Raising Deliverers

Adelola Edema

 

I was at a motherhood program this weekend, and the things I learnt got me thinking;
There are just a few people that the Bible records that an angel appeared to their mums (and Dads, as in the case of Isaac, John the Baptist and Jesus) to foretell their births. Apart from Jeremiah’s story where God actually tells him that he had been prepared from the womb for an assignment, we see through the lives of many people (David, Joseph, Samuel and other people) that God forms men for an assignment (men meaning humans generally).
Two mothers struck me:
Hannah that vowed to give her son back to the Lord and consciously raised her son and gave him to the Lord. Meanwhile, Samuel was ordained by God to be a prophet, a priest, and a judge over Israel. Wow! One guy sha.
My favorite is Jochebed. This woman had 3 children, 2 sons and 1 daughter. The older son became the first high priest over the nation of Israel, and the younger was the first prophet over Israel. The daughter was not left behind, she was also a prophetess (Exodus 15:20).
Jochebed was not told by an angel that her son would be the deliverer of Israel, she saw a beautiful boy, her own seed, and decided to protect him and nurture him. She went the whole nine yards o; preserving him for 3 months, putting him in a basket on the Nile, teaching his elder sister responsibility by following her baby brother, and working her way to Pharaoh’s house so that she could raise her son. That could not have been coincidental, she had to be deliberate in her actions.
Just like Jochebed, many mothers (fathers are not left out) did not receive an angel who gave them the names of their children, but can we be deliberate in nurturing? Understand that you have a beautiful child, that has an assignment, and it is your place to raise with wisdom.
As I thought on this, I thought of those small girls from Christian homes at their school party, wearing skimpy clothes, werking it. I thought of children (boys and girls) that do not know that they are being raised in the way of the Lord. It’s not the church’s assignment to help you raise a Christian child, it cannot be left to chance; it has to be deliberate.
Who knows, you may be raising another deliverer.

Keep Turning The Pages While Being Faithful

Adelola Edema

In Acts chapter 6, seven men were ordained as Deacons; their job was to wait tables (vs 2-3). Stephen who was the first recorded martyr was one of them, and Philip too. After Stephen was killed, many of the believers were scattered, and in chapter 8 we were told that Philip went to Samaria and we read plenty gist about him.
Remember that he started as a Deacon, right? Many chapters and many years later, chapter 21 verse 8, Philip was called Philip the Evangelist, the father o...f 4 unmarried girls that prophesied. Wow! Do you see what I see?

You may have been wrongly defined, you may have had to start from the bottom, but if you stay faithful to the assignment, you will be rightly defined. You cannot say “well they have told me to wait tables, so wherever I go, I will wait tables”, but your heart is saying “preach!!!” You cannot say “I would have loved to build a big company like Dangote, but life didn’t give me the opportunities that I need”, my dear start from where you are while keeping the dream in your heart. One day you will be rightly defined.
In one chapter of your life, they are saying that it’s an honour for you to be called to wait tables (yes it is), keep turning the pages while being faithful, till you get to the chapter where the people that have called you Deacon will finally call you what God has called you, the Evangelist.
God bless you

Sunday Service Posts - September 2016

04/09/2016
Rosaline Makelemi

In Church today, I learnt that God is a rewarder of those who obey His instructions an do what He says we should do (LK5:1-7).
NO MORE FRUITLESS EFFORTS.
Jesus stood by the lake of Gennesaret, saw two boats and went into one of them which happened to be that of Peter. He asked him to move a bit inward to enable Him talk to all to hear Him. Peter obliged.
After He finished His business, He decided to bless Peter for his cooperation and obedience. He told Peter to move further into the lake and throw in his net for a great catch. Peter who had toiled all night with no catch, hesitated, but then said, "nevertheless at thy word l will let down the net". He did and had two boats filled with fishes, and was overwhelmed.
Peter got this miracle because he cooperated/partnered with Jesus. Whatever God tells you to do, do it. (2 Kings 4:1-17) tells the story of the Shunammite woman.
She invited Prophet Elisha whom she noticed passed by frequently to Shunem for refreshment. Later she built him a place to rest his head overnight whenever he came to Shunem.
Prophet Elisha called her/prayed for the fruit of the womb for her when he noticed she has no child and her husband is getting old. She had a baby boy.
She partnered/cooperated with the servant of the Lord, and got her miracle.
I have just given you 2 examples of those who were obedient to the word of God and were blessed.
As you make up your mind to cooperate with God, there shall be no more fruitless effort for you.
In conclusion, learn to obey the word of God and follow His instructions to the letter.
Pray Father, l will cooperate with You, please make me fruitful in the mighty Name of Jesus!

