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Emmy's Smile, Abakaliki (2026)

08/11/2021

Respect and submit to authority (2)

“As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen to you!” Jer 44:16 NKJV

Do those in authority sometimes abuse it and prove themselves unworthy of it? Yes, but that doesn’t let you off the hook. The Bible says that in his youth, Jesus submitted to the authority of His parents (See Lk 2:51). And even though His ministry was marked by demonstrations of supernatural power, He still taught submission to the governing authorities in Rome. “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Lk 20:25 NKJV). Submission to authority is not optional for a follower of Jesus. Whether you are passed over for a promotion, assigned an incompetent boss, or feel you have been treated unfairly, respecting and submitting to authority is still God’s will for you. And when you obey His will, He works on your behalf. As you consider your tendency to be defiant, try to understand the root cause, which may include these: (1) A distressful history of suffering or mistreatment. (2) Disrespect for an inept superior. (3) Pride because your skills have not been recognized and rewarded. (4) Unfair behavior from those in authority. (5) A tactic on your part to test the honesty, care, or concern of authority figures in your life. Bottom line: “Anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished” (Ro 13:2 NLT). So pray: “Father, I repent of having a rebellious attitude. Remind me that all authority is from you, and when I resist it, I am resisting you. Empower me to submit. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

07/11/2021

He Is Our 'abba'

Mark 14:36 'And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.'
Although God was referred to as our Father in the Old Testament, Jesus' frequent use of this title brought a whole new understanding of our relationship with God. Jesus referred to God as His Father, and He spoke of God as being our Father as well. This infuriated the religious Jews of Jesus' day who considered it blasphemy to call God their Father, because they understood that to mean they were equal with God.

We are instructed to call God our Father, revealing the kind, gentle, loving nature of our God. The term 'Abba' is an affectionate term that a young child calls his father, which corresponds to our term 'daddy.' It is a term used to express intimacy and affectionate fondness. It removes the idea of God as a strict judge and carries the image of Him as a loving Father who cares, understands, and is our best friend. 'Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God' (1 Jn. 3:1).

We are sons of God by adoption. Jesus was the Son of God by nature. As Jesus said to the Jews, ye are of your Father the devil (Jn. 8:44; Eph. 2:3).

However, Jesus purchased us and made us adopted sons of God.

We are not just heirs, we are joint-heirs with Christ. To think that we share equally with the one who has inherited everything God is, and has, is beyond comprehension.

07/11/2021

Respect and submit to authority (1)

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive.” Heb 13:17 NKJV

Until you learn to submit to authority, you will never be qualified to exercise it. Why? (1) Because you will have no credibility. (2) Because you won’t really understand what it means to be a follower. Today the entertainment industry glamorizes rebels and turns them into heroes. But that’s not how it works in everyday life. An insubordinate attitude will buy you a one-way ticket to a life of trouble and failure. The Bible says this: (1) Children must be taught to submit to the authority of their parents. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Eph 6:1-3 NKJV). (2) Wives are called to submit to the leadership of their husbands. (And husbands must prove worthy of that role and take responsibility for it). “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord” (Eph 5:22 NKJV). (3) Church members are called to submit to the leadership of their pastor. “Obey those who have the rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.” (4) Citizens are called to submit to their government. “The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted” (Ro 13:1-2 NIV). “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority…This is good, and pleases our Savior” (1Ti 2:1-3 NIV).

03/11/2021

You don’t have to hide anymore

“God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” Ge 3:9 NLT

When you don’t feel good about yourself, you use things like work, food, relationships, money, and mood-altering substances to build a wall and keep people from getting too close. But lasting relationships can only be built when you stop hiding and become transparent with others. Another hiding tactic we employ is keeping the focus on other people by asking, “How come she got a new house and I didn’t?” Or, “Why did he get that job and not me?” That kind of thinking just makes you miserable. But even worse than pretending with people is pretending with God. When God asked Adam, “Where are you?” He already knew the answer. So why did He ask the question? Because He wanted Adam to acknowledge where he was and what he had become. Eric Hoffer said, “We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.” Until you face the truth about yourself, you will find it hard to talk to God. You will feel lonely and alienated. And you will struggle to look people in the eye in case they see the “real you.” It’s time to come out of hiding, get down on your knees, and say: “Father, I know you love me. Nothing can change that or rob me of its joy except my own doubts and refusal to believe it. You loved me before I was born, you fashioned me according to your plan, you redeemed me and gave me a special purpose in the world, and you’re working day by day to make me into a person who pleases you” (See Php 2:13). The good news is—you don’t have to hide anymore!

