YOU WILL SMILE AGAIN!

When things are going well for us, we are all laughter and songs. But alas, life isn't always like that. Sometimes, we pass through gloomy seasons when our faces seem boarded up and forbidding. It may be a time of bereavement or other kind of loss, it could be sickness, aggravating relationships or financial trouble.

Whatever it is, I want you to know that the Lord Jesus is there with you and will pull you through one way or another. Those difficult times afford us great opportunities to draw closer to God, through Jesus, and grow our faith. He knows what it is like to suffer pain or have darkness descend on you. Remember His experience in the Garden of Gethsemane till He was crucified on Calvary (Matthew 26:36-56; 27:1 & 2, 11-50). He sure wasn't smiling then.

But one thing about trials and difficulties is that they are only for a season. So Jesus went from Gethsemane to trial before the Sanhedrin and Pilate to the cross at Calvary. He went through indescribable agony but then He was laid in the tomb and before His disciples knew it, He had risen on resurrection morning!  (Matthew 27:57-60; 28:1-10) The tears, the travailing were all gone. He had risen with an immortal body and before long, He ascended in glory to take His proper place at the right hand of God the Father (Mark 16:19).

In your own case too, as the Bible assures, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalms 30:5). It may not be clear how long the night will be or how relief will come but it surely will. So, hold on to God and know that however bitter this moment is, sweetness will overtake it. However dark the night is, the day is coming. However bad your situation is now, joy is on the way and you will smile again.

But you can do something proactive. Even before the situation changes, you can in faith begin to see it as what you have prayed it to be in accordance with the word of God. You can envision yourself as the victor because you are in Christ Jesus who is Master over all things. 

"9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." -  Philippians 2:9-11

Whether through life or death, your situation is win-win in Christ Jesus. This is the heritage of everyone who has accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and Apostle Paul expressed it so well when he declared:

"20. ... Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:20-21

Bearing that in mind, you can begin to lighten up your face. Crack a smile now and then. It will get easier with practice and you might even hear laughter bubbling up from within you in time.

Yes, my brother, my sister, you will smile again. And you don't have to wait till your prayers are answered. Begin now if you can but whatever the case, the clouds will lift and your joy will return. YES, YOU WILL SMILE AGAIN!

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
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If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, do pray this short prayer:

PRAYER FOR SALVATION
Almighty God, I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me. I receive the work Jesus did for me by shedding His blood for my sins. Write my name in the Lamb's Book of Life and send your Spirit to live in my heart and teach me your word. I receive the grace to live a life that honours you henceforth in Jesus' name. Amen.

Now, you are born again. Join a Bible-believing group of believers to help you learn, through studying the word of God and prayer, how to live and practise your faith. You are blessed in Jesus' name.

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http://edithohaja.com/3-benefits-of-walking-in-joy/

http://edithohaja.com/strengthened-through-loss/

http://edithohaja.com/the-best-new-year-resolution/

GOD IS A SHELTER FROM THE STORM

Have you ever been caught out in a storm? You know how scary that can be. The winds are howling and as if that is not disturbing enough, they are lifting and flinging heavy stuff about. The rain is pouring down and if it doesn't relent, some flooding could result. The clouds are dark resulting in low visibility, you really can't find your way home with the occasional lightning. It's dangerous to be walking or driving in such weather. The smart thing to do is find some shelter to ride out the storm. 

Eventually, the winds will die down, the rain will dry up and if it's daytime, the sun might even smile again. But in the meantime, you will be safer, more secure in a shelter.

As it is with physical storms, so it is with any other kind. A storm does not last forever but it can be merciless while it lasts. It can do untold damage, it can destroy what we treasure so much and cause losses that take years to restore, if ever. While some of this cannot be avoided, especially when it's a freak storm, we can minimise our losses when we seek shelter. 

God is that shelter you need when the storms of life assail. When everything around is scary, when circumstances and the odds are stacked against you, He is the Rock you can run to and be safe. David knew this so well because his life was in peril for much of his young adulthood. He had been anointed king but the guy in office, Saul, was bent on killing him to ensure his own son, Jonathan, succeeded him. And David hid in God, spiritually, that is. All Saul's efforts to kill him came to nothing and eventually, David became the king of Israel as God had decreed.

Here are some of David's proclamations during this harrowing time recorded in the Psalms:

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by." - Psalm 57:1 (ESV)

David acknowledged in the verse above that the storms were passing by. No need to get swept away by them. 

"From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." - Psalm 61:2-4 (NKJV) 

In this one, he admits that his heart can get "overwhelmed". When there are relentless assaults, we may need to find a hiding place, a shelter, a strong tower. And that is God. 