Nnam Ijeoma
I learnt that the blood of Jesus gives me access to the throne of grace.

11/09/2016
Chidimma Nene Kayla Ezenduka-Ezike
Today was centred around the theme of Forgiveness. The stories of how the Israelites were forgiven for the Golden Calf and the Prodigal Son.

Bose Oyelayo
Our topic today was about Repentance and the text was taken from the book of Gal. 6:7-8

Rosaline Makelemi
Gen. 26:1-4, 12-14.
At times like this, people's faith with God begins to wane, but we must rely on GOD for our sustenance. We must not allow the present situation in Nigeria to way us down.
There was famine in Philistines, Isaac wanted to go to Egypt, but God told him to remain there. He had faith in God, dug well after well till he struck water/started irrigating the land for farming. He reaped a hundred folds/became so rich despite the challenges he faced from the Philistines.
At times like this, what are the plans for your life? Create something for yourself, what you can always rely on. Time to look up to God. Ask Him what you can do to give you a future. Could be farming, a garden for yams, corn. vegetables, et cetera. Could be selling food stuff, or start a school. Many choices out there to keep body/soul going.
Mk 11:22-24). Have faith in God and whatever you lay your hands on will prosper.

Omotunde Azeez Alli
Today, I learnt the Unchangeable Changer can be provoked to anger through sin (Case study is Eli in 1 Samuel 2:27-30). He can also be provoked to bless through giving as in Solomon (2 Chronicles 1:6-7). And through praise like Paul and Silas (Acts 16:23-26).

18/09/2016
Chidimma Nene Kayla Ezenduka-Ezike
Reflection was in Astuteness and Being trustworthy. Reference from Luke 16:10-16

Adetokunbo Ajanaku
I HAVE A GLORIOUS DESTINY
Jeremiah 29 vs11
God says He has good thoughts for me not of evil. How come things are not working out as I desire or as reflecting the supposed good thoughts of God ?
 1) Some are suffering from generational curses (things that constantly happens in a family due to what has been done by forefathers foremothers)
2) We don't relate with God via His words. When we do it, then He can order our steps as He has said in His words "He orders the steps of the righteous
3) Without genuine repentance, we can not be truly reconciled to God and when we are not reconciled we may not be privileged to discover our glorious destiny or attain the destiny
4) We can attain discover our glorious destiny through vision in the book of Habakkuk we are told vision speaks and we get Vision via His words or through hearing the words of God from the pulpits (your church or any biblical gathering) or through the voice of the spirit

What is the benefits of discovering your glorious destiny?
1) You walk in supernatural favor
2) Peace in all you do
3) The joy of the Lord that will be your strength at all times

25/09/2016
Mary Oseni
THE GREAT VISITOR
Matthew 21:1-16,
The news of Jesus' good works had been heard by people and they had been expecting His visitation somehow but the time came and he visited Jerusalem and the people who saw and welcome him received their miracles, his visitation brought justification to many who believed in him and their lives received divine turn around. Notwithstanding the murmuring their leaders,Jesus still manifested in His way. I pray that this new week Jesus will visit you and you will be justify in that particular area you looked up to no matter the tactics of your foes.
Do have a blessed new week ahead.

#Shalom

Fasusi Oluwafunmilayo Sanyaolu
The Lord that has the final say. In all situation we may find ourselves we believe in God's report because He has the final say over everything.

Rosaline Makelemi
According to 1 Cor. 3:26, we are the Lord's temple. His Spirit dwells in us. If we should defile this temple, the Lord Himself will destroy us.
We are married to Jesus according to lsaiah 54:5.
We must flee fornicarion and adultry, the only sin against your own body which destroys the body.
Keep yourself chaste and pure.

Sunday Service Posts - August 2016

14/08/2016
Chidimma Nene Kayla Ezenduka-Ezike

Jer 38:4-6, 8-10, Heb 12:1-4
When you decide to follow God, be ready to have enemies and stand alone.

Lk 12:49-53
Difference in understanding of God's words can bring strife in families and must be managed with wisdom.

Olasumbo Peter
Joshua 4&5
As God worked with Moses, He also worked with Joshua and He magnified Himself over Jordan as He did over the Red Sea.

21/08/2016
Adenike Ogunjimi
 
The God of testimony. Who is He?
Our creator
Our helper
The lifter up of our heads
Our supplier
The one who gives wisdom and knowledge
The wisest
The God of Hannah who will penalize our Penninah
The loving father
The God of prosperity
The God of all possibilities
Our defender.

