christian - Jenniferinspires

ALLOW YOUR FAITH ENDORSE IT

Leave a Comment / Blog, Christian/Biblical content, Reflections

Written by Jennifer Azubuike “I don’t know how to pull this off in two weeks,” I vented to Hazle, seated across from me. Her demeanor was so calm that it probably upset me more. “I…” She started to say something, but I cut her off. “The apartments I have seen so far were listed in the upper eight hundreds to thousands. Yet, they looked debilitated when I saw them in person. How could anyone list something uninhabitable at such prices?” “Have you looked at the Zillow website?” She asked calmly. “Yes.” “How about Craigslist?” “No, I could look there, too,” I replied, wondering whether Craigslist would list apartments in the area that other websites haven’t. “The crux of the matter is that I don’t have much time. I fear I won’t meet the deadline to resume my new job.” Hazle paused for a moment while maintaining her gaze on me. “I recall your words last night while we prayed. You reminded me that God is faithful. Surely, that hasn’t changed, has it?” “I…I…did say that,” I stuttered and blushed. I recalled that our emotional conversation about life situations had led us into intense prayer the night before. The prayers led to scriptural exaltations recounting God’s faithfulness. I spoke with such conviction that I must have boosted my companion’s faith, but here I was the following day, fretting about finding a new apartment. I drew a deep breath and exhaled. “You’re right. God is faithful, and that hasn’t changed. He will provide.” In the days following, I maintained that posture of faith, especially after realizing that someone was watching and looking up to me. I continued confessing that I would experience God’s provision. Later that week, I received an email from the pastor of a local church in the area where I was looking for an apartment. He was responding to one of the emails I had sent to several churches asking for recommendations. He listed the names and contacts of a few people who had told him they had available spaces to rent, and I immediately messaged the contacts, hopeful. Two weeks later, I was ready to move into an apartment that had all my specific stipulations, including being located close to my new workplace and at an affordable price. Reflecting on my experience, many of the emails I sent were never returned, and the man who responded had no obligation to respond to my email the way he did. Besides, what were the chances that people just told him they were looking for renters before he saw my email?The experience re-awakened me to the truth that the Lord provides, but oftentimes, we need faith to possess it. “Consider the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the pagans pursue all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” Matthew 6:26-32 Until next time. Stay lifted! See an interesting short story here

ALLOW YOUR FAITH ENDORSE IT Read More »

Sorrow that Heals

Leave a Comment / Blog, Christian/Biblical content

Written by Jennifer Azubuike Half an hour before midnight on the night of her weekly prayer. Nozi was seated on her bedroom floor with her laptop open and facing her. She has been watching a movie on it since 10 PM. At first, she wanted something to keep her awake until her quiet time at 11 PM, but the movie’s storyline got captivating. The protagonist, Dave Addison, was tricked out of his inheritance after his father’s death. He served and relied on financial support from his wealthy aunt, who he thought was doing him a favor. However, he was about to uncover the truth. At 10:45 PM, Nozi felt a nudge in her heart to stop the movie and prepare to start her quiet time, however, when she glanced at the time at the bottom of the screen and noted that she had 15 minutes more, she shrugged off the nudge and continued the movie. At 11 PM, the gentle nudge repeated but the movie was nearing its climax and Nozi could not pull away. “I will start at 11:30. Thirty minutes should be enough. It is also closer to midnight so I can start praying right after.” She convinced herself. After recognizing the peculiar circumstances surrounding his life, Dave began seeking the truth. However, his pursuit was cut short when his Aunt suddenly passed away, leaving him feeling depressed about losing his benefactor. The son of the wealthy deceased woman arrived in town to mourn his mother and take over her estate. After the funeral, he planned to dismiss all staff, including his cousin Dave, liquidate all assets, and move away with the money. He was succeeding until it was time to sell the mansion that had previously housed his mother. He couldn’t sell it because the house was in his uncle’s name, not his mother’s. This realization led to the unraveling of the truth about the estate ownership. When Nozi looked at the time again, it was 12:15 AM. She felt a pang of guilt that it was past midnight and she had failed to observe her quiet time nor prayed. While wallowing in guilt but still unable to pull herself away from the movie, she continued until the end. At 12:45 AM, Nozi closed the laptop and knelt beside her bed to pray, but the guilt of disobedience and disappointment in herself for indiscipline clouded her mind. Scenes from the movie replayed in her mind too. She considered giving up on praying and going to bed, but in that dilemma, she whispered. “Dear Lord, I have sinned. I am sorry. I didn’t mean to choose a movie over time with you. Forgive me.” She started the first song that came to mind. “What a friend we have in Jesus All our sins and griefs to bear What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!” As she sang, she felt her heart flood with a strong sense of sorrow. She cried, repented more, worshiped, and ended praying intensely for the next hour. * * * Dear reader, I wanted to remind us that “The kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Nozi’s illustration above is considered sinful because she did not yield when prompted by the Holy Spirit, although to some people it may not appear sinful. The key point is to promptly return whenever the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin in our journey with Christ. Till next time, stay lifted! Read other uplifting posts here