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us." - Psalm 62:5-8 

In the passage above, David not only testifies that God has been his defence, he counsels himself and others to put their confidence in Him.

Other scriptures to remind you of the protection we His children have in the Lord:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." -  Psalm 46:1-4 

"O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall." - Isaiah 25:1-4 

Remember, the storm will only last a while but it can be deadly while it rages. Don't be reckless. Take shelter in the Lord and He will keep you safe. 

Amen in Jesus' name.

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.

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http://auntyedith.blogspot.com.ng/2017/11/you-are-safe-in-lord-do-not-live-in-fear.html?m=0

http://edithohaja.com/i-will-never-leave-you/

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YOU CALL IT A DELAY, BUT GOD CALLS IT A DESIGN

Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers where he ended up in jail after resisting the sexual advances of his master's wife. He earnestly wanted to be free again, to live outside the dungeon and see the sunshine everyday (Genesis 37:12-28; 39:1, 7-20).

One day, two prominent men who had recently been jailed - the Pharoah's baker and butler - had dreams and Joseph helped interpret them. Even though his interpretations proved right, even though he had served the two men while they were in jail, even though he had specifically pleaded for their help to secure his release from unjust detention, when their cases were heard before the Pharoah shortly after, the one who was restored to his position forgot about Joseph (Genesis, chapter 40). How depressing that must have been! 

We sometimes go through similar disappointments. The job interview we prepared so well for does not yield the job we long for, even though we are fully qualified and performed superbly at the interview. The house we wanted to rent or buy goes to another family and we wonder how much longer we have to live in our present unsuitable residence.

What one person is facing may not be in the same sphere as another but what I'm talking about boils down to delay: disturbing, disheartening and "unnecessary" delay. There are some blessings we feel we should have got five years ago, a decade ago or even longer but we can't say for sure that we would have been better off if we had got them then.

God is a Master Planner. In His infinite wisdom, He has scheduled our blessings as He deems best. His schedule usually varies from ours and what we call delays are often His design to give us the best outcome and evade damaging complications the enemy may plant on our paths.

In Joseph's case, if the butler had secured his release as he implored, he would have been lost in the population in Egypt or gone back to Canaan. Bottomline: he wouldn't have been readily at hand to interpret Pharoah's dreams and become the prime minister of Egypt (Genesis 41:1-44).

When you have prayed and bound every evil force that may be withstanding your blessings, rest in God's plan. His wisdom is infinite and His plans for your life are perfect; you couldn't possibly improve on them. Allow God to complete His work in you. You will probably find that what you call a delay is actually God's design to bless you beyond your expectations.

Never forget that God makes all things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). So, rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7) for what you call a delay, the Almighty calls a design.

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DON'T BE SAD; COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!

Looking around my home and my life, I see so many things that need repair, replacement and restoration. My sofa got a tear and requires stitching, my rug protector ought to be thrown out and a new one bought. I published three books between 2003 and 2005 but none else till date. I need that restored: constant book publishing. I certainly write a lot but the journey from manuscript to book has seemed more daunting with time.

Perhaps you have your own list of things that are worn out, dysfunctional or missing. These things can make you so so sad if you let them. But I like to take the advice of the old song, "Count Your Blessings." Sometimes I look around and I thank God for the things that are well and working in my life, I thank Him for the things I have and receive, however small they might be.

I thank God for the gift of life and good health, for my faith, family, job, friends, students, this blog and my other one (edithohaja.com).

Let me elaborate on just one blessing: my faith. I thank God for saving me, that I can call Him Father and He's truly with me. I keep telling people that I don't know how the unsaved cope. Life can be so hard and full of challenges that only by grace do I make it from day to day. I can pray and unburden myself to God. I can ask for and receive His direction. I can read His word and the Holy Spirit will teach me deep and hidden things. I can worship and enjoy God's presence. I can be a source of blessing to others through sharing the gospel, offering advice or material help. I am a true child of Abraham, blessed and a blessing to the world, living just like God promised him:

"... I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing ... and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." - Genesis 12:2-3 

When I consider all these, I no longer feel woebegone. I am filled with praise and I know that the Lord who has brought me this far in life will perfect the things that concern me.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever" - Psalm 138:8.

I invite you to do the same today. "Count your blessings," as the song says, "name them one by one. ... And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

"I will remember the works of the Lord: ... I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings." - Psalm 77:11-12

"1. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." - Psalm 103:1-5

"1. O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 2. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works." - Psalm 105:1-2

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.
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GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU IS NOT FOR A SEASON, IT IS FOREVER!

