the watcher

Psalms 40:3 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.  They will put their trust in the Lord. Here is the last day of this month, let us reflect on God's love, mercy and protection. We do know that not all who started the month are still alive today. Listen, we will always have requests, we will yet call on the Lord for this or that, however it is time to give thanks specially for the Lord has been good. Sing a song, hymn, dance, speak, whatever way you can express your gratitude to our faithful God. Psalms 7:17 I will thank the Lord because he is just;  I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Always remember that the best way to worship is to cause others to praise the Lord because of your actions. Glory to God forevermore. He calls us blessed. Love @the watcher 

Luke 21:1-4 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Remember that when you do it, the Lord is interested in your motive, that is, the condition of your heart.  Seriously, I will prefer that my commendation come from the Heavenly Father to validate that of man, for as God told Samuel of old: 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” You could deceive or compel people by your outward show but the Lord looks at your heart, you cannot deceive Him. As simple as the above statement is and as

Acts 19:20  So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. Acts 19:20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect. The whole message/essence of Christianity as we are called or believers(children of God) as we are, is the message we carry. Without the message there is no us. The word of God is the symbol of what we represent and who we are. That is our faith, where we started from, what we are and what we will be. Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. We have a lot of issues today because people have left out the essential - "rightly dividing the word of truth" 2Timothy 2:15 When you miss the essence every other thing you build will have faults because the foundation is shaky. For these reason we had Christ's letter to the seven churches in the book of revelation. Revelation 3:1-6 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit

Titus 2:1b promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. What life do you live, what defines a person's character, lifestyle, beliefs and philosophy? Definitely it is what they have learnt either consciously or unconsciously. So it is important what we teach and it is also important what we learn. We must have wholesome teaching. I was asking my mother how easy is was for someone to have such a loud seemingly glorious time in the presence of the Lord and go right out to do the wrong thing? How can you gather together with music, dancing, prayers, tongues and you go right back to your business to lie and defraud another? This is because there is no wholesome teaching, which reflects in wholesome living. It is not about how much noise you make, how much time you spend or how you inconvenience others with your noise (you are not prophets of Baal, by the way) It is about how wholesome teaching transforms your life. I don't give two cents about that wonderful crusade,

Galatians 1:12,16,23-24 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” And they praised God because of me. One lesson every matured believer has learned over the years would be "don't rush off". Many a failures, errors and half-truths we have today is as a result of rush-offs. We get a revelation, we do Not spend ample time to study, listen, pray and understand before we rush off to implement, then we wonder why we fail, get tired or give up entirely. So it is a very important instruction Paul gave to Timothy and also to all believers: 2 Timothy 2:15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and rece

John 17:20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. Many teach a lot of things that are human sentiments, we hear things like, the blessings, power, miracles etc ended with the apostles. We hear of different secular authority in the body of Christ. We also see secular powers, humans and varying authorities trying to take authority as the church. However the truth remains that Christ seeks for those who will believe, Person by Person. Christ's death and consequent salvation was for the whole world, however it remains a personal experience per person. John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. That is as you believe you become, whether you believed in 100AD, in 1466AD, 2022AD or in 2100AD. The salvation rem

Hebrews 1:1-2 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. Yesterday we looked at a topic "Is God silent?", looking through the book of Habakkuk. The prophet had questions about the troubles of Israel and the plunders of the wicked. He did receive a response. When you read through the laws and the prophets and you get stuck trying to get meaning, you then understand the first four verses in the book of Hebrew. The speaking through the prophets was for our fathers of old, it related to what they faced at that time. However, it also brought hope of what God had planned for the time to come - the revelation of Christ Jesus. That is why Christ told the religious leaders: John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point

Habakkuk 1:2-4 How long, O  Lord, must I call for help?  But you do not listen!  “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds?  Why must I watch all this misery?  Wherever I look,  I see destruction and violence.  I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts.  The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. Is God silent? NO, He has spoken and He keeps speak again. How many are in His frequency? These times come again and again, when evil seems to arise and have a stronger hold. Killings, deceit, extortions, corruptions, oppressions, racisms, tribalism etc. These wrongs have even infiltrated the world church system (for there is the Lord's true church and it is under no man's authority). Habakkuk in our verses today, as a prophet, cried out to the Lord for his people Israel, however he had limited understanding. Listen,

