gave, yet Jesus recognised only the widow who gave so little but it was all she had. Mark 12:42-44  Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Him and said to them, "Assur

The issue about prosperity is not the prosperity itself but the drive to get it. Most of the examples of people we have in scriptures who prospered did not set out to get rich or make great wealth, NO, their intention was to make impact and to glorify God. It was either: * they had direct instruction from God on what to do, like Noah, Abraham, Moses and David * they made a decision to live and do things God's way, like Joseph, Job,  Daniel * or they requested that God make them valuable and useful to their generation like the case of Jabez and Solomon. Ofcourse many would have been in these three categories and failed. They could have heard from God and either did not obey or were afraid. Some may have decided to do it God's way then fell when temptation came. Yet still others would have requested to make an impact in their generation but were dragged down by the thorns of this world. What of the new testament, the first christians, how did they live? One thing we s

Matthew 7:27  And the rain came down and there was a rush of waters and the winds were driving against that house; and it came down and great was its fall. Everyone who builds definitely plans for the rains. Physical structures built for living fall under this category. The foundation is always the primary concern and ofcourse the first to be constructed. Thus every effort must be made to have a good anchor, a very solid ground. We as believers know that there is only one true ground, where we can build a good foundation and He is Jesus the Christ. 1Corinthians 3:11  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ Life has its own rains and Jesus has assured us, He says that we should be of good cheer, He has overcome the world. John 16:33  "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Yes the nature of our ancho

1Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. We have to have in mind that temptation itself is not sin, everyone gets tempted one time and/or the other. Yes, however temptation can come to us "or from us". Temptation comes from us most times when we let ourselves loose to the vices of the enemy or we let loose/ or give way to the three elements of the carnal world: 1John 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. * Lust of the flesh * Lust of the eyes * Pride of Life Scriptures teaches that we of our own accord can pierce ourselves with sorrow: 1Timothy 6 : 9 - 10  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many

James 1:3 Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Temptation itself is not sin, everyone gets tempted one time and/or the other. Temptation comes in different forms and from various sources. It could be what you do or not do. * Thoughts * What we see * A raising appetite * An emotion/desire/lust * Anger * Pride/Ego * Fear * Doubt * Riches The sources are many. Just like a pit, the problem is falling into it. It may be by ignorance, lack of self control or just mere carelessness. The consequences are there, every error has its consequences and if you have studied the scriptures, you will understand that they of different degree. Thus every instruction and guidance of God is for our benefit. So, what do we do?  James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust

As 2018 rolls on, do you face an eclipse? An eclipse occurs when there is an obstruction to the full reflection of the sun (in summary). Our sun is our day, when all is alright and there is no gloom. We are not worried or troubled. In life we have times of eclipse it is expected, though sometimes it comes and our reaction escalates it beyond its real magnitude. James 1:12  Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Do you feel the Lord has abandoned you? Do you feel unholy, unworthy that you have not lived up to God's standard last year or through the beginning of this year? Are there goals you have set, plans you have made and all seems to have failed or not just working? Are there requests you have been making to God these past years and it seems God is silent about them. Do you look at your mates, collegues or counterparts and then look at yourself

Phillipians 2:13  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. The day you begin a thing is the day, you were born into it. Until you have come to an acknowledgement of a truth, you can not fully live in it. You could be * around the truth * within the truth or * arguing the truth You never get the benefit of it until you accept and receive the truth. John 8:32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." It is never too late to start on that which God wants you to do or achieve. Once you have identified it go ahead and begin. It is your birth day for that particular assignment and surely you will complete it. The day you decided to accept Jesus as Lord and saviour is your spiritual birthday so also the day you begin to fulfil that assignment God has given you. For every purpose there is a begining. That is the procreation that God gave beyond bearing physical children Philippians 1:6  being confi

Psalms 77:11 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. When a challenge or difficulty come our way, we tend to forget that we have had victory in previous battles, we may tend to forget He who did it previously could yet do it again. It may be that we are exhausted or we feel that we ought to have a break from the spiritual living or relax on the trusting. Elijah felt the same way: a man who by his auction was able to get fire from heaven to soak up his over drenched sacrifice and defeat all the priests of baal, yet he had to run into hidding because of an evil woman. No wonder it was clear that it was time for him to hand over. Psalms 40:1  I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. We cannot afford to forget the victories we have had. David when confronted with Goliath, that great Philistine giant, remembered that God had already given him victory over the lion and the bear. He understood that this w

