Renew Your Mind Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sam Dollar
A Daily Walk with our Father. Renew your mind Podcast. Listen in as Sam and friends have chats with God, our Father through the pages of scriptures concerning our life as his children in the world.
Goliath seemed impossible, and David, a caretaker of a few animals. But a critical observance of both will reveal weakness for Goliath and strengths for David. It is amazing how we can see ourselves as grasshoppers in the face of Goliath and forget that we are on the side of the captain of the Lord's host
The same words of Goliath that paralyzed the Israelites were the same words that encouraged David to face him. Fighting the lion and the bear in the wilderness would have been a waste if David was not bold enough to face Goliath. Boldness not just to say yes to fight Goliath but to say No to the King's amoury.
Encouraging yourself in the Lord not only strengthens your faith but also heightens your sensitivity to hear from God. In challenging times, we need two critical things to endure: strength to persevere and divine guidance for the right strategy. Being able to discern God's presence and direction during adversity is essential for overcoming the trials of the evil day.
There is an evil day in everyone's life; a season that makes us feel like God does not exist, and even if he does, He is a liar. We must know how to encourage ourselves in the lord, we must know how to speak to ourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, making melody in our hearts to God. This is the strategy David found.
If the invited guests truly valued being invited to the banquet, they won't have made up such excuses, especially after accepting the invitation. We hardly truly appreciate God and His call the way we say we do, and it just takes one excuse for us to shove Him out of the driving seat of our lives. Consider God's call.
It's remarkable how God deals with us. Over the past 20 years, Joseph's life appeared to spiral downwards, yet God was with him. Despite being enslaved, Joseph thrived. We may find ourselves in unpleasant situations, yet they can be beneficial for us. However, because we often fail to perceive what God is accomplishing within us and for us, we sometimes become frustrated and miss Him. As for God, His ways are always perfect! Walk with Him.
Noah was to build a big boat, Moses to lead stubborn former slaves through the wilderness, and Abarahm was to leave his family and start a nation as a fatherless man. Never despise the call of God. It never really looks like a big deal, but in fulfilling it that we see the great destiny God has for us.
In Christ, we've each been extended an invitation from God. As we reflect on the journeys of Abraham, Moses, and Noah, we contemplate the divine call they received. Through Paul's teachings, we're urged to ponder the nature of God's call and the individuals He chooses, ensuring we don't overlook our own call. Let's heed the call and faithfully fulfill our purpose.
In Christ, we've each been extended an invitation from God. As we reflect on the journeys of Abraham, Moses, and Noah, we contemplate the divine call they received. Through Paul's teachings, we're urged to ponder the nature of God's call and the individuals He chooses, ensuring we don't overlook our own call. Let's heed the call and faithfully fulfill our purpose.
Sadly, it takes people on the verge of death for them to appreciate what is really worthy in life. The cares and the glories in life make us trivialize sincere relationships. Ruth had no business giving up her young life in her home country to be a stranger in another country. She did that because of the genuine relationship between she and an old woman whose life seems to be in a mess.
There are times when all we can see are the storms. There are moments all we can feel is God forsaken us. In those moments, May God grant us the strength to remember that he moved hevean and earth for us. He willingly gave up everything for us. He would rather die than to live without us. God cares
Does God really care? Why will Jesus be comfortably sleeping in the midst of the storms? Why did God watch Naomi lose her husband , two sons, and return home with nothing but her life and a daughter-in-law? If Jesus so cared about a wedding not running out of wine, He does care about everything concerning you.
We somehow think that because we are in God's will, it exempts us from storms. People think that because they are marrying someone in God's, we will have a smooth sail and not have to put in the work to make it succeed. Jesus told them to go to the other side, but there were storms. Storms are not indications that God doesn't care.
Why Jesus? Because He was the only one worthy to unlock the scroll with the seven seals. He was the only one who could pay the price we could not pay. He is the one who chose to lay down his life for us when we did not even know it was possible. He is the only one who found us worth dying for.
None of the people in the Old Testament had a full and accurate image of the Father. They even did not know God as Father but as Lord and at best as Friend. It is not surprising that people think God is the thief. Jesus came to give us an accurate and complete image of who God is. He gives and gives abundantly
The nature of the Father makes it impossible to see Him. Jesus, the exact representation of His being and the fullness of the God head bodily, provides us with a platform to have a father- child relationship with God. Jesus is the way and the door to the Father. Why Jesus? Without him, no one can access the Father
We mostly focus on the "moments" in life, forgetting the "ordinary" days that lead to those days. Everything that seems as though Gid just did sporadically is well planned orchestrated years before. Ours is to number our day and apply our hearts to wisdom in anticipation of the fullness of time for the manifestation of His generosity to us.
A glimpse into who God is can result in only one reponse- praise. The presidents of nations are referred to as "His or Her Excellency" not necessary because of their excellency but who they are. Our Father, as the uncreated creator, deserves our every praise. Be a Chronic praise giver for He is God!
Our Father is a worker. Jesus revealed that God has been working up until now, and he Jesus, works. No matter how physically exhausted Jesus was, he never failed to capitalize any moment to work the works of Him that sent him. It was this, that gave him satifiscation in life. For everyone who seeks to imitate God, he or she should appreciate the gift of work and be willing to exert himself or her to do and complete the work of He that sent them.
God had a habit of evaluating his work daily. Honesty to yourselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves. The people who accused the woman caught in adultery had the audacity to want to stone her because they were never a self- reflective person. The prodigal son made the right choice because he was honest with himself. How often do you assess every detail of your life?
In every living thing God created, he embedded in them the ability to reproduce after their kind. God is glorified in us bearing after our kind. He is a God of increase, and he expects increase from us. He is not interested in the two He gave you but the two more you added.
We tend to lose sight of the truth of how detailed and thorough God is in everything He does. We get surprised when we discover the thought and depth of brilliance in God's creation. This is because we somehow think that God just does things spontaneously, without a plan, and in a haphazard fashion.A study on the creation story reveals how God ordely created everything. Anything associated with disorder is alien to God
In our quest to imitate God, we do so as His children. Creativity is an aspect of God we need to copy in every area of our lives. Acknowledging our role as God's children, we have the responsibility of creating the life we want. We have what it takes to be contributors and not just consumers in this world through God creative ability in us
Never trivialize your life. Everything about your life is supernatural. You may be an orphan, so was Esther, you may not be so loved by your family members, and so was David or a Daddy's boy like Joseph. Regardless of the story of your birth, God has a future for you, and your hope shall not be cut short.
You need to accurately know the God you are living for. The quality of our walk with Him is determined by the quality of our knowledge of Him. He is the uncreated creator, the one who sustains all things yet is sustained by none but himself and the one without limit to his power. To the known God we serve.
Examining Naomi's life unveils a profound manifestation of God's expertise—meticulously orchestrating every facet and detail for one's ultimate good. From being an elderly woman devoid of family, land, and physical strength, she transformed into a grandmother, blessed with a wealthy son-in-law and an "ex" daughter-in-law whose love surpassed even her wildest dreams. As we enter this season, may you encounter a miraculous intervention that echoes the sentiment, 'Only God can do miracle' in the name of Jesus."
Noah walked with God. He valued what God valued. While everyone else thoughts were with only evil, and they were obsessed about eating, drinking, and marriage, he moved with godly fear to build an ark because God told him to. To walk with the Father is to agree with Him by valuing what He values.
Such words from God can be rely upon because God is faithful. To be faithful is to always present, to have the power to do and to remain the same. This is why admist contrary present circumstance we have peace and joy knowing that our end is the glory of the lord. Your hope shall not be cut short because God says so.
We get so caught up in the desperation for a great life that we forget all about God. If not for trouble that drives us to the place of prayer, we will have nothing to do with God. Fight the urge not to be a lover of self, pleasure, and money but of God.
Noah walked with God. He valued what God valued. While everyone else thoughts were with only evil, and they were obsessed about eating, drinking, and marriage, he moved with godly fear to build an ark because God told him to. To walk with the Father is to agree with Him by valuing what He values.
Give no room for familiarity if you want to walk with God. Abraham would have killed the Isaac if he did not maintain hear from the same God whi told him to sacrifice Isaac. Walking with God will require us to make sudden changes. This will require us to sustain the flexibility and humility in our hearts continually. He is a lion and a lamb. He is the beginning and also the end.
