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Showing posts with the label Spiritual Growth

Working Out Your Salvation: A Call to Spiritual Growth!

🌺Introduction🌺 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we would explore a topic that's crucial to our spiritual growth, and forever more. It's about working out our salvation, with fear and trembling, too. As Philippians 2:12-13 teaches us, in all we do. The Call to Spiritual Growth: As believers, we've been saved by God's amazing grace. But salvation is not just a one-time event, it's a lifelong pace. We're called to grow in our faith, to mature and to abound. To work out our salvation, with spiritual disciplines all around. The Importance of Obedience: Obedience is key to spiritual growth and might. For when we obey God's word, we're walking in His light. We're called to obey His commands, to follow His lead. To trust in His sovereignty, and His goodness. The Role of Spiritual Disciplines: Spiritual disciplines are essential, to our growth and our might. They help us to stay focused, on God's word and His light. Prayer, Bible study, and fe...

New Year, New Beginnings

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Bi Monthly Infographic Message for  January 10th, 2025! Introit : Priest God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise His above ye heavenly Host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. Opening Hymn : "Great is Thy Faithfulness!" Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not, As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Amen! Memory Verse: Philippians 3:13-14. "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Devotion: As we begin this new year, let's reflect on Paul's words. What are the things that are holding you back from moving forward? What are your goals and aspirations for this year? Take a moment to pray and ask God to help you forget what's behind and strain towards wh...

Do You Have the Seal of God to Crossover into 2025?

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As we gather on this last Sunday of the year, December 29th, 2024, let's take a moment to reflect on our spiritual journey. We're on the threshold of a new year, and it's essential to examine our lives and ensure we have the seal of God. In Revelation 9:4, we see that God's seal protects His people from harm. As we prepare to enter 2025, let's ask ourselves: Do we have the seal of God? This seal represents God's ownership, protection, and empowerment. It signifies that we belong to Him, and He has set us apart for His purposes. As we crossover into the new year, let's seek God's seal and protection. Let's commit to living according to His will and purposes, and trust in His goodness and faithfulness. May we enter 2025 with hope, faith, and spiritual renewal, knowing that we have the seal of God to guide and protect us. Reflection Questions : 1. Have you examined your spiritual life lately? 2. Are you living according to God's will and...

There's Power in the Word of Prophecy!

🌺Memory Verse🌺: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 (NIV). Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I want to remind you of the power that lies in the word of prophecy. In the Bible, we see numerous instances where prophecies were spoken, and they came to pass. As it is written in Jeremiah 1:12, "The Lord said to me, 'You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.'" From the prophecies of Isaiah to the prophecies of Revelation, we see the power of God's word unfolding. As our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." But prophecy is not just limited to the Bible. In our own lives, we can experience the power of prophecy when we hear a word from God, spoken through H...

Prepare Your Minds for Action!

🌟Bible Verse: 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV): Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 🌟Introduction: As believers, we live in a world filled with distractions, temptations, and uncertainties. But Peter reminds us to stay focused, alert, and hopeful. In this verse, he urges us to prepare our minds for action. 🌟The Call to Action: 1. Set Your Hope:  Fix your eyes on Jesus' return and the grace that comes with it. Remember, our ultimate hope is not in this world but in eternity. 2. Minds Alert:  Be vigilant, aware of the spiritual battles surrounding us. Stay informed through prayer and scripture. 3. Fully Sober:  Avoid worldly entanglements and mental fogginess. Live with clarity, prioritizing your relationship with God. 🌟Application: This Sunday, reflect on your mental preparedness: - Are you distracted or focused on God's promises? - Are you living with eternal hope or tempo...

Preparing the Way for the Lord: A Journey Through Advent!

