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.