James 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Luke 6:46  "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say? It is one thing to know what God desires from us and another to actually do them. There is the written will from His word, His will spoken to you as a person and His will spoken to you as a family. If we are of God, our life must show it, by the daily obedience to His Word. The only way to know His word is by studying them, then the Holy Spirit keeps reminding us of them. John 14:26  "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. We should remember that whom we obey is who is Lord over us. The truth is that we must obey someone. I was listening to a sound track in a movie "the ultimate gift" and the lyrics said,: "You must serve someone it may be the

Genesis 1:28  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: The need to grow is built into everyone, that is how God made us. He instructed us to grow.  Every living thing He created, was authorized to grow including plants and animals alike. The question is "Are we growing"?  The growth should be in body, mind, intellect, finance, ministry, character, maturity, education, career, the list goes on. 2Peter 3:18  But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen. As we continue 2018 there is a need for us to confirm that we are willing to grow, God will always help when we do His will. How do we know that we are growing? * How is my relationship with God this year compared to previous year? * Do I lead my family in prayer, is my family alter strong? * What is my financial status, am I in debt? * Who and what have I

John 14:30 "I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. The enemy "satan" or the "devil" has been defeated, his agenda is to take our heart away from God and focus on him, or that which is his. The battle had always been for the soul(mind, heart, intellect, emotion) of man, even from the garden of eden when he caused man to die spiritually thereby being seperated from God. Man had to now battle with what he had dominion over. Therefore we who have been saved cannot therefore fall into the same error. 1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The enemy's agenda has always been the fight for the soul of man. Cause he knows that Proverbs 4:23  Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Ephesians 2:2  in which you once walked according to the course of this world, acco

Lamentations 3:23  [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. To cross the red sea, the rod is stretched over the sea and it parted. Exodus 14:21  And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided. To cross the Jordan four priests had to carry the ark into the water, immediately they did this, the water stopped flowing. Joshua 3:17  And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan. To bring down the wall of Jericho they had to walk round the city seven times then ended with a load noise and sound of trumpets. For Jehoshephat to win the battle musicians had to lead the army with singing. For Hezekiah not a single arrow entered the city for Zenechareb 2Kings 19:3

2Samuel 7:22 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for [there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Psalm 118:23 This was the Lord's doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. We live in a time when knowledge abounds, science has made remarkable discoveries, new ways and technologies have been established. Man has discovered easy ways of doing things, faster ways of moving from place to place by land, air and water. This knowledge keeps increasing day after day. We need to be reminded that this is God's release of wisdom to man. This knowledge includes deep understanding of the scriptures and exposure to realms. Yet in all I still believe in miracles. I see it as a miracle, when I can not do it of my own, when people, science and even believers have said it is impossible. We have a God that does the show up and when He does He expresses Himself that all may know, He is God. Psalm 109:27  That t

James 3:2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. The tongue is one very important part of our body. The smallest but yet boasts great things. James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! Many a war have been as a result of the tongue. Many a disaster, was as a result of the tongue. Young minds have been disillussioned and dreams killed all because of the tongue. James still continues by saying "no man can tame the tongue" though man has tamed powerful animals such as horses and has controlled large ships by their tongue (helm) James 3:4 (BBE) And again ships, though they are so great and are moved by violent winds, are turned by a very small guiding-blade, at the impulse of the man who is using it. We need the power of God to tame the tongue (the Holy Spirit), because the proceed of the tongue is from

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 1Thessalonians 5:17  pray without ceasing, Prayer is simply seeking the Father's face it involves making requests. Matured believers make it a communication and not a monologue. One thing is sure about prayer in all forms as stated in the scripture, is that it must be consistent and never ceasing. Daniel 6:10b   . . . he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Great men of old had the custom of praying consistently, from Abraham to John the Baptist, this was so even till the ressurrection of Jesus and is still continued when the Holy Spirit came down on Pentecost. Prayers are of many types and forms but the most important part is when you have discussions with God. A child cannot but communicate with the father.  In times of old, we see children of God arise and pray to brin

It is necessary that we hear when God speaks. We live in a world that is full of noise.  A lot of things coming in from every corner. Some are relevant, some are good however others are distractions. If we are to live in faith we should hear the voice of the Lord above all the noise. Psalms 62:11 God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God. Samuel as a child had to learn to hear God's voice in the midst of voices. 1Samuel 3:10  And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. Jesus said His own will hear and thus they would follow Him, they would not follow another. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: So many things seek our attention. * Some are very important * Some are not that important * Some are a mere distraction As we go about our duties and roles,  it is important to listen to the Father and He speaks to us

