2018
Arise And Shine
| “Arise (from spiritual depression to a new life), shine (be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord); for your light has come, and the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1, AMP).
The scripture above admonishes us to arise and shine. God has ordained His children on earth to be light and shine forth His glory and beauty. Before we can shine forth, we have to arise! Below are some of the things we have to do in order to shine forth in 2018: Arise from besetting sins: Besetting sins are petty sins that we are susceptible to, enjoy and find difficult to jettison and give up. The Christian journey is like a marathon race, and no marathon runner goes into the race all dressed up. They all appear in light clothing of singlets and shorts in order not to be bogged down, weighed down and slowed down. Besetting sins are weights that slow down the Christian and has the potential to terminate the race for the Christian before getting to the finished line. The Bible admonishes us to set aside besetting sins and run the race before us with endurance (Hebrews 12:1). Arise from mediocrity: One of the synonyms of mediocrity is average. Average may be defined as the best of the worst and the worst of the best. An average person doesn’t have extraordinary results, and this may be due to failure to exert himself or herself. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “’Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” We are to give 2018 our best shot ever, and with God’s blessings our results shall be extraordinary. Arise from procrastination: Procrastination is truly the thief of time. It is true many people will miss heaven because they keep on postponing the time of salvation to a future time. Procrastination can have very disastrous consequences. This is why the songwriter Andrae Crouch sang, “count the years as months, count the months as weeks, count the weeks as days.” By so doing, we maximize time and opportunities. Successful people are acutely aware of the brevity of life and they maximize every moment. The Bible says we should overcome the evil in the day by redeeming the time and stop acting thoughtlessly (Ephesians 5:16-17). Arise from shame: Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul, lost his father Jonathan and grandfather on the same day. He fell as a five-year-old and became lame in his feet the same day his forebears died. He later was abandoned in a desolate place called Lo Debar. Kind David showed magnanimity and kindness to Mephibosheth by bringing him to live with him in the palace at Jerusalem. He lifted him from a disgraceful condition to a graceful one. And this depicts the grace and mercy of God. The grace of God is a lifter from deplorable conditions (Psalm 40:2-3). It is the kindness and benevolence of God that removes reproaches from our lives. In 2018, exercise faith for more grace. Arise unto godliness: What will make a remarkable difference in 2018 is our consistent and daily walk with God. Christians who do well walk consistently with God. They daily meditate on scriptures, pray, and make investments in the spirit by obeying God. Enoch the patriarch was said to walk in close fellowship with God and then one day he disappeared because God took him (Genesis 5:23-24, NLT). People who walk closely with God are a blessing to their world. A godly person is one who has a dynamic relationship with God that is unaffected by worldly pleasures and fleshly appetites (Galatians 5:24). CONCLUSION: 2018 is a year loaded with divine opportunities. Arise and make it a glorious year by the grace of God. Have a blessed year!
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN |
2017
Be Of Good Cheer
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).
The above-cited scriptural quote from Jesus is very instructive. As Christians, we are supposed to abide consistently in Christ, so that we would have His peace which exceeds human understanding. In the world, there are many troubles; but our triumph over them is certain, if we abide in Christ. Below are some principles we should live by in order to be of good CHEER:
Count your blessings: The human nature is much more inclined to lament over issues than to testify and recount God’s goodness. Many are quick to call up friends and family members and complain when a misfortune happens; but they rarely call up the same people to testify of God’s goodness. Many crave for pity and sympathy from others; hence, the propensity to lament. And many refuse to testify of His goodness because they feel God hasn’t done enough. They fail to realize that testimonies beget testimonies because they fuel faith in both the sharer and the hearer. Lamentation, on the other hand, begets more lamentations because it fuels unbelief. David said we should recount all His benefits, whether we deem them inconsequential or not (Psalm 103:1-5).
Hold onto your dreams: It is true that hope deferred discourages the heart (Proverbs 13:12). There is no better option to holding on to one’s aspirations, hopes and dreams even when they delay in coming through. The prophet Habakkuk wrote: “this vision is for a future time, it describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3, NLT). The patriarch Joseph was able to maintain a good attitude and was cheerful in his thirteen years long ordeal, because he held onto his dreams. If God said it, it will surely come to pass.