Sorrow that Heals Read More »

Faith’s Check

3 Comments / Blog, Christian/Biblical content

Written by Jennifer Azubuike —- “Faith! Where is Faith?” Ben called. “Faith? Who is Faith?” The librarian asked. “The teenage girl in glasses and a yellow backpack. She just came up the stairs.” “Oh! She walked to the fiction aisle to find a book. She should be around the corner.” “Thank you!” Ben waved as he walked away. “Faith.” He called in a near whisper when he found her. “Hey, What are you doing here?” Faith asked, surprised to see her father’s assistant. “I have something for you.” He unlocked his plastic file and removed an envelope. “Your father asked me to give you this.” Faith collected it from him and opened it. She quickly read a note contained inside and her countenance changed. Ben, on noticing her sadness, collected the note. Dear Faith, I am so sorry I had to hurry away on short notice. I have included a check to buy the things you requested. I promise to go with you to the science fair when I return on Tuesday. Love, Dad. He glanced back at her confused. “What is wrong? Why are you looking sad?” “I asked him for money. He gave me a check.” She said with her head lowered. “Isn’t a check as good as money? Let me see the check.” Ben collected the envelope and retrieved the check from inside. “Whoa! What exactly do you need this much to buy?” “Doesn’t matter. I asked for money, not a check.” “Okay, come let’s take a seat. There’s something I need to explain to you.” When seated, Ben asked, “Honey, what is your name?” “Did you forget my name or do you have sudden amnesia?” Faith was still upset. “Silly girl! Just answer the question.” “Faith! My name is Faith.” She answered reluctantly. “And what is the meaning of your name?” “It is to have confidence in something according to my dictionary, but my dad said it is the evidence of something someone hopes for.” “Excellent! Do you understand it? I mean your dad’s definition.” “No. Why would I hope for something I already have? It makes no sense.” “Great question! You hoped for money, but your dad gave you a check. When you take this check to the bank, because it is signed in your father’s name, the bank will exchange this piece of paper for the amount of money written on it.” “What if it is declined?” “Declined? Why would it be declined?” “I don’t know?” She shrugged. “Do you know who your father is?” Ben looked at the girl, stunned. “Do you know your dad can purchase this town, including your favorite library? And I mean this building you like to visit.” Faith was quiet momentarily as she gazed at him thoughtfully. “That means this check is evidence of the money I hope for?” “Yes, princess. It is the evidence you can present at the bank.” “Wait! If this check is my evidence like you said, then am I a check? Is that why I am called Faith?” Ben chuckled. “ You will have to ask your father. I am almost certain he has a good explanation” * * * In the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews, the new King James version defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” ‬ while the New International version words it as “[the] confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Whichever version helps for easier comprehension, I still like to describe faith as a check on which is written God’s promises that we can hold on to until we see the manifestation of what is promised. While the young girl in the story above can take her ‘check’ to the bank at any time, I understand that our check of promise (AKA faith) is cashed at the timing of God’s will. For instance, Abraham waited for 25 years but Manoah and his wife only had to wait for about nine months. Nonetheless, if God has promised it and you believe it, it will surely happen. Since the Almighty God is the account holder, your check will never bounce. Till next time, stay lifted! You can read another encouraging post here.

Faith’s Check Read More »

GET UP, SOLDIER!