Proverbs 15:23  A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Everyone has a circle of influence, people who are affected by what you say, do or the decisions you make. It could be large or small, no matter the size it remains our sphere of influence and God expects us to affect the circle positively. You are there to influence positively. If *  the souls of these ones are important to you, you will lead them to Jesus the Christ. *  their mind is important you will feed them with the word of God and Godly counsel. * their future is important to you, you will always tell them the truth and gear them to accomplish more. * they would call you their mentor, then help them build their career * they would call you father, give them good advice daily and link them to opportunities that will make them prosper. * their needs and welfare is important, you will reach out to them no matter how little you can give. * you love them,

A new week again and also a day to join other brethren to thank God for all He has done for us. Giving God thanks is sure important and all through scriptures we see God's people giving Him thanks again and again. Wise people understand that we cannot take appreciation for granted. 1Thessalonians 5:18 "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." We know there are times when we may not feel like giving thanks, we may feel overwhelmed by one issue or the other. It may be that we are still expecting one thing or the other from God, however we must remember that the reason why we worry is because we are alive and healthy in the first place. So we give thanks. One major reason we need to thank God is that we know Him, through the only way He has provided for man to return to Him: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Do you know that many still struggle

Isaiah 59:21 "As for Me," says the LORD, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants," says the LORD, "from this time and forevermore." Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. We need to remind ourselves that the only way to be God's child is our believing in His Son and accepting Him as our Lord and Saviour then He lives in us as the Holy Spirit. That was our salvation experience. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: Revelation 3:20  "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyo

1Peter 2:9  But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Nothing like starting the year with the understanding of who you are. It defines all and makes everything align to your position. This position is not for everyone and it is not a function of your earthly link or connection, it is one that has to be done or created by adoption because of our believe in the Son of the Living God. Yeshau, Jesus the Christ. John 1:12  To all those who did so take him, however, he gave the right of becoming children of God--that is, to those who had faith in his name: Ephesians 1:5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will: The value of our sonship is so great and so much a privilege. Yet many of us do not enjoy its fulness because we allow the burden of l

1Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: It is always said that what brought Satan down and made him loose all his glory was that sting called pride. Proverbs 15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. James 4:6  But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Pride could mean you forgetting who is in charge, God, then placing yourself in His place. The Lord may not act immediately but when He does the result is not pleasant. Isaiah 42:8  I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images. When we place ourself in God's place we find it easy to find faults in others, we always feel offended and rarely see ourselves offending others. Pride will make one always see  oneself above others, always the one needed to be apologized to, want

Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. There is this error of confusing the works of faith with the works of the law. This misunderstanding could make a believer think that faith is just a feeling or a profession. As we go on this new year, we would have received lots of instruction, prophesies, and made lots of plans. We would have set goals and also resolved to change some methods, strategies including our lifestyle. We do all this because we have faith in God that they would all come to pass. Yes this is the right thing to do, but we must be complete. James 2:17&20 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? The working of faith must be effective if we are to succeed. * We do the speaking; Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall s

Welcome to a new year, we are happy that God allowed us to see it. Today being the second day of the year is no different from any other day of the year. So what makes a day special or vice versa, it is dependent on what happens on that day. And a lot of what a day is depends on what you do or do not do. The best thing to happen to you is to have God's hands favourable towards you each day. Romans 5:1  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ This is the most important thing you must settle before other things begin to matter. No one will threaten you with hell or condemnation. Then you move ahead to take control of things, first in the place of prayer then to good planning, dedicated work, commitment and sincerity Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; f

Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: As we enter this new year today "morals are high", we would carry a great determination to achieve what we could not achieve last year. We would set goals, make and modify plans, even make resolutions. It is all good and necessary. However we should consider Him who changes the times and seasons, who places and removes. YHWH, Yaweh, The Almighty God, The creator of heaven and earth. He has the final say. Let us place Him first, let His Spirit direct us. Daniel 11:32b  but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do [exploits]. We may wonder why those who are athiests and those who are not serious like us still "make it", let us remember Nebuchadnezzar, he thought it was his power till God allowed him see who was in charge. Daniel 4:30 The king spake, and said, Is not th