He demonstrates His power according to the situation to be addressed.

May the God of Testimonies manifest himself in our situations for our Testimonies to be perfected In Jesus' Name. Amen

Oluwaniyi Joy Iragbonsughe
 
We are on a series 'STARTING AT THE FINISH LINE'. Imagine a situation where a contestant in the 100m race in the Olympics is taken to the finish line to begin the race. Is it possible? Is that not cheating? Probably in that race but in the race of life... We focused today on 'THE GAME PLAN'. I'll share our entire outline in bits for a better grasp and I know you will be blessed also.
But even though we were dead in our sins, God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, gave us life together with Christ—it is, remember, by grace and not by achievement that you are saved —and has lifted us right out of the old life to take our place with him in Christ in the Heavens. Thus he shows for all time the tremendous generosity of the grace and kindness he has expressed towards us in Christ Jesus. It was nothing you could or did achieve—it was God’s gift to you. No one can pride himself upon earning the love of God. The fact is that what we are we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do. Ephesians 2:4-10 (Phillips)
Starting at the finish line in all areas of our life should be our desire, because this will help us to fulfill destiny as we work towards accomplishing the purpose why we were created. -A lot of us find “Starting at the finish line” difficult to grasp and apply because all our lives we have been programmed and come to realize we have to WORK FOR EVERYTHING WE GET…efforts/ achievement mentality. -Due to our human nature, we are limited in physical, moral, mental, economic and even spiritual “abilities”. -We need to remind ourselves that God has called us to a limitless life, through Christ. As far as possibilities go, everything is possible for the person who believes. Mark 9:23 (GW) I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (GW) -Hence for us to improve our quality of life and go through life successfully and fulfill the limitless purpose of God for our lives, we have to make up how mind the based on God’s provision for us, we will embrace “Starting at the finish line”.
“Starting at the finish line” is a life changing concept that has to do with receiving great and wonderful things in life that we do not deserve or work for. A word that is used to express this concept all through the bible is called GRACE. All through the bible, we see a lot of people who embraced “Starting at the finish line” i.e they got great and wonderful things in life that they did not deserve or work for. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. Zechariah 4:6-9 (KJV)
One of the criminals hanging there also insulted Jesus by saying, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and save us!” But the other criminal told the first one off, “Don’t you fear God? Aren’t you getting the same punishment as this man? We got what was coming to us, but he didn’t do anything wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into power!” Jesus replied, “I promise that today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43(CEV) - First and formost, our eternal destiny is something that should be of concern to us. - A lot of people and religion have different thoughts about this, but one major unifying factor is the believe that death is really not our end and at a point in life, we will receive reward/ judgment from God. - However most religion promotes the believe that God will “judge” us based on the comparison of the weight of the good and evil things we do. But Ephesians 2:4-10 says otherwise
So what game plan can we put in place to ensure that in all we are involved with in this life and in the life to come our life can be an example of “Starting at the finish line”. - Recalibrate our mind set: Do away with the efforts/ achievement mentality. because of the great love he had for us, gave us life together with Christ—it is, remember, by grace and not by achievement that you are saved… No one can pride himself upon earning the love of God. The fact is that what we are we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do. Ephesians 2:4-10 - Always realize that there is nothing you have that is not given to you. What can hold people back from starting at the finish line is pride – they want to be selfmade. Who says that you are any better than other people? What do you have that wasn't given to you? If you were given what you have, why are you bragging as if it weren't a gift? I Cor.4:7(GW) It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” James 4:6 (MSG)

28/08/2016
Genevive Ike Obodo
Humility: that we should be humble so that God can exalt us.

Dolapo Lawal
Sermon was a summarized version of the book of Romans. We're sanctified and justified by faith in Jesus, and are to live loving, gentle lives, and be devoted to God.

Be Grateful For How Far You Have Come

Adelola Edema

I remember some years ago, while I was on campus, I ran into a church friend and shook his hand. His hand felt funny in mine, some parts were soft, and some were hard. Me, I was like “Emeka, I don’t understand this your palm o. why are some parts soft, and some parts hard na?” You needed to have seen the look on my face. But Emeka looked so happy to hear what I said. He then told me that his palms had been very hard, which made him quite embarrassed to shake people’s hands,nd so he had started using hand cream; hearing about his uneven palm meant the cream was working.

I remembered this story recently and thought that “some people will not know where someone is coming from or how far somebody has come, but they have a judgmental opinion about someone’s life”.

