2016
The Ability To Wait
“If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time I will wait, till my change come” (Job 14:14, KJV);
“If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my warfare would I wait, till my release should come” (Job 14:14, ASV)
In today’s fast paced world, a world of instant messaging, instant coffee, instant skyping, etc., waiting is becoming increasing difficult, particularly for the younger generation. But anyone who will walk with God and make strides in the spirit realm have to embrace the concept of waiting. Our God uses waiting and patience to prove our faith and infuse maturity in us (James 1:2-4). Holding on during intense, pressured moment builds capacity in us and forces us to seek God. Waiting makes us abide with the process of life and perfect the process of development. For example, a pregnant woman carrying a child doesn’t have a choice but to accept and abide with the inconveniences of pregnancy. She has to go through the process (i.e. nine months of pregnancy) in order to get a favorable outcome. The scriptures say it is good to both hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord (Lamentation 3:26). Our opening text tells us that waiting time is akin to warfare or examination time, and how we utilize such a time matters a lot. Below are some truths to consider:
Wait Actively: Waiting isn’t always synonymous with passivity or inactivity. The Bible says we should rejoice in anticipation (Romans 12:12). The prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel, while waiting for rain to fall after a drought of three and a half years, kept on requesting his servant to go check the clouds. He was active while waiting. Waiting time is crucial, and hence must be taken seriously. We must learn to listen to divine instructions during our waiting period. We should also learn from the eagle which goes into waiting to renew itself. It retreats and goes into seclusion for many days to pluck off its weak feathers and beak, allowing new ones to emerge. We are to use waiting time to seek God, do spiritual warfare, memorize scriptures, perfect our art, chill and allow a new ‘us’ to emerge.
Wait Expectantly: A vision, goal or dream always speaks at the end, and not at the beginning. This is what makes the goal or dream worth waiting for. If you desire it, and the desire is within God’s will for you, it shall surely come to pass. Faith in God approves God, and this approval is pleasing to Him (Hebrews 11:6). His faithfulness to fulfill promises is always evident to all when the dream is realized (1 Thessalonians 5:24). When one keeps looking to God for a desire to manifest, it commits Him to perform. Make bold statements about your desire and proclaim it on the rooftop for people to hear. This kind of action propels God to manifest His power and glory to you.
Wait for the coming of the King: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord, see how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, ……, You also be patient, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7-8). A faithful employee is one who does his work diligently at all times whether the employer is present or not. Jesus is coming back, and it’s only those who endure to the very end shall be saved. Endurance means staying ability. The way we live our lives is proof of whether we believe or not that Jesus is coming back. We should live in a state of preparedness always before God, so that we will not be caught napping at the coming of the Lord (Luke 12:35-40).
CONCLUSION: It is divine providence to sometimes delay manifestation; hence, the need for us to develop the ability to wait (John 11:5-6). Also, cutting corners or short circuiting the process will always have adverse consequences. But abiding and embracing the process results in favorable outcomes.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2016
The Renewing Of The Mind
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
Christianity is a way of life that is opposed to the ways of this world. Personal transformation and change in the attitude of people always start with a change in their thinking patterns and thoughts. Becoming a born-again Christian doesn’t automatically mean there has been a complete, overnight change in the person. God’s intention is to change our mentalities, stereotypes, mindsets and patterns from a worldly perspective to His own perspective. The rate at which an individual Christian changes is a function of his or her cooperation with God in the process of mind renewal. To renew means to make new or to renovate. Below are vital truths about RENEW:
Renew the mind: The mind functions as an umpire between the spirit and the flesh or human nature. It decides which direction to take. It makes the decision between choosing the higher way of the spirit or the lesser way of the flesh. Any way this pendulum swings determines our outcome or action. The Bible says we should put off our old nature and take on the new man which is created in true holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). It is every Christian’s personal responsibility to do this.
