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.