CONSCIENCE-10/05/2014

CONSCIENCE-10/05/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "MAXIMIZING YOUR LIFE”. Today's message is titled "CONSCIENCE" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Hebrews 9:14:  "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? " Today's reading was taken from Romans 1:18-32. and the Bible reading in one year is  Genesis 21-23 and Psalm 103:1-10 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"Conscience is an internal judge examining all that you do or say. It cries out before any wrong-doing. It does not keep quiet during the act and keeps on talking even after the act. Every man has a conscience. This fact is pointed out in 2 Corinthians 4:2. The conscience can exist in different states. These states affect the character exhibited by the conscience. Based on this character, the conscience can manifest itself as any of these: evil conscience, convicted conscience, weak conscience, good conscience and conscience devoid of offence. Consequent upon the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, man’s conscience became darkened and defiled. Our Bible reading for today tells the terrible story of what happens when the conscience becomes defiled, depraved and evil. It is an evil conscience that directs a man to bow down and worship an idol. It is an evil conscience that accuses a man of being anti-social when he refuses to entertain others with alcoholic drinks or partake in an immoral gathering. The conscience becomes convicted when a man hears the gospel of Jesus and the Holy Spirit quickens the word in the heart. When the hearer receives the word, he does one of two things: either he yields to the working of the Holy Spirit or he excuses himself (Romans 2:15). If he yields to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, he begins to feel sorrowful for his sins and soon, he is on his way to repentance. Have you yielded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit? The conscience becomes purged when a man yields to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and his awakened conscience puts pressure on him to conform to God’s stand on sin and righteousness. He begins to realise the evil of a depraved conscience, and this conviction leads to conversion or salvation. Such a person has his conscience purged and he begins to find joy in serving the living God. Conversion is therefore the recreation of a conscience which has long been silenced. A young convert will however find out that his conscience is still too weak to be relied upon (1 Corinthians 8:7). Such weak conscience may accept anything that is “not too bad”; ignoring the fact that anything that is not too bad is definitely not good. This weakness can be overcome by prayer, Bible study and constant obedience. To a sinner, the conscience is a burden; but to the saved, the conscience is a help, a friend to know, to love and a messenger from God which constantly reminds him of God’s standard, which is perfection (Matthew 5:48). The desire of God for every born-again believer is to have a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5). One of the highest goals of a Christian life is to have a conscience devoid of offence toward God and toward men (Acts 24:16)."

The prayer point is "I apply the blood of Jesus in cleansing my conscience from all dead works, in Jesus’ Name"

I pray that the Blood of Jesus will cleanse us totally in Jesus Name. 

Have a glorious weekend

God bless you for your contribution.

LABOURER IN HIS VINEYARD- 08/04/2014

LABOURER IN HIS VINEYARD- 08/04/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "TALKING TO JESUS”. Today's message is titled "LABOURER IN HIS VINEYARD" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise 1 Corinthians 4:2: "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful " Today's reading was taken from 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and the Bible reading in one year is  Genesis 15:1- 18:21 and Psalm 102:1-15 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"Are you a Christian worker? If you are not, desire to be one. A Christian worker is a labourer in God’s vineyard. He could be a spiritual leader occupying any of the ministerial offices or an Usher, Chorister etc. In any case, a Christian worker is a steward. A steward can be described as a person employed to manage the property of another, especially a large house or land. Christian stewardship means accepting responsibility to manage all the resources of life for the glory of God, acknowledging God as the provider. As a manager, a Christian worker is a spiritual leader. As a spiritual leader, the work of a Christian worker is an enviable one, and God attaches great importance to it. It is notable and honourable but also tasking, demanding and sacrificial. Faithfulness in this service leads to greater and higher responsibility which attracts fabulous and eternal rewards. 1 Peter 5:4 says:

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

Certain qualities are essential for Christian workers or labourers in God’s vineyard. The basic qualification is salvation. Such a person should also be faithful and available. A prospective Christian worker should be one that is faithful to God, to his or her human leader and to the assignment entrusted to his or her hands. A Christian worker should also be available for service. The first need in God’s vineyard is availability (Isaiah 6:8). A Christian worker should be teachable. To serve in God’s vineyard, you should be someone who can be taught by God and others. Socially, a Christian worker should be of good behaviour. As a worker, you must be friendly and be of good reputation among those within and without the church. To serve in God’s vineyard, your life should have no grounds for reproach. Morally, a Christian worker should be disciplined. If married, you should be close to your spouse and remain faithful to your marital vows. A Christian worker should be sober and clearheaded, that is, one who never drinks alcohol. Mentally, you must be prudent to serve in God’s vineyard. Prudency refers to a balanced state of mind resulting from habitual self-restraint. By implication, you should be sound-minded and in control of every part of your person. On a personal relationship level, a Christian worker should not be troublesome, but genial and gentle; not contentious, but hospitable and a friend of strangers. He must also not be covetous. The Christian worker should also not be a novice or a baby in Christ. Are you qualified to be a labourer in God’s vineyard?"

Today's prayer point is to pray for grace to be qualified as a labourer in God’s vineyard.

God bless you richly for your contribution in this forum

TALKING TO JESUS-07/05/2014

TALKING TO JESUS-07/05/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE”. Today's message is titled "TALKING TO JESUS" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise "Matthew 7:7 : Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:." Today's reading was taken from Matthew 6:5-13 and the Bible reading in one year is  Genesis 11:10-14:24 and Psalm 101 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

Prayer is talking to Jesus. There is nothing as sweet as talking to Jesus because the Most High loves to hear our voices. Prayer is the soul of man talking to God. It is worship addressed to God the Father, in the Name of God the Son, through the power of God the Holy Spirit. John 14:13 says:

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Prayer consists of at least four parts: these are adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. Adoration denotes praises and worship of God for who God is. For example God is good, merciful, powerful and just. When you praise God for who He is, rather than for what He has done for you, it is true worship (Psalm, 95:6-7). The second part is confession or repentance from every known sin (Psalm 32:5). This will be followed by washing in the blood of Jesus Christ. If you are sanctified and have no sin to confess, wash in the blood all the same; you cannot be too clean. Thanksgiving is the third division of prayer. Be thankful for anything and everything that God has done (Philippians 4:6). The fourth division is supplication. It is at this juncture that intercession, requests, petitions and desires are addressed to God in the Name of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 2:1). God answers prayers and you can pray anywhere (1 Timothy 2:8). Just as you can pray anywhere, you can also pray at anytime. You should pray daily (Psalm 86:3), and you should pray always (Luke 18:1). You can take any posture in prayer. It is not only when you are on your knees with your eyes closed that you can pray. You can pray as you drive to work, while at work or while resting. A question many people ask is, ‘What am I to pray for?’ Many people cannot pray for long because their prayer is selfish, that is, they pray only for themselves. Prayers should not be selfish. You can pray for the sick (James 5:13-16). You can pray for all men: for the President, Governors, Pastors, Church Workers, the children, the youths and the elders (1 Timothy 2:1-4). You should also pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:44). Pray for wisdom and understanding (1 Kings 3:9). Pray for personal safety and for the safety of others (John 17:15); pray for the second coming of Christ, that you may be able to do the will of the Lord. You can also include specific individual requests. By following these guidelines, you will be able to pray without ceasing. We should be guided by the Holy Spirit in our prayers (Romans 8:26-27). You must pray with humility and faith

Today's action point is: Using the suggested prayer points, pray persistently for thirty minutes.

Have you really prayed using the suggested prayer points today?

God bless you richly for your contribution

Reference:

Adeboye, E. A. (2014) Open Heavens: A Guide to Close Fellowship with God, Volume 14, 2014. Nigeria: Open Heavens Media Limited.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE-06/05/2014