03/11/2021

Never be jealous

“Jealousy is like cancer in the bones.” Pr 14:30 NLT

Is it hard for you to compliment others on their achievements? When someone’s name comes up in conversation, do you feel good because something bad has happened to them? When you hear something complimentary about another person, do you feel the need to say, “Yes, but…” and proceed to point out their negative traits or failures? Do you keep comparing yourself to other people? Are you preoccupied with what they’re doing, buying, wearing, and who they mix and mingle with? Do you trust the people you love, or are you always checking up on them? The Bible says, “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones” (v. 30 NLT). Note the word “healthy.” If you want to be mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically healthy, don’t give place to jealousy or it will consume you. The most miserable people in life are filled with jealousy. It eats away at them and steals their joy. They think of little else but the things somebody else has that they want, which in turn leads to resentment and strife. How do you conquer jealousy? (1) Acknowledge you have a problem. (2) Repent and ask for God’s help. (3) Pray for the person who is the target of your jealousy. At first it will feel awkward, but as you keep doing it, God will change your heart and replace jealousy with love. Start celebrating other people’s successes with them and make a point of complimenting them. Remember, nobody else is as good at being you as you. So, you have no competition. When you’re secure in who you are before God, you don’t have to be jealous of anybody.

31/10/2021

📃 Bible 📃:
Taking in and giving out

“Go, and tell this people.” Isa 6:9 NKJV

When you’re involved in God’s work, it’s easy to get out of balance and end up enjoying the work of the Lord more than the Lord of the work. First, Jesus called His disciples to Him; then, He sent them out from Him. The power you need to succeed in your God-given assignment comes from the time you spend with the Lord, not people. One day Jesus took three of His disciples to the top of the Mount of Transfiguration. “His face shone like the sun…there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus” (Mt 17:2-3 NIV). Peter was elated by the experience: “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters” (v. 4 NIV). Peter wanted to stay, but God spoke from heaven and said, “This is My beloved Son….Listen to Him!” (Mt 17:5). Afterward, Jesus took His disciples back down the mountain and they began to minister to needy people. It’s good to have periodic “mountaintop experiences” with God, but you can’t stay there. There is work to be done at the foot of the mountain, and we have been called to do it. There must be a balance between taking in and giving out. One day a year, the high priest entered the holiest of holies and had the privilege of seeing God’s glory. What an honor! But the rest of the year was spent outside, ministering to the people. After an encounter with God during which the building shook, Isaiah cried, “I am undone” (Isa 6:5 NKJV). Then God touched his mouth and said, “Go, and tell this people” (v. 9 NKJV). Are you getting the idea?

Forgiving others (1)

“‘I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.” Ro 12:19 NLT

Long after you think you have forgiven someone, you can still be harboring hard feelings. Some indicators that you still have work to do are these: You keep thinking about the person who hurt you and become resentful. You avoid them. You rehearse the incident mentally and in conversation. You take every opportunity to remind them of what they did. Do you know what you’re doing? Justifying an unforgiving attitude! There are two things God won’t share. (1) The praise that’s due Him. “I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise” (Isa 42:8 NLT). (2) The right to “settle the score.” Paul writes: “Never take revenge…The Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord. Instead, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.’ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good” (Ro 12:19-21 NLT). So forgive, hand the situation over to God, and trust Him to work it out! When “people insulted Christ…he did not insult them in return…He let God…who judges rightly, take care of him” (1Pe 2:23 NCV). Resentment chains you to the offender, and you end up as a hostage. Dwelling on something your parents or spouse did, or how an associate took credit for your work, or what someone may or may not have said about you, makes you—not them—miserable. You walk around stewing, and they don’t even know you’re upset. Don’t give anyone that kind of control over your life. Forgive—and move on!

