Watch & Pray

Weekly Nuggets January 2, 2023

Luke 21:34‭-‬36 NKJV

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Key Phrase:  Watch & Pray

It’s time to reset for the year 2023, and I am thankful for God’s revelations on this forum over the past years. My prayer is that His word will continue to come fresh on a weekly basis.

Today’s nugget serves as a calibration point for 2023. The Lord is saying its a year to be very attentive to the spirit for He will be speaking in diverse forms; through His word, through His Prophets, through the Holy Spirit, through dreams and visions, through daily ordinary occurrence (eg Jeremiah and the Potter in Jer 18;1-11)….. He will speak but will we hear?

There are instances in scripture where Jesus admonished the disciples to watch and pray. In each of these it was a warning to overcome the flesh, pay attention to the signs and most importantly to pray. The time has come for us to declutter our spiritual lives and truly listen. Every revelation we receive is like a string and each time we take it to the Lord in prayer, He helps us to weave the different strings together into a beautiful fabric of purpose.

I pray that as we watch and pray, God will reveal Himself and His purpose to us and for us.

Father, your word is like a lamp unto our feet, please lead us this year. Lord, help us to overcome every habit that prevents us from hearing your voice. Most of all Lord, in 2023 let no revelation drop to the ground, help us to build it up precept by precept (Isaiah 28:10) until the fabric of your purpose is accomplished in our lives. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino

365 Days, He watches

Weekly Nuggets December 27, 2022

Psalms 3:5‭-‬8 NLT

I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people. Interlude

Key Phrase:  365 Days, He watches

The year slowly winds down and this passage brings to mind two key lessons;

One
“I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.”
Every day of this year, we slept and we woke up. We slept at night, we took naps, we slept during our commutes to work, we slept on planes, trains, boats – yet we woke up …. for the Lord was watching over us and continues to watch over us.

Two
“I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me”
The enemy’s primary objective is to put fear in our hearts to immobilise us. An immobilised person is stagnated, frozen, unprogressive. But God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7) and so by faith we press foward, we move higher.

Father, we are grateful for your good hand upon us since the start of this year; for the gift of breath and life. Lord, we are thankful that the devices of the enemy against us shall not prosper. Most of all Lord, as 2022 wraps up, cause us to feast at the table you have prepared for us, in spite of the enemy (Psalm 23:5). In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino

The Reason for the Season

Weekly Nuggets December 19, 2022

Isaiah 9:6‭-‬7 NKJV

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom….

Key Phrase:  The Reason for the Season

Christmas is here again, with its lights, decorations, hustle and overall ‘busyness’. Each year, the world finds new ways to celebrate the holidays with fanfare. And the louder the celebration, the less of Jesus we see.

This week as we count down to Christmas, the Lord is asking us to reflect on the real reason for the season as found in Isaiah 9: 6-7 . Its about the gift the world received through Jesus, the one who is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

It’s about the expectation that as we celebrate Jesus we will be partakers of His wonder, of His counsel and of His peace.

Father, this season, help us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Lord, let everything that represents a distraction be brought under your authority. Most of all Lord, in this season let us experience new gifts of your peace, let us experience gifts of your wonders. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino

A Season of Compensation

Weekly Nuggets December 12, 2022

Isaiah 61:6‭-‬7 NLT

You will be called priests of the Lord, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches. Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

Key Phrase:  A season of Compensation

The Bible teaches in Psalms 30:5 that ‘Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning‘.

As sure as the sun rises in the morning, a time of compensation is confirmed for those who believe and trust in the Lord.

This is the power of this week’s nugget, that a season of compensation is ahead. That times of lack, shame and dishonor will pass away to be replaced by times of double honor,  double prosperity and everlasting joy.

Father, we thank you because you have loved us with an everlasting and unquestionable love. Lord, for everyone waiting for the sun to rise in their situation – we ask for grace and strength to hold on for sunrise. Most of all Lord, we declare the begining of our season of compensation, our season of peace, our season of honour, our season of Joy. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino

He Never Forgets

Weekly Nuggets December 5, 2022

Isaiah 49:14‭-‬18 NLT

Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.” “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins. Soon your descendants will come back, and all who are trying to destroy you will go away. Look around you and see, for all your children will come back to you. As surely as I live,” says the Lord, “they will be like jewels or bridal ornaments for you to display.

Key Phrase:  He Never Forgets

Everyone has seasons when it looks like God has forgotten us and we are literally just ‘coasting’ along on our own. For some these seasons are rare, for some these seasons are frequent and for some these seasons appear perennial.

God has our names engraved in the palm of His hands. In His mind is the constant picture of the challenges and trials we face. Though God may be silent today concerning that difficult, rough, toxic & dry season, there is an assurance in His word He has not forgotten.

This week, the Lord is reminding us that no matter where we are, no matter what we feel,  no matter what we see – He has your back and is working out a fresh season of rejoicing and thanksgiving for us.

He also gives a bonus nugget for anyone struggling through a difficult season concerning their children,  He says “all your children will come back to you“

Father, thank you for the assurance  that you know where we are and hear us always. Lord, thank you for the assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and that you will always work things out for our good. Most of all Lord, restore the joy of every crying parent, restore our children and cause them to be restored and to stand as a testimonial of your remembrance. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino

Focus, Diligence and Favour

Weekly Nuggets November 28, 2022

Ruth 2:2‭-‬5 NLT

One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech. While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?”

Key Phrase:  Focus, Diligence and Favour

When Ruth went out to work that day, her objectives and motives were clear. It was to find a field where she could glean wheat safely to sustain herself and Naomi.