Engage faith in the Word of God: To engage something, in this sense, means to activate and deploy it for one’s benefit. To be cheerful in this world, we must give premium to the inspired and infallible word of God. We should stop allowing what our senses perceive determine what our hearts believe. Faith in God is of the heart. The basis for our faith is the Word of God. The Apostle Paul, under divine inspiration, wrote: “So we don’t look at the troubles that we can see now, rather we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT). We can be cheerful amidst difficult times when we develop eyes of faith which envision and practically keep in view the Word of God.
Encounter fresh grace: There is grace for every new season of life. Yesterday’s grace may not be sufficient for today’s challenges. The Israelites were instructed to pick the manna only for one day, except the day before the Sabbath, when they were allowed to take enough for two days, since the Sabbath ordinance forbade them to work on that day. Those who disobeyed and picked for two days (except for the Sabbath) had their manna turned stale and spoilt the following day. God was emphasizing to them – and by extension, to us – that daily walk and communion with Him ought to be our lifestyle. There is grace for every day, every new assignment, every new year, every challenge, etc. To be cheerful, it is mandatory to lean entirely on God and His grace. By strength shall no one prevail (1 Samuel 2:9).
Respond to divine ability: The word responsible is from two words, viz. response and ability. Spiritual maturity occurs as we respond to the divine ability within us. In other words, we yield to the Holy Spirit and not the dictates of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17). An irresponsible person is the one who responds wrongly to God, life opportunities, his talents and abilities, etc and then, in turn, blames others for his mediocre life. We can be cheerful in this evil world when we respond correctly to God, His Word, divine abilities, etc. The Holy Spirit enhances our ability to respond correctly to life.
CONCLUSION: As 2017 comes to an end, the word of Jesus, though spoken many centuries ago, is still relevant. Jesus is our Overcomer! Strong and unwavering faith in Him makes us overcome in this evil world (1 John 5:4-5). Be of good cheer!
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2017
The Blessing Of Giving
“…And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b).
Giving is an act of presenting voluntarily without expecting compensations. It is guided by a motive rooted in simple thankfulness for the grace God has bestowed on the giver which surely comes with some blessings. Below are some benefits of giving:
Giving delights God: God is always very pleased when praises and thanksgivings are ascribed to him by the less privileged when they received gifts from generous givers (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). God is glorified in our giving. Generous givers reflect the nature and character of God, and this is partly why God loves cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving also delights Him because it blesses His mankind, solving human problems such as hunger, homelessness, nakedness, diseases, etc. “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God” (Hebrews 13:16, NLT). Giving to His work also advances His Kingdom.
Giving destroys the power of greed: The human nature is inherently selfish and greedy. Generous and regular giving could be painful to the flesh and break the selfish streak of the human nature. It makes us die to the flesh, and makes us more God-like. Giving in God’s economy is counted as good works that delivers divine promises in this world and the world to come (2 Corinthians 9:9, 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Giving trusts in God’s provision: Many people don’t give often because of the fear that they will run out of resources and supply. But great givers trust in divine provision. They believe in what is written in Luke 6:38 – “Give and it shall be given to you.” It takes faith and courage in God to believe the divine principle that he who scatters shall yet increase and the generous man shall be prosperous and enriched (Proverbs 11:24-25). This divine principle does not make sense to the natural and rational mind. Faith in God expressed for divine provision pleases Him.
Giving brings satisfaction and health: The Bible, talking about the generous man, says those who refresh others will in turn be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25). There is great fulfillment in being a blessing to others and helping to relieve their challenges. Covetousness and greed on the other hand can bring a curse (Proverbs 11:24b, 26). John D. Rockefeller, at 53 years old, was the world’s richest man. At this age, he developed a strange and unyielding sickness. His doctors even announced that he could only live up to a year based on their prognosis of his ailment. The gloomy assessment of his condition changed him so much that he began to give tons of his money to churches, schools, hospitals, etc. Later on, he miraculously became healed of that terrible ailment and lived for another 40 plus years, eventually dying at 97 years old. When we touch God’s mankind with our generosity, we also touch heaven.