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE-06/05/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "FISHERS OF MEN”. Today's message is titled "THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise "Psalm 103:1 : Bless the Lord Oh my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy name." Today's reading was taken from Psalm 148:1-4 and the Bible reading in one year is  Genesis 8:1-11:9 and Psalm 99-100 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"What is the most important thing in life? Is it to earn a living? Is it to be wealthy, famous and revered; or is it to get saved and get to Heaven? To answer this question, we need to understand why man was created. The answer is simply to glorify God (Isaiah 43:7). Our life is expected to be one continuous song of praise to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). To praise means to honour, to worship and to glorify. To praise God is the most important thing in life. The Bible shows us that praise is compulsory for angels (Revelation 7:11-12), for the saints of God - believers (Psalm 30:4) and for nations (Psalm 117:1). Even children are not exempted from it. Candidly speaking, children know how best to praise the Lord. This is one of the reasons why Christ said that unless we accept the kingdom of God like children, we will not be able to access it. Whatever your position in life, whether you are a pastor or a new convert, whether you are a messenger, governor or president; whether you are a prince or a peasant, it is compulsory for you to praise the Lord (Psalm 148:12-13). All the creations of God are also expected to praise the Lord. God gets praises from the heavens, the heights, sun, moon, stars and wind. Psalm 150:6 says:

“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”

There are several reasons why we must praise the Lord. First, we must praise the Lord because of His majesty. The Lord is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He deserves to be praised. Secondly, we should praise God because of His glory (Psalm 138:5). A king’s glory is reflected in his robes and in the quality of his possessions. The Lord is clothed with light and rides upon the heavens. Thirdly, we should praise the Lord because of His greatness (Psalm 145:3). Definitely there is no one as great as the King of kings and the Creator of all things. Surely no creator can be greater than the one who created him. Fourthly, we should praise the Lord because of His power (Psalm 21:13). The Lord said that all power belongs to Him, be it power in heaven, on earth or underneath the earth. Fifthly, we should praise the Lord because of His goodness (Psalm 107:8). Has the Lord been good to you? If He has been good to you, then you should praise Him. The sixth reason we should praise God is because of His mercy (2 Chronicles 20:21). We are saved through His mercy. We are kept alive through His mercy. The seventh reason for which we should praise the Lord is His wonderful works (Psalm 150:2). These works include creation, redemption, consolation, pardon of sin, spiritual and physical health, constant preservation and protection, the hope of glory and all other physical, material and spiritual blessings. Praise the Lord!"

Today's action point is to Spend time in praises today. Praise the Lord with understanding, joyfully and with gladness.

Thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution to this forum. 

FISHERS OF MEN-05/05/2014

FISHERS OF MEN-05/05/2014

Yesterday's message was titled " ARE YOU AN END-TIME CHRISTIAN”. Today's message is titled "FISHERS OF MEN" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Matthew 4:19 : "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men " Today's reading was taken from John 1:40-42 and the Bible reading in one year is  Genesis 4-7 and Psalm 98 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"Soul-winning is a must. Few are called to be preachers or evangelists, but every child of God is called to be a fisher of men. Every committed Christian has the opportunity to witness and lead sinners to Christ. Fishing for a soul is a definite effort to lead a particular person to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In our Bible reading for today, Andrew brought Peter to Jesus Christ. This same Peter grew in his relationship with Jesus and became a great preacher and the leader of the Apostles. Soul-winning is mandatory. You should be involved. You may be the means by which a future world preacher would be brought to Christ. Why not start today?

You may ask, ‘why must I fish for the souls of men?’ There are several reasons why you should. One reason is the worth of a soul (Mark 8:36-37)? A soul is worth more than the whole universe. Another reason is the reality of Hell. Whether you believe it or not, the final abode of an unsaved soul is eternity in Hell-fire. Hell is a place of torment, darkness, pain and anguish forever. The third reason why you must fish for men’s souls is because of the suffering of Christ on the Cross for each sinner. With a crown of thorns on his head, nails in His hands and feet and His body covered with stripes, our Lord and Saviour lost blood and water rapidly in the scorching sun. The pains of His body, coupled with the loss of water and blood produced an agony so great that He cried, ‘I thirst.’ Must Christ suffer in vain? If you do not want this to be the case, you must let sinners know that Christ suffered and died to save their souls. The fourth reason is the emptiness, folly and vanity of this world. As a born-again Christian, you must have discovered that the world is vain and passing away with all its lusts, but those in Christ shall live in bliss forever. It is your duty to tell your friends this truth. In Christ you have found something beautiful and enduring, why not present Him to your friends and relations too! The greatest present you can give to anyone is Christ. This is because whosoever has Christ has all things (1 Corinthians 3:21b). Finally, you should fish for men’s soul because soul winners are wise. As a soul winner, you are not labouring in vain. Your reward for each soul won is great and sure (Daniel 12:3). There are certain qualifications requisite to being a fisher of men. First of these is that, as a fisher of men, you must be saved and be sure of your salvation. A blind person cannot lead the blind. You must also have compassion for lost souls, otherwise you will work with a dead, mechanical, dispassionate concern; sinners know those who are truly concerned about them."