Human relationships are often fragile. You've probably heard stories like these: A young woman got pregnant out of wedlock and she was disowned by her family. A boy insisted on becoming an artist and his parents cut ties with him. They stopped paying for his education. They felt disappointed because his chosen field was not among the ones they considered prestigious professions. A woman found out that her best friend had revealed a family secret she told her in confidence and she cut the offending lady off. 

In each of these cases, the people who shut their hearts to others would likely have professed much love to them in the past. But when certain events took place, they considered them enough justification to withdraw their love. Human love constantly finds extenuating circumstances to shrivel and die. Not so the love of God!

The love of God for you is beyond comprehension (Ephesians 3:19). It does not depend on your record of goodness or your spotlessness. Even when you're covered in filth, it will find you and will hose you off if you let it.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8 

You see, God's love for you predates your birth. And it will never end. 

"The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." - Jeremiah 31:3

So, no matter where you are now or what you might be going through, know that God still loves you very much and will always do. You mean so much to Him and He wants the best for you. To ensure that the enemy does not mess up your life, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 

Stop despising yourself. Know that the Creator of the Universe loves you, not just for a bit of time but for all time. Embrace His love today and everyday by making Jesus your Lord and Saviour and living to glorify God. Never forget that He is always with you and for you. And that is because His love for you is not just for a season, it is forever. Halleluia!

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

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INTRODUCING AUNTY EDITHS BLOG: An Encouragement Café (Come, eat and drink for free!)

Hello everyone! Happy New Year! I am happy to introduce to you my new blog, auntyedith.blogspot.com, new in the sense that I only started posting regularly on it recently. This blog is specifically devoted to encouraging people and uplifting believers' faith. Also, I will regularly include a call to surrender to the Saviour, Jesus Christ, and a salvation prayer for those who haven't met the Lord.

My other blog, edithohaja.com, remains the site for my various classes of writings: bible teachings and inspirational posts, which I call musings, short stories, poems, witty quotes and graphics. But I am led to have a blog just for strengthening the brethren with the word of God. 

No matter what you are passing through, do not give up. God loves you and is concerned about you. He is with you even though it might not seem like it. And He's working out everything for your good. 

Whenever you feel burdened, come over to auntyedith.blogspot.com and let's have a light meal (free) from the word of God. It's in line with the promise in Isaiah 55:1.

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." (KJV)

The posts are crisp and designed to speak peace and hope into your heart. Help me share this or spread the word however else for the benefit of those who might not see this.

God bless you in Jesus' name.

GOD KNOWS YOU BY NAME

Many of us have a view of God as this magnificent being in the heavens, pure and far removed from the earth, sordid as it is. Yes, God is magnificent, He dwells in the heavens and He is pure. But He is also everywhere and He is with each of us, His children, because He chooses to be.

God is near us, He is with us, and He knows every detail of our lives. One of the first signs that someone knows another is if they know his or her name. Well, believe it, my dear: God knows your name. He knows your first name and your surname. He even knows your middle name and your nickname (if you have any of those).

Friend, you're not a stranger to God. He knows you by name. That also means He will not forget you when He is sharing blessings to His children. We just came out of the Christmas season. Gifts were packaged and labelled in families so that each person could identify the gift/s specially chosen for Him or her.

That is how God specially prepares what He has for you and puts your name on it. Don't fret if things seem slow or scattered. God Has plotted your path and has placed what you need at appropriate points along the way. Each package has your name on it and will serve just the right purpose in your life.

See yourself like Moses to whom God made the following statement:

"... I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name." - Exodus 33:17 

Moses had begged God to go with the children of Israel as they travelled to the promised land although they had been repeatedly disobedient to His commands. And God said He would do it because Moses had found favour in His sight and He knew him by name.

How do we find favour in God's sight today and ensure that He acknowledges us by name? By receiving His Son, Jesus, of whom He declared during His time on earth:

"Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." - Mark 1:11

Receiving Jesus makes us children of God.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"- John 1:12.

Then God our Father will know and call us by name and answer when we call on Him.

Amen in Jesus' name.

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
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If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, pray this short prayer:

PRAYER FOR SALVATION:
Almighty God, I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me. I receive the work Jesus did for me by shedding His blood for my sins. Write my name in the Lamb's Book of Life and send your Spirit to live in my heart and teach me your word. I receive the grace to live a life that honours you henceforth in Jesus' name. Amen.

Now, you are born again. Join a Bible-believing group of believers to help you learn, through studying the word of God and prayer, how to live and practise your faith. You are blessed in Jesus' name.

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You may also like these posts about God's goodness and faithfulness:

http://edithohaja.com/choose-enjoy-infinite-goodness-god/

http://edithohaja.com/the-anchor-holds/

http://edithohaja.com/12-quotes-on-gods-faithfulness/