Giving provokes divine intervention: Giving is a gracious act that qualifies the giver for divine intervention. A real story was told of Dorcas in Acts 9:36-43 who was a generous giver. She was also fond of making and giving clothes to widows. This woman suddenly died. However, because of her renowned good deeds, her church in Joppa refused to accept the verdict. They sent for Apostle Peter who was in a neighboring city to come and pray for her. And the apostle eventually raised her from death. Many other examples abound in the Bible of divine intervention provoked by giving (Malachi 3:10-12).
CONCLUSION: God does not judge us based on what we give but on what we could have given (Mark 12:41-44). Receive grace to be generous and to have faith for divine provision. The blessing of giving is ours in Jesus’ name. Have a blessed month in Jesus’ name.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2017
Activating Supernatural Joy
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17, NKJV)
Supernatural joy is a deep-seated, positive, pleasurable emotion in the soul that is produced by the Holy Spirit. The atmosphere in heaven is joyful; having supernatural joy is having a foretaste of heaven on earth. On the other hand, the atmosphere in hell is sorrowful, and being sorrowful makes people attractive to Satan and his cohorts. Below are further insights about supernatural joy:
Supernatural joy is produced by the Holy Spirit: Irrespective of one’s circumstances, one can have joy. The book of Philippians, which speaks so much about supernatural joy, was written while Apostle Paul, its author, was in jail in Rome. The same Apostle praised God with Silas in a Philippian jail after been severely beaten and mortally wounded and bound up in chains (Acts 16:20-30). This joy is produced by the Holy Spirit and whenever the Spirit is in demonstration there will be great joy (Acts 8:5-8). Non-Christians cannot have this joy since they don’t have the Holy Spirit resident in them. They have happiness which is temporary and dependent on good occurrences in their lives.
Supernatural joy is access to our divine inheritances: Salvation in Christ is a total package with inherent blessings such as healing, deliverance from satanic influences and oppression, divine favor, divine guidance, peace, answered prayers, etc. And a key to access these benefits is supernatural joy. The Bible says with joy we draw waters out of the wells of salvation. The New Living Translation says that with joy we drink deeply from the fountain of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).
Supernatural joy torments the forces of darkness: A joyful Christian is like an inflated balloon; as you hit it, it bounces. The ability of the balloon to bounce comes from the air in it. The strength of Christians to frustrate and torment the devil is the supernatural joy resident in them (Nehemiah 8:10). The truth is that the enemy has no weapon to quench the joy the Holy Spirit produces in the believer. Every time we are joyful, the enemy is sorrowful; when we are sorrowful, he is happy and attracted to us. Supernatural joy torments and frustrates the host of hell and keeps them away from the believer. We should stop allowing the enemy and life’s circumstances to deflate our joy and strength.
Supernatural joy is commanded: The Apostle Paul, writing in a Roman jail and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, commanded the church in Philippi (and also the church at large) to rejoice and rejoice again (Philippians 4:4). It was a command, and not a suggestion. Failure to comply with an instruction in Scripture is sin. Furthermore, we are also commanded to rejoice in hope and anticipation of what God will do in the future for us (Romans 12:12). We rejoice because Christ’s work, on our behalf, makes us victorious, overcomers and possessor of all things.
Supernatural joy brings harvest: The prophet Habakkuk said that though his crops might fail and the desired harvest or anticipated good outcomes might be elusive, he will still rejoice in the Lord (Habakkuk 3:17-18). This prophet knew something many Christians nowadays don’t know, that is joy always precedes the harvest, and not joy coming after the harvest. The divine order is that the harvest always comes after rejoicing (Psalm 37:4). The natural order is that rejoicing comes after harvest and good outcomes. Begin to engage the divine order of rejoicing in faith now, and watch as things take a turn for the better in your life and circumstances.
CONCLUSION: To activate and possess supernatural joy, one must be born again and be filled with the Holy Spirit, who produces the fruit of such joy in the believer. The Psalmist said I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure (Psalm 119:162, NLT). Have a joy-filled month in Jesus’ name.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2017
Looking Unto Jesus
“They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:5-6).
Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. The JB Phillips version of the Bible calls Jesus as the source and goal of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We are to build upon this Rock called Jesus because He is the only anchor that holds in the storm. All other anchors, no matter how strong and secure they may look, will not hold during intense storms of life. As we focus on the written word of God, the Living Word (i.e. Jesus) will manifest in our lives.