Enlist inspired thoughts: The Bible is God’s inspired book (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible carries God’s breath. It isn’t a mere or ordinary book. Therefore, by consciously imbibing the Word of God, (for purposes of instruction, reproofing, encouraging and correcting) you are allowing divine thoughts that carries great potential to impact supernatural qualities on you. It was an inspired divine thought which Jacob had through a dream that made him wealthy in a very short time (Genesis 30). We enlist inspired thoughts by Bible meditation and prayers.
Negate and shut down wrong thoughts: The mind is the battlefield. The Holy Spirit seeks control of our minds and Satan seeks same. As Christians, we have the power to control our minds and thinking. We own our minds just like we own our hands and eyes and ears. Whatever thing we own, we have control over. We should never give our minds over to thrash and seductive information which demonic entities always peddle to us. We are not to entertain evil thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). To entertain someone is to invite the person over into your house, feed the person, and keep the person comfortable in house. Every time we entertain an evil thought, that’s what we do. And there is always a heavy price to pay for such accommodation and entertainment.
Elevate your thinking: “Brothers do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20, ESV). Spiritual maturity results from mature thinking. To elevate one’s thinking, one has to expose the mind to superior and quality thoughts. God’s thoughts are superior thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Gideon’s thought of himself was transformed from that of a weakling to a mighty man of valor when he was exposed to quality thinking. Also, Abraham transitioned into a model of great faith when he was exposed to quality thinking. As the quality of our thoughts improves, so does the quality of our lives (Proverbs 23:7). What information do you regularly expose your mind to?
Wash with the blood: Renewing the mind is to regularly have our minds cleansed. We take time daily to wash our bodies, cars, etc but hardly do some people take time to cater for their most vital part i.e. the inner man. God made provision of the blood of Jesus to cleanse our consciences from guilt and feelings of insufficiency, so that we can approach Him and fellowship with Him (Hebrews 10: 19-22). Regularly avail yourself of this provision by having a mentality of access to God which the blood of Jesus had provided for us.
CONCLUSION: To repent is to change one’s way of thinking, and hence one’s direction in life. Have you repented by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus? Have you repented from dead works? Renewal of the mind is only perfected when genuine repentance is in place.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2016
Born Again To Rule
“For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive (God’s) overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness (putting them into right standing with Himself) reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)” (Romans 5:17, AMP).
To rule simply means to reign, dominate and exercise control and authority. It is to have influence over something and have something(s) in subjection. Jesus, in His earthly journey, ruled over poverty, demonic spirits, sicknesses, death, grave and over weather elements. He came to show those who will receive His abundant grace and gift of righteousness a model to follow on how to operate and reign in this world. Below are valid truths to consider and imbibe:
Reign with Christ: King David, an Old Testament saint with uncanny insight into the New Testament, stated in Psalm 110:1:“The LORD said to my Lord, sit at My right hand till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Jesus ascended to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God, a position of great power and authority. Born again believers are positioned and seated with Him in the heavenly place of great authority from where we operate and reign over everything contrary (Ephesians 2:6). The hosts of heaven are always eagerly waiting on us to exercise our legally given authority in this realm.
United with Christ: Every born again child of God is one with Jesus Christ. We received abundant grace and the gift of righteousness through the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. Grace and righteousness, which Jesus freely gives us, are needed for us to rule and reign in this world. Grace is for empowerment, while righteousness is our positioning and location. We are representatives of the divine order in this realm, having been made partakers of His divine nature. We are spirit beings and gods because of the Word of God personified in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As Christ is, so are we here in this world (1 John 4:17b).
Leaders are followers: Leaders are rulers. The lion is a leader in the animal kingdom because it rules in that domain (Proverbs 30:30). Great leaders are made, and not born. They are made by following other great or greater leaders. Elisha became a mighty prophet by following Elijah. Esther became a queen by following the instructions of Mordeccai and Hegai the king’s eunuch. Paul reigned by following Christ and in turn asked believers to follow him (1 Corinthians 11:1). Following Christ’s instructions, observing His modus operandi and imbibing and practicing same will make us rule and reign in this world.