John 12:26 "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. I love this song by casting crowns: "make room". The chorus says: "Is there room in your heart? Is there room in your heart? Is there room in your heart For God to write His story?"   When we talk of serving the Lord, the first thing that comes to mind is a role or duty in church. The choir, the church cleaner, the church pastor etc. Truly one begins service at home. There is no way you forget home, no matter how much work you do outside you still have to return home to your family and be of use. So every believer must have his or her role in church.  Being a part of that family. (The church is not a building or a mere organization, the church is the body of Christ). Your local assembly is just a subset. So our home is "the church" we are sent out to the world to work and profit, "that there m

Romans 12:21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. I did a write up sometime ago(can't find it now) it talked about we being 30% our innate self and 70% of our environmental influence(experiences). The study may not be perfect but it has truth in it. Most of what we call our personality today is from our experiences in time past - our parents, peer group, schools media(television, books, magazines, etc) much later internet, social media etc. It even goes as far as what we describe as beautiful or ugly (those who are searching for marriage will be caught in this trap), good or bad, our goals, aspirations, our description of success or failure etc  Listen, it is a mixture of what we accepted and what we try to run away from. Selah However, as believers there is a personality we ought to have. The popular verses one and two of the chapter tells us: Romans 12:1-2 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has d

Psalms 92:1-2,4 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. When someone is trying to take away your loyalty to your principal, the first question you should ask yourself is, what is their intention? Listen, you will definitely be loyal to someone or something. What are you replacing the other for? Adam and Eve of course came into luxury, they didn't work for anything they got, they met an already prepared land they were just to take charge of it. In the long run someone came along to sell to them a freedom. Genesis 2:8-15 Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden

Titus 2:1-6 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. To build a community, society or nation of good leadership structure, the work must start from the smallest cell - the home! It is while people watch as homes are broken, children become wayward and rebellious, spouses disrespect each other, roles are abused and order is disrupted fr

Titus 1:6-7 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Leadership comes on people either by position, election, appointment or even lineage. (Though some struggle to get there) The first point of leadership is the home. Most of the problems we have in homes occur when the head does not take up his responsibility or when the help meet who ought to help, decides to take over leadership or oppose the leadership. Chaos ensues. It flows this way up to the community, state and even a nation.  The church is not left out. Thus Paul had to give instructions on how leaders should be picked. We recall that Moses got the same advice from his father inlaw when he came visiting in the wilderness. Rea

Galatians 5:1,4,6 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. ...What is important is faith expressing itself in love... Most times people find it hard to keep to instructions because they do not understand the why. Think about it, most times it is when you have completed that wrong thing that you are now embarrassed or disappointed at the outcome. Some quickly get themselves together seek forgiveness and help to recover, others breakdown and give up utterly while yet some just give themselves to become slaves of that evil. So what is the hope of man? Paul says it this way: Romans 7:21-24 I have discovere

Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. I listen to some church gatherings and pay attention to their prayer points, (I have to because of the very loud speakers they disturb people in their houses with) I hear them raining down fire on enemies, be they enemies from their ancestors(laughable), parents, home, neighbours, colleagues, friends etc. (The fire of the Holy Spirit is not for killing people o o o !)Hmm Is it that we do not have enemies from humans, NO, from the origin of things Cain who was a brother to Abel made himself an enemy to the extent of killing his brother because of envy. We see that again and again. The devil and all other evil powers are also enemies. However, all these are not your first battle! The first battle is yourself! Now, back to the fire of the Holy Spirit. Listen: Matthew 3:11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But

2 Peter 3:3-4,17-18 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. Can you stand the scoffers? They laugh at your belief, do you even know what you believe? Listen, not all beliefs are true, there can only be one truth. Yes! Have you tested what you belief or are just following what you heard. I told my fellow youths many years ago (I hope they held on to it), that you cannot talk of maturity until your very faith has been tested,

James 2:14,18 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” The prove of your belief is evident in what you do. We could go around claiming this or that, however it is your works that show us the true you. So is everything that concerns us here on earth. There is power in what we say, however if we keep speaking but do not take action in the direction of our faith, the speaking remains in the atmosphere. I could claim to have a heart of love, but it remains a claim until my actions of love towards another makes this claim active. Listen: James 2:14-18 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see

John 1:16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. Can we be reminded this morning that God's grace and mercy is for everyone, yes everyone. However, it is one thing for a declaration to be made for a scholarship to be available for all students in a community it is another for each individual student to apply. This is the situation of the world. 1. Those who have not heard at all, or have not heard properly. Romans 10:13,15 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” 2. Those who have heard but have not believed, or prefer to take another option. Romans 10:13,16 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 3. Those who have heard believed or not belie

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." When we first believed, it may have been easy to visualize the promises. We reach out with zeal, with great enthusiasm, loving God and seeking to do exploits. When we became born again we see God's kingdom, our spirit man is reborn we count the flesh as nothing. However, as time passes by, we are faced with the challenges of the world, all its distractions, temptations, responsibilities, challenges and so on. If we are not careful, we could begin to lose sight. The question then is: * Can we still see heaven? John 3:3 * Are we still zealous? John 2:17 * Are we continuing in those things? Acts 2:42 * Are we walking in love? 1John 4:7 or Has the cares and worries of life and service taking away the very root of our salvation? Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it

Psalm 143:8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. It is good to begin each day in the presence of the Lord. A father is  pleased to hear his son's greetings early in the morning. Great leaders are known to begin the day in prayers and thanksgiving to God. Psalm 5:3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up Do you know that every morning we are refreshed, we have the grace to start again? The Lord wipes away our mistakes and errors of yesterday and allows us make a better day. Lamentations 3:22-23 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. Have you spent time with God this morni

Psalms 72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! We need favours again and again, no one can be by himself or herself. We will always need the help and support of one another. Some may take advantage of it, while others will lend the helping hand asking nothing in return understanding that they also would have needs. It is the Lord that yet works in others to be that help. 1John 3:17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? However there are things that others cannot do for us, things that only God Himself can intervene to bring it to pass or to save us from. In those kind of situations, we don't have to worry anymore, yes, the inconveniences of man's short falls have no play here. The Father asks nothing in return He gives and does not hold back. He is God.  Acts 17:25  "Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed an

Psalms 71:6-8 Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.  No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. I should put my mind on all the good things the Lord has done for me, the Psalmist says in the opening verse, "from my mother’s womb you have cared for me". Truly look at it, you could have been switched off before you were born, what really would you have done about it? Glory to God we are living. However, does this stop our complain? As I said earlier I should focus on all the good things God has done for me, on the contrary I could decide to focus only on what it seems the Lord has NOT done for me. This then brings worry, anxiety, doubt and thus ungrateful attitude. Well, what do you gain from that? You definitely don't gain, you actually lose, for the joy of your victory are whip

Psalms 30:4 Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Singing is an activity that gives an atmosphere of joy to any person. It most times denotes happiness, that the mind is merry. James 5:13b Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Every believer ought to practice singing in praise to God. In it we confess who He is and what He has done. It doesn't even have to start out loud, begin your singing from within then let it flow to the outside. Be in tune with allowing your heart worship the Lord in songs. Then where you are would not matter, you are praising nonetheless. One of the first entry of singing praises to God was that which Moses, Miriam and the whole of Isreal sang, when the Lord used Moses to give Isreal victory from the hand of Pharoah. Exodus 15:1 & 21 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and spoke, saying: "I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously! The hor

Matthew 6:5-8 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Are you praying or merely making loud noise? Listen to what Christ said: "... people of other religion . . ." Religion is not new, various religions existed before Christ was revealed, as a philosopher said: "religion is the opium of the people". To conquer a people, give them a religion, thus, they can be controlled by the fear the laws that religion c