Are you hopeless and dejected as a result of someone/somethings you lost? In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, which has caused the destruction of about one hundred thousand homes and loss of life in an unprecedented flood in South Eastern Texas, many lives and hopes have been shattered. But it doesn’t matter how thick the darkness or how long the night may be, the sun will shine again and the dawn will also break. Jesus called Himself the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16). As we look to Him, the hopelessness of this season will soon give way to a new dawn and new beginning, and the Bright and Morning Star will shine on us again.
Are you discouraged, depressed and disillusioned? Discouragement is common to all. Literally, all the great men and women mentioned in the Bible were discouraged or depressed at some point in time. But what marked them out and made them obtain divine promises was their ability to shake off discouragement by fixing their gaze on God. David said, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God; I will praise Him again, My Savior and My God” (Psalm 43:5, NLT). This advice from David is priceless and timeless!
Are you struggling with harmful habits and destructive sins? If you sincerely desire to be delivered, look to Jesus who came with a ministry of no condemnation and reconciliation (John 8:10-11; John 3:17). Do not give in to the lies of the accuser that you are unworthy to approach God. The blood of Jesus is the basis of your merit to approaching God. Jesus came to heal the spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially infirmed. It is those who are sick who are in need of a physician. Keep going to Him regardless of you; He is the Great Physician, and as you cooperate with Him by taking the medication of His word, the bonds and chains of addiction will be destroyed.
Are you being rejected and despised? The world is a wicked place with so much injustices and unfairness. You may have been rejected and despised by those who are meant to love and cater for you. Leah, the wife of patriarch Jacob, was despised by her husband, but her sister Rachel was the favored wife. But God fights for those who have been despised and rejected by men. The Bible says, “When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb but Rachel was barren” (Genesis 29:31). Jacob favored Rachel above Leah, but God favored Leah above Rachel. I will rather be despised by men and gain the favor of God than vice versa. Keep looking to Jesus and He will fight your cause and bring you justice.
Are you broke, suffering financial hardship and cannot make ends meet? David said the righteous cannot be forsaken. Many times the righteous are so absorbed and concerned about their needs that they forget the sufficiency of God. They fuss and worry like Gentiles who do not know God. The birds of the field, Jesus said, don’t care about where the next supply will come from; all they know is that the supply will somehow come. It’s time to up our faith in the sufficiency of God. It’s time to focus more on the all-sufficient God than on our needs.
CONCLUSION: As you look to Him this new month, you will radiate His glory and will not be ashamed in Jesus’ name.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2017
Reaping Your Harvest
“And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come” – Mark 4:29 (NLT).
The dictionary meaning of harvest is the act or process of gathering agricultural crops. It is reaping what one has sown. Generally, the harvest is the blessing that one has believed for, sown or worked towards. Too many times in church circles, much more focus is centered on sowing or planting seeds with little or no attention given to the concept of reaping. Every farmer will readily agree that harvest times are very serious times indeed; it is a time of hard work and diligence for the farmer just like the sowing season. The Bible says he who gathers in summer is wise, but the one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace (Proverbs 10:5, NLT). Below are some truths on how to REAP:
Reaping isn’t automatic: This is so because there are seed destroyers that can destroy the seed sown or reduce the yield of the harvest (Malachi 3:10-11). In Judges 6:1-10, the Bible narrates how the Midianites oppressed the Israelites. After Israel had sown, the Midianites would come and destroy their produce, and as a result Israel became very impoverished. Seed destroyers such as doubts, satanic attacks, ungratefulness, habitual sins, lack of prayers and positive confession, slothfulness etc, can hinder reaping or reduce the yield of the harvest. Scripture reference: Matthew 13:18-23
Engage your tongue appropriately: Our opening Bible text tells us that when the grain is ripe, the farmer gets his sickle for harvest. A sickle is an agricultural equipment for harvesting. Our tongue is our sickle for harvesting the seeds we have sown. The Bible says a man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth. The power of death and life resides in the tongue (Proverbs 18:20-21). The power of attorney God gave to Adam at creation that made him call things forth and name things was restored to every believer in Christ. The Bible also says we should continually refresh God with the fruit of our lips by extolling and exalting Him all the time (Hebrews 13:15). As we use our tongue appropriately, our harvests will be delivered.