Forgiving others (2)

“Turn thou me, and I shall be turned.” Jer 31:18

The Bible tells us: “Isaac’s servants dug…a well…But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, ‘The water is ours.’ So…they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one also…And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called it…Rehoboth, because he said, ‘For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land’” (Ge 26:19-22 NKJV). What a great example of practicing forgiveness. During a drought, Isaac dug wells and his enemies moved in and claimed them. It wasn’t fair, but instead of retaliating, he moved on and dug new wells—and God blessed him greatly. The truth is this: God will fill the emptiness in your life when you forgive those who have hurt you. Let’s face it; as long as we share this planet with other imperfect human beings, they will hurt us. There is no way to avoid it. And when the hurt goes deep, it can be hard to forgive. Does that mean you should go around pretending that nothing is wrong, and denying how you feel? No, the first step toward healing is acknowledging your feelings. And Jesus gives us the second step: “Pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk 6:28 NIV). When you do that, something unexpected happens. Your heart softens and you start to see the offender through God’s eyes instead of your own raw emotions. “But I don’t want to forgive them!” you say. Then here is step three. Acknowledge your unwillingness to forgive and ask God to make you willing. Pray, “Turn thou me, and I shall be turned.”

How to forgive yourself

“I will not remember your sins.” Isa 43:25 NKJV

God says in His Word: “I…am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted” (vv. 25-26 NKJV). Today if you’re condemning yourself because you think your sins are too big to merit God’s grace, go back and reread those Scriptures carefully. Why did God say He would forgive your sins? “For My own sake.” So what should you do? “State your case, that you may be acquitted.” Why do we have such a hard time accepting God’s forgiveness? (1) Because in some cases we feel like we’re reaping what we have sown. (2) Because we have condemned someone else for doing the very thing we ourselves did. (3) Because we think God likes to keep us twisting in the wind for a while so we will think twice before committing the same sin again. (4) Because growing up, when we disobeyed our parents, they took away certain privileges until we had proven ourselves. (5) Because we think we have to be “worthy” of God’s mercy. But when you refuse to forgive yourself, you’re implying that your transgressions are beyond the scope of God’s grace. And that’s a bigger sin—pride! And here is another thought. When you always have “issues” with other people, you may be looking for someone to offend you. That way, you can point to how bad the other person is and feel better about yourself. When you adopt a humble attitude and work on forgiving yourself because you know God has exonerated you, it’s easier to forgive other people’s mistakes.

Avoid habits that can enslave you

“If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.” 1Co 6:12 MSG

Paul said, “Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean…it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.” If you’re serious about spiritual growth, look for opportunities to say no to yourself in small areas. Then one day you will be able to say it when it really counts. Daniel started by saying no to eating the king’s food, and later was able to say no to bowing to the king’s idols. Zero in on the undisciplined areas of your life; the ones you keep excusing, rationalizing, and delaying dealing with. Paul measured his actions by this yardstick: “Is it beneficial? Does it have the potential to control me?” (See 1Co 6:12 NIV). You have a “right” to eat a tub of ice cream every night. It’s permissible—but it’s not “beneficial,” especially if you want unblocked arteries, a trim waistline, the ability to run a marathon, or to just keep up with your kids and grandkids. You have a “right” to spend your money as you please, but don’t complain when you end up strangled by debt. You have a “right” to look at whatever you want on TV or the internet, but exposure to wrong influences will inevitably weaken your character, rob you of self-respect, and enslave you. Bottom line: Your character is the sum total of the choices you make each day. And one more thought: When it comes to replacing bad habits with good ones, the only person who can make that happen is you!