Exit wrong association: With Brexit still fresh in our minds, the vote for it was a vote to leave a supposedly unlikely association. It’s often said that we are the average of the five closest people to us. If the five closest to you are winning, the likelihood is that you will eventually win if you aren’t winning presently. Associations are strong; they make or mar us. Because Jonah was in some people’s boat, they suffered loss; calm was restored when he exited from the boat. Jump into Jesus’ boat today, if you haven’t done so; and begin to reign.
CONCLUSION: The closest enemy and most difficult for us to rule over is our sinful human nature. The degree to which we conquer the Adamic nature in us is the degree to which we reign and rule. For one to exercise authority effectively, one must subject to the higher authority of God Almighty. Apostle Paul said he always had his flesh in subjection to the laws of God (1Corinthians 9:27). Receive fresh grace this month to begin to rule and reign in Jesus’ name.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2016
Operating In God’s Economy
“And do not seek what you should eat or drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you” (Luke 12:29-31).
God has an economic system that is diametrically opposed to this world’s system. As born again believers in God’s Kingdom, it is imperative for us to know how His economic system operates so as to avail ourselves of the blessings therein.
God’s economy is free from anxiety: Our opening text says God knows we need material things. As a good Father, He provides sufficiently for His children. It is only weird children who will doubt their parents’ willingness to give them the things they need, particularly when they know their parents can afford it. It is an assumption for many children that their parents will provide for their needs. The Psalmist emphatically says he has never seen the righteous forsaken and his seed begging for bread. It is necessary for us to also see God as our Source and Provider, and not just our Savior and Healer. Anxieties about finances and supplies simply shows we have little faith (Luke 12:28).
God’s economy is free from greed: The wealth of the world is predicated on and motivated by greed. The craving to have more and more rules the world’s system. Jesus said a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions even when he has a lot (Luke 12:15). Though God wants us to have things, He doesn’t want things to have us. Things are not God. One of the reasons why God commands us to give generously and regularly is to avoid been consumed by greed. A man of God said: “the only proof you have conquered greed is your giving.”
God’s economy is not just monetary: The net worth of an individual is his Assets less Liabilities. Money can only answer to things, and not all life’s issues. For believers in Christ, our net worth is much more than riches or what it can offer; our real asset is our relationship with God (Jeremiah 9:23-24). God told Abraham (and by extension us) that He is His exceeding great reward (Genesis 15:1). True riches are more than things. True riches refer to the ability to get prayers answered, ability to hear from God, ability to have peace of mind in the midst of turmoil. It is also good health, divine favor, divine wisdom, etc.
God’s economy is a partnership: Jesus entered Peter’s boat on Lake Gennesaret by purpose. There were two boats, but He entered Peter’s and ended his financial struggles and toil (Luke 5:1-11). Tithing is neither an old nor new covenant issue; it is actually a timeless covenant issue. We are stewards of God’s possessions because He owns all things; we don’t own anything. He owns it all. This understanding should help us surrender our finances, business and careers to Him. When He becomes our senior partner indeed, our heavens open and lack disappears. God is looking for trust worthy partners like Peter.
God’s economy is a mindset: God’s economy rest solely on the law of seed time and harvest (Genesis 8:22). It is about sowing and anticipating the harvest from the seed intentionally planted. It is about having a mind that seeks to glorify God in all things and at all times. It is a mindset of possibilities in spite of odds. Isaac planted in famine and his crops yielded supernaturally (Genesis 26:1-3, 13-14). It is a mindset that doesn’t give up. Isaac kept on digging wells till he got to Rehoboth (the place of his enlargement). This mindset is totally opposed to that of this world. In the world you accumulate for leverage; in God’s economy you liquidate for leverage (Proverbs 11:24-26).