Leave a Comment / Blog, Christian/Biblical content

Written by Jennifer Azubuike What have you tripped over? What has caused you to fall? Sin, burden, oppression, or injustice? Maybe you lay there tired or ashamed. “It is over for you,” the accuser whispers. Beloved, the battlefield of life is rough. For a Christian, it is fierce. If you still don’t know it, Then you have not learned from the veterans gone before. At the peak of any battle, bullets fly carelessly. Physical bullets from relationships and responsibilities presented hardship that emotionally slammed you. Or spiritual bullets of fear and oppression have pierced you. As carefully as you have tried to duck and dive Through the firing line, yet, you have been hit. Now, you are down, hurt, and discouraged. Get up, soldier! For sin, there is still grace. For injustice, your savior is an avenger. Is it a burden? Jesus can carry it. Weak and discouraged? Reach out to other soldiers, unashamed. Whatever it be, do not give up. The battle may rage, but your commander has won the war. The flag though He still wants you to fly And endure hardship as a good soldier of His. But when you rise again be sure to check your armor; Your helmet, breastplate, shield, and sword. Is any missing or shifted? Get up, good soldier! Partly adapted from 2 Timothy 2:3-4: You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. Till next time, stay lifted! You can read other posts here

GET UP, SOLDIER! Read More »

Your sphere of Influence

4 Comments / Blog, Christian/Biblical content, Reflections

Written by Jennifer Azubuike “Khalil! Will you stop running!” Erica scolded. The little boy looked up at his mother and slowed down. He looked around. Wasn’t anything engaging at a doctor’s office? He wondered. “Khalil!” She shrieked and reached quickly to catch the falling flower vase her son just moved. Luckily she caught it. “If you break anything here, I’ll break your head!” She threatened in quick breaths. It was her usual threat whenever her sons misbehaved. On hearing the familiar threat, 6-year-old Troy looked up at his mother and then at his little brother. He thought about playing with him so their mom could concentrate on the writing she was doing but no. The game was too interesting to set his iPad down. The next minute Khalil disappeared and no one noticed. Then came a loud bang and thuds then things breaking. Everyone rushed to see. There stood a terrified but unharmed Khalil beside a tumbled desk with office items strewn all over including some broken glass. “Oh, Khalil.” The tired mother groaned and hunkered down to her knees beside the catastrophe. “Bash!” Everyone looked up again. Troy has hit his brother on the head with a metal stapler. Khalil shrieked. Mommy screamed and rushed for her son. “What did you do that for?” “He broke something, so I broke his head.” * * * Many people exist without the consciousness of the impact they make in the immediate environment where they live their everyday lives. In a home, for example, the sphere of influence of a mother is mostly on her kids and immediate family, and for a teacher, it is most readily his or her students. But these are too obvious and are expected. So I wanted to shine some light on the spheres outside of our expected place of influence. It is most interesting to me that sometimes influences are subtle and even unnoticeable at first. For example, the choice of fashion that a person makes without much thought each day could quietly hold a strong admiration for someone else even if they never say a word about it. In a specific instance, I encountered a young man who chose to smoke cigarettes because an older relative he admires smoked and vowed to only quit when his idol quits. The interesting thing is that this idol only recently learned about this vow. In addition, points of influence are hardly pre-determined by the influencer. I mean, while we can intentionally impact people using words, anything about you could impress and influence anybody including your voice, manner of speech, self conduct, work ethic, tardiness or punctuality, mannerisms, etc. Yes, people notice things about you every day. My purpose is to cause awareness and encourage us to wield this tool positively. Adults, please note that younger people could go beyond admiration to pick up on habits they have witnessed. Just as Troy smacked his brother on the head with a piece of metal because he thought it was what his mother would do, he can also become more compassionate, assertive, or enunciate better because someone around him does the same. So be intentional in everything not out of pressure to impress anyone in particular, but out of the consciousness that you could be leaving a trail of legacy as you go. Read the previous post here

Your sphere of Influence Read More »

The Lost Virtue of Patience

Leave a Comment / Blog, Christian/Biblical content, Short Stories

Written by Jennifer Azubuike “How long will it take?” Nina asked the young lady who just took her order. “About five minutes.” She replied with a smirk. Nina got the cue that she wanted her to step aside for the next customer, so she left the queue and walked to one of the empty chairs to sit. There was already a long line of people waiting to give orders or pick up whatever they ordered. “Thank God it’s just coffee.” She sighed. Almost immediately a male voice started yelling at another man in front of him in the queue. “Dude, that’s rude! You cannot cut in line like that!” The guy being yelled at seemed completely oblivious to his angry counterpart who continued to rant and cause a scene. The angry man, probably frustrated that the offender is ignoring him, shoved the nonchalant guy. He turned around and faced him but was still not saying a word. His composure was as serene as a calm river on a Spring morning only looking surprised. Suddenly, Nina understood. She typically would not intervene in a fight involving strangers especially on a notorious street like Castro, but something moved her. As she rose to her feet, she heard her name. It was the waiter calling. She walked towards the counter instead to pick up her cup of coffee, but on her way out, she stopped in front of the party and turned towards the angry man whose wrath was beginning to lose steam. “Sorry sir, but I had hoped you’d notice that the man you are yelling at is deaf.” Nina’s words caused a sudden hush. She stepped out of the store without another word. Outside the cafe, she walked briskly to her car parked among other cars lining the side of the road bumper to bumper on either side. It was just as rowdy on the street as it was inside the cafe. Moving cars, motorbikes and bicycles struggled for the space left on the road while a flood of pedestrians avoided bumping into each other as they streamed up and down the walkway and in and out of stores. Just as she got closer to her car a driver honked repeatedly. At first, Nina thought she was in the way of a car but when she looked up, the blasting horn was directed at another driver parallel parking into a spot. Almost immediately, this honking driver wound down his window and started raining curses and making foul gestures. Nina shook her head and got in her car. Anyone who has tried parking on a congested city street should know that parallel parking takes a few turns and a few minutes, so why the aggression? But just then her phone rang. “You were supposed to change the engine oil, not the car engine. What’s taking you so long?” Her dad bellowed on the other end of the call. “Sorry Pa, the shop was low on technicians today, so the wait time was longer.” “Well, hurry up and get here. I don’t want to be late.” “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” Nina replied before he hung up. She sighed. Fifteen minutes later, she drove up in front of their house. Her dad was already standing at the door with his briefcase. He started walking towards her the moment she pulled up, but mom came running behind him. “Dan, wait, you left these papers on the table, and they look important.” She passed some papers to dad. “Yea, I don’t need them. I left them on purpose.” He handed them back. “Are you sure you have everything you need?” “I do.” He replied impatiently and started again towards the car, but his wife stopped him. “You should go over those papers again to make sure you have everything. You know how important this deal is.” “Give it a rest. You think I don’t know? I have been working on this proposal for weeks and poured over it last night. I have everything I need.” He yelled at his wife and left her looking dejected while he matched towards the car. Nina observed the interaction between her parents and shook her head again. Her dad got in the car, and she drove him to the office where he was to present his business proposal to some high-profile business moguls. The meeting will make a difference in whether dad’s business expands or closes down. After several applications, it was a miracle that dad was enlisted to vie for a contract. Nina was waiting in the office lobby when a text from her dad popped in. “Hey, I will be out in five minutes.” She got into the car and started the engine as soon she saw her dad approaching. “Well?” Nina gazed at him expectantly when he entered. “I think I lost it.” “Meaning?” “They loved my presentation and my business plan seemed to have impressed them, but I didn’t have my resume when they asked for it.” “Oh no! Is it at home? Can I go get it?” “It is no use. There are too many competitions. They have moved on to someone else.” “But mom said…” “I know what your mom said, and I regret not listening.” He said and buried his head in his hands. “I am a businessman. What do they need my resume for anyway?” “Will you be okay?” Nina was worried, but he did not reply to her. “Dad. I don’t think it is you, it must be something in the air.” “What does that mean?” He looked up at his daughter puzzled. “Everywhere I turn people seem intolerant of someone or something. As if something is making everyone on edge.” “Have I been on edge?” “A little, but it is not your fault.” Her father sighed. “Nini, I get it. You don’t have to be polite.” “But it is not your fault…” “Honey, if everyone else is on edge, I ought to know better. Besides, I have

The Lost Virtue of Patience Read More »

A Priceless Puzzle Piece

5 Comments / Blog, Christian/Biblical content, Short Stories, Stories

Written by Jennifer Azubuike “I did what I did to my boss because he was too cruel. He is lucky he survived. I regret nothing.” Willis said to his seatmate while looking aimlessly into the empty space ahead of him. Someone served him a drink. He collected the cup from the young lad and sipped from it mindlessly before putting it down on the table. He watched the lad walk away then turned again to his mate, Yati. “Isn’t he a little too young? What did he do to be put here?” He said as he nodded toward the lad. “Who? Joe?” “Yeah. Whatever his name is.” “I don’t know his story. The boy hardly speaks about himself.” “I can make him talk.” Willi’s face lit up in a mischievous smile as he took another sip from his cup. “I suggest you let him be. The young chap is just happy serving everyone.” “I am just curious.” Willis shrugged. Yati Humped and gave his pal a warning look before leaving his company. Willis continued to watch Joe as he walked from one table to another refilling cups of the other prisoners or removing used food trays. He wanted to let go of the thought, but curiosity got the better of him. * * * * —Thank you for reading! The rest of this story will be available in a book coming soon—

A Priceless Puzzle Piece Read More »

A LADY AND HER SHOEBOXES

3 Comments / Blog, Christian/Biblical content, Reflections

Written by Jennifer Azubuike I am a big fan of Francine Rivers’ stories. I was reading one of her books when a short story told inside her main story caught my attention (yeah, she’s that good at plot twists and relaying messages). It is a story about a young woman with two shoeboxes. The first shoebox she assigned for prayer requests so that whenever she had a request, she would write it down on a piece of paper, pray over it and put the piece of paper into that shoebox. The second box is for testimonies; when a prayer from the first shoebox is answered, the young woman takes out the note from that box and transfers it to the ‘testimony’ box. What stuck with me about this story was when the woman confessed that whenever she starts to grow weary from a prayer taking too long to be answered, she opens the testimony box and reads her testimonies from the past thus reminding herself of God’s faithfulness and thereby strengthening her faith. I honestly think it is a great idea to note down our testimonies as much as we have a list of requests to ask. That note will not just remind us to thank the Lord for what He has done but also re-energize our faith in our ever-faithful God. Talking about being thankful, my grandmother used to say in a proverb “When you praise a soldier for fighting on your behalf, he will be motivated to go again.” Simply put, the Lord wants us to remember His victories on our behalf. I say so because He was pissed each time the children of Israel murmured and complained when they were faced with difficulties and quickly forgot His past wonders on their behalf. What is the wonderful answers God has given to your requests in the past? Do you still remember them? I mean do you have a testimony box? Till next time, Peace! Please see other post here

A LADY AND HER SHOEBOXES Read More »

WHERE DOES YOUR HELP COME FROM?

11 Comments / Blog, Christian/Biblical content

Written by Jennifer Azubuike. Sometime ago, I was working a kind of job where I made deliveries to people based on their request. One particular day, I travelled to a home to make a delivery. When I got to the house, I decided not to turn off my car engine or properly park because I had the intention of making the delivery very snappy. Thus, I put the car in ‘park’ and dashed out. Thankfully, the delivery was quick because the customer responded to her door as soon as I knocked. However, when I exited my car to make that delivery, I pushed down on my ‘all lock’ button on the car door out of habit and didn’t think anything of it until I returned to the car. It was then I realized I had locked myself out with the engine still running and my phone inside the car. I quickly ran back to the house where I had just done the delivery to ask for help. Surely, they will help since I just did them a favor or so I thought. To my dismay, nobody answered the door regardless of the several loud knocks and ‘excuse me please.’ Instead, I felt somebody watching me from a window or something. Creepy right? After standing there and calling for help to no avail, I had to leave. I went back to my car and stood beside it trying to think, but no good idea was coming forth and to make matters worse, neighbors of the woman I made delivery to were beginning to line up behind my car and honk. I didn’t park properly and the size of the car was huge, so there’s no getting around it. I started to explain and beg each one of them to turn around or wait. As the pressure was mounting, I suddenly felt the need to pray. I shut out the noise and prayed quietly to God for help. Right away, I felt calmness flood my mind which gave me some kind of control over my emotions and also came with an inspiration to look further for help. So, I just started walking down the street randomly while asking the Holy Spirit to direct me who to ask. I had walked about two blocks when I found a man working on a house. The moment I waved, he got up and walked towards me, inquisitive. I explained my situation to him and without hesitation he followed me to my car. The first thing he did was speak some words of encouragement; he’s been in that situation himself and understood how it felt. Without asking, he suggested what I needed to do. Additionally, he pulled out his cellphone and voluntarily dialed the cops then handed me the phone to explain the kind of help I needed. Finally, he stood there with me for a couple minutes while I waited for the cops to arrive. He later excused himself to return to his work but not before reassuring me that everything will be fine, and everything did turn out fine. Here’s what I learned that day. Help will not always arise from where you anticipate, and that is okay. If a person is not destined to play a certain role in your life, you will only feel frustrated expecting them to. It helps, I mean, it really helps to be able to pray in ANY situation. Jesus is a present help in times of trouble but it’s important to remember to ASK. Please find previous posts here

WHERE DOES YOUR HELP COME FROM? Read More »

