SOLEMN WHISPER: Recent Episodes
Solemn Whisper
Solemn Whisper is a Christian organisation with the aim of raising a body of believers, who will keep their faith in Jesus Christ for life.
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Friday, 11th September, 2020
KILL NOBODY FOR GOD
(Ezek. 18:23; Deut. 5:17)
MEMORY VERSE: '"Do you think, asks the Sovereign Lord, that I like to see wicked people die? Of course not! I only want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.' (Ezekiel 18:23 NLT)
If there is anybody any person may wish dead then it is a wicked person – a person whose life is full of violence and crime, who may be a notorious assassin or criminal. That is how man thinks, but God, who doesn't like any act of wickedness though, would rather the wicked turn away from their wicked ways and be changed, and not die. God doesn't want any sinner to die, and not even in their sin.
If the final verdict were left to any natural man, there is nothing good left for the wicked except death. Should God have thought that way, every human being would have died and the world would have been without man, for every sin is nothing but an act of wickedness (Gen 39:9).
Stop wishing people dead. Nobody should die for their wickedness but everyone should turn to God and have their lives changed and renewed (2 Cor. 5:17-18).
The world is full of violence and wickedness. There are heartless and ruthless people everywhere with no conscience, but all God wants from these people is repentance. This message of repentance for remision of sin is the hope of the wicked person. By default, condemnation is for man for his sin, but by believing in Jesus the yoke of condemnation is lifted (John 3:18).
Finally, God does not want you to kill anybody for Him, and not for any religious belief. If He wants to kill anybody, He can do it by Himself. Ever since He sent His son to save the world, all he wants is for every man to believe in Jesus Christ, the only way to the Father. Therefore, whether on the internet or physically, tell the wicked to come home; the father is calling. No more an outlaw! All they need to get back into the waiting arms of the father is repentance. Let the wicked repent and be converted; accept the gift of grace through Jesus Christ our Lord by believing in Him, and your past is forever gone.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, my words or action shall not kill anybody in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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OBE Godson Ezekiel
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Thursday, 10th September, 2020
BE NOT GUILTY OF ABETTING OTHERS
(Matt 19:4-6, Mark 9:42)
MEMORY VERSE: And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. (Mark 9:42 KJV)
All through Julia's married life, whenever she wants to prepare grilled fish, she cuts the fish into two before putting it in her oven. Her little daughter, being very curious asked, "Mummy why do you always cut the fish into two before putting it in the oven." "My dear, that's how my mother (your grandmother) does it and that's how I learned it from her", Julia replied.
The following day, Julia's daughter asked her grandmother the same question. "Grandma! Do you also cut the fish into two before grilling?" Her grandmother looked at her and smirked. "Back in the days, I had a small oven. It can't take the length of a whole fish. So I decided to always cut my fish before grilling". The little girl, in her intuition said, "Mummy has a very big oven that can accommodate a whole fish, yet she stuck to your tradition"
To abet means to incite, encourage or stimulate something negative. In the story, Julia had consciously learnt from her mom who was unconsciously teaching her. We should learn from this and understand that the lifestyle we lead doesn't end with us. It's either helping/destroying someone.
We, Christians, are the bible the unbelievers read. We are the Christ they see. Our lifestyle is the heavens path they know. Like Julia, whatever they learn from us would stay with them longer than we can imagine. For the sake of Christ, today we are urged to be a Christ-like influence on fellow flocks. The ancient landmark is the word of God; same as the modern landmark. We mustn't shift it.
PRAYER: I profess that I shall be a Christlike influence to anyone I come across today and beyond. So help me God. Amen.
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Muyiwa Felix
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Wednesday, 9th August 2020.
GOD STILL HATES DIVORCE
(Mal. 2:16-17; Matt. 19:6)
MEMORY VERSE: "For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 2:16 NKJV)
Have you ever tried to separate pieces of paper that were glued together? If you finally succeed, the division would be an unpleasant sight. This is more or less the picture that divorce paints.
Divorce in the Scripture is permitted only because of man’s sin, it is a concession to man’s sin and is not part of God’s original plan for marriage, all believers should hate divorce as God does. With God’s help a marriage can survive the worst sins.
Divorce has an impact in our world that’s rarely rivaled. Whether you’ve personally been through a divorce, were the child of divorced parents, or have a close friend or relative that’s divorced, the ripple effects of divorce have touched most, if not all, of us.
So what do we do with a verse like this that tells us God hates divorce? Is it to be a word of condemnation to those who’ve crossed this threshold? Do we use it to single out divorced men and women as being on a special sinner’s list in heaven? Sadly, that’s all happened in the past. But this perspective misses the greater point that God is making about divorce.
Let’s be clear, God does hate divorce, as He hates other things (Proverbs 6:16–19). But we need to understand why, and the reason is revealed as God’s Word tells us that divorce causes one’s garment to be covered with violence. In other words, divorce is a violent act. We may not immediately think of it that way. In fact, many of us probably witnessed a divorce where both parties parted ways amicably.
But make no mistake, divorce is violent because it separates what God has joined, and He hates that (Matthew 19:6).
There should be no reason, to want to divide what God has unified, especially when it comes to the institution of marriage, because it’s the one earthly relationship where God declares the two are now one in His sight, so much so that He considers it an act of adultery for a spouse to divorce without biblical grounds and move on to another mate: “Whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 5:32 NKJV).
Again, divorce tears at the fabric of God’s will, which is why He warns Israel (and us) against it in Malachi and Matthew. His objective is not to utterly condemn those who have divorced—there’s forgiveness and grace for all who’ve deviated from God’s will, including those who may have divorced without biblical grounds to do so. God’s objective is to remind us of His heart for marriage, how far-removed divorce is from it, and to love what He loves and hate what He hates
PRAYER: Lord, we open our hearts, to understand your perspective on every matter pertaining to marriage and we follow you meticulously. I'm Jesus Name, Amen
_____________________
Bassey Edoho
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Saturday, 5th September, 2020
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUBMISSION
(Gen. 22:6-9, Luke 1:38)
MEMORY VERSE: "And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word..."(Luke 1:38 KJV)
In our previous devotional, it has been established that submission is the act of yielding or giving way to something. As children of God, submission involves focusing on God while shutting ourselves out of other ungodly alternatives. For us to be effectively submissive, we must portray and have certain characteristics in our lives, these include:
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Trust
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Obedience and
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Surrendering
With these three, we can build strong convictions in us as followers of Jesus Christ.
Trust is putting all our hopes in God, believing without having any alternatives, fear, doubts or worries that everything is and will be alright no matter what is happening presently. We can all bring ourselves to the point where we trust Him fully. Look back at the Bible stories and recall people who trusted God, see the pattern of how God is incapable of disappointments. The three Babylonians - shedrach, message and abednego
- Daniel in the lion's den, to mention but a few.
Secondly, Obedience is humbly following a command without questions, and our opening scripture has Abraham in full obedience to God's instructions without questioning, murmuring or complaining. We have to come to a point where we push aside murmuring and complaining whenever we receive an instruction from God and learn to follow headlong.
Finally, For submission to be effective, we need to surrender our entire being to Him who formed us, because He knows what is best for us. Our memory verse portrays Virgin Mary surrendering fully to God's will and allowing God to have His way. We often sing "Have your way o Lord" while we continue to sort ways to fix things on our own.
Today the Holy Spirit is calling us to submit to God effectively by trusting, obeying and surrendering.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to trust, obey and surrender to your will in Jesus name Amen
Peace Harrison
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Friday, 4th September, 2020
HUMILITY, THE WATCH WORD
(1 Peter 5:5; Phi. 2:3-8)
MEMORY VERSE: “And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for God has had it with the proud, but takes delight in just plain people.” (1 Peter 5:5- MSG).
Humility is the disposition of your heart, that doesn't forget where you are coming from but acknowledges where you are today, it accepts the need for improvements and still knows that you are not the only one on that journey. Humility will not permit you to notice your importance at the expense of others, because you will continually see yourself as only an effective member of the body of Christ.
The devil, who was Lucifer, was not always the devil; he never planned to become the devil at first, but he became who he is today because he lost the virtue of humility. 1 Peter 5:5 tells us of how God takes the responsibility upon Himself to resist the proud. Meaning that a proud person does not just have the devil to contend with – God will also be a wall of resistance against such a person.
Come to think of it, if God (in the person of our Lord Jesus) was humble enough to be a man – suffered and died the death of a criminal – what excuse do you think you will have to be proud? In the kingdom of God, the greatest are the most humble. Jesus said in Matt 23:11 that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Humility is not only beneficial to the people under you, it is even more beneficial to you at a higher position. Because it will determine which direction your next move will be, up or down.
PRAYER: Father, I thank you for your word to me. I ask that you open my eyes, that I may see myself through the lens of your eyes and not through the eyes of pride in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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By Imoko Lubem
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Wednesday, 2nd September, 2020
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION
(Heb 5:8, Phil 2:3-8)
MEMORY VERSE: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8 KJV)
A newborn in the hands of the midwife cries innocently. At that moment, the baby doesn't choose who carries him/her as long as he/she is properly handled. A few times, some of us might have had the experience of trying to teach a little child (say age 6-10) something different from what was taught in school? S/he will boldly tell you "that's not what my teacher taught me". Even if his teacher was wrong, his/her sense of submission is dedicated to the teacher's authority.
With no intention to compare our lord Jesus Christ to a this little child, the events in Matthew chapter 4 are similar. Jesus, who had submitted his will to His Father, held his ground against Satan when he tried to change His stance.
Submission is the act of yielding or giving way to something. As children of God, submission involves focusing on God while shutting ourselves out of other ungodly alternatives. It is made of elements of trust, obedience and surrender. It is these elements that develop into strong convictions in us. Jesus, throughout His ministry, never really did anything of his own accord. He often asked the father to glorify himself through the son. Jesus trusted, obeyed and surrendered his life.
We also are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus; to present out body as a living sacrifice worthy and acceptable for the will of God. Like the newborn baby in the hands of an experienced midwife, God knows exactly how to handle us if only we will stay in submission to His will.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust, obey and surrender to your will so that deeper conviction of You may be birthed in me. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
.............................................
Muyiwa Felix
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Tuesday, 1st September, 2020.
SUBMISSION TO GOD'S WILL
( Ps 40:8, Matt 26:42)
MEMORY VERSE: "I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” (Psalms 40:8 AMP)"
We learnt yesterday that submission is not always convenient, especially when one has his own will or desires. Also submission is a deliberate act and must be cultivated consciously and intentionally through the power of the Holy Spirit.
To submit to God is still to give up your will, desire, proposition and yield to His will. This entails trusting in God; "Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding." (Proverbs 3:5 AMP)
Submission goes beyond obedience. The statement of submission at all times will be "your will is my command" or better still, "you're right I'm wrong". In submission to God's will, your will becomes secondary and God's primary.
Submitting to God Is not bargaining with God. Jesus, our great example, said in Matthew 26:42, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Even when it was unfavorable, He still took the cup; He submitted.
Submission to God's will is having faith in God. His plans are never to hurt us, even when it seems crude; we must have faith (Jeremiah 29:11). We must believe God has an exceedingly greater and better end for us.
Finally, in submitting to God, your brain does not play the role. You think differently from God, except He aligns your thought with His. Isaiah 55:8 makes that clear. You can never fathom out all of His thoughts and plans, and that's why submission is the only way to follow Jesus without reservations. At times, it may make no sense to us to only follow the leader (Christ) but just know that yours is to submit.
PRAYER: Help me get rid of my pride so that I may bring myself in subjection to your will at all times. Amen.
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Mokelu Rinnah.
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Friday, 28th August, 2020
TRUE EMPTINESS - THE ABSENCE OF GOD
(Jdg. 16:20; Jhn. 15:5)
MEMORY VERSE: "...For apart from me you can do nothing" (Jhn. 15:5c).
In creation, God brought forth fish by speaking to water and grass by speaking to earth (soil). But when it was time to make man, He spoke to himself, "let us make man in our image..." (Gen. 1:26). So, while fish has its root in water, and grass in earth (soil), man's root is in God. He, therefore, becomes empty when disconnected from God as fish dies when removed from water, and grasses wither when uprooted from the earth.
Samson had a Nazarite consecration from birth with 7 locks on his head symbolic of his connection with God as long as no razor touched them (Jdg. 16:17). Until the day the symbol of connection was shaved off his head on the laps of Delilah, he was full of incredible strength from God. He then became void of his divine endowment and as any other man, weak, because the Lord had departed from him.
A group of students was asked to peep into a tank and describe what they saw. All described the tank as being empty except one who noted that the tank was rather full of air (though invisible). This explains how emptiness could also be described as, being full of nothing (vanity). And so, one might be full of vigour, fame, wealth, and diverse abilities, if God is not a part of one's life, he is as empty as the tank; full of vanity.
King Solomon, after he had tasted pleasure, wine, greatness and fame, confessed thus: "vanity of vanities...all is vanity" (Ecc. 12:8). And that the whole duty of man is to fear God and obey His commands (Ecc. 12:13) as nothing in life gives true satisfaction than seeking after Him.
We are God's children and as branches hold tightly to the vine, we must remain uncompromisingly fixed in Christ and He in us. Until then, we remain empty, unfulfilled and fruitless; for without him, we can do absolutely nothing.
PRAYER: Dear Father, fill me up till I overflow. I submit all areas of my life to you; I leave no room for vanity.
Fabiyi, Sunday Oluwaseun
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Thursday, 27th August, 2020
DO IT FOR GOD'S GLORY
(John 15:8; Mat 5:16)
MEMORY VERSE:"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (St. Matthew 5:16 - KJV)
Just like it was stated in the previous devotional, "We are 'wasting' the Holy Ghost in us, if all we do after the empowerment we got, is to sit down and do nothing." We have been empowered to do something great. Like Jesus who was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good (Acts 10:38), we have been anointed too.
Every man has a measure of God's deposit in him. And the purpose of God's investment in a man's life, be it a talent or a gift or even his anointing, it is to bring glory to His name. Anything contrary to this will bring the man to the point of dryness.
You should always acknowledge your source. John 15:4 says, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me." Hence, you should always remember that your being productive is highly dependent on your connection with Jesus - The Vine.
The depth of your relationship with God will help you reflect him well. Knowing that God is not a hard man or a man who reaps where he did not sow, (like the servant who was given one talent in Matt 25:24 had thought), He will enable us not to bury what he has deposited in us. So "Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all." (Matt 5:13). Withholding that light can also make you fall into a ditch since you can't see well too.
Finally, our lives should point people to Christ in every dimension. If they see you, you quickly point them to Jesus, the one who has made those things evident in your life. This will make them give glory back to God.
PRAYER: Father, help me to acknowledge you in all things. Let my life point people to You and bring glory to You in Jesus' name. Amen.
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OBE Vivian Chinonyelum
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Tuesday, 25th August, 2020.
HOW GOD ANOINTED JESUS OF NAZARETH
( Matt 28:27, Acts 10:38)
MEMORY VERSE: ".....God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power. (Acts 10:38a. KJV).
Although the question in Matthew 8:27, 'The men in the boat were amazed and said, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him.”'
might have been rhetorical, the Memory Verse answers it. Jesus of Nazareth as fondly called had three things that made his ministry not just successful but also distinguished him from all other men.
1• The Holy Spirit
2• Great Power
3• God's Presence.
Yes, Jesus was man but no ordinary man; He was the word made flesh to bring salvation to men. He was sure about His anointing, and He never failed to exercise His power rightly in all things. Whenever any other power tried to exalt it's self above God, whether via sickness, possession, etc Jesus showed his far greater. So it is with us: God has given us the Holy Spirit and power to do all things, especially that assignment He has committed to you.
the anointing makes the assignment easier. Also, the anointing is not for competition but for God's work. You may not be able to do what someone else can, but you surely can do what you are anointed for. Come to terms with this and avoid unnecessary strife, envy and jealousy.
The anointing abides within. People make the mistake of going to look for it somewhere, when it's right within them. The anointing teaches all things, yes even what we term secular skills, business and more.
Learn to stir up the anointing that is already within you. You stir it up by praying in the Holy Ghost, meditating on the Word of God to get correct understanding of it, having divine fellowship with God and other believers, worshiping God in spirit and truth; and by doing the will of God.
PRAYER: May I exercise the anointing in me. Amen.
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Mokelu Rinnah
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Saturday, 13th June, 2020
DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD
(Hab. 3:17-19; Phi. 4:4)
MEMORY VERSE: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:18)
Every morning, it seems we wake up to continue where we left off previously. Challenges keep coming, from family, career, friends and so on (with more responsibilities and so does growth). When, regardless of our human efforts, those challenges persist overtime, they tend to get us down and depressed in hopelessness. Why? Because we feel like, "If we can't get this fixed then where is the hope? Where is the future and what becomes of it?" Then it becomes a bit tough to be happy.
Actually, it is easier to rejoice when things are rosy; when your finances are stable and there is a steady flow of income, when you are in good health, when your children and your spouse are doing well. The situation is not the same when the opposites of the above are what we get. Your ability to find joy in the midst of challenges in turbulent times defines your faith in God.
Habbakuk took out time to consider the awesome greatness of our God and came to an unwavering conclusion - to rejoice in the Lord no matter what happens (Hab. 3:18). Having learnt of God's ability, reliability, love and dependability, we can rejoice in Him always.
The just shall continue to live by faith, because the scripture says so (Hab. 2:4). Believers' joy is not a function of what human eyes can see. My joy should not be tied to any tangible thing that is here today and no more tomorrow. My joy shall continually be in the Lord in whom I rejoice.
I don't know what you're going through in life now. It may be tough and unpalatable, but you can rejoice through it all. Your relationship might be getting complicated and might have broken asunder, yet you can rejoice in the LORD and trust that He can give you a new beginning. Your wedding or your graduation may be delayed, still rejoice in the LORD.
Finally, strength and weapon are two different things, but you need both to fight and overcome. This world is a battle field, and believers are fighting everyday. Faith is your weapon and the joy of the Lord is your strength. If you lack this strength, your weapon of faith maybe useless in your hand. Therefore, rejoice always in the Lord: and again I say, rejoice!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I delight myself in you always in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Godson & Vivian Obe
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Thursday, 11th June, 2020.
THROUGH THESE WE BUILD OUR CONFIDENCE
(Psa. 27:1-6; 50:15)
MEMORY VERSE: "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me" (Psa. 50:15).
The world has become so complex that many are left in fear and confusion, not knowing where and who to run to.
Surfing the internet some days back, I came across an article on 'Suicide'. The story, which left me in awe, was of a young boy of around 19 years old who committed suicide because he felt he was neglected by people around him.
My emphasis is not more on his reason for suicide than where he sought help, counsel and motivation for it. According to the article, the boy stumbled on a website where people with like feelings of neglect, insecurity and rejection interact and seek solutions.
He explained his feelings and how that his sister received better treatment from their parent than him. And so, he was counseled to rape and kill his sister. But he loved his sister, he couldn't dare hurt her; his conscience would not let him. This worsened his problem and left him more depressed to the point of suicide.
Like this young man, many are confused and depressed, needing someone with whom to share their feelings and receive good counsel. Unfortunately, most of them were further exposed to fear. And fear, when entertained, leads to depression, hopelessness, intimidation and confusion, but those that build their confidence in the promises of God are safe.
We are in the times of global confusion and chaos, such that, only those whose confidence is built on the promises of God will stand. Joshua was able to lead the children of Israel to cross the Jordan and defeat Jericho because he encouraged himself in the promises of God (Jos. 1:6-8). David too was able to recover all that he lost because he encouraged himself in the Lord. On inquiry, he got a go-ahead from God who delivered to him all that he had lost (1 Sam. 30:6-8).
Our safety is guaranteed in the promises of the Lord; God honours his word more than his name. So we must learn to cling unto his promises in times of trouble. This is because, the world is full of turbulence, and many are, and will be, afraid of what will become of them. But we who have made the Lord our security and shield are safe.
PRAYER: Father, I thank you for your precious promises upon my life. Help me not to take my eye off your promises, in Jesus name. Amen
______________________
By Balls Akor Samuel
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Wednesday, 10th June, 2020.
YOU CAN TRUST GOD WITH YOUR PLANS
(Jer. 29:11-13; Pro. 16:1-3)
MEMORY VERSE: "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed" (Pro. 16:3 NLT).
Especially in the African culture, people have learnt to be secretive with their plans. They've had experiences of others, even friends and family, being envious of them. And so, they secretly make and execute their plans of progress.
Man cannot be trusted. Unless he submits to God's dealings, the imaginations of his heart are evil continually (Gen. 6:5). Even Jesus, when he was in Jerusalem, did not trust himself to the multitude that identified themselves with him, because he knew all men and needed no one to tell him what mankind is like (Jhn. 2:23-25).
It is also worthy of note that, your plans, aspirations and dreams are not also secure with you. Your plans can wreck, and your dreams never come true, even when all natural conditions work in your favour, and no man is working against your progress. This is because, "...all the foundations of the earth [the fundamental principles upon which rests the administration of justice] are shaking" (Psa. 82:5 amp). So life doesn't give you what you deserve, it gives only what you demand.
And so, you need someone who is greater than man, and not subject to nature. That person is God; you can trust him with your plans. You need not to be afraid because his plans for you are even better than yours for yourself; they are plans to do you good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11 NLT).
Beloved, only if we commit all our actions and plans to the Lord will they succeed (Pro. 16:1). There is no other option of success, breakthrough or fulfilment for us who have decided to follow Jesus than to trust him with our all.
Therefore, begin to trust God with your plans today. Take them to Him in prayer, for He has promised, "Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you" (Jer. 29:12 amp).
PRAYER: Dear Father, I trust you with all my plans (mention as many of them as you can remember). Align them to your will and make them prosper in Jesus name.
By Fabiyi Sunday Oluwaseun
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Tuesday, 9th June, 2020.
YOU HAVE A HIDING PLACE
(Psalm 94:22; 119:114)
MEMORY VERSE: "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word." (Psa. 119:114).
There will be no need of a hiding place if there is no danger; it is danger that makes one look for a place of refuge. And so, without a predator, nothing falls Prey. Similarly, because of Satan, man's arch enemy, there is need to seek refuge in God.
Until one's security is guaranteed, they cannot enter their bedroom and sleep fearlessly. And only in God can we have such an uncompromisable security because He has promised, saying, "... do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10).
It is only the chick or baby bird that quickly runs under the mother's wing for refuge on sighting a hawk that is safe. We must all run to Jesus, the only security we need for survival and rescue. He will cover us with his feathers and shelter us under his wings, and his faithful promises will shield and protect us (Psa. 91:4).
If you're living a life without Jesus, it's a dangerous life you are living, because your adversary, the devil, is roaming about seeking who to devour. If he finds you careless, he'll take you carelessly. And if you expose yourself, he'll exploit you. The Psalmist understood this, and prayed, "keep me as the apple of your eyes, hide me under the shadow of your wings" (Psa. 17:8).
Finally, brethren, "he who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psa. 91:1). Therefore, lay aside every uncleanliness and stick to Jesus, the author of life. Come hide under the canopy of Christ, the only security you need.
PRAYER: Dear Father, help me not to leave my hiding place in you, in Jesus name. Amen.
________________________
By Arigwe, Peter
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Monday, 8th June, 2020.
THERE IS A TOWER FOR YOU
(Pro. 18:10; 91:1-2)
MEMORY VERSE: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil]" (Pro. 18:10 AMP).
For the past six months, from December 2019, the entire earth has been in agony of a deadly disease which has affected almost every country, with over 6 million infections and more than 500 thousand deaths, especially in the developed countries. Continents of the world, their countries and citizens; every creature, is in quest for security, shelter, solace, shield, sickness-proof or a stable rock of protection against this devastating disease, the corona virus.
No discovery has yet been globally endorsed as absolute solution, not even by human intelligence, high status or very big bank account. A tentative date between September and October which was later shifted to December 2020 has been set to totally curb the pandemic. But they are all speculations; there is no assurance of positive result. Even countries that did not believe in God now look upwards for some semblance of God and hoping that He will show mercy and intervene.
From the beginning of creation, God made it very clear that He is the creator of everything including man. He counselled Adam and Eve to depend on him in obedience for their own good and grow as Godly people, but the devil deceived them. So they lost all of the fatherly and faithful care they were getting, and they vacated the garden of Eden into a territory of death, danger and decay.
The moment they left Eden, there was no more insurance or intimacy from God. No one else, not even the technology of their time, could provide for them the security, shelter, or safety that God had actually provided them with, in the garden.
In other words, without God man had become a victim and prey to all the wild animals, extrem climates and natural disasters. He had also become a target of his fellow man through quarrels, robberies, kidnappings, rape, wars, etc. The security forces were created to protect and prohibit all these horrible and harmful crimes, which often leads to death, but they have not achieved much.
During the Second World War, over 28 million people died. From the tsunami disaster, about 1 million people died and were rendered homeless. And today, it's the deadly corona virus.
But God in His grace and Mercy has provided a perfect and permanent place for our protection and provision. It's in Jesus Christ, the one of whom the old testament prophets prophesied (Psa. 23; 91:1-3, Pro. 18:10). And in the New Testament, he (Jesus) confessed it by declaring that he is the Good Shepherd, ready to sacrifice his life from here to eternity, which is in heaven.
To have this security and safety, you must first be saved by giving your life and heart to Jesus. The name of Jesus is our Savior and strong Tower, our pilot to Heaven. He gave his body and she'd his blood to grant us this favour. So, don't be scared, you are covered by the blood of Jesus.
PRAYER: Psalms 91
________________________
By Mokelu Rinnah
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Sunday, 7th June, 2020.
LET THE TRANSFORMED BEAR THIS IN MIND
(Gal. 5:16,25; Rom. 8:8-9)
MEMORY VERSE: "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives" (Gal. 5:25).
I was told the story of a young man who was about driving out with his friends when his mother asked him not to forget to pray, inviting Jesus to journey with them. "The seats are all occupied" he jeered, "He (Jesus) can take the boot", and off they zoomed. They soon had a fatal crash and everyone died. The vehicle was squashed beyond recognition, but the boot was perfectly in shape, leaving the crate of eggs in it intact.
Our fleshly tendencies did not dissapear when we believed in Christ; they are still with us. Only that we are no longer subject to their control, but to the control of the Holy Spirit who now lives in us (Rom. 8:9). So we have the choice to let the Holy Spirit guide our lives, so we won't be doing what our sinful nature craves (Gal. 5:16).
While the devil could not talk many out of their faith in Jesus as saviour, he has kept them from being subject to Him as Lord. Though having the Holy Spirit in them, they chose rather to cooperate with the flesh and displease God (Rom. 8:8). We are sometimes like that; we live as if the Holy Spirit who indwells us is incapable of effecting positive change in us.
But if you have made a choice to let the Holy Spirit guide your life, then you must be willing to submit all areas of it to him. He doesn't want a part of it, he wants all. "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives" (Gal. 5:25 NLT).
The story above might be fictitious; to teach some moral lessons, but perfectly illustrates what God wants you and I to bear in mind henceforth. Aside the lives that were lost, the vehicle cannot be driven anymore; not even the boot that is still intact. So, if only a part of you is under the Spirit's control, you are still not safe. You can't be kind but impatient, humble but lustful, meek but unforgiving, generous but jealous, and so on. God can handle all of you, if you will let Him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, I choose to live by the Spirit. Help me to submit every part of my life to your leading in Jesus name.
By Fabiyi Sunday Oluwaseun
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Saturday, 6th June, 2020.
IF YOU HAVE DECIDED
(Luk. 9:59-62; Rom. 8:38-39)
MEMORY VERSE: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers...shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:38,39 KJV).
Now that you've decided to follow Jesus, have you made him Lord over your life? Search your heart and find out if there's any thing or any area that is yet to be brought under his Lordship.
Kenneth Hagin shared in one of his books, how some ministers of the Gospel told him that they were afraid of allowing God to be Lord over their lives; they feared that God was going to send them to the mission field.
Many of us are like that. We recognise Jesus as God and Savior but we don't want him as Lord, because we fear that He may ask what we may not be willing to give.
We must know that God loves us and would not want evil to befall us. Infact He cannot do us evil. Whatever He demands of us is an avenue for us to express what He's endowed us with. It always would be a demand geered towards kingdom expansion.
God's word says, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Rom. 8:32). If God can give us all things, why then do we hold back?
Some human rights activists and religious extremists around the world have given up their very lives, with nothing in return, for the cause they believed in. But for us, it's most likely God won't even ask for our lives. Then, our monies, bodies, convenience and time shouldn't be too much to give to the one who didn't hold back His dearest as a gift to us?
PRAYER: Lord, help me to surrender all.
________________________
By Roseline Shekogaza
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Friday, 5th June, 2020.
IT'S TIME TO RIGHT THE WRONG
(Heb. 12:12-13; Jhn. 5:14)
MEMORY VERSE: "But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you" (Jhn. 5:14 NLT).
The World Health Organisation found the global average life expectancy in 2016 to be 72 years. And in 2020, statistics revealed the life expectancy of an average Nigerian to be 54.81 years. It means that an average Nigerian will be no more by 55. Yet, many die even before their 50s.
However, we who have put our faith in Christ are not bound by the world's life expectancy; we have a promise of a long and satisfying life. But we must learn to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom (Psa. 90:12). Everyday draws us closer to the grave, leaving us with another opportunity to set right the wrongs of our lives.
A man once had an encounter with Jesus that changed his life for good. Jesus had only one charge for him the next time they met, "Now you are well; stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you" (Jhn. 5:14). The charge has not changed for everyone of us. It is God's desire for us to stop indulging in sinful acts, else something even worse may happen to us. And what can be worse than the loss of heavenly reward or the eternal torment in the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20).
Perhaps you were standing right, but got weary at a point and compromised. Maybe because you felt the results you got weren't worth the sufferings and sacrifices, or for some other reasons. It's not too late now to take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees (Heb. 12:12).
Therefore, look inward, search out the wrongs, and make them right. You can quit stealing, lying, sexual imorality, malice, envy, gossip and so on. For each person is destined to die once, and after that comes judgment (Heb. 9:27). Tomorrow may be late; now is the time to call on God for help to make right the wrongs.
PRAYER: Father, I have heard your word and I am willing; help me to make right the wrongs in my life in Jesus name.
By Fabiyi Sunday Oluwaseun
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Thursday, 4th June, 2020.
IT'S TIME TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS
(Pro. 17:17; 27:17)
MEMORY VERSE: "You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another" (Pro. 27:17 MSG).
I have found this saying to be true, "Whenever God wants to help someone, He does it through the instrumentality of a man". The same can be said of the devil when he wants to bring someone down. The company with whom we surround ourselves will go a long way to determine our victories or defeats. It is said that, no friendship will ever leave you the same; it will either add or remove from you.
We see in the Bible, people who suffered loss because of the friends they had around them. Eve never considered eating from the tree God asked not to even touch until she got into the company of the serpent (Gen 3:1-6). Amnon lost his life because of the evil advice he got from his friend to rape his sister (2 Sam. 13:5; 28-29). Also, Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, lost the right to rule Israel because he surrounded himself with the wrong company (2 Ki. 12:1-20).
There were also others who were blessed because of the company they kept. Men like Daniel, Shedrack, Meshack and Abednego were strengthened by their friendship to stand against evil in the land of Babylon (Dan. 1:11; 3:12). Jesus had to carefully select the people with whom he worked while on earth. Even to some who came close, he did not commit himself because he knew what was in their heart.
To love everyone is a command, but to be friends with anyone is a choice, so be deliberate about the company you keep. Don't just accept anyone who tries to force themselves on you as friend.
God always seeks to keep us from the wrong people and connect us with the right ones. Unfortunately, the devil is battling hard in the contrary. So, by the friends we keep, we are either assisting God or the devil in fulfilling their agenda for our lives.
So true is the saying, "show me your friends and I will tell you who you are". I think this to be more true, "show me your friends and I will tell you who you will become".
PRAYER: Father, examine my friendships. Separate from me those that are not fit for my future and unite me with those you have assigned to cross my path in Jesus name. Amen.
By Imoko Lubem
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SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Wednesday, 3rd June, 2020
WHEN YOU CHANGE YOU
(Jer. 26:13; Acts 3:19-20)
MEMORY VERSE: "But if you stop your sinning and begin to obey the Lord your God, he will cancel this disaster that he has announced against you." (Jeremiah 26:13 - KJV)
People who are agents of transformation to their immediate environment and their generation at large begins so with themselves, and it is a deliberate thing. Every transformation or change starts from within.
When a man changes, either to become better or worse than who he was, everything around him reacts to the change. People tend to draw close or withdraw from a man because of the character he has developed overtime which becomes his attitude. God also deals with us based on our inward motives because that is actually the basis for our actions.
However, when we are faced with some challenges, It's easier to look outward than inward. Whether it be a solution to a problem or the cause of a problem, Just like Adam blamed the wife and the wife blamed the serpent, the trend has always continued even in this present times. We tend to blame or point an accusing finger at someone rather than seeking to know where we got it wrong, and how to obtain solution from the right source.
For any change to take place in your life, you need to come to a point of discontentment with your old ways. God has never rejected a man that comes to him with a sincere heart; a person who indeed desires to turn from his ways. He is always true to his word. (Isaiha 1:18; 55:11) I don't know the kind of change you desire in your life. All you need do is to "turn". Stop looking elsewhere, look to God who is able bring the best out of you. He will give you times of refreshing. You will become like a city set on a hill whose light cannot be hid, and people will come to the brightness of your rising. Do not delay anymore, come to Jesus - The unchangeable changer, and He will do a new thing in your life.
PRAYER: Father, I repent of my old ways and come you for a transformation. Change me so I bring about a positive change to my generation in Jesus' name. Amen.
Reference scriptures: Gen 3:12-13; Psalm 51:17; Matt 5:14
_________________
OBE Vivian Chinonyelum
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Tuesday, 2nd June, 2020.
YOURS THE NARROW WAY
(Mat. 7:14; 2 Tim. 4:10)
MEMORY VERSE: "But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only few can find it" (Mat. 7:14).
The popular way of doing a thing does not make the thing right. And because everyone chooses to go in a particular direction does not make it the right direction. Life is funny in the sense that, the popular seems to be the right and the unpopular, the wrong. But it happens that the unpopular, in most cases, turns out to be the right option. So, don't join others just because they are the majority.
The easiest things to do are the popular things; it's easier to do wrong than right. This is because man's original nature is sinful. The nature of God (righteousness), which is the narrow path, is new to man. Hence, adapting to it will require relying on the grace of God. Human strenght will fail because, "...by strength shall no man prevail" (1 Sam. 2:9).
In the kingdom, one must follow the narrow path to earn the crown. The narrow path represent a life focused on pleasing and glorifying God rather than self; a life dedicated to God and His kingdom.
The kingdom life is not an easy one. The Holy Spirit is needed to help because persecutions, frightening challenges, satanic distractions and so on, will confront you. Nevertheless, with determination and an understanding of God's dealings, you can choose the narrow path.
Sometimes ago, I watched a movie titled "Pilgrims Progress _(journey to heaven)_". It illustrates how, by God's mercy, a believer becomes free of the burden of sin and looks away from challenges and distractions along his journey to heaven.
In the kingdom, the broad path doesn't lead to life, the narrow path does. And because the narrow path is a process, we must remain focused and determined until we arrive the final destination.
PRAYER: My Lord and Father, grant me the grace to remain in the path of righteous.
_________________________
By Balla, Akor Samuel
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SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Sunday, 31st May 2020.
IT NOT ENOUGH TO HEAR GOD- UNDERSTAND HIS WORD
( Dan 12:8, Prov 19:2)
MEMORY VERSE: "Willingness and stupidity don't go well together. If you are too eager, you will miss the road."
(Proverbs 19:2-CEV)
Today is Pentecost Sunday, a day we reflect on the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit. After the Ascension the apostles were powerless, hopeless, and vulnerable, and so waited patiently for the one who will give them power to understand all of God's word.
They walked with Christ, heard his teaching and were willing to carry out the great commission, but they also knew it was not something to just rush into so they waited for the power to understand and teach the word.
That power is the Holy Spirit.
Most often we are only eager to hear but reluctant to understand what God is saying to us. it's one thing to hear is another to understand, when we only hear we carry out the instructions wrongly.
Yes one might be willing but the memory verse says it's not just enough, there must be understanding and not just assumptions.
To understand is to:
-
Know the thoughts of God. This we can't without the holy Spirit. 1Cor2:11.
-
Wait patiently, Acts 1:4. The extent of your vulnerability is what determines your longing for knowledge. A hungry teen home alone will find something to eat, but a hungry toddler cannot but will wait for the mother.
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Pray. Prayer is cultivating friendship with God. When the disciples came to realize that prayer was Jesus source of inspiration they said to him "teach us to pray". There's a difference between having the spirit of Prayer and habit of Prayer.
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Ask. In Dan 12: 8 we see the Prophet Daniel being perplexed abt what he had jst heard from the angel and hence he asked for clarification.
Finally Hearing from God could engender a lot of enthusiasm on our part but if we fail to comprehend what He is saying to us we will most likely jump the gun or act hastily(Prov19:2).
PRAYER Prayer: Lord I thank you for ur love and faithfulness towards me, pls grant me the grace to not only hear you but understand what u are telling me so that I can act in accordance with ur will in Jesus name. Amen
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SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Saturday, 30th May, 2020.
HE MEANT DEAD BUT THEY HEARD ASLEEP
(Jhn. 11:11-14; 1 Thes. 4:14-15)
MEMORY VERSE: "They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died" (Jhn. 11:13 NLT).
Not only on one occasion was Jesus' statements misunderstood. We read in yesterday's devotional how his "temple" was misinterpreted as a physical building. And today, it's "sleep" they heard when he meant dead.
Jesus bade his disciples to return with him to Judea to wake his friend, Lazarus, who had fallen asleep. But they objected. "...only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you...", they said, "Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!". Seeing they did not descern his words, "he told them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead'" (Jhn.11:14 NLT).
Thank God Jesus was there to interpret his words to them. We also often fall victims of misunderstanding God's word; hearing one thing when He meant the other. For example, He might say, "wait! Not yet", but all we hear may be, "No". We must therefore rely soley on the Holy Spirit, the revealer of the truth, to hear and understand exactly what God's word means.
The implication of Jesus' statements above on us was captured in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian church. "And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died" (1 These. 4:13-14 NLT).
Dear brethren, there is hope for us; physical death is mere sleep from which we would awake when Jesus return. It's a privilege only for those who would keep the faith till the end; there is no resurrection for those who sleep without Christ.
Jesus obeyed the Father to the end; when he died, the Father raised him. Lazarus was loved by the Son; when he died, the Son raised him. If we keep the Father's faith in the love of the son, through the power of the Spirit, we will live with Him forever. Amen.
PRAYER: Father, help me to keep the faith till the end, so that I can partake of the resurrection on the Lord's return.
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Friday, 29th May, 2020.
THEY HEARD TEMPLE BUT HE MEANT HIS BODY
(Jhn. 2:18-22; 1 Cor. 6:19-20)
MEMORY VERSE: "Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (Jhn 2:19 KJV).
A song I heard says, "God who is so big as to have the earth as his footstool lives in us". Divinity lives in us. It is a blissful, mind-blowing reality; a great privilege to host the very God of the universe!
Our bodies are temples. When Jesus referred to a temple that, if destroyed, will be raised in three days, his disciples didn't understand he meant his body. They found it difficult to grab the truths he was trying to pass accross because he spoke most times in parables and some of his utterances were masked in expressions that couldn't be discerned logically.
Even today, we may miss out on the underlying truths in the word of God if we rely on studying and interpreting it logically.
They destroyed his body- his temple. But in three days, he arose. Yes! he arose. Logic cannot reconcile how a man who has been dead for three days can arise. Athiest may laugh at us for believing something that seem stupid. But He arose!
Although science and philosophy might find explanations to counter the possibility of such a thing ever happening, we will never keep quiet about a Savior who died and arose. His temple was destroyed by men, but God raised him up from the dead.
Believers in Jesus Christ now have eternal life; though we die physically, we will arise on his return at the Resurrection - just like He also arose from the dead.
PRAYER: Thank you Jesus for dying for me in faith that the Father will raise you up.
_________
By Roseline Shekogaza
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Thursday, 28th May, 2020
THE DIVIDE - ABOVE VERSUS BENEATH
(John 8:21-25; 3:31)
MEMORY VERSE: "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. (John 3:31 - KJV)
There is a reason for obtaining a means of identification in any organization, it is to differentiate staffs from non staffs. No military man goes to war without wearing a military uniform. You would slap an army officer in Innocence, but wouldn't try that when he is fully kit in his uniform.
The above illustration is to emphasize that in everything there is always a "Divide"; a line of separation between the accepted and the rejected ones. You are either of the above or below.
How do I know if I belong to "the below"? Those who are from below are of this world. People of this world are those who doesn't believe that Jesus is the Savior, those who doesn't acknowledge the saving grace of our Lord Jesus. "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (Jn 8:24). ".........but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18). Salvation is not by assumption, it is by conviction. It is not by service (working for) it is by fellowship (working with). Examine yourself, are you of the above or beneath?
It is possible to once be of the above, and end up with the below. That is, If we don't consistently take heed less we fall. No man can reign with the Father above if he is not clearly of the above. You can't serve two masters.
In conclusion, no one is without a partner. It is either you are in partnership with God or the devil. The difference is this: you enter into partnership with God consciously, while you can enter into partnership with the devil unconsciously.
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, help men to be counted among the choosen. In Jesus' name Amen.
_______________________
Foluke Damilola Oluwasegun
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Wednesday, 27th May, 2020
NOT LEAVEN - HE MEANT HYPOCRISY
(Mat 16:5-12; Luke 12:1-5)
MEMORY VERSE: "In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." (Luke 12:1 - KJV)
Hypocrisy is the practice of claiming to have higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case. Leaven is a substance - typically yeast, that is used in dough or otherwise bread to make it rise. Actually, Jesus was saying that you should beware of things that make you give a high opinion or impression of yourself than you should. You will be tried by the false standards you set to impress men. When you fall short of such standards, you make mockery of yourself.
Consider that someone thinks to be more spiritual than others; they are a hypocrite, because the one who is spiritual is 'dead to comparison' and anything that encourages the flesh. The danger of hypocrisy is that it always ends up in disgrace.
In Jesus' days, the ego of the Pharisees and Sadducees was brought to naught because they were claiming to live above their standard (Mathew 23:25-28).
One of the ways to deal with hypocrisy is to open up oneself to the accurate knowledge of the Lord. The problem the pharisees had, which many Christians still have today is that they claimed to know the Lord, but they didn't know him for real.
The disciples of Jesus encountered a similar problem too. Jesus asked them in Mathew 16:15, "But who do you say that I am?" Do you really know the Lord or you just recited the sinner's prayer like a ritual and go about your life like that? Who is the Lord to you? The word, "Lord" means Master. Is Jesus actually your Master? Don't be quick to say yes, because if indeed He is your master, then it should reflect in your actions.
When it comes to making critical decisions about your life, do you decide and then tell Him or do you tell Him and let Him decide? Total surrender is the language of one who has Jesus as their master. When Jesus is indeed your master, being a hypocrite won't be a thing to reckon with. You may be mistaken by men, but when they see your light – the genuineness of your faith, they will be convinced by your rising (Isaiah 60:3).
The fear and the Love of God are the strongest antidotes to hypocrisy. When you love someone genuinely, say your spouse, you try to be real with them, especially when you know that the person knows all there is to know about you. There is no need to pretend! You don't have to try hard to impress them by giving a high opinion of yourself. Therefore, you don't need all that in your relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, many believers become hypocritical because they don't have any intimacy with the Holy Spirit. The Best way to establish a relationship, that intimacy is to be intentional with your knees in the secret place, not because you want to show someone that you can spend hours with God but to show the Lord that you Love him enough to spend that length of time in His presence. When the whole reason of being a Christian is to escape hell then they are a spiritual fraud and a hypocrite. for no hypocrite will make Heaven because Hypocrisy is synonimous with lying.
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to love you for real and to be intentional about living for you. In Jesus' name Amen.
_______________________
Ebuka Emmanuel Nnamani
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Tuesday, 26th May 2020.
MONEY VERSUS LOVE OF MONEY
(Eccl. 10:19; 1 Tim. 6:10-12)
MEMORY VERSE:" For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Tim 6:10 (NIV)
Money is a tool, a method of exchange: something you give someone in exchange for something else.
Its undeniable importance in our daily lives means that the enemy does all he can to rob people of a true understanding of money.
As Ecclesiastes 10:19 says, “A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything”.
The author of Ecclesiastes points out that money is involved in every aspect of life.
The Bible does not say that money is the root of all evil, but talks about “the love of money".
The key issue with money as addressed in 1 Tim. 6:6-12 is the state of our hearts:
What we desire,
What we pursue,
What we live for, and
Whether our hearts are set on things above, where Christ is, or on material things of this earth.
In this passage, the apostle Paul tells us to desire God and all the things of God. He instructs us to pursue holy things with great passion, rather than setting our hearts and affections on wealth and riches.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have money, earn money, save and invest money, enjoy exchanging money for what we need or desire, or otherwise become involved in financial things, but it does mean that we cannot be emotionally attached to money.
Conclusively, however God blesses you, worship the giver and enjoy His gifts, always remaining sensitive to how He calls you to give back and bless others. And when you submit your finances to His Lordship and obey everything He says to do regarding money, your heart will be freed to center on Jesus,where it belongs.
PRAYER Lord, we submit our hearts to you. We make money and use it as a tool to finance your kingdom but, we receive grace to constantly and consistently put the state of our hearts in check, in Jesus name. Amen
..............................
Bassey Edoho
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SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Monday, 25th May, 2020
UNDERSTAND GOD BEYOND HEARING
(Isaiah 6:9; Prov. 2:1-5)
MEMORY VERSE: "Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:5 - KJV)
The tendency to believe everything has always been one of the characteristics of a child. He may not be so much bothered about the authenticity of the information, whether it be true or false, good or bad. And most times, it can be quite challenging to make the child unlearn these things if he has grown with it, except if he personally comes to the knowledge of the truth.
Apostle Paul said, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11). This shows that there is a point where every child needs to be a man, and then he aught to put away childish things and discover realities for himself. This reality however can only be found in God.
The Berea Christians sought to know the truth by not just going by what they where told; they search the scriptures to make sure those things were so. Thus they were not easily tossed by divers winds of doctrine.
The basis of every understanding is knowledge. And knowledge requires
devotion. The verses preceding our memory verse gives the precept to follow in order attain the fear of God and the knowledge of Him. It is stated as follows
-Accept God's word and store his command within you
-Turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding.
-Cry out for insight and understanding.
- search them as you would for lost money.
Finally, God is near to anyone that seeks him and calls on his name. He is ever ready to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger for him if you are willing to grow in the understanding of who he is beyond what you were told.
PRAYER: Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Help me to grow in the knowledge of who you are in Jesus' name. Amen.
_______
OBE Vivian Chinonyelum
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Sunday, 23rd May,2020
JESUS IS INVITING YOU
(Matt 11:28-30; Isaiah 55:1-3)
MEMORY VERSE: "Come to Me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (John 11:28)"
I want to believe that we've all experienced having to carry a heavy load, either at the market, farm or home. Don't you just wish that there was someone present at that very instance to help you? Or have you ever been in a state where you were thirsty and had a long journey to make, most likely in the heat of the scourging sun? Don't you wish that someone would know exactly what you needed and offer you a drink, so you could find strength for the rest of the travel?
God's invitation is not defined on the invited, but on the Invitee's ability to satisfy the hunger of the invited. Matt 12:29 says, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke and learn from Me for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and I will give you rest".
Considering Isaiah 55 verses 1-2, you may wonder what kind of people are invited by the Lord – the thirsty who are broke and cannot pay, and the thirsty who think they can pay and work their way to satisfaction.
Water corresponds to the need for refreshment. When you are most thirsty, desperate and dehydrated, it’s water that you want, and nothing else. “He leads me beside still waters. He restores [refreshes] my soul” (Psalm 23:2–3). God invites you to receive refreshment, restoration, revival and a new beginning.
Milk corresponds to the need for ongoing nourishment. When someone is gasping for life, you give them water. But when you want a little baby to grow day after day, you give it milk again and again. Milk is for health in the long run. Jesus invites you not only to come alive with water, but also to be stable and strong with milk.
Wine corresponds to the need for exhilaration. We want to live and not die, strong and stable instead of weak or wavering. But that is not all we need in life. No matter how stoic, unemotional, phlegmatic, laid-back, or poker-faced we may seem to others, there is a child inside of every one of us that God made for exhilaration — for shouting and singing and dancing and playing and skipping and running and jumping and laughing.
God is willing to revive us from the heat of Death Valley with the miracle of his water. He us willing to make us strong and healthy and stable with the miracle of his milk to give us endless and ever-fresh happiness with the miracle of His wine.
God is daily issuing out invitations. The big question is, what will your response be?
PRAYER: Ever merciful God, we ask that the eyes of our hearts become open to recognise your diverse invitations, so we may accept them in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Bassey Edoho
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL Saturday, 23rd May, 2020
MASTER OF FRIENDS (John 15:13-16; James 4:4)
MEMORY VERSE: "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." (John 15:15) Someone has defined friendship as “knowing the heart of another and sharing one’s heart with another.” We share our hearts with those we trust, and we trust and confide in our friends, because we have confidence that they will use the information to help us and not harm us. They in turn confide in us for the same reason.
I’ve been thinking on the nature of my friendship with Christ ever since I last heard the hymn, “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Happily, I never have to wonder what kind of friend Jesus is to me. I just look to the cross of Calvary and the matter is settled. “Greater love has no one than this,” Jesus said, “that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
If real friendship is a two-way relationship, so, then is being a Christian. It begins with God initiating friendship with sinners, bringing us into relationship with him. Genuine trust in Christ is not a one-time intellectual transaction, but a dynamic ongoing relationship that Jesus calls friendship.
For Jesus, his own act of life-giving friendship is not the end of the story. He does not merely talk the language of friendship; he lives out His life and death as a friend and He commands that His followers do the same (John 15:12-14).
The commandment to love as Jesus has loved may be the most radical word of the Gospel, because it claims that the love that enabled Jesus to lay down His life for His friends is not unique to Him. This love can be replicated and embodied over and over again by His followers.
Finally, to keep Jesus’ commandment is to enact His love in our own lives. Jesus affirms the significance of this commandment by stating that His followers become His friends to the extent that they keep His commandment.
PRAYER: Father Lord, we bless you for being an amazing friend, who counted it a worthy sacrifice, to lay down your own life. We receive the grace to reciprocate your friendship, not just to you but to everyone around us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
__________________ Bassey Edoho
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Friday, 22nd May, 2020
WHY EVERY MAN SHOULD BELIEVE IN JESUS
(John 14:6; 3:18)
MEMORY VERSE: “Jesus answered. I am the way and the truth and the life, no man comes to the father except through me” (John 14:6- NIV).
Going through the memory verse for today, I wondered why Jesus presented these three qualities as the requirement that made him the only access root to the Father. Then the Holy Spirit brought to my understanding that these three qualities were the things man lost before he was chased out of the garden. So we will look at each of them in the coming paragraphs.