26/10/2021

Handling your money wisely (3)

“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house.” Pr 15:27 NKJV

J. Paul Getty’s estate exceeded four billion dollars. At that time, he was considered the richest man on earth. The Los Angeles Times quoted something Getty wrote: “I have never been given to envy, save for the envy I feel toward those people who have the ability to make a marriage work and endure happily. It’s an art I have never been able to master. My record: five marriages, five divorces. In short, five failures.” The newspaper article continues: “He termed the memories of his relationship with his five sons ‘painful.’ Much of his pain has been passed on with his money. His most treasured offspring, Timothy, a frail child born when Getty was fifty-three, died in 1958 at the age of twelve, of surgical complications after a sickly life, spent mostly separated from his father who was forever away on business. Other members of the Getty family also suffered from tragic circumstances. A grandson, J. Paul Getty III, was kidnapped and held for a ransom of $2.9 million. When Getty refused to pay, they held the boy for five months and eventually cut off his right ear. Getty’s oldest son apparently committed su***de amid strange circumstances. Another son, Gordon Paul Getty, has been described as living a tortured existence. He was ridiculed in correspondence by his father and was the least favored son. Similar sorrow has followed other members of this unfortunate family.” Putting money first and family second make you nothing more than a wealthy failure. So if you have been sacrificing your family for your career, start making changes! Don’t look back, rich but regretting, having lived for the wrong things.

25/10/2021

Happy Halloween from Emmy's Smile...
More love!

25/10/2021

Handling your money wisely (2)

“God…gives you power to get wealth.” Dt 8:18 NKJV

Next to teaching your children how to walk with God, you will never teach them a more important life lesson than how to handle their money wisely. Dr. James Merritt writes: “We began teaching our kids early these principles of industry, honesty, and responsibility. Here are a few methods we used, which I recommend to you. (1) Give your kids some jobs early on without pay, such as making up their beds, picking up their toys, and cleaning their rooms. Inspect their room each time, encouraging them as much as possible, but also letting them know the standard of quality that’s expected (no sloppy bed, toys left on the floor, etc.). This will begin to teach them the value of work, the fulfillment of doing a job well, and the discipline of following the commands of someone in authority. (2) As your kids get older, choose some jobs they’re capable of doing (polishing shoes, washing the car, vacuuming the floor, etc.) and settle on fair compensation. This will begin to instruct them in the value of money and reinforce the rewards of a job well done. Again, have an understood standard of quality that’s expected, and don’t pay them until the job’s completed properly. (3) Don’t give allowances or teach your children to expect them. Rather, teach them that money is earned through working for it. There’s nothing wrong with giving your child money out of love or as a reward (such as for good grades), but kids must learn the relationship between honest labor and just compensation.” Bottom line: Those are three principles that will stand them in good stead throughout their entire lifetime.

24/10/2021

SERMON: ELDER MRS. REBECCA NWANI
TEXT: PSALMS 1:2:3, MATTHEW 13:1-23
FOCUS: WHERE DID YOU FALL

Thank God on behalf of your family.
Worship God in His holiness, Spirit and truth.

Ask God to give you a touch
Song “touch me one more time oh Lord x2
I need a touch from the master, I need a touch from the Lord
Touch me one more time oh lord”

The seed sowed is talking about the word of God and the ground is the heart of man, the seed sown is you and me while the landing place is where we find ourselves (our environment).
You cannot determine your family or environment without knowing where you fell in. This is a mystery that we need to understand, if not so many people will not be in a family.

Ask your neighbor “Where did you fall?”
We are in the month of October, a prepared place receiving the prepared blessing of God. Since the beginning of the year, we have received a wonderful sermon this year and If you answer the question “where did you fall?” it will help us to understand the way to go or follow.
Prayer: the gentiles ministered unto us and said let peace be still “ask God for His peace in your life, family, church, environment, your state and country”
Ask God to locate your foundation and your root.

Your observation determines how far you can go in life.
The parable of the seed sower talks a lot of things and can be summarized in four categories.
The seed in the roadside
The seed in the stony places
The seed in the thorns
The seed in the good ground

This seeds can be good and the ground where it fell can be our environment.