Align with God: The prophet Haggai was sent to the people of Judah to tell them to consider their ways. This people had sown much but brought in little. They were dissatisfied and had little results to show (Haggai 1: 3-11). The simple reason was that they ignored God’s interest and pursued their own dreams and interests. God is the Lord of the harvest and Decider of all things. Proper alignment and agreement with Him guarantees bumper harvest. It is wisdom to pursue divine interests over and above our personal interests.
Plant good seeds continuously: The day a farmer stops sowing seeds or stop planning to plant is the day he ceases to be a farmer. The life of a farmer revolves around sowing and reaping. As long as the earth remains seedtime and harvest shall not cease (Genesis 8:22). The Bible teaches that we should sow in the morning and evening, so that our good seeds will compensate for the seeds that go bad (Ecclesiastes 11:6). Also continuous sowing is instructed because God actually increases and multiplies the seed sown, causing a bumper harvest to occur (2 Corinthians 9:10).
CONCLUSION: I join my faith with yours in this new month to call in all our harvests already ripen in the field in Jesus’ name. Have a blessed month!
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2017
True Riches
“Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:11, NKJV).
True riches are riches of heaven; it is what heaven bestows or gives. The above-cited Scripture makes a distinction between true riches and worldly wealth. It implies that if you have not been faithful with your earthly wealth, true riches of heaven will not be given to you. Below are some facts about true riches:
True riches are riches money cannot buy: Examples of true riches are the anointing of the Holy Spirit on the Christian, good health, ability to get prayers answered, gifts of the Spirit, talents and abilities, divine favor, honor that heaven bestows, eternal life, divine wisdom, ability to hear the voice of God, understanding of the Scriptures, long life, a good name, generational blessings, and the list goes on. True riches are blessings we cannot purchase with money.
True riches are divine revelation: It is having access to divine ideas and mysteries. Divine revelation is the difference between where you are now and where you want to be. Abraham became great because he kept on accessing the mind of God about his future. He had faith to believe God for a child at 99 years because of the things revealed to him (Genesis 15:1-6). Divine revelation is the trade secret of the individual Christian. The more revelation you have, the more the impact you will make.
True riches are generational blessings: Levi, third generation after Abraham, was said to be in the loins of Abraham, his great grandfather, when Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek. This deed of faith of Abraham qualified Levi to receive tithes as a priest (Hebrews 7:8-10). Levi was blessed because of Abraham. True riches are generational; it is leaving a legacy of faith, righteousness and greatness for succeeding generations.
True riches are secure: Whatever heaven bestows, it is able to keep. Satan testified about Job, “Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?….” (Job 1:10). Heaven built a hedge around Job’s possessions. Satan could not touch Job’s health, possession and family, until heaven permitted it. Worldly wealth on the other hand can be easily lost; it can develop wings and fly away (Proverbs 23:5). In the US, it is often said that everyone is just one sickness away from bankruptcy.
True riches are heavenly rewards: These are rewards that transcend the terrestrial to the celestial. There is a celestial reward for every kingdom investment made in this terrestrial realm. For every soul won, for every kingdom program funded, for every disciple raised, there will be a heavenly reward. When we aim at heavenly rewards in all endeavors, earthly blessings will not elude us (Matthew 6:33). We are to focus on eternity while we live in history. Salvation is free, but getting rewards in heaven is costly.
CONCLUSION: True riches according to our opening text are entrusted. You have to be found trustworthy to access true riches, and the key requirement is being faithful in money matters (Luke 16:10-12). Jesus wanted to give the rich young ruler true riches, but he was too attached to his worldly wealth that he lost a golden chance to lay hold on eternal blessings (Mark 10:17-22). How attached are you to worldly riches? How faithful are you with tithes and offerings? Have a blessed month!
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2017
The Legacy Of Faith
“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks” – Hebrews 11:4 (NKJV).