The action point is; Be practical. Decide to be a fisher of men today.

God bless you for your contribution. Have a fruitful week in Jesus Name, amen.

Reference:

Adeboye, E. A. (2014) Open Heavens: A Guide to Close Fellowship with God, Volume 14, 2014. Nigeria: Open Heavens Media Limited.

ARE YOU AN END-TIME CHRISTIAN-04/05/2014

ARE YOU AN END-TIME CHRISTIAN-04/05/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "SECRETS OF CHURCH GROWTH”. Today's message is titled "ARE YOU AN END-TIME CHRISTIAN" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise 2 Timothy 3:1 : This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." Today's reading was taken from Luke 21:32-36 and the Bible reading in one year is  Genesis 1-3 and Psalm 97 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

Our God is a God of plan and purpose. The creation of man had a beginning (Genesis 1:26-28) and the existence of man on earth will surely have an end. We should not be ignorant of the end-times. The end-time did not start in 1975 neither is it 1975 as some heretical teachers and so-called witnesses falsely teach. The end-time is also not an allegory used in scripture to describe when things are not going on well for an individual. The Bible presents the end-time as the period of time that ushers in the return of Jesus Christ. We should not be deceived; neither should we allow anyone to deceive us. Matthew 24:4 clearly warns us against this:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.”

We are in the end-times. Going through recent historic events in the Middle East and making critical comparisons with prophetic utterances made by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, coupled with prophecies of other prophets in scriptures, we can say we have reached a critical period in human history. By going diligently through scriptures, a good student of the Bible can say with certainty that present world events point at one thing: “The coming of our Lord and Saviour - Jesus Christ, is at hand”. It is true that no man knows exactly when Christ shall come (Matthew 24:36), it will therefore be unscriptural to try to calculate the year, day or time when Christ shall return. At the same time, we shouldn’t be ignorant of signs of the end-times (Matthew 16:3). The present situation of greed and lust that dominates human hearts, the financial, economic and industrial problems, as well as the spirit of selfishness that grips mankind, are all pointing to the fact that the terminus will soon be reached (2 Timothy 3:2-4). The Bible details many other end-time signs which include: mass suffering and destruction (Matthew 24:7-9), decline of morals and problems of mass corruption (Matthew 24:12), mind control and undue standardisation of thought and behaviour (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12) and the return of the Jews from captivity. We are in the end-times because history confirms that the twentieth century alone witnessed the fulfilment of the aforementioned signs. If there is a time to be watchful and to keep our stand as Christians, it is now, in this end-time. An end-time Christian is therefore that Christian who is ready to live and die for Christ and the expansion of His kingdom. Such a person has a deep unwavering conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord, is committed to violent ministration against evil (Matthew 11:12), the ministration of knowledge and the wisdom of God (Proverbs 4:5) and the ministration of worship, holiness, love and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17-18). Are you an end-time Christian?"

The Key Point for today is to pray as follows: Father, keep my heart fixated on the end goal of making Heaven.

I pray that nothing will stop us from making it in Jesus Name, Amen. 

God bless you for your contribution, Have a glorious service in church today

SECRETS OF CHURCH GROWTH-03/05/2014

SECRETS OF CHURCH GROWTH-03/05/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "ANOINTED TO BE AN INTERCESSOR”. Today's message is titled "SECRETS OF CHURCH GROWTH" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Acts 2:47 : "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. " Today's reading was taken from Acts 4:32-33 and the Bible reading in one year is  Revelation 19:11 - Revelation 22 and Psalm 96 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"God is interested in the growth of His church, be it local, national or global; whatever the denominational label. Growth comes as a result of the mercy of God connected with the pastors and ministers developing the mind of Christ. Growth comes to those who allow themselves to be filled more and more with the love of God and who are not willing to let anybody perish. The church of Christ is not a place, a building or an organisation. The church is a living organism. God’s plan for His church is growth - biblical growth. God is not interested in fishing without catching (Luke 5:4-11), lost sheep that are not brought back into the fold (Matthew 18:11-14), a lost coin not sought for (Luke 15:8-10) or of ripe harvest not reaped (Matthew 9:36-38).