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🔥Welcome to Advent🔥 Advent is a special time to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ. As a believer, you must be part of this celebration. 🔥Bible Verse: Prepare the way for the Lord. Matthew 3:3 (NIV). 🔥Preparing Our Hearts: Reflect on these questions:  What am I grateful for this year? How can I serve others during Advent? 🔥Scripture: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." - ( Psalm 119:105). 🔥Advent Traditions:  Advent Calendar: 24 days of reflection and prayer. Candles: Hope (Week 1),  Peace (Week 2),  Joy (Week 3),  Love (Week 4) Christmas Tree: Symbolizing eternal life and hope. 🔥Weekly Focus: Week 1 (Dec 3-9): Hope, Week 2 (Dec 10-16): Peace, Week 3 (Dec 17-23): Joy, Week 4 (Dec 24-30): Love. 🌟Call to Action: 1. Create an Advent calendar 2. Reflect on Scripture daily 3. Share kindness and love with others. 🔥Prayer: Lord, prepare our hearts to celebrate Your birth. Fill us with hope, peace, joy, and love. In ...

Faith and Forgiveness: Letting Go of the Past.

Welcome to Gospel Diary Weekly Devotion, presented to you by Pst Chris Samuel. This is the first week in the month of September 2024. Bible Verse : "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." - Matthew 6:14 (NIV) Bible Reading : Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, Luke 17:3-4 Testimony : "I'll never forget the day I chose to forgive my father for abandoning me as a child. It was a painful and difficult process, but it was also liberating. Forgiveness didn't mean that what he did was okay, but it meant that I was no longer held captive by my anger and resentment. Since then, I've experienced a sense of peace and freedom that I never thought possible. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it's always worth it." - Christine Caine Practical Tips : 1. Let go of resentment and anger 2. Choose to forgive, even if it's hard 3. Seek reconciliation when possible 4. Remember that forgiveness is a process 5...

The Connection between Faith and Gratitude.

Welcome to Gospel Diary Weekly Devotion, presented to you by Pst Chris Samuel. This is the fourth week in the month of August 2024. Bible Verse : "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever!" - Psalm 107:1 (NIV) Bible Reading : Read Psalm 107:1-22, focusing on the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. Testimony : "I was trapped in a cycle of anxiety and depression, feeling lost and alone. But then I discovered the power of gratitude. I started writing down three things I was thankful for each day, and it transformed my life. At first, it felt like a chore, but soon I began to see the world in a new light. I realized that God was always present, even in the midst of struggles. My faith grew stronger, and I learned to trust Him more. Gratitude became my anchor, helping me navigate life's challenges. I still have tough days, but now I face them with hope and confidence. I urge everyone to embrace gratitude, it's been a lifesave...

The Role of Prayer in Building Faith.

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Welcome to Gospel Diary Weekly Devotion, presented to you by Pst Chris Samuel. This is the second week in the month of August 2024. Bible Verse:   And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. - 1 John 5:14 (ESV). Bible Reading :  Take a few minutes to read Matthew 6:5-15, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of prayer. Testimony : During a particularly difficult time in my life, I felt lost and alone. My mother had passed away, and I was struggling to come to terms with the loss.  One day, while walking through a park, I stumbled upon a small chapel. I went inside and found a quiet corner to sit and pray. I poured out my heart to God, asking for comfort and guidance.  As I prayed, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I realized that God was with me, even in my darkest moments.  From that day on, I made prayer a regular part of my daily routine. It has helped me build a ...

Overcoming Doubt and Fear with Faith: A Stronger Way to Work with God.

Welcome to the Gospel Diary, first week of August meet up devotion by Pst Chris Samuel. Bible Verse: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be frightened, for I am your God.   I will strengthen you and help you;   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Bible Reading: The bible reading is taking from Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there. The disciples were in trouble far out to sea, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't b...

Unlocking the Power of Faith: A Christian Guide.

Welcome to the Gospel Diary, the first ever weekly devotion by Pst Chris S. Akpan. Bible Verse : "And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven." (Matthew 16:19, NLT) Bible Reading: "So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, NLT) Also, consider reading Hebrews 11:1, Romans 10:17, and Matthew 17:20 for further inspiration. My Personal Testimony : I am a living example of the power of faith. Through faith, I have been blessed with a permanent job since April 1st, 2004. Here's how it happened: In early March 2004, I attended a night prayer where I received a word from God to fast for three days. The first day, I fasted from 6 am to 9 pm, the second day from 6 am to 12 pm, and the third day from 6 am to 6...