CONCLUSION: Are you a bona fide member of the Kingdom of God. If not, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior today. If you are, are you operating fully in God’s economy? Receive faith, courage and a heart of obedience to begin to operate God’s economy.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2016
Your Thoughts Are Entities
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
An entity is synonymous to something real, living and separate. An entity is an object not necessarily material. Many times, we don’t think of our thoughts as objects that are real and living. A certain man of God said the most important things in life are your thoughts, and the most powerful things in life are the words that we speak. Our words emanate from our thoughts and thinking patterns (Matthew 12:34). Below are some things to consider:
Thoughts Are Real: Our values and beliefs are shaped by the way we think and all these determine who we are. Our destinies are also determined by our value and belief systems. Jesus said: “The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things”(Matthew 12:35, AMP). What we produce in our lives are the results of our thinking patterns.
Thoughts Are Changeable: The Bible enjoins us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Humans are “programmable” creatures. Our brains register events of pain and pleasure, and have a tendency to replay and repeat them even when they are destructive. Habits are formed when we keep allowing the brain to replay events of pleasure. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit in the believer are powerful change agents. As we fix our minds on the Word of God, we gain quality and higher thoughts that eventually produce quality mindsets and people.
Thoughts Are Entities: We live life from within us. We draw inspiration, and otherwise, from our minds and thinking patterns. Until God convinced Gideon he was a mighty man of valor and capable of defeating the Midianites, Gideon wasn’t ready to make any move against them. But once his thinking pattern changed about himself, he made the move against the Midianites (Judges 7:14-16). The battle of life is won or lost, first and foremost, in the minds of men. Thoughts are entities.
Thoughts Are Controllable: The clarion call is to always be conscious of your thoughts. Our main text above says we should focus our thinking on noble things. The Amplified version of 1 Corinthians 14:20 says: “Brethren, do not be children [immature] in your thinking; continue to be babes in [matters of] evil, but in your minds be mature [men].” Adult people take charge, while infants don’t. We are to take charge of our thoughts (Proverbs 4:23). Psychologists tell us it takes approximately 21 days to change a particular thinking pattern.
Conclusion: Repentance is always as a result of deep, reflective thinking. The prodigal son, upon seeing how low his life had sunk, made up his mind to go back to his father’s house, where there is abundance. God has given us the responsibility to decide what manner of life we want. It’s not enough to desire a quality lifestyle; we must be willing to pay the price for it by changing our thinking, and as a result our ways. Have a blessed month.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2016
Made By Grace
“So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6, NIV)
Biblical grace has a few definitions: It is God’s power at work in the believer (Acts 4:33). Grace is also unmerited favor and kindness of God brought to man by Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9). Grace is also charis, from where we have the word charisma, which is a divinely conferred gift or talent (Romans 12:6-8). Below are some different manifestations of grace that is expedient for the Christian in order to maximize life here on earth:
Sufficient Grace: “And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness… Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God spoke to Apostle Paul (and to us), in the above-quoted Scripture that His ability is at our disposal whenever we are at our wit’s end. When we are helpless in ourselves is really when Divine help is most available. There is need for Christians to carry the mentality of sufficient grace particularly in times of distress.
Sustaining Grace: This grace makes the believer a finisher. It sustains the believer in times of great opposition and challenges. It also enables the believer to hold on and finish well. Zerrubabel, the Governor of Judah, was encountering challenges from the Samaritans in finishing the temple he started. Zerubbabel was instructed to shout “Grace Grace” at the place of the construction (Zechariah 4:7). Grace will produce divine supply to finish whatever He has purposed to do in our lives.
