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LIVING WATER EPISODE 95 || 5TH JULY, 2024 By Christnode BE STRONG AND WORK: THE ASSURANCE OF GOD'S PRESENCE Scripture Readings: Haggai 2:4,15 4 .But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 15 . Now give careful thought to this from this day on—consider how things were before one stone was laid on another in the Lord’s temple." Good morning, dear brothers and sisters. Today, we will delve into the book of Haggai, specifically Haggai 2:4, 15. This passage is a powerful reminder of God's call to His people to be strong and diligent in their work, with the assurance of His constant presence. I. The Call to Be Strong In verse 4, God commands Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the people to be strong. This call to strength is repeated three times, emphasizing its importance. But what does it mean to be strong in this context? 1. Strength in Leadership: - Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest, were leaders of the people. Their strength was crucial for the community’s morale and determination. - As leaders in our own capacities—whether in our families, workplaces, or communities—we too are called to exhibit strength and courage. 2. Strength in Unity: - The call extends to "all you people of the land." Unity and collective strength are vital for the task ahead. - Our strength is magnified when we stand together, supporting and encouraging one another. II. The Command to Work "Be strong, and work." Strength alone is not enough; it must be coupled with action. 1. The Work of Restoration: - The people of Haggai's time were tasked with rebuilding the temple. This was no small feat; it required dedication, effort, and perseverance. - In our lives, we may face tasks that seem daunting, but we are called to put in the effort, trusting in God's guidance. 2. Faith in Action: - True faith is demonstrated through our actions. James 2:17 reminds us that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." - Our work, whether spiritual, physical, or relational, should reflect our faith and trust in God. III. The Assurance of God's Presence "For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty." https://lnkd.in/eqsX7y5u

THE HALL OF FAITH by Valerie Cheers Why was Hebrews 11 called the Hall of faith? Faith: Its Meaning and Its Heroes. “Hebrews 11 tells us what it means to have faith and obtain life. Those with true faith accept God's word, focusing on assurance about what we do not see, looking beyond the situation as it can be perceived by natural vision. What Is The "Hall of Faith"? Simply put, chapter 11, called the “Hall of faith” or “Faith Hall of fame,” is a list of men and women who were determined to follow God. Though they lived in different times and faced different circumstances, each of them chose to show loyalty to the Lord. They lived incredible lives, trusted God and because of this they are often called the HEROES OF FAITH. There are quite a few people who make it into this “Hall of Faith” and some of these include Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sara, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson and David. The author of Hebrews begins his investigation into what it means to live out our faith in God at this point. After all, he stated in verse 6 of this chapter, "...it is impossible to please God without faith." Thus, this section addresses an essential subject for Christians. During the journey in Hebrews 11, the creator commends specific individuals who showed their firm faith in the Master. Some of the names are well-known, while others are less so. Yet, every one of them have something to show us, and investigating them can rouse us to push ahead in our confidence. They shared some characteristics and received grace for their circumstances, including: TRUST and acquiescence to God, which directed them. Willingness to DEFEND God against the unjust people of their time strengthened them. DETERMINATION and ability to sit tight and WAIT, for what God guaranteed, which brought them harmony, peace, and significance. Whatever or whoever the author was, the goal is still the same: to show real examples of people who have honored God by sticking to their convictions, to remind believers of fundamental truths about Christ's authority, to reassure Jesus' followers that Christianity is true. The list starts by saying something that all Christians ought to concur with. “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible” (Hebrews 11:3). Beginning in verse 4, the spotlight is gleamed on unambiguous individuals from Hebrew Scriptures accounts, and the activities that showed their confidence in the God who made the universe. 1. Abel - “...brought a better offering than Cain did” (v. 4). 2. Enoch - “...commended as one who pleased God” (v. 5). 3. Noah - “...when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family” (v. 7). 4. Abraham - “...obeyed and went, even though he did Read more... https://lnkd.in/g_GuxruZ

Unraveling the True Message of the Kingdom Dive into the heart of what Jesus passionately emphasized during His time on Earth—the Kingdom of God. While many equate the gospel with a simplified message, the New Testament paints a richer, deeper tapestry about the Kingdom Jesus proclaimed. In today's age, while the brilliance of intellectualism might offer insights, it's the power of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:20, that brings the Kingdom's message to life. Spiritual warfare, casting out demons, and healing the sick were central to Jesus' ministry, and it's essential we realign ourselves to these fundamental tenets. If you're keen to journey deeper into understanding the Kingdom of God, my book "The Blueprint" offers an insightful dive into this profound topic. As a bestseller on Amazon, it serves as a comprehensive guide, shedding light on the Kingdom's true essence and how to embody it in our lives. Embark on this transformative journey and let's reclaim the power and message of the Kingdom, bringing healing, restoration, and transformation to the world. 📖 Get your copy of "The Blueprint" now and dive deeper into the Kingdom of God: https://lnkd.in/dHSMJ2dV #KingdomOfGod #TheBlueprint #JesusTeachings #SpiritualWarfare #Healing #Restoration #Bestseller #AmazonBooks #JourneyIntoTruth