Nothing significant is achieved with passivity and shallowness, which includes walking with our Father. The life cycle of many friendships is brief because the parties include did not want to go deep with each other. The more we go deep with each other, the more meaningful the relationship and the more difficult seperatation is. Deep calls to those who are deep. There is always more, desire to want more.
To walk with God is to please God. Faith is to act accordingly only because God says so. Abraham moved because God told him to. Noah built an ark because God told him to. Moses went to face pharaoh only because God told him to. To walk with God is to do something because God told you to.
To walk with the Father will require us to walk in the light. To walk in the light is to be honest and open. Before a health professional can treat a condition, the patient will need to be honest and open about their history or activities leading to their current state in order to make an accurate diagnosis, same with God. No play acting if we will have to walk with the Father
Desiring to walk with the Father should be core to everyone who is a child of God. The starting point for everyone seeking to walk with God is brokenness; ground zero. Regardless of what you have achieved in this life, you must count it all but loss in order to walk with the Father.
We lose things we have toiled and labored for if we don't continue therein. If a pregnant lady gets tired in the 8th month, she terminates the baby she has gone through a lot for because she didn't continue in the 9th month. Continue in the truth, continue in God's love, and continue in fellowship.
Regardless of the successess choked yesterday, it will all go down the drain if what was done yesterday is not continued to be done today. Continue in faith, continue to serve, continue to pause, and continue to fight against temptations. Continue in them to see the results thereof.
Results come from continuity, and that result is sustained by continuity. Many great endeavors are no longer at the top or even exist because there was no sustained investment. Regardless of the past investment made in any relationship without a sustained investment nothing substantial will come out of it. Continue to dream, continue to give, continue to pray and continue to forgive.
The parable of the sower teaches us the importance of location. Every living thing has a unique environment that is key for its survival. God gave Abraham a specific mountain to sacrifice Isaac. The prosperity you are searching for will only be found if you are in the right place; God's will for your life. Where are you?
Many would have considered the younger brother to be ambitious and making strides while his older brother as one marking time in the father's house. Joseph was closer to fulfill prophesy as a prionser than in his father’s house. That which we are looking for can only be found in God's will. Find it and stay there
The younger son was having the best possible life, yet he felt like there was more he was missing out on. His desperation was so intense that not many days after he left home to a far away country. His desperation made him despise the amazing life he was having. He had everything yet felt like he had nothing.
The price to be a discple of Jesus is costly. Jesus says we need to say NO to ourselves, daily except the painful and shameful aspect of God's will for us and imitate him. Jesus did not negotiate with the rich young rule who had to sell everything inorder to follow him. Are you His disciple?
Where is your faith? A question Jesus asked his disciples regardless of the many miracles they had witnesses. We so easily displace our faith in Jesus and sadly for others they place their faith in a family background, education, politics or someone else. Many even place their faith in religious obligations but not in the person of Jesus. Place your faith in Jesus!
Jesus did not miss words when he made such utterances. And for us that have claimed to accept him not just as our savior but our lord, we must be careful to take heed to these words and let them be a reality in our everyday living. Do good to those that hate you.
The realities of life can make us question if it worth to living for God. Elijah and Asaph seem worned out when they notice how the evil prosper. However, God assures us that the sufferrings of the present age that we as his children go through are not worthy to compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. Indeed eye has not seen nor ear heard the goodies God has in store for us.
Elijah grew weary because he thought he was the only one in Israel not worshipping Baal. We tend to think everyone is messing up, forgetting that not everyone is a prodigal son and not everyone is a foolish virgin. There are "Noahs" "Calebs" and "Joshuas". There are good spouses, just employers, honest employees and helpful friends.
How can a man whose advice was compared to the counsel of God end up committing suicide? We are our greatest hindrance to our breakthrough and bitterness though subtle has a lasting crippling effect on what God can do in our lives
Bitterness causes us to fail to enjoy of the grace of God. It stirs up trouble in our lives and those connected to us and it defiles others. Regardless of the justifiable reason one may have to be bitter it destroys beyond what one would imagine. Get rid of bitterness.
How would a President react to find a picture of an animal in a state office with the inscription " His Excellency ..."? Idolary is ascribing something God made as God. The soldiers who witness the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, show to deny it because of money. Judas, Gehazi, Balaam and many others messed up their lives because they made money their idol. The idol of money is one we cannot afford to underestimate.
Idolatry provokes God's jealously. An idol is anything God gives us that we can't give back to him. It is what we sacrifice for that is not God. Idolatry is the most irrational act; despite the first hand experience the Israelites had they decided to worship a calf from jewelry God gave them and they made.
Listen to the other side before judging. It is no doubt that there are many circumstances we do not and can not control. However, some of the predicament people experience often leaves us wondering how there could be a good God ruling in the affairs of men. We forget that having a will is not only a privilege but a responsibility. How did the great king Saul have a terrible end to an amazing opportunity of being the first King of God's people?
It takes humility to be an imitator and it will cost you humility to enjoy anything and everything God has for you. If Jesus could not escape the humility test to be exalted neither will we. That great image of the future you have will cost you humility. Be humble!
There are many false teachers and prophets. We need to be attentive and guard jealously what we expose ourselves to. We need to realize the responsibility we have to ensure that we be no longer children toss to and from by every wind of doctrine
There are many false teachers and prophets. We need to be attentive and guard jealously what we expose ourselves to. We need to realize the responsibility we have to ensure that, we be no longer children toss to and from by every wind of doctrine.
The cruelty in this life can leave us feeling empty and hopeless. This causes some to fall into the lie that there is notthing left in this life. Sadly, this leads some to take their own lives. There is always something vaulable that remains. God is reminding us that He is a God of the remnant. Watch over what remains.
Prayer is common to all religions but unique for the Christian. It is the only religion (so to call it) that demands that prayer goes beyond a platform for making request and a meeting of an obligation, but an avenue to have a personal relationship with our Deity. Don't allow yourself to be too familiar with prayer that you despise the power therefore nor should you turn it into mere religious obligation.
A study on the first chapter of James reveals that no one just falls into sin. This is why we need to be on the constant look out concerning temptation.The people that witness the strange acts of God fell into the sin of unbelief. The couple that had a unique relationship with God fell into the sin of disobedience. The anointed Cherub that coverth fell. We are never above temptation, therefore watch.
We need to be attentive, observant, awake, take heed and be on the look regarding several aspects our walk with God. First of all, it's because we do not know the timings of God. We miss out on many good things God has for us, because we are not on the look out for God.
The eleventh book of Hebrews shows us some mighty works of faith. Many of us would not regard such acts as great faith. For us, faith is all about getting us food to eat and clothes to wear. People who don’t know God as father and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Be careless in His care
The calculations we do trying to figure out how things will work out makes us anxious and not trust God as we should. We forget that our ways are not his ways and though life may seem as a series of boring events, not so with a life committed to God. We will be amazed to know that every aspect of your life was ordered by the Lord. You end is glorious!
The Christian walk is a walk of faith. It is a life of completely trusting and fully depending on the promises of God. The creator of all things is your father and He is very concerned about you. As we remain in God’s love we need faith to careless in Him.
It takes faith to live joyfully. It takes faith in the truth that there is a God who reigns in the affairs of men and this God is your father. It takes faith to take no thought for your life and to care less in God's care. The Christian life is a life of faith.
To be slothful is to be unwilling to work or use energy to achieve something. For whatever God has called you for, you cannot afford to be lazy. Giants are impossible challenges for the slothful but opportunities for the diligent. Nothing other than failure is achieved by laziness
The person that allows patience to have her work in will be perfect. Every word from God will require patience on our part. Our walk with God is not just a walk of faith but of patience also. Allow patience.
The ability to excrete metabolic waste is a characteristics of life. A key aspect of our fellowship with God is, he prunes us of the deeds of the old man. It is injurious to our health not to excrete. Put off the deeds of the old man!
The desire for food is a sign of life. Believers struggle to feed on God's word consistently because they have no desire for it. Jesus' request from Peter (and to us by extension) after His resurrection was to feed the lamb and the sheep because, there is no alternate for what the word does in our life. Feed!
Growth is beautiful. No matter how lovely a baby is, every parents would be worried if their child always remains a baby, so is it with God. Growth is a sign of life and growing in your walk with God is a characteristics of being alive to God.
Movement is a characteristics of being alive. God told Moses and the Israelites "Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount". Many of us have failed to move when God has. Move!
Being alive to God; in addition to being sensitive to him, is to be in constant touch with him via prayer. Prayer is the platform through which we generate energy to respond to the promptings of God. Invest in prayer.
We were dead to God because of sin, enemies and traitors but thank God for Jesus. God in Christ Jesus gave us an opportunity to have a new and better relationship with Him. Sensitivity to Him is key if we are to enjoy the newness of our relationship with Him
We cannot afford to enter a new season without personnally spending time at the feet of Jesus. We need to make this investment to hear God's word for ourselves concerning the new year. His word will be light to our path and lamp to our feet - pay the price.
This season reminds us of God's gift to us. The gift that entitles us to enjoy a relationship with Him. The gift of access to God is one many have not fully appreciated and used. The beauty is that we access God not with feat as servants or friends but as His children.
God is not a respecter of persons but principles. God cannot be intimidated by anyone into favoring him/her. His generosity is without doubt and as long as we meet God on his terms He will crown our year with goodness and fill our mouth with laughter
Why most people take this truth for granted is amazing. To not reap whatever you sow will be a mockery to God. Jacob, regardless of the blessings of Abraham on his life, reaped in manifolds the seed of dishonesty he sowed.
It all went wrong when the anointed cherub allowed his heart to be corrupted. One main aim for all the lessons life will throw at us is to know who we really are; the state of heart. Proverbs say, "As a man thinks so is he". The contemplation in your heart defines you. Who are you?
One question life will always ask you is, “whose advise will you listen to?”. Whether we are aware of it or not, we are all influenced by people’s advice. Wisdom is in knowing whose advice you listen to and those to reject. Rehoboam failed this question, may that never be our story. Wisdom is the ability to know whose advice to listen to and those to reject.
There is a time for everything under the sun. As simple as this truth seems it determines to a large extent those that rise and those that fall. Gehazi missed it all because he took gifts at the wrong time. The sons of Issachar led the Israelites simply because they knew what ought to be done at each moment
Why was Samson with lady who has attempted to deliver him to his enemies thrice. We always seem to overestimate ourselves and think that we can surround ourselves with certain people and not be influenced by them. Just by not walking in the counsel of the unglody, nor standing in the way of sinners, nor sitting in the sits of the scornful we are blessed. The opposite happens to those who do like Samson
The little recorded about Vashit speaks volumes about the lady she was. Though very beautiful she need more to sustain what her beauty got her, which is wisdom. According James wisdom is easily entreated but Queen Vashit could not be entreated by 7 nobles to heed to the King
The bible can be referred to as the "past questions and answers" to life. The truths in the Bible among others are to teach us how to make right choices in life. It is not just about learning from what others did but also learning from the mistakes of others. Judas valued his relationship with Jesus, the uncreated creator for 30 pieces of sliver. Don't repeat the same.
Patience is as a result of a tested faith. A faith that is not tested cannot be trusted to guarantee results. In a quest to build whatever vision God has given us for this year, endurance and long suffering in addition to faith is what will get the vision accompanied
Not being fully convinced of our advantage as God's children causes us to abandon projects. One arsenal we take for granted is prophesies, so Paul had to remind the church not to despise prophesying.
We cannot afford to be naive regarding the several giants that seek to rob us of the energy and joy with which we will need to finish projects we start. Without even realizing our dreams remain dreams. Jesus at Gethsemane wanted to throw in the towel and so will we also want to be passive and even abandon projects we start.
The joy and energy with which we have dreams and start projects seems to be non-existent not long after. The characteristics of our Father is, He declares the end from the beginning and finishes whatever He starts. And as his, children we are to be imitators of God.
Jonah was so convinced of the mercies and grace of God that he knew God would have still found a way to save the land of Nineveh. We have to understand that we are never beyond the saving grace of God regardless of our deeds.
How fascinating it is that just these few words from the prophet Jonah was able to drive the entire land of Nineveh into fasting and repentance to seek the face of God. Sometimes we may feel reluctant to obey the commands of God but if we just do, the effect is always tremendous.
It is interesting how we only turn to God when we have exhausted all our avenues of help. God should always be our first point of call in our times of trouble.
It is interesting how Jonah decided to go contrary to the word he received from God yet he was bold enough to speak of his reverence for God to the men on the ship. As Christians, this is sometimes our disposition. Our thoughts, words and deeds must be in sync with the word of God.