Sanctifying Grace: The Word of God sanctifies and cleanses through the vehicle of grace (Acts 20:32). The grace of God does not justify sin, but justifies the sinner. The woman, who was caught in adultery by the Pharisees and scribes and brought to Jesus, was instructed by Him to go and sin no more (John 8:1-12). The words Jesus spoke to her were empowered words of grace that produced divine ability in her, which effected a transformation in her. This grace produces discipline in the Christian, enabling him or her to fulfill divine purpose, and to live above sin (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Superabundant Grace: “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7, NKJV). Divine grace is always massive and cannot be maxed out. In reality, we cannot earn divine blessings by our own efforts. God’s intention is always that by blessing us beyond our imagination, the undeserved blessing will spark off thanksgiving, worship and outright obedience to Him. If divine blessings are truly earned by human effort, it will result in boastfulness which God abhors. This grace is released because of the ministry of Jesus (Galatians 3:13-14)
Saving Grace: “For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through (your) faith. And this (salvation) is not of yourselves (of your own doing, it came not through your own striving), but it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Our ultimate salvation, as Christians, rests totally on the grace and mercy of God.
CONCLUSION: As money works for rich men, so does God intend that His grace should work for the Christian in this world. The currency we spend and invest in as Christians is the grace of God. The grace of God is a maker of enviable destinies. Align yourself with God today and let Him raise you. Stop abusing grace by justifying sin, and stop killing grace by condemning those God has justified. Step up in grace by the grace of God.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2016
Living Intentionally In 2016
Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17 AMP).
To be intentional is to be deliberate about something. It is to take utmost responsibility for one’s life and actions.
Set Goals: One definition of goal is the end to which effort is directed. Apostle Paul says he presses towards the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14). He had a goal in mind he was aiming for. Having no goals is like playing a football match without a touchdown line or playing soccer without goalposts. Goal setting also involves identifying something one wants to accomplish, and then establishing measures to accomplish it within a set time frame. Nothing is dynamic until it first becomes specific.
Redeem The Time: Time is the only commodity that is irreplaceable in life. Note that time is a commodity to be traded. When it is diligently and wisely used, it yields handsome dividends. Time invested in good education produces a strong mind over time. Time is of such great importance that when someone spends time with us, we thank them for their time. While money is replaceable, time isn’t. To redeem the time is to be diligent and maximize the opportunities we get in life. It also means having a sense of urgency about one’s assignment because the days are evil. To make the most out of time, one has to be careful to avoid procrastination and idleness.
Die Daily To Self: Living in pleasure (of sin) is not living intentionally. Apostle Paul said I die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). Jesus said we should carry our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). The cross implies the crucifixion of the sinful Adamic nature in us. To die daily is to (daily and regularly) deny our human nature of its lusts and cravings. It is to tow the line of self discipline by the help of the Holy Spirit resident within us. By dying daily we are able to manifest the holiness and glory of God to our world (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
Lean On Grace: Grace, as defined by someone, is the power of God available to meet our needs without any cost to us. Grace is a maker of men and destinies (1 Corinthians 15:10). Grace makes us accomplish great things for God (Zechariah 4:6-7). A resolute mind isn’t enough to live intentionally in 2016. His grace is greatly needed. Even when we fail, we are able to recover ourselves, dust ourselves up and continue by His grace (Proverbs 24:16).
Do The Expedient: The expedient things are the helpful and beneficial activities we engage in. By doing the expedient regularly, we cultivate good habits. Psychologists tell us it takes 30 days to change a habit. The convenient is contrary to the expedient, and it usually doesn’t deliver good results. Doing the convenient all the time is akin to cultivating poor habits that will never yield great results. Success is not a product of one time event; rather, it is a product of a string of expedient activities.
Give Yourself Away: “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation he fell asleep” (Acts 13:36, NIV). Jesus said he came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom (Mark 10:45). You are never remembered for what you get; rather, what you are remembered for is what you give. To intentionally live is to serve your generation according to the will of God. Look for ways to serve in your family, church etc in 2016.
Sow Seeds: The law of reproduction is predicated on planting a seed (Genesis 8:22). Every seed reproduces after its kind. Deliberate living is to plant seeds of what you intend to harvest. Farmers are deliberate seed planters. A farmer who doesn’t plant in the planting season will have nothing to harvest during harvest seasons. Prudent farmers don’t consume all their harvest. Every harvest includes the seeds for the next planting season, and the number of seeds sown determines the size of the next harvest. Believe in this principle to your benefit; ignore it to your disadvantage.