You have dated lowlife dudes all these years that suffered you in the relationship, and not only are you free from such guys, but your mindset that made you a prey for such guys has been changed, somebody will be trying to make you feel bad for the ‘new you’; you have been confused about what you wanted to do in life, but now you have found your passion and you are pursuing it, but someone has a critical opinion, and keep throwing it in your face every time; tell them “you don’t know where I have come from”.

It does not have to be in huge things, but people always have an opinion about how your life should be, but they don’t know where you are coming from. You, just smile, and be grateful for how far you have come. Stay grateful, stay focused, and you will get to your desired end.

The Sunday Service Post 24072016 and 31072016

Chidimma Nene Kayla Ezenduka-Ezike

The lesson today was around How to pray. The reference passages were Gn 18:20-32, Col 2:12-14 and Lk 11:1-13.

Modupe Okuyemi

God created us, formed us, made us, for His glory... Isaiah 43:7. Hence we are to ensure that every aspect of our lives and living shows forth the glory of God. May this be our testimony and the testimony of others about us in Jesus name. Amen.

Dolapo Lawal

The sermon today was about storms, comparing Jonah's sin-induced storm (i.e. sin of disobedience), with the one Christ's disciples had come upon, through no fault of theirs; how both Jonah and Jesus slept through both storms and had to be awakened by disappointed others; how Jonah knew the solution, in his case, and Jesus was the solution, in his; and how Jonah found his way back to his God-given assignment. The pastor ended, saying that God would even let us ride through some storms, and that whatever the cause of our storm is, we should find rest in knowing that God is with us. But do we just want Him to be there, or do we want him to take control and transcend the situation (because He will, and with ease, too, if we let Him)?

Adetokunbo Ajanaku

Sunday 31st of July was the last Sunday in July we concluded the series of IS THERE NO BALM IN GILEAD Why are my daughters not healed? What must we do for the balm which is Jesus Christ of Nazareth to work in our lives?

1) Be born again

2) Win souls

3) Engage in Kingdom services

THE SUNDAY SERVICE POST 24072016

1. Chidimma Nene Kayla Ezenduka-Ezike

The lesson today was around how to pray.
The reference passages were Gn 18:20-32, Col 2:12-14 and Lk 11:1-13.

2. Modupe Okuyemi
God created us, formed us, made us, for His glory... Isaiah 43:7.
Hence we are to ensure that every aspect of our lives and living shows forth the glory of God.

May this be our testimony and the testimony of others about us in Jesus name.

Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Motunrayo Sokoya

This is JULY.

It is time for end of session examinations and awards.
This is the season when parents flaunt the achievements of their brilliant children. Pictures of these children will be everywhere showing how many awards the kid received and how mum and dad are so proud of him/her. You will see the pictures on Facebook, Blackberry DP etc. Some parents will even share testimonies in Church.
However many parents won't have any picture to show. Reason? Their children didn't win any award. The child didn’t receive any accolades or recognition. Interestingly, there are more parents in this category.
If you are a parent in the first category, congratulations! Remember to celebrate with moderation. Also remember to thank God for his mercies. Finally, ensure you partner with your child to improve the performance. Sustained performance is very important.
However if your child didn’t win any award, I have a couple of ideas to share.
1. Note that this is the result for a session and not for a life time. It's a one year dash in the race of life. It's not a life time assessment. So, don't take more seriously that you should.
2. A Students’ report card is a report of several activities. Most report cards are done in two major categories namely, academics and Skills/ character. Don't focus only on the academics. The sections on character and others are equally important. Also remember to read the teachers comments and other comments. Celebrate the child's achievements in these other areas.
3. Talk with the child. Ask what he or she thinks about the result. Also seek joint problem solving opportunities to improve the result. Remember to compose yourself very well before the discussion. As you discuss with your child, remember to watch out for that’s said and what’s not said
4. Talk with the teacher. Get his views on the issue. Know his perspective on the child’s performance. Seek his counsel on what to do to get better results
5. If your child was asked to repeat a class, investigate that decision. What the child improve if he repeats the class? What support does the school have to manage his emotions or ego if he has to repeat? What support can you give? Research evidence isn’t conclusive of the benefit of children repeating a class
6. Develop an action plan. Study the report card and determine what corrective actions to take. Remember it’s not YOUR Plan ensure the child is involved in the development of the plan. Don’t rush him to develop the plan. Take it gradually.
The plan should answer the basic question: What you intend to do to improve? Please ensure YOU aren't the one doing everything. The child has the role to play. Remember the plan will include, what he needs to stop doing, what he needs to start doing, what he needs to reduce and what he needs to increase.  As a parent, you also have some roles to perform. You may consider teaching the child yourself during the holiday, getting a lesson teacher or even changing the school.
7. Manage your emotional state. Don't compare the child with others. Don't make it the subject of abuse or feedback. Don't deny him benefits because of his result. How you handle this is very important
8. Leaders deal in hope. Give the child hope. Also have hope it will be well
9. Start implementing the plan from this holiday period. Yes, don’t wait and also start appraising your plan throughout the holiday. Ensure you are making progress.
Don't be discouraged. The child is a GEM. He will blossom in his own area and at his own time. You need to be patient and ensure he has the right environment. I guarantee you; your child will blossom and be celebrated.