Lets consider the four side…
The seed in the roadside: Matthew 13:4 “And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up.
This kind of heart has been closed against good things. The situation is like someone locked outside the gate, who do not enjoy or see benefit in what is inside. People in this group can’t lay their hands in anything good. They involve in people having problems all the time. Their joy is always like a taboo, there success is very far from them. Whenever they lay their hands, they turn into stone. Good thing in their life will become a story, so it is an implication that their seed fell into the roadside.
Prayer: God have mercy, whatever that is responsible to bring difficult times in your life reverse now. Every ancient doors covering you scatter in Jesus name

2. Stony place (Matthew 13:5) some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness on earth.
The seed here fell into a heart that is locked up, no progress, no establishment and this heart will keep on shredding, this heart have very less testimony because of the structure where it fell. They always think good things are not sustainable, good things doesn’t stand, it doesn’t live long and life will be short.
Stones live from ages to ages and every heart that lies on it will live in perpetual suffering, confusion and longtime trouble.
Prayer: Ask God to take away time-suffering, affliction and problem attached in your life. Ask God to reestablish you again.
It is going to be devastating.

3. The thorns heart: (Matthew 13:7) and some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up and choked them.
Thorns are sticks, sharp pointed, like a stem under-part of a plant and no plant survive around the thorns. Thorns choke up plants. And that is how it is in our lives.
It look like aggravation, annoyance, frustration, depression etc. this words are not friendly.
Prayer: every thorn in my life, dry up and die in Jesus name.
Where you started from has a lot to do in where you will end.

The good heart family: (Matthew 13:8) but other fells into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold
We are in a prepared place to harvest. It is motivating, ready to impress in a prepared blessing and grace.
Where you are now people of God is good ground for you to sow, and whatever you will sow will do well and bring good harvest. It will surely bring out more than what you have sowed. This is what you will get when you fall into good ground. You are about to manifest your purpose, your glorious life and testify.
This good ground is leading us to the top. With this you can have a good story.
Where you fall will make you who you are today and will determine how far you will go in life, get you to the top and give you greatness…. It will not sink you but promote you, making you a champion having victory instead of being a victim, helping you to determine the level of achievement, determine your speed in life and the kind of people that come your way. Too many benefits to mention.
Tell someone, you are very lucky because you’re under this good ground. Now your labor is not in vain again and struggle has being removed, poverty is being banished, the goodness of your family has a generational blessing.
Families that fall in this category don’t fight each other.

IF YOU REMAIN IN THIS GROUND.. (PSALMS 1:2-3)
1. Continue to meditate on the word of God
2. You must identify and know where you fall (carry out spiritual investigation about your life and family, asking questions about spiritual and physical life and go to God in prayer.

The great grace given to you is what you cannot explain. If people are being given opportunity to say theirs, they will continue to testify without end.

Amen.

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God bless you

24/10/2021

Pray for discernment (1)

“The sons of Issachar…had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” 1Ch 12:32 NKJV

Who said, “I tell you Wellington is a bad general, the English are bad soldiers; we will settle the matter by lunchtime”? Napoleon Bonaparte over breakfast with his generals just before the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Who said, “I think there is a world market for about five computers”? Thomas J. Watson, the chairman of IBM, in 1943. Who said, “I don’t need bodyguards”? Jimmy Hoffa, a month before his disappearance in 1975. What did all these men have in common? Lack of discernment—and it cost them dearly. When it comes to seeing life’s opportunities and solving life’s problems, you need discernment. It enables you to see what others don’t, fill in the missing pieces, and get to the heart of the matter. If you can see the root cause of a problem, you have a much better chance of solving it. That means when you stay in the area of your core gift, your discernment will be stronger. So if you want to tap into your discernment potential, work from the areas of your strength. But do more. Pray for discernment. It’s one of the nine “gifts of the Spirit” promised to us in Scripture (See 1Co 12:7-10 NKJV). Some of Israel’s greatest victories were won when David was king. And when we study the makeup of his army, we read, “The sons of Issachar…had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Discernment enables you to see doors of opportunity where others see only brick walls. It will save you from life’s pitfalls and show you what you “ought to do”—so pray for discernment.

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