Conclusion: May your life take a leap forward in this leap year in Jesus’ name, as you make every effort to live intentionally. Happy New Year!
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
www.rccgpittsburgh.org
2015
Running The Race Of Life
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24)
There are three major races the Christian believer is engaged in: First, the race to actualize God’s blessings and promises (2 Peter 1:4); second, the race of destiny, that is to fulfill divine mandate on individual lives; and third, (the most crucial of all) the race of eternal life, the race to hold onto one’s salvation despite enemy attacks and temptations.
Below are some ways to run to win:
Run With Precision: To be precise is to be exact. God is a precise and very detailed God. He gave precise instructions to Moses while building the tabernacle. God is a detailed God who has His preferences for His children (Ephesians 1:11). As we crave for His plan and preferences for our lives in prayers and meditation, life’s journey becomes smoother and swifter. God will always back His perfect plans.
Run With Pace: Pace means the rate of movement. We all have different rates of movement. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” Thus, moving constantly and steadily is very crucial to winning the race. To stop movement at any time is to quit running, which is detrimental to destiny pursuits. So, whether crawling or running, you need to keep a pace, and keep making strides to the desired end (Philippians 3:12-14).
Run With Power: Power is the ability to accomplish tasks. Other synonyms for power in Christianity are anointing and grace. The Holy Spirit in the Christian believer is an Enabler and a Helper (John 14:26). To do divine or secular tasks without the input of the Holy Spirit is akin to driving a dump truck with no power assisted steering wheels. It is torturous drudgery. Learn to always call for the Holy Spirit’s assistance.
Run With Purpose: Purpose is simply the intent, the reason why something is done. Apostle Paul said: “I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow boxing” (1 Corinthians 9:26, NLT). Successful people never engage in any activity without first defining the purpose or the reason why. To maximize life, engage only in purposeful and thoughtful endeavors (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Run With Purity: Any athlete that doesn’t run according to the laid down rules will be disqualified. Living carelessly and indulging ourselves carnally will result in disqualification (1 Corinthians 9:27). To run to win, focus is essential. Careless living is a distraction and detour from the race of life.
Conclusion: Have you dropped out from the race? Get back on track! Are you running at slower pace? Receive anew the enablement of the Holy Spirit! Have you started the race at all? If not, receive Jesus today as your personal Savior and Lord.
2015
The Blessings Of Adversity
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
One dictionary meaning of adversity is difficult situation or condition: misfortune or tragedy. Simply put, adversity implies a bad situation. The reality, in God, is that good can come out of the bad. Samson said, “Out of the eater came forth meat…” (Judges 14:14, KJV). There is some advantage in adversity: Gain in pain, and glory in shame. This may seem paradoxical; but God always has a good purpose when He allows His beloved to go through suffering. Below are some truths to consider:
Adversity can force repentance: In Luke 15:11-24, when the prodigal son was confronted with abject poverty, shame and ridicule, he was forced to reconsider going back to his father. In affluence and ease, he rebelled against his father’s wish and left home; but when adversity struck, “he came to his senses” and returned home to reunite with his loving father. Any situation that causes genuine repentance in a person, in Heaven’s reckoning is a blessing in disguise (2 Corinthians 7:8-11). Heaven rejoices when a sinner genuinely repents.
Adversity forces us to turn to God: King Hezekiah was very sick close to dying. God told him through Prophet Isaiah that he will die, so he should put his house in order. After receiving this gloomy prophecy, the king turned his face to the wall and prayed, and wept bitterly to God (Isaiah 38:1-5). His devotion and prayer life changed suddenly because of the adverse situation that had befallen him. He was spared as a result. Any situation that will engender total dependence and focus on God, in reality, is a blessing (Deuteronomy 4:30, 31).