He who controls your desires controls your life. This is why people are addicted to things they know very well is destroying them but can’t seem to do much about but succumb. Their desires have been held captive. God is instructing us that as His children, our desire should be set on heavenly things. It is our responsibility.
Jesus teaching us how to pray effectively tells us that our prayers must be borne from a genuine desire for what we want. Our desires are a voice before our father. The psalmist tells us that, for anyone who delights himself in the Lord, the Lord will give him the desires of his heart. Mark 11:24.
All the battles, frustrations, delays, denials and pain we go through is aimed at us losing our faith. Our faith in God is the most precious thing about our lives. The agenda of the devil is to make God look like a liar. Keep the faith no matter the scares life gives us. 2 Timothy 4:7
There is a race set before us. It’s a long race that many give up on but we cannot afford to. It is a race that we must finish regardless of how frustrating and tiring it gets. It’s a race we run with patience. Keep running! 2 Timothy 4:7
They are many metaphors that describes life, one of such was revealed to Timothy by Paul; life is a fight. There’s a good fight we have been called into, sadly; many are fighting the wrong battles. One primary fight we are to engage in with our all is to ensure that we live out God’s purposes for our life. 2 Timothy 4:7
Many people are not who they potray to be. People wanted to stone a woman for the very acts they also commit and worse. Sadly, many of us are not even genuinely aware of our own short comings because we hardly ever evaluate ourselves honestly. (John 8:9)
Exiting your echo chamber is a life-long journey of seeking Truth. As Christians we need to be consistent about what we believe and our actions. This is one way to guarantee a seat at the marketplace of ideas.
Doing the work of an evangelist is part of the job description of every child of God. Paul in writing to Timothy acknowledged that he may not have been called into the office of the evangelist but it does not stop him or us today from doing the work of the evangelist. (2 Timothy 4:5)
In our quest to engage other worldviews and exit our echo chambers, we should acknowledge that there are elements that go beyond the physical realm. We discuss the influence of the spiritual realm.
Life outside the father's house is as a prince living like a servant of servants. Sadly, some decide to suppress this truth just to live in a mess and a wasted life. The father is standing at the window of his house waiting for you to come, The father says come! (Luke 15:15, 16)
Engaging Competing Ideas - Part 2
We discuss how to Ask Questions. This is a very relevant skill in our social discourse in the marketplace of ideas. We provide some perspectives that will guide your engagement with competing ideas in order to accept or debunk new and old ideas.
The younger son leaving home was an act that had many implications. The parable of the loving father teaches us about the many things we never appreciate yet we enjoy just because we are in our Father's house. (Luke 15:17 - 18)
One of the qualities of our Father is that He is a giver of gifts. All His gifts are not just good but they are also perfect for us and the season we are in. Sadly, many of us do not recognize His gifts hence we neglect them to our own detriment. (James 1:17)
It is no surprise that God chose these lepers. They were people that God could trust with such an opportunity. They were people who could rise above their unfair predicament and serve out God's purposes for their lives. Can God trust you? (2 Kings 7:9)
Engaging Competing Ideas - Part 1
New and different ideas are sold consciously and subconsciously to us daily. We should be able to interact with people of different opinions as we exit our Echo Chamber. It can be an uncomfortable conversation but it is surely worthwhile. We also discuss how to evaluate ideas or worldviews.
It took God just four lepers to solve a massive economic crisis where mothers had to cook their children for food. Our weakness is not a limitation to God. (2nd Kings 7:3,5-6)
The story of the famine that hit Samaria makes us appreciate the influence of our decisions on lives connected to us even those unborn. The king of Samaria thought that God was against him when in reality it was God that would be delivering him. (2 Kings 7:1)
We interact with each other in our societies and so are our ideas. Can we arrive at a common yardstick to judge all things or do we leave things to what every people group or Echo Chamber holds as Truth? We discuss the idea of Truth being the foundation for our beliefs.
We always have the urge to call that person immediately we hear that news, good or bad. And for various reasons, these people may or may not be available and if even they are, they may be able to do very little about it. Not with Jesus, he is our ever present help in times of trouble. He is not just present but able to save. (Matthew 14: 29-30)
Echo Chambers always affirm one's opinions. In our bid to know how to engage opposing worldviews, we discuss how to live in an environment where we are deep-seated ideas and ideals are not always affirmed but face constant opposition.