Ministers of the gospel sometimes lament that their churches do not grow. They present inabilities, weaknesses and shortcomings as reasons for lack of growth in their local churches. For example, many complain of lack of education. This is not tenable. God can use the unlearned for His work as seen in Acts 4:13:

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

What matters to God is sweet fellowship with Him. Some complain that they lack communication skills. This is also not acceptable because God can put His word in your mouth (Exodus 4:10-12). Another complaint is lack of experience. The scripture confirms that God sometimes commissions inexperienced children (Jeremiah 1:4-10). Some complain of lack of equipment and resources as reasons their churches are not growing. To such people I will say, “Let God get hold of you”. When God gets hold of you, materials and money are not problems to Him. God can do much with little. He can do everything with nothing. Some complain of lack of support and encouragement. This could be true, but God’s love and His promises are enough support for your church to grow. God wants your church to grow. He gives growth. A growing church should however resemble the New Testament church. It should be one whose membership and work are opened only to those who are saved. A growing church should be one that continues steadfastly in fellowship, study and prayer. Each believer amongst them should grow and become strong in the Lord. The church that will grow must be a studying church, a sharing church and a praying church with manifestations of signs, wonders and miracles, just like the early church."

The action point for today is to pray to God and trust Him for growth in your church.

God bless you for your contribution to this forum. Have a lovely weekend

ANOINTED TO BE AN INTERCESSOR-02/05/2014

ANOINTED TO BE AN INTERCESSOR-02/05/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?”. Today's message is titled "ANOINTED TO BE AN INTERCESSOR" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Luke 18:1 : "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; " Today's reading was taken from 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and the Bible reading in one year is  Revelation 16:1 - Revelation 19:10 and Psalm 95 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

Prayer is an ordinance of God. It should be noted that both Christians and non-Christians pray. The prayer that God will answer however is one from a sincere outpouring of the heart to God. It should be done through Christ and with the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit. Prayers should be for such things as God has promised according to His word. Prayers should be made for the good of mankind and the church, and should be made in faithful submission to the will of God. Prayer is a requirement which all children of God should give considerable attention to for their joy to be full (John 16:24).

People engage in all sorts of prayers. Experience has shown that the most interesting of all types of prayers is intercessory prayer. Every child of God is called and anointed to be an intercessor (1 Timothy 2:1-2). This denotes praying for others – whether they are members of your family, church or others for whom God has laid a burden on your heart. Intercessory prayer is one prayer every Christian should engage in. It is important and greatly rewarding. It could take the form of wrestling for the salvation of a soul or praying for his or her deliverance. We are also enjoined to pray for nations and leaders, be they local or international. One reason you should engage in intercessory prayer is because it is good and acceptable before God. Intercessory prayer brings peace, prosperity and power. It brings victory when problems and troubles arise and it brings victory when other prayers are not answered. There are many reasons prayers are not answered. Many people pray and their prayers do not ascend to God because they are not willing to forgive those who offended them (Matthew 6:15). Anger and quarrelling are other reasons prayers are not answered (1 Timothy 2:8). Other reasons include: unwillingness to make peace with others (Matthew 5:23-24), heartlessness and insensitivity in family affairs (1 Peter 3:7), carnal motives (James 4:3), disobedience (John 9:31) and pride. Intercessory prayer is mandatory. To engage in intercessory prayers, you should first and foremost have a burden for others. This means, you should have an empathic understanding for others. This should be followed by your willingness to clear your way before God and to plead the blood of Jesus over yourself and others. Intercessory prayer becomes effective when we pray creatively (Romans 4:17), without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), with unquestioning faith (Mark 11:22), with authority (Luke 10:19), with boldness for the unprecedented (John 16:23), and in unity under a corporate anointing (Acts 12:5).