Rather than sit home and dwell on her challenges, Focus on God brought her to Judah and led her to find work in the fields (Ruth 1:16, your God will be my God) ; Diligence got her noticed by Boaz who happened to just stop by from out of town, Favour got her a permanent invitation to keep working in the fields of Boaz (verse 10), complete with refreshments and security!

This week’s nugget is a reminder that seeking the approval of man is not the secret of success. It is a reminder that whatever or wherever we are diligent, God’s favour will identify and elevate us. A reminder that David was ‘called’ to be king while working as a diligent shepherd. A reminder that “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” Ecclesiatics 9:10a

Father, help us to focus on the things of the Kingdom. Lord, please give us the spirit of diligence, that in any situation our work will always glorify you. Most of all Lord, Favour! Let your favour find us, promote us and celebrate us. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino

If…Then…

Weekly Nuggets November 21, 2022

Leviticus 26: 3-6 NKJV

If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing; you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid;

Key Phrase:  If…Then…

A Conditional statements is one where a hypothesis is followed by a conclusion. It is also known as an ” If-then” statement. This is a mathematical theory that can be applied in every area of our lives and a theory which parents have an innate skill to apply to get the best out of their children.

If you get good grades, then…….
If you eat your vegetables, then……
If you tidy your room, then……

Its a simple structure of clear expectations and even clearer outcomes and rewards. This week’s text sets a simple expectation (of Obedience) from our Heavenly Father  followed by multiple rewards; Prosperity,  contentment,  satisfaction, safety, peace……. what a simple formula to unlock.

This week, may the grace to be obedient be sufficient for us all

Father, we pray for grace, extraordinarily grace to be attentive and obedient to your word . Lord, arrest every spirit of the devourer and spirit of fear operating around us. Most of all Lord, as we obey, let your numerous blessings pursue, overtake and establish us. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino

Travel light

Weekly Nuggets November 14, 2022

Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Key Phrase:  Travel light

“Sorry, check in is closed”

This is not a phrase any air traveller likes to hear, but the airlines need to stop checking luggage at some point to enable them process the luggage for the flight. In some instances, considerations could be made if the traveller is already checked-in and has only a light carry-on.

The benefits of travelling light are too numerous to discuss,  but worthy of mention is the fact that we can be nimble, we can move with ease and speed to the boarding gate. A lesson that we must always apply to our daily walk with God.

Today’s nugget is to exhort on the need to unpack and reduce the weights we carry around in life. Strife, anger, chips on our shoulders, long standing ‘cold wars’ aka malice etc. “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us“. 

May the Lord help us to identify every weight which hinders our ability to board the “flight” of  eternal life.

Father, open our eyes of understanding to identify every weight in our spiritual journey. Lord, grant us grace to not only number these weights but to set them aside. Most of all Lord, guarantee our boarding and grant us strength to run with focus, not distracted, not weighed down. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino

Why? Where are you running?

Weekly Nuggets November 7, 2022

2 Kings 5:20‭-‬27 NLT

But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the Lord lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.” So Gehazi set off after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him. “Is everything all right?” Naaman asked. “Yes,” Gehazi said, “but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them.” “By all means, take twice as much silver,” Naaman insisted. He gave him two sets of clothing, tied up the money in two bags, and sent two of his servants to carry the gifts for Gehazi. But when they arrived at the citadel, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants and sent the men back. Then he went and hid the gifts inside the house. When he went in to his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” “I haven’t been anywhere,” he replied

Key Phrase:  Why? Where are you running?

Several people run on the same track of life, but not all have the same motives. For some it’s a simple quest for their daily bread for others it’s a quest to mischief, to oppress, covet and annexe territory. On the surface,  we may all look the same, but beneath, the soul tells a different story for some run a race of mischief and evil.

In Proverbs 6:16-19, the bible tells us of 6 things that God hates, 4 of which we see in our text today;
• feet that run to trouble
• A lying tongue
• A heart that devises wicked plans
• Feet that are swift in running to evil

Gehazi scores a 4/6 on the things which God hates. A disappointing score for one who has lived and served the great Elisha. But his motive was clearly not of God as he said “I will chase after him and get something from him”.

Gehazi’s running took him away from the presence of God and seperated him permanently from every potential blessing of being Elisha’s spiritual heir. What are we running after today, the Lord is asking us to pause and check our motives -why? Where?

Father, Examine me and prove me; Try my reins and my heart (Psalm 26:2) and let my motives be pure. Lord, uproot every spirit of deceit and of the lying tongue from us. Most of all Lord, in every race we run in this life, let it be one that brings us closer to you and our divine inheritance of eternal salvation. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino

He has said it

Weekly Nuggets October 31, 2022

2 Kings 2:19-22 NKJV

Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren.” And he said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.’ ” So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.

Key Phrase:  He has said it

Somethings change, somethings remain the same. Times and seasons change but God remains the same. Problems and challenges vary but the power in God’s word is a constant.

In this weeks text, the people of Jericho faced diverse challenges; a pleasant city but with bad water. Bad water results in poor irrigation, poor irrigation leads to poor crop yield. Poor crop yield results in hunger, deaths and also economic depression. A whole lot of issues for one community.

But the word of God stepped into their matter (just as it will step into somones matter today) and changed everything. The narrative changed; fruitfulness, fullness, life, prosperity became common place. And because of the one who spoke, there was no contest. It was done, it was sorted for good.

Father, thank you for the power in your word which has existed from the beginning. Lord, let  your word turn around everything in our lives that does not glorify you. Most of all Lord, as healing and restoration comes through your word, let it be permanent. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekly nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino