Austin Ofen-Imu

Romans 1:17 KJV For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Matthew 16:24 KJV Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

God is Preparing Us: “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

We live in a world desperately in need of God because everyone is a sinner who has fallen short of God’s holy and righteous standards for life (Romans 3:23). And we’re seeing that decline ever more clearly, with it worsening daily. The reason the world has grown worse is that the world and humanity are not seeking God. They seek everything else, such as peace, joy, and love, but not the giver, the Lord. We could say they are seeking the things only God can provide. Unfortunately, they are looking in all the wrong places. They try religion, but it is humanity’s way to find God, not God’s way. They try all sorts of philosophies to find wisdom, yet not God’s word, which is wisdom’s only true source. Or they look for signs in the moon, sun, and stars, but not to the Lord God who created them. To find true peace, joy, love, and more, we need to stop wasting time and start seeking their true source. Therefore, let’s follow what the prophet Isaiah said we should do. “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

@ImuAustin Ps.103.8 - The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. Ps.103.9 - He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.

Isaiah 55:6 KJV Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Jesus said, “Do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.” (Mark 13:7) Jesus was telling us to be prepared because, while false prophets, wars and rumors of wars, and natural disasters will increase, these are only the beginning of sorrows; so watch and stay alert. “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is … And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:33, 37) Since the Day of Judgment is coming soon, let’s not slumber, thinking that things will remain the same as they always have. With all that is going on in our world and how quickly things can change, there is ample evidence of this reality. Therefore, let’s prepare ourselves for what lies ahead, both in prayer and by abiding in God’s word and allowing it to abide within us. And then, let’s go out and tell others to get ready for Jesus’s return, because Jesus tells us that the harvest is plentiful. Thank you for this great reminder. I pray you a great day and rest of the week. Take care and God bless.

1 Peter 5:6 KJV Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Thought For Today: “Rest For Weary Souls” “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9) Jesus shares with us this rest that is always accessible through Him. He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) But Jesus offers us an even greater rest, saying, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Although we find peace in Jesus’s victory over death and the ruler of this world, rest still awaits. What is that rest? It’s the hope of heaven. We can rest as believers, trusting that this life is not all there is. An eternal life of rest awaits us in heaven. It’s a rest from sin and evil, as we’ll live in the presence of the Lord forever. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away … There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 21:4; 22:5)

@pastordwl Amen 🙏

Mark 13:33 KJV Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Not Shaken: “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.” (Psalm 16:8-9)

Isaiah 53:6 KJV All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Today’s Devotional: “We Need Guidance” Accepting that we need help is hard because we dislike admitting we’re lost and asking for directions. So we keep going, more confused than before. Since sheep tend to wander off by nature, they need a shepherd. We are quite similar to sheep, so we also require our heavenly Shepherd to keep us on the straight and narrow. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way.” (Isaiah 53:6) This is the real reason why we struggle to understand God’s will. We stray from the path, choosing our way instead of the Lord’s. Did you know that sheep have poor eyesight? I found out that they don’t see very well in the distance, so they can’t see what’s ahead. That’s why they rely heavily on the shepherd to lead them. We’re just as near-sighted when it comes to the path we’re supposed to take through life. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, and while we make our plans, things change. So, we need God as our Shepherd to guide us so we don’t end up on the wrong path or at a dead end. Look at how Solomon describes this: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) We all make decisions that seem right at the time but later prove to be disastrous. That's why we need to acknowledge our need for God’s guidance. King David was a shepherd in his youth and knew he needed God to be his Shepherd. “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” (Psalm 25:9) We need to humble ourselves before the Lord.

John 3:16 KJV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Matthew 5:16 KJV Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

God’s Faithfulness: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?