THE SUNDAY SERVICE POST 17072016

1. Lillian Peter
 Once again we bless God for another wonderful time in His presence. 

Today we learnt that our salvation is the foundation for our escaping the wickedness, torture and affliction of Satan and his demonic agents.

After our salvation encounter follows our commitment to serving and dwelling in God's presence...

Note that every sincere commitment to serving God, which is our divine assignment, brings us to the place of supernatural flow of signs and wonders ..halleluyah,, as the presence of God is the fountain of signs and wonders....

This our commitment also establishes God's commitment for our escape, preservation n liberation.

Listen to this brethren: every physician operates by prescription and a good doctor is known by his diagnosis and treatments...ie solutions to diagnosis-this is in medicine.

But then Jesus is the Greatest Physician, who carries with Him solutions to all our needs, and sickness diagnosis, so it only pays us to see Him, dwell in His presence and continuously trust Him to do that which He has promised for He is faithful that prpmised...halleluyah....

2. Adetokunbo Ajanaku:
Today is anointing service anointing will destroy the yokes of stagnation sickness lack
The oil that you buy in the market is powerless it is ordinary chemistry
It becomes anointing when it is blessed
Anointing is a treasure that makes ones life pleasurable 1st Samuel 16 vs 13 eg David
It is a stamp of God that makes man fulfill his destiny eg Jesus Christ of Nazareth Mathew 3 vs11
It is power that heals and deliver from all destruction Luke 4 vs 34-42
Today was our covenant day of Escape from stagnation lack sickness Holocaust and all the plans of Satan

3. Chidimma Nene Kayla Ezenduka-Ezike
The theme was "Don't Worry" with sub-theme titled "Where have you set your heart?"
The basis of the theme was taken from the story of Mary and Martha when Jesus visited them.
We were taught that if we set out heart firmly on God, we would easily overcome every adverse situation without fear.

THE SUNDAY SERVICE POST 10072016

1. Olusolape Folorunsho
I learnt that God delights in the prosperity of His children.

2. Chidimma Nene Kayla Ezenduka-Ezike
Today we learned about "Charity without boundaries", case in point being The Good Samaritan.

3. Anthonia Joseph
We were taught never judge, criticize or condemn any man of God BECAUSE we are not the one who called them so that we don't bring God's wrath upon our lives.

4. Lillian Peter
Today we learnt about the essence of the Holy communion. John 6:48-56.

Makes us understand the power in the blood n do flesh of Jesus.

As we partake of the communion we share the eternal life virtue of Christ...

As the life of a thing is in its blood, our life now has its footing in Christ Jesus.

There's transfusion of the blood of Jesus into our own blood in order words, His blood takes over our blood; and in His flesh is the mystery of the flesh transplant.

His flesh takes over our flesh therefore every thing that is not found in the blood n flesh of Jesus can't be found in ours....Glory....

We must have this faith in us as we approach d communion table...halleluya...be blessed

5. Temitope Dada

Today we learnt that God is Powerful and Mighty. Psalm 91:1-6.

We were taught that it is by his power the earth were form Genesis 1:1-4.

And if only we can believe in him HE will deliver us.

6. Dolapo Lawal
Yesterday, I learned that Boaz was blessed because he gave.

He went beyond the law of Moses that required rich farmers to remain some for the poor to glean, while they harvested, by giving generously.

It must have been Boaz's character generally to give, because he'd been wealthy long before Ruth came in the picture, because he'd been blessed for long.

So, if we want to be blessed, we need to learn to bless first.

Give love, if you're love-starved, reach out in friendship to someone if you need friends, etc.

And don't count, when you give. Just give, give, give. Only count when you've been blessed. Because by giving, we become like God, who gave, gave, and keeps giving...

Find a need in the world around you, and give generously to it

7. Mary Oseni:
Abiding in Christ;even in this timing of our nation, for us to be safe and live in splendor, it can only be when we stay put to God