“I AM THE WAY”: this is a statement that depicts that there are many other ways, but their destinations will not lead to the father. Different attempts, beliefs and vices have been exploited by man, all in a bid to get back to God. Some as a result of frustration have looked to nature and science as their God. If Jesus tarries, more and more religions and beliefs will spring up in an attempt to fill up the void that God alone can fill in a man. The same frustration was expressed by the Samaritan woman in John 4, when she asked about the ordained place assigned for worship. Glory to God Jesus who came with the answer. In fact, He was the Answer.
“THE TRUTH”: The Holy Spirit reminded me that the tree man ate from in Genesis 3 was named "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." As a result of the increase in knowledge, there has been a commensurate increase in confusion. It is becoming more difficult for the world to tell when certain applications of a knowledge is evil. Consequently, the practice of knowledge outside of the Truth; you see a lot of atrocities happening. Look at how some persons are changing their gender, having sexual relations with animals and many others. All these only prove the fact that no matter the knowledge a man acquires outside of the truth, its application will be destructive. That’s why we have some professors who still abuse ladies, who are young enough to be their children or perhaps their grandchildren.
“THE LIFE”: The God life that was streaming from the depths of man’s spirit was also lost. Man becomes dry and separated from God. The absence of the God life in man introduces death in every layer of man (spirit, soul and body eventually). Only in Christ is that life restored back. Eternal life is not just about staying alive for eternity, because even those that will spend eternity with the devil will be alive while being tormented for all eternity. But it is God-kind of life at work in man, and that is why on earth we can even begin to enjoy eternal life (the God-kind of life).
In conclusion, we normally run away from one-drug-fix-all-kinds-of-sickness, but in this case, Jesus really is the answer for the dying world around us. Anybody that has not accepted Him has never experienced true life.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I believe in you right now, knowing that in you is my restoration, life and peace. Thanks for being all that you are to me in Jesus' name. Amen.
______
By Imoko Lubem
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Thursday, 21st May, 2020
HE JUDGES TO SAVE AND NOT TO CONDEMN
(John 8:10-11; John 3:17)
MEMORY VERSE: "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:17)
The purpose for which Jesus Christ came to this world was clearly stated in the Bible. In the book of Matthew, the Bible gave the story of the birth of Jesus, where the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, Jesus' biological father. The angel said, "and she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:20, 21).
Every man by birth is a sinner, for the fact that we came through Adam and Eve; we all have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, we're entitled to eternal death, for the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23a). Glory to God who out of His great love gave us Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son to rescue us from this eternal damnation, so that whosoever believes in Him can be saved from eternal death in hell fire, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (John 3:16). As death came to all man through Adam, so life came to all men through Christ. (1 Cor 5:20, 21).
Jesus Christ, therefore, came to this world to save as many as received Him as their personal Lord and Savior, to give them eternal life. In Him is salvation (Acts 4:12). God sent Jesus, His only begotten Son to this world. that we might be saved through Him. Therefore, He that believes in Jesus is not condemned, but he that believes not in Him is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God (John 3:17, 18).
If you are reading this devotional and you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you can do that now. Until you receive Him as your Lord and Saviour, you remain condemned. I congratulate you because Jesus Christ is ready to save you, if you can believe in your heart that He is the Son of God and that He died and resurrected to give you eternal life. Believe in Him, confess your sins before Him, ask for forgiveness with a repentant heart, forsake all your sins and ask Him to come into your life.
No matter the magnitude of your sins, He is not condemning you, just as He didn't condemn the woman that was accused by the scribes and Pharisees (John 8:10-11). Forsake your sinful life and determine in your heart to follow Him, then you are saved!
PRAYER: Oh Lord, I thank you for saving me from eternal death through Jesus Christ, your only begotten Son. Help me to cling to the salvation till eternity.
_____
OLORUNTOBI Solomon Orebe
Jesus leaves no one behind; He is a caring master that is not satisfied with the 99 that is doing well, when the remaining one is missing.
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Tuesday, 19th May, 2020
HOW JESUS DEFINES LOVE
(Luke 23:33-34; Mat. 5:44)
MEMORY VERSE: "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." (Luke 23:34)
Jesus' type of love surpasses all dictionaries' definitions of love. In general, one may say dictionary defines love as an emotional feeling, but Jesus Christ defines it as action. Until our love translates into action, it is worthless.
We live in a world where it's normal to love only those who love us, but Jesus Christ showed us a new and better way to love: He the most powerful one, yet so loving. Having set the love standard, He demonstrated it for us to follow (John 13:34). He was rejected by those He came to save, He loved them still. Nothing could stop Him from loving us, not even pain or rejection. Oh, how we look for a reason to take back our acts of kindness!
To love like Jesus, we have to love without a condition. "If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for this? Even tax collectors love their friends. If you greet only your friends, what's so great about this? Don't even unbelievers do that? But you must always act like your Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:46-48 CEV)
Let your love be characterised by forgiveness. When you love like Jesus Christ, you can easily forgive and forget wrongs. Hurts from a wrong done to you are forgotten, when you truly forgive and forget. Jesus forgave His accusers, even with nails in His hands (Luke 23:34).
Be driven by compassion: learn to step into others' shoes and feel their pain; that way, you'll know how best to relate (Heb 4:15).
Finally, there's a whole lot of people in need of Christ's love: that angry and arrogant colleague or neighbour might just be in need of love. You have all it takes to spread God's love, just do it!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant me the strength to love everyone like you do, in Jesus' name. Amen.
________
Mokelu Rinnah.
SOLEMN WHISPER DEVOTIONAL
Monday, 18th May, 2020.
JESUS THE REVEALER OF GOD'S NATURE
(Heb 1:2-3; Col 1:15; Luk. 9:55)
MEMORY VERSE: "The Son reflects God's own glory, and everything about him represents God exactly." (Heb. 1:3a)
God is orderly. He has values, character and a system of beliefs. And as His children, we are expected to be like Him. Having His Spirit dwelling in us, there is the potential to take after Him with respect to His nature.
Children born to good families where parents fear the Lord will definitely become perverse if they are exposed to environments where evil prevails. Although they have the DNA of good parents, they'll not turn out good because the ways of goodness have not been revealed to them. So they'll walk contrary to their root and origin.
The Samaritans once refused to welcome Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. James and John then sought permission to call down fire from heaven to burn them up. But Jesus' response was profound. "...he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of" (Luk. 9:55 KJV). It means one can be of a spirit and not know its manner. The manner (principles and modus operandi) of the nature of God that we carry must be revealed to us to be able to take after it.
Jesus is the only way by which we can see, understand and take after God. Jesus in bodily form came to radiate God's glory and express His character; everything about him represents God exactly (Heb. 1:3a). He is the visible image of the invisible God. We can't see God but we have seen Jesus; some saw him when he walked the earth, we see him today through the pages of the scripture.
We have God's nature but we need the nuture of Christ, the revealer of God's nature, in order to immitate God. So in Jesus' life, we see God as merciful, compassionate, gracious, holy, patient, peaceful, kind, faithful, gentle, etc. We can therefore take after Him.
God's nature in us is ineffective without the nuture of Jesus, the bodily revealer of God's nature. Study Jesus' life in the gospels and trust the Holy Spirit to reveal the Father to you through him.
PRAYER: As I look up to Jesus, I receive a revelation of the Father's nature so I can walk in it in Jesus name.
By Fabiyi Sunday Oluwaseun