The action point for today is to unite with someone today in prayer of agreement for your nation.

God bless you richly for your contribution

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?- 01/05/2014

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?- 01/05/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "CARE FOR THE BRETHREN”. Today's message is titled "HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Proverbs 4:7 : "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. " Today's reading was taken from Matthew 25:1-2 and the Bible reading in one year is  Revelation 12-15 and Psalm 94 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"Wisdom has been described as the right application of knowledge. This is reflected in a person’s active and constant preparation for success. A wise man prays when others play, fasts when others feast and plans when others loaf around doing nothing. There is no gainsaying the fact that spiritual and physical success depends on active and constant preparation. One who fails to plan has already planned to fail. How prepared are you?

A study of the scriptures will reveal many ingredients for active and constant preparation. These include determination, endurance, seriousness and faithfulness. Determination is an indispensable requirement for spiritual and physical success. This is resolution and firmness of purpose. It takes determination to be successful in life, business, marriage and ministry. How determined are you? Added to determination is endurance. To endure means to suffer, to undergo pain, hardship, difficulties, problems and all sorts of hard situations without giving up. There is always a price for good success. Endurance requires discipline – self-discipline. To enjoy spiritual and physical success, you have to discipline yourself. Discipline your appetite for food. Discipline your desire for sleep and comfort. Discipline yourself in prayer and fasting, and discipline your tongue. Another ingredient for good success is seriousness. This is the active part of determination. Seriousness means acting on success. It is possible for someone to desire to be successful, endure pain, hardship and difficulties without becoming really serious about success. To demonstrate seriousness about success, you identify those things that will make you successful and act on them. One who is serious about success does not play with opportunities. He or she would rather make the best use of them. An important aspect of seriousness is faithfulness. To achieve good and enduring success, you must be faithful. Faithfulness denotes being completely loyal to a cause. You must be faithful to God who is the author of good success. You must be faithful to yourself and the assignment entrusted to your hands, and you must be faithful to others. It takes strong will to be faithful, and the one who aspires to be faithful must be diligent. Diligence means whole hearted searching. In your quest for good success, seek the Lord with all your heart and serve Him in holiness and truth."

Today's action point is to think about opportunities you have missed in the recent past, what better level of preparation would have helped you to take those opportunities. Start preparing for your next opportunity now.

Welcome to your month of abundant grace and wishing youa happy new month. God bless you richly for contributing to this forum

CARE FOR THE BRETHREN-30/04/2014

CARE FOR THE BRETHREN-30/04/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "MYSTERY OF DIVINE CODE”. Today's message is titled "CARE FOR THE BRETHREN" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Philippians 4:19 : "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus " Today's reading was taken from Romans 15:25-27 and the Bible reading in one year is Revelation 8 to Revelation 11 and Psalm 93 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"Apostle Paul in the Bible reading for today, teaches us one missing ingredient of true discipleship in today’s contemporary Church; which is the ministry of care. Despite the great anointing with which Apostle Paul was ministering to both Jews and Gentiles, it is amazing to read that the ministry of care was not absent from his vocation as a preacher of the gospel. It is also interesting to note that the lives of the early apostles of Jesus Christ were not only in alignment with the teachings of Jesus Christ but were also in alignment with their own teachings. Jesus Christ taught that his followers should be hospitable, kind hearted and generous. He said to us in Matthew 10:42 that:

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

He exemplified this when He insisted on feeding the crowd that had been with Him for so long, contrary to the suggestions of His disciples that they be dismissed with empty stomachs. He made sure the crowd was fed before they were dispersed (Matthew 14:15-19).

In Matthew 25:35-40 the Lord further enunciated this principle saying: 

“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

In light of these witnesses, children of God must therefore engage in the ministry of care along with any other ministries that they may have been called into. This makes our calling a complete and perfect one. The needy amongst us should be given consideration as our primary target of ministration on practical giving."

The action point is to Set up a care-giving department in your local assembly for the purpose of meeting the needs of those who lack one thing or the other.

The caring, sharing and giving which was most prominent among the disciples of old is gradually on a trajectory of extinction in our time. I pray that the Almighty God will restore the old time selfless love and unity in our churches, amen.

God bless you richly for your contribution