Sometimes, we lose sight of the truth that we walk on water; experience the miraculous. This sadly causes us to take notice of the contrary winds instead of the one who said "come". It takes us being reflective to remember and appreciate all the times we walked on water without we even realizing. (Mathew 14:29-30)
Join Kofi Ocran, Sam and friends as we have a discussion on The Christian and The Echo Chamber; Being in this world but not of the world.
We discuss how Christians can comfortably engage people of different faiths or worldviews without compromising their own faith.
There is no limit to the number of times we have to forgive our offenders once they repent and apologize. The goal of the instruction from Jesus is not to give us an opportunity to increase sinfulness but to extend a hand of mercy because we may be found in the position of our offenders sooner or later.(Matt 18:21,22)
King Saul made life a living hell for David. He tormented his life and made it unbearable till he went to the grave. David had two grand opportunities to end Saul's life and put a stop to his misery. He chose forgiveness rather and tempted justice with mercy. (1 Samuel 24:19)
Humans beings are not perfect and hence forgiveness ought to become a necessity in our daily lives. If we do not forgive others their offences against us, God will not forgive us of our offences. (Ephesians 4:32)
Deciding not to work with what God has given you is not just an act of laziness but wickedness. Generations are riding on the profits from talents God has given you. Your life is not just about you; many lives are connected to yours.
Works based on the talents He has given. He is not coming for what He gave but the results of using what He gave; profits. "Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear MUCH FRUIT!" (John 15:8)
What is mostly called the parable of talents is a parable Jesus told to teach us a principle about the kingdom of heaven. Interestingly, the master just gave expect in return the talents and went on a journey without given out instructions. But the servants knew that the given of the talents was an expectation of the master on them. ( Matthew 25:14)
Acknowledgment through praise and thanksgiving is a way we make the faith we share in and communicate yield more results. Sadly, we are not aware of the goodies being in Christ grants us access to thus, we are not full of praise and thanksgiving. This is a reason for the relatively low output of our faith. (Philemon 1:6)
Without boldness you cannot enter the promise land. No matter the preparation and skills David had, timidity would have robbed him from taking down Goliath. The wicked flee when no man pursueth but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Be bold! (Joshua 1:9)
We are all a product of help both from God directly or God through men. David needed the help of Jonathan, Daniel, his three friends and you will need help. Never be too proud to accept help. Blessed is the man who has the God of Jacob as his help. (Mark 15:41)
The differences between those who achieve and those who don't are the little things the former does. Little things make big differences. This is what lazy people despise and hence accounts for the state of their life. (Proverbs 24:33)
The world is run by ideas of people; democracy, car, the internet, social media, etc. Creation and salvation was a God idea. The first thing about God that scriptures revals to us to imitate is His creative ability. (Ephesians 5:1)
Regardless of Daniel's family background, influence, comfort, wealth and really busy schedule he created the time to pray three times each day. This is what the other vice presidents knew was the secret to his excellence as a fellow vice president. (Daniel 6:10)
We can't afford to be passive in life and expect a desired outcome. Having regular periods of being left alone with God is a period where we exchange our weakness for His strength, our wisdom for His and our will for His. (Gen 32:24)
There must be periods in our life where you must spend time with God alone. It is a period of wrestling and a need for you to be honest with yourself. (Gen 32:24)
The season of the birth of Jesus was a season of intense spiritual activity occurring in the midst of a normal day. However, only few people were aware of what was going on. Our inability to discern the spiritual causes us to miss God. (Luke 2:7)
Being in the state of expectancy is key in recognizing and flowing with every move of God. It keeps us alert in order not to miss God. For the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut short. (Proverbs 23:18)
The most valuable gift God has given us is our life but sadly, we do not see it this way. So we invest more in getting than in becoming. Lot's wife was more concerned about what she had left at Sodom an Gomorrah than her life. (Luke 17:32)
It is mostly said that history always repeats itself. But the actual truth is, people are the ones that repeat history. Jesus not wantus to repeat the "history" of Lot's wife warns us on the consequences of "looking back". (Luke 17:32)
Jesus is not just our saviour but our Lord also. He doesn't just deliver us from evil and impossible situations, he instructs and commands us on how to live. Go and be good samaritans. (Luke 10:37)
Two key antidotes God has given us to administer to the pain of people are the oil, the anointing, and the wine, the blood. Whenever we preach Jesus we dispense the life of God and deliver people from the lies and destruction of the devil. (Luke 10:34)
Apart from religious jargons we use, and our participation in religious activities, there is very little about us that shows that we are christians. It is not surprising that it was a priest and a Levite that passed by unconcerned. (Luke 10:31-32)
Who is the focus of my love? Was the question a lawyer asked Jesus. People do not mind showing love to people they deem "qualified" for their love. For example someone can be the best father but a terrible boss. (Luke 10:29)
Jesus our High priest does not sympathize with us he empathizes with us. He understands because he walked where we walk. He exposed himself to all human vulnerabilities just to qualify to be our high priest. (Hebrews 4:15)
King Ahasuerus could not revoke the decree he made under Haman's persuasion because his word was binding. As a King, he could not retract his words. How much more will God, the King of Kings not fulfill all his word concerning your life. (Esther 8:8)
It's interesting how the wife of Haman; Zeresh and his wise men knew that Haman was going to fall utterly if he is going against a Jew. The gentiles in the old testament knew about the Jews and their God as well as the mighty deeds he did for them. If the jews could not be destroyed because of their connection with God, we as His children, if He be for us God, who can be against us? (Esther 6:15)
There is always a purpose for every season we find ourselves in. Wherever we’re placed in the multiple seasons of life, you always have a purpose. Above all we have a unique purpose. We can fail to achieve this God given purpose, but the purposes of God never fail. (Esther 4:14)
Our attitude can impact others both positively or negatively. What Queen Vashti did was going to affect the other women and in order to curb it, she was dethroned. Are our lives reflecting the true nature of Christ as Christians or otherwise? Be mindful not to draw yourself and others away from the kingdom by your actions. (Esther 1:18)
Jesus went through shame, pain, rejection and separation from his father so that you can have a relationship with his father. God wants to relate with you personally, He wants to hear your voice always. If God had no intention of hearing you, He won't ask that you come to him. He wants to hear the unique voice he gave you. Come! (Hebrews 4:16)
Everything we have, including life has been loaned to us by God. This is why God reserves the right to judge us on how we have used the resources he made avaliable to us. We are not owners but stewards, live as such.(Luke 16:11)
This manager knew that his management of his master's resources is what led to him being sacked. He didn't have a pity party, nor did he blame anyone or even just sit down expecting things to change. He took responsibility to change his situation. (Luke 16:4)
Many of us would have responded differently if we were in Joseph's situation. Joseph was a man who had an ear for God, believed in the spiritual and was willing to obey God regardless of how absurd thee demand was. (Mathew 1:24)
What made Joseph special, that among all the men in Israel he was the one God Chose to be the father of Jesus? The little that is written about him opens us up to who this wonderful man is.(Mathew 1:16)
The rains, floods and winds are sure to test the strength of the wisdom you prefer to God's. Whose words form the foundation of your choices in life? (Mathew 7:24)
If there is anyone we should live to please, it should be God. For the single reason that, He is the rewarder not man.(Col 3:23-24)
It is amazing how a man so greatly loved by God, a man who had no desire than to live out God's purpose had a lot of people who rejected him; from his father's house to his own family. (Acts 13:22)
Jesus came to give us an accurate understanding of who the father is. Our Father gives life and gives it abundantly. (1John 5:20)
The bible exposes us to the accurate nature of our father in the person of Jesus. Each writer gave us unique manifestation which when put together rightly gives us a complete picture of Jesus; his life and words.(John 20:31)
The necessity to use at least 2 bible versions in rightly dividing the Word of God. (2Tim 2:15)
Appreciating the influence of culture and the cultural setting in studying the bible. (2Tim 2:15)
How the seed of the woman bruised the head of the serpent, and how the serpent bruised his heel. (Genesis 3:15)
No matter how you love someone, when the person dies, you have to let the person go. What did God do to the dead human race?
What are prophecies, diverse kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues and their relevance to us daily?
What are the three gifts that make up the power gifts and how relevant are they to me daily?
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without significance. (1st Corinthians 14:10). Which voice do you listen to? The voice of money, circumstances, friends, flesh etc. or God's?