Legacy refers to something remarkable someone has achieved which continues to exist after he or she has stopped working or died. Many people worry about what type of legacy they will leave behind when they are no more. Faith in God produces and leaves a worthy, living legacy. Hebrews 11:4 talks about Abel, even though long dead, still speaks today through the sacrifice and gifts he offered to God by faith. Below are the kinds of faith which will leave footprints on the sands of time and bequeath inheritance to succeeding generations:
Faith that worships: True worship to God cannot be separated from sacrifice. The sacrifice one is willing to make for someone is a reflection of the value that person places on him or her. Abel offered something God Himself considered pleasing. Therefore, God had respect for his gift and sacrifice, but disregarded that of Cain his twin brother (Genesis 4:3-5). Because Abel believed that God exists and is a rewarder, he gave a worthy offering which God respected. Having pleased God by his sacrifice inspired by reverential worship, he attained a legacy which still speaks before God.
Faith that walks: It was said of Enoch that he walked with God by faith and God took him to heaven without him dying (Genesis 5:22-24). His experience of being taken to heaven marked the first account of rapture in the Bible. He walked consistently with God for 300 years. The faith that will leave a legacy is one that will consistently walk with God in good times and bad times, in prosperity and adversity, and in high and low moments. Those who diligently seek God shall be rewarded. Those who have been justified by Christ are required to walk by faith, and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Faith that works: Noah was instructed by God to build an ark because He was going to destroy the earth by rainfall and floodwater. For about 70 years according to Bible scholars, Noah worked to build this ark, while the people around him insulted and jeered at him. Though he suffered vicious mockery, Noah never stopped working on the ark. He was able to save his family as a result of his obedience of faith. The Bible says faith without works (corresponding action) is dead. The Bible also says we should show we have faith through our actions (James 2:18). Nowadays, many who claim to believe God prove otherwise by their actions.
Faith that waits: The Bible says some of the patriarchs died in faith not receiving the promises they were assured of them (Hebrews 11:13). God told Abraham he was going to be a father of nations, but biologically he only fathered two sons: Ishmael and Isaac. Joseph died believing in the future exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt, so he left instruction that his bones should be taken with them when they leave Egypt. The faith that leaves a legacy is the one which sees far into the future; it adjures God to be faithful in keeping His promises, even when they are timeless.
Faith that wins: The victory that overcomes the world is our faith (1 John 5:4-5). Faith in Christ makes us a winner. Rahab the prostitute became a descendant of Jesus because of her faith in the God of Israel. She placed a high premium on God and loved His people to the extent of hiding them at her own peril. As a result, she saved her family and herself, and won the battle of destiny. This type of faith places a high premium on God and His promises, and contends without giving in (1 Timothy 6:12).
CONCLUSION: In order to leave a legacy, you must have the faith which worships, walks, works, waits, and wins. It’s my prayers that our faith will be transgenerational and leave an enduring legacy.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2017
Pressing Towards The Mark
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 3:13-14
A mark is a goal worth pursuing. The Apostle Paul, in the above-quoted text, was consumed with the goal of winning a heavenly prize. Not everything in life is worth pursuing or worth our attention as born-again believers. Destiny is worth pursuing. Purpose is worth pursuing. God is worth pursuing. Heaven and heaven’s rewards are worth pursuing. Souls for the kingdom of God are worth pursuing. Peace of mind and marital peace are worth pursuing – and the list goes on. What are your pursuits? Below are some truths to imbibe in order to PRESS into our goals:
Press against the odds: The odds to press against may be our own stubborn wills, the will of the enemy, our fleshy and lazy attitudes, or external enemies set against us. Gethsemane is the place where Jesus prayed the night before His crucifixion, while His disciples slept. Gethsemane literally means oil press or the place of the press. It was in Gethsemane Jesus pressed into His destiny of going to the cross. It was there He travailed to conquer Calvary. The inner strength and resolve to embrace Calvary was given to Him in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41-45). We have to press to prevail against all odds.
Repent from dead works: The Bible talks about dead works in Hebrews 6:1. Dead works are time-wasting activities we sometimes engage in which do not, in any way, help us to attain the mark or goal(s) we pursue. It’s time again for us to review our activities. It’s time to stop some things and start other things which fall in with your life aspiration. Apostle Paul, in our opening text, says he forgets what is behind and reaches forth to things ahead. Dead works are destiny killers, so beware!