The mention of the word stewardship does strange things to some people. The reason for this is usually because most people associate stewardship with money. Many if not most people become quite defensive when a preacher starts to talk about money, especially if it is their money! However, stewardship is a biblical concept that far exceeds the single area of money, but the Bible teaches that stewardship is a far greater concept, involving how we respond with all our life to Him who is the giver and sustainer of life? The New Testament concept of stewardship centers in our commitment to Jesus Christ. When He becomes our Lord, He becomes Lord of our time, talents, finances, and everything. We realize that we are not our own, but we are bought with a price. C.S. Lewis wrote: Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service, you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already. This is the manuscript of a sermon preached at @Christ Church Los Angeles. #stewardship #steward #manager #doctrine

Here it is! Read the powerful introduction/first page of my new #biblestudy, RAHAB: Rediscovering the God Who Saves Me on the blog today. I’d love to hear what you think!

In Touch ministries Daily Devotion The Guiding Light of God’s Deliverance When you are afraid, give God your fears and trust Him to provide the strength and peace you need. February 6, 2024 Psalm 34:1-7 During times of trial and uncertainty, worry can engulf our heart. But today’s passage serves as an unwavering beacon of hope: “I sought the Lord and He answered me, and rescued me from all my fears” (v. 4). When we feel vulnerable and assailed by doubt, God stands ready to be our guiding light, leading us through the darkness of fear into the comforting embrace of His love. Like a lighthouse whose beam pierces the night, God’s presence offers reassurance in our life. When we earnestly seek Him, pouring out our fears and worries, He answers with a love that transcends our understanding. In the warmth of His compassion, we find strength to face our fears head-on, knowing we are not alone on a dark sea. God’s deliverance doesn’t mean our circumstances will change. Instead, it offers a transformative inner peace that steadies our mind and heart. It empowers us to walk through life’s challenges with the realization that our faith in Him is stronger than the grip of fear. Let us take solace in knowing that even when we feel afraid, God is ever-present, guiding us with His divine light. In the darkest moments, His love shines through, illuminating the path ahead. As we seek Him, He becomes our rock, our refuge, and our source of courage. Bible in One Year: Leviticus 24-25

READ PROVERBS 15:22 Devotion # 37 God Will Not Turn Back Time >> Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.<< There is a hymn titled, “God Moves In A Mysterious Way” >>God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm<< God is mysterious and does work in ways that many of us or all of us will never quite comprehend, just ask Job (the story in the Old Testament asking the ultimate question, “Why does a person serve God?”) However, there is something about God that is NOT a mystery at all, GOD WILL NOT TURN BACK TIME! God allows us free will to make our own choices. I cannot tell you how often someone has made a stupid life altering decision due to never receiving wise counsel or ignoring it and then continually asks the question, “Why is God putting me through this test?” when the truth of the matter is that God had nothing do with their obstacle at all. It was a choice he/she made, not the Lord. Life is hard and sometimes deals us a lousy hand, that’s true. However, sometimes WE ARE the dealer ourselves and are responsible for the hand we are dealt. Having said that, while God allows free will and the consequences of a poorly chosen decision, He will also work with you in the struggle at hand. He won’t magically make the problem go away, but will help you find a way to persevere. So just remember before you make a decision that could alter your life dramatically, in general, PLANS FAIL due to a lack of counsel. Just ask some of the great men of faith (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and King David). The Lord worked powerfully throughout their lives but some of the personal choices they made were catastrophic. Get counsel! https://lnkd.in/gy93UdKY

Scripture Of The Day - May 27, 2024 Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Believers get confused and sometimes disillusioned because Things in the spirit realm are often not predictable. They ask: How long do I need to pray to get a breakthrough? When will I step into greater increase and blessing? When will there be a shift in my family for the better? Where is my healing miracle? The simple and unpopular answer is it's a test of faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God..."  Are you digging a well now, believing to step into overflow? Keep digging. See the water coming soon with the eyes of faith. Do you have family struggles? Envision growth. Do you have financial challenges? Work hard, sow faithfully and believe big. Do you have physical ailments? Get in the Word and read and meditate on every Scripture about healing. Get around faith-filled friends and believe together. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