Adversity can lead maturity: The latter part of our opening text talks about perfection and completion, which imply maturity. Joseph was the favorite of his father among his 11 brothers; but after he was sold off into slavery, he quickly transformed from a mindset of entitlement to a mentality of a servant leader. He grew up overnight from a daddy’s boy to a dependable man of God. Adversity produces fortitude (inner strength) which develops maturity of character (Romans 5:3-4, AMP).
Adversity proves our faith: Any faith that is not tested can’t be trusted. To test something is to prove its worth, reliability and dependability; it is to confirm, affirm and strengthen. The Bible says the word of the Lord tested Joseph. He had to be tested and proven because of the enviable destiny of being the savior of his people at that time (Psalm 105:16-19). Joseph was squeezed by God so that the milk of human kindness and compassion will flow from him (Job 23:10).
Adversity makes us a blessing to our world: “…Who comforts us in all our tribulation,that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:4). No experience of ours is wasted by God. Out of our mess comes a message. We are sometimes afflicted for other people’s consolation and comfort. The greatest ministries are those borne out of adversity.
Conclusion
Please note that adversity isn’t meant to be permanent. Apostle Paul said they are light and momentary (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18). Bible scholars tell us Job’s travails lasted just 9 months. So if your adversity lasts longer than usual, check yourself and realign yourself back to your Maker. How is your standing with Jesus presently?
2015
Transformed By Grace
Grace is divine supply to the child of God. Every child of God stands by grace (Romans 5:2). We are justified by grace (Romans 3:24); we are instructed and trained in righteousness by grace (Titus 2:11-13); we are ultimately saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9); our hearts are established in God’s righteousness by grace (Hebrews 13: 9); we overcome sin and our carnal desires by grace (Romans 6:14); the nation of Israel are God’s elect by grace (Romans 11:5); we excel and are able to labor diligently by grace (1 Corinthians 15:10); and we receive His blessings and inheritance by grace (John 1:16).
Below are some reasons why genuine transformation of life is brought about through the work of grace:
God forgives in advance and in totality: “I, even, I am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). Forgiveness and acceptance by God of the born-again Christians is the crux of Christianity. Our debts are forgiven because Jesus paid the debts with His blood on the cross of Calvary. A realization and acceptance of this truth leads to some impartation of divine grace on the soul of a person. This same saving grace emboldens us to humbly walk with God, an experience which results in the transformation of our mind and destiny.
Rest in the love of God: Apostle Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus that they will have a revelation of the vastness of God’s love, and be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19). A clear understanding and experience of God’s unconditional love never leaves the recipient the same. Though, at times, this divine love may be tough, it still has so much tenderness. “For He bruises, but He binds up” (Job 5:18). He breaks and molds, effecting transformation through His dealings.
Abide in Christ: The branches of a tree shoot out fruits effortless because they are connected to the nutrients flowing through the vine of the tree. Any branch that is detached eventually will die off because nothing is flowing into it anymore. As long as we are connected to the Vine, which is Jesus Christ, we will produce fruits that are consistent with the nature of the tree. As long as we continue to behold His glory with an unveiled face, we will be transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Christ is the Focus: “For while the law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). A proper focusing on Christ entails embracing His truth and grace. Embracing His truth alone makes us judgmental and unattractive to nonbelievers; while embracing His grace alone, without His truth, may make us anomic. However, when we embrace His truth and grace all together, we get transformed and become sweet aroma of His presence in this world.
Excel in Grace: Apostle Paul became the greatest apostle of all times because he maxed out the grace of God on his life. When grace is in operation, seemingly impossible things become achievable. To excel in grace means to be an overcomer in all circumstance through divine enablement (1 Corinthians 5:10). Those who excel in grace carry the mentality of grace all the time (Philippians 4:13). A grace-full Christian is an all season winner (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Conclusion: Transforming grace has to do with Jesus Christ. How is your relationship with Him? Receive fresh grace in this new month to run the race set before you. Have a blessed new month.!