RHEMA TODAY

6 Comments / Christian/Biblical content

Elizabeth picked up her bookbag and slung it over her shoulders. Mickey looked up from her textbook surprised that she was preparing to leave the room again. “Where are you going?” “I have a meeting in 10 minutes.” “What meeting?” “A church meeting” “Girl! you just got back from a prayer meeting.” “Yes, this next meeting is a discussion group.” Elizabeth hurriedly slipped through the half-open door without another word to perplexed Mickey. Mickey shook her head. She felt pity that the young woman was losing herself to religiosity. She is a Christian too but unlike her roommate, she has no motivation, whatsoever, to be involved in extra-religious activities and has stayed true to her choosing. Nevertheless, something about her roommate tugged at her heart; something extraordinary yet beautiful, but at the same time difficult to explain. Two hours later there’s a gentle tap on their door. Mickey rose to get the door but before she could reach it, the handle turned and the door opened. Mickey winced for forgetting to lock it. A neighbor popped her head through the open door and smiled at Mickey. “Is Lizzie home?” “Hi Gee. She’s not. Is there a problem?” “Oh no!” Geeti pushed the door open and entered properly. “It’s time for youth Bible study and I wanted to know if she is ready.” “I guess she would if she were home but she’s not.” “It’s okay, I’ll just dial her number.” “She’s at a meeting. I don’t think she can take a call.” “Okay, I’ll send her a text then.” “Can you guys not go on without her today? She’ll join another time.” “We can but she’s a coordinator; we need her to lead the teaching today.” Mickey was going to reply when Elizabeth walked in. “There you are!” Geeti exclaimed. “We were just talking about you.” “Welcome back Lizzie.” Mickey waved nonchalantly and walked back to her desk. Elizabeth turned to Geeti. “I’m sorry I’m late. My meeting went overtime today.” “It’s okay. Glad you’re here.” Elizabeth kicked off her shoes and picked a set of comfortable flats. “Are the youths gathered?” “Yes. I left them in front of apartment C to get you.” Elizabeth finished putting on her shoes and bounced out of the room with Geeti in tow. Again, forgetting to properly shut the door. Mickey looked at the door left ajar and sighed. Sometimes it took all the virtue of patience she had nurtured to put up with this habit of her roommate. She was shutting the door when a force pushed it open from outside narrowly missing her face. The next few seconds she watched, alarmed, as a group of young teens and a couple of older youths filed into the room waving a brief hi and hellos and taking up the space in the single room. Mickey’s mouth flew open. She was gearing up for an angry outburst when Elizabeth pulled her aside and explained quickly that the other space they booked had been taken by another group. Begrudgingly, Mickey let them stay but knowing she couldn’t concentrate any longer on reading, she gave it up and watched the meeting unfold while laying on her bed. Elizabeth directed everyone to be seated. As little as the space was, everyone found a seat, and the conversation started. “Who knows about the burning bush?” Elizabeth asked Hands shot up. She randomly selected from the raised hands. In bits and pieces,, the young people happily described the biblical story of Moses in the burning bush and God’s messages to him about rescuing Israel from Egypt. “Very good. When I read Moses’ encounter and the other books of the prophets like Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel in the Bible, I wonder at the word of God that was so present at the time to those people. The word of God was so tangibly present with those men of God that when they say “Thus says the Lord.” The words following that sentence will surely manifest in the physical realm. Those words were called prophecy – which could be about tragedy or deliverance. That is why those men were called prophets. Also when something was about to happen, God told it to his prophets first who went ahead to either proclaim, warn, instruct,, or comfort the people about what God had said was about to happen. Now when I look at those impressive communications and compare them to today when ‘Rhema’ which is the spoken word of God is not as common, I wonder what changed? We still do have prophets, of course, but why is the spoken word of God not as common? Is God no longer near humans? Or He just doesn’t wish to talk to this generation? Or maybe He does not find too many worthy messengers among the people of today? Or can we say He has nothing to say to us? The thing is, in this dispensation of the new covenant, we have the written word of God called ‘Logos’ which is contained in the Bible you have in your hands. Let’s have the Bible itself explain. Can someone open his or her Bible and read the book of Second Timothy chapter 3 verse 16 please?” All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “Did you pay attention to the first part that says the words are inspired by God? That means that the words contained in the Bible are the words of God. So when you carry around your bible you carry around God’s word. Next, there’s the Holy Spirit who is the spirit of God. Do you know where to find that spirit? I’ll show you. Open your bibles to the book

RHEMA TODAY Read More »