Eliminate your fears: Those who reach their goals keep pressing on despite their fears. Several attempts were made at flying before the Wright Brothers successfully flew the first plane. Many of these attempts resulted in death and serious injuries. All these perils didn’t stop Orville and Wilbur Wright from pursuing their goal. They went on to perfect the mechanics of the three axis control which enabled attainment of equilibrium and proper steering of the aircraft. The courageous are not those who don’t feel afraid, but they are those who conquer their fears. Fear paralyses, while faith mobilizes.
Stretch your imagination: One of the ways in which man is made in God’s image and likeness is the ability to envision and make the vision happen (Isaiah 46:10-11). Abraham, after separating from Lot (veil) had a divine visitation where God told him, “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are – northward, southward, eastward and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever” (Genesis 13:14-15). Our perspective in life determines our pursuits. It is my prayer that the Lord sanctifies our thoughts and empowers us to see great things in Jesus’ name.
Solicit divine help: Divine help only comes to the needy, the vulnerable, the broken, the humble and the helpless. Angels came to minister to Jesus after He prayed earnestly for about three hours in Gethsemane. He was empowered and equipped to fulfill His destiny of going to the cross. We can only access divine help as we come to the end of ourselves and cry to God (Psalm 34:6). Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Ask for grace for the race!
CONCLUSION: Keep pressing. Don’t settle. Don’t rest on your oars. By all means make progress because there is no resting on this side of eternity (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Have a blessed new month.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
2017
The Resurrection And The Life
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
Resurrection simply means revival. It means that which is dead bouncing back to life. Resurrection also means a quickening. In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus said, “It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead, and is alive again …” (Luke 15:32). The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1, referring to born again believers in Christ, said, “And you He made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins.” God instructed Prophet Ezekiel to prophesy to very dry bones of dead men in a valley, and as he prophesied there was a response and a quickening, and the dry bones were revived and transformed to a great army (Ezekiel 37:1-10). When Jesus breathed his last on the cross, spectacular events happened, one of which was the opening of graves and the rising back to life of dead saints who were seen by several people (Matthew 27: 51-53). Our opening text was Jesus’ pronouncement at Lazarus tomb before he raised him up after been dead for four days.
We serve a God who can make the dead live again (Romans 4:17b). Dead situations, dead bodies, dead brains, the spiritually dead, dead marriages, dead dreams, etc at the touch and breath of God can live again. And this is one of the central messages of Easter. To receive resurrection and life the following are imperative:
Receive Jesus Christ: The first Adam is a living soul, but the last Adam (Christ) is a life giving Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45). Accepting Jesus is accepting life as opposed to death. He is not only the hope of our resurrection, but also the resurrection and life (John 11:25). Believers in Christ will never see death. Jesus, the resurrection and the life, is the first born from the dead. He rose to prove that resurrection is possible by the power of God, and that our faith in Him isn’t in vain (1 Corinthians 15:12-17). Receiving Christ is receiving eternal life, which is the ultimate, glorious kind of life Jesus gives.
Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is also the same Spirit that indwells believers in Him (Romans 8:11). This life-giving Spirit affects our mortal bodies, injecting life into us. Death is an eventual, natural order of sequence. Everything grows old and suffers decadence, but this life by the Holy Spirit can slow down the natural sequence of decadence and death. This life can also reverse death, as in the case of Lazarus in John 11. Cultivate a dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit in order to see His renewing and reviving power.
Request for the power of His resurrection: Often times, our priorities in prayer are skewed and misplaced. Apostle Paul’s prayer for the New Testament church is largely different from the prayers we mostly pray these days. He prayed that he (and by extension the church) will know the power of His resurrection and be conformed to Christ’s death (Philippians 3:10). Paul further prayed that the Lord will enlighten the eyes of the New Testament believer to know the power of resurrection that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20). This resurrection life can activate every area of the believer’s life. Prophet Elisha’s body was so full of resurrection life that even in death, his body jerked back to life another dead man’s body which was thrown into his tomb and made contact with his body (2 Kings 13).
CONCLUSION: In this Easter season, pray that the resurrection and the life will make fresh contact with you. May His resurrection power activate every good thing dying in our lives in Jesus’ name.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com