DON'T KNOW WHEN THE TIME WILL BE Read: Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 "For man does not know the time. Like a fish caught in a net of evil, and like a bird caught in a snare, so do the children of men become entangled in an unfortunate time, when it befalls them suddenly." Ecclesiastes 9:12a How valuable is your time? People who value time will definitely never waste the opportunities that come to them, filling their time with useful/beneficial things. One simple example of wasting time is people who like to procrastinate doing something, for example work. Procrastinating work (procrastination) is a problem that almost everyone has. We often postpone something that could have been done today until tomorrow: "Ah, tomorrow, there are still lots of opportunities.", even though no one knows what will happen tomorrow. We don't know for sure whether we will still have the opportunity to enjoy tomorrow. "Do not praise yourself for tomorrow, because you do not know what will happen that day." (Proverbs 27:1). The more we delay doing something, the more work we have to do piles up, the lazier we become to do it. What has God entrusted you to do? If God sends you to take part in ministry, now is the time, not tomorrow. If God sent you to witness and preach the Gospel to other people, now is the time, not tomorrow. "Preach the word, be ready whether the time is good or not, state what is wrong, rebuke and exhort with all patience and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2). Don't like to waste time, who knows, maybe in the future we won't have another chance. If we realize that our spirituality is still stunted, why don't we immediately improve ourselves and make a commitment to seek God more seriously? This is the time for us to 'run' and catch up. If we are currently living far from God and drowning in sin, it is time to immediately repent. "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in anger" Hebrews 3:15

MARCH EDITION 2024 - SERVING GOD PAYS THE MOST – MARK. 10:28-30. Let's be reminded that kingdom stewardship of all the labour on earth is what pays the most. All other jobs, work etc will give us benefits, but kingdom stewardship is what pays the most both here on earth and hereafter - 1 timothy 4:8. We understand from scriptures that, the wisdom from above is all about the application of scriptures in our day to day walk with God – Mat. 7:24-25/ Jam. 1:22-25. This is why the wisdom from above is: Knowing the right way to go from Scriptures and going there – Ecc. 10:10/ Isa. 59:8. Knowing the right things to do from the Word and doing them – Luk 6:46/ Jhn. 21:5-6. Knowing the right steps to take and right turns to make from the Word and following suit – Ps. 119:105/ 1 Pet. 2:21/ 2 Tim. 3:16-17. We also understand that God’s word is God’s wisdom in print – Luk. 11:49/ Isa. 34:16/ 2Tim. 3:15. Furthermore, the wisdom from above is not the wisdom of ‘mighty words’ but ‘mighty works’ – Psa. 104:24/ Jer. 10:12/ Mat. 13:54 FOR EXAMPLE: Serving God and the interest of His kingdom is wisdom for our desired change of story - Exo. 23: 25-26/ Luk. 5:1-8. A covenant to serve God and the pursuit of same is our guarantee for all-round rest – 2Chr. 15:12-15/ Psa. 34:10. This is why serving God does not only pay but pays the most, pays the incomparable, and the unmatchable – Ex.23:25-26 / Mat. 6:33. Specifically, commitment to soul winning endeavours and seeing many established in the faith is defined as wisdom that will make a star out of any believer – Pro. 11:30/ Pro. 3:35/ Dan. 12:3 In addition, we can SERVE THE INTEREST OF THE KINGDOM in 3 other major ways among others: First, through commitment to praying kingdom advancement prayers, that is, praying for the salvation of souls, word increase from our pulpit, Church growth, praying for the needs of others, etc. – Mat. 6:6/9-10/ Luk. 2:37/ Rom. 12:11-12 Secondly, through passionate and compelling invitations for people to come to Church and meet with Christ for their salvation, breakthrough, etc. – Mat. 11:28-29/ Rev. 22:17-18/ Luk. 14:16-23 And thirdly, through commitment of our financial resources in promoting the interest of the kingdom of God – Hag. 1:3-12/ Zech. 1:17/ Gal. 6:10. In summary, engagement in kingdom advancement endeavours as a lifestyle empowers believers to access all things that make for life and godliness – Psalms. 34:10/ Mat. 6:33/ 2Pet. 1:3. Therefore, the same way God visited Sarah at the set time, every Winner should expect diverse visitations as we engage in the pursuit of God and the interest of His kingdom this month in the name of Jesus Christ – Gen. 21: 1-6/ Zeph. 3:17-20. Congratulations!!! #BishopDavidOyedepo #Passion4Souls #RevivalIsHere #RevivalFire At Living faith Church AKA WINNERS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL WORLDWIDE .