Jide Oladimeji
Building and Moulding Lives
Counseling Time With Rev. Jide Oladimeji
GO FORWARD
Exodus 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
These people had been saved from bondage and after that there were very many problems that were facing them. The message God had for them in spite of the numerous problems is GO FORWARD! It is not make-belief. They were not to behave as if there were no problems; the problems were really there. The Red sea was there, the Egyptian army was still galloping at their back yet, they were to GO FORWARD!
Because we are born again does not mean we will not have problems. The problems are to help us to GO FORWARD in our Christian lives.
We have just crossed over to the NEW YEAR. Though we are happy for all the things that the Lord has done for us, still we are to GO FORWARD. GOING FORWARD is where the victory lies.
Why were they to GO FORWARD? It is important to remember that the forces of the enemies cannot terminate our lives. The terrors of the enemies cannot paralyze us. The sea may rage, the lion may roar, but we shall finish our journey if Jesus is by our side. They had not reached their destination; Canaan was still far away.
GO FORWARD! Obedience brings blessings. When they obeyed by GOING FORWARD, the sea opened for them.
Water was what God used to help the Israelites to destroy their enemies. The problems in our lives can be used to destroy our enemies. The enemies were slaughtered and victory was theirs.
God is waiting for us. As we obey to GO FORWARD, the breakthrough will come, the enemies will be defeated, and the victory will be finalized.
Remember that the best is yet to come.
NUGGETS OF LIFE
*⚜21 N U G G E T S⚜*
*of*
*L I F E*
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*Learn to ignore and overlook many things if you truly want happiness in life because the easiest way to a miserable life is to think that everybody is talking about you.*
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*Never allow anyone to steal your joy from you.*
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*What people say behind your back is none of your business as long as you are true to yourself. Never worry yourself about that.*
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*Sometimes minding your own business does not keep people out of your business.*
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*No matter your situation in life people will always talk. You can never stop people from talking about you, what you can do is to stop giving them what to talk about.*
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*There is a time limit for every rumor in life. Never allow freelance broadcasters put your life on hold. Do what makes you happy. Anyone who cannot feel your pain, has no right to judge you in life. Seventy percent of those who talk bad about you behind your back, wish to be like you.*
⚜7⃣⚜
*When people can’t be like you they try to bring you down and condemn what you have. Those without money will sarcastically say money is not everything in life. (Is poverty anything?)*
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*Never allow anyone to put you in a position of depression and self pity in life. Those whose life has no joy will always find every means to remove happiness from other people’s life.*
⚜9⃣⚜
*If there is the GRACE of GOD in your life, then enemies are inevitable. If no one has ever gossiped or talked bad about you, it means nothing good has ever happened to you.*
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*Never feel bad when old friends become new enemies. They are just tired of pretending to be friends.*
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*Never allow the opinions of people who didn’t see your tears stop your laughter in life. 😬You don’t owe anybody an explanation to be happy.*
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*Never see yourself through the eyes of those who don’t value you.*
*To be beautiful means to be yourself. To stand out is to be outstanding. You do not need to be accepted by others. You just need to accept yourself.*
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*Never beg anyone to accept you for who you are. Anything you acquire through begging will require begging to maintain or retain.*
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*Be humble but selective. Being selective doesn’t mean you are arrogant or proud. It simply means you know your worth. If you are conscious of your personality avoid too much familiarity.*
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*Sometimes when you treat people too much like celebrities, they end up treating you like an ordinary person. You are equally important.*
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*Never downgrade yourself while trying to upgrade anybody in life. Anyone who sees you like an option doesn’t deserve to be a priority in your life.*
⚜1⃣7⃣⚜
*The dream of a fool is for everybody to become a bloody fool like himself. Avoid negative people if you have a dream. Those without mission will say your vision is just an illusion.*
⚜1⃣8⃣⚜
*Negative minds will never give you a positive life. Anyone who is always reminding you about what is wrong with you has a personal problem which he/she wants to take out on you.*
⚜1⃣9⃣⚜
*Most people spend half of their entire life analysing the faults in other people’s life, when their own lives need urgent repairs.*
⚜2⃣0⃣⚜
*Never worry yourself about enemies and friends, because everybody in your life will eventually fall into one of the two categories.*
⚜2⃣1⃣⚜
*Some will hate you and some will love you. Loving you or hating you are both in your favour.*
*When people love you, you live peacefully and happily in their hearts, and when people hate you, you become the landlord in their head living painfully in their brain everyday and giving them sleepless nights.*
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Throughout this year 2020, Your joy will continue to overflow in Jesus mighty name SHALOM. Good afternoon. From your friend: R. D.C. OMOBORIOWO. One Love! One Business! One Goal! One Vision! One Mind! One Spirit! One Focus! One Common Enemy
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LEAPING IN A LEAP YEAR
LEAPING IN A LEAP YEAR
The word leap is another word for “jump,” but it gives a slightly different image — one of lightness and quickness, perhaps a movement with a little more spring in it than a regular jump.
Leap Year — from Eric Weisstein’s World of Astronomy
A leap year is a year in which an extra day is added to the calendar in order to synchronize it with the seasons. Since the tropical year is 365.242190 days long, a leap year must be added roughly once every four years (four times the fractional day gives ). In a leap year, the extra day (known as a leap day) is added at the end of February, giving it 29 instead of the usual 28 days.
As we have entered this year, you will notice that it a leap year as you see the meaning of Leap Year quoted above. So, this year, February will be 29 days instead of the normal 28 days.
What does it mean to you and me? It means, that this year is a special year and it also means that you shall leap in it.
Looking at the meaning of LEAP – to “jump,” through the air, we can see some cases of people who literally “jump,” as we see the sudden transformation that God gave them
Let us see some of them
ABRAHAM
Genesis 24:35 And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.
Genesis 25:7 And these are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. 8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
When God called him at the age of 75 years old, he had no child and he had to leave his native land to a strange land. Before he died, God blessed him greatly according to the testimony of his servant. Also, by that time, Jacob and Esau were 15 years.
A childless man at the age 75 saw his grandchildren before he died and he was a very prosperous man, that was leaping.
JACOB
Genesis 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.
Gen 32:14 Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,
Gen 32:15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
Gen 32:16 And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.
Gen 32:17 And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?
Gen 32:18 Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.
When Jacob ran away to his uncle, he left with only a stick in his hand but now he was coming back with four wives and twelve children apart from the great wealth. Just look at what he gave as a gift to his brother, he was great. That is taking a leap – “jump,”
JOSEPH
Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? 39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
Joseph rose from slavery to imprisonment and from there he leaped into the throne as the Prime Minister of Egypt. That was great LEAPING.
What shall we say about people like Saul that became the king, David, Esther the queen, Mordecai, and the disciples of Jesus among many others? If God could give these people sudden change, get ready, it is your life to shine because you shall LEAP IN THIS LEAP YEAR.
PROMISES TO STAND UPON.
Psalms 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
Psalms 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Zech 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
WHY DID JESUS COME?
God had a very good plan and program for man. Before He created man, He made all that man will ever need. Then He made man in His own image.
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
- THE CREATED MAN
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Man was created in the ‘image’ and ‘likeness’ of God. On the basis of this image, man could respond to and had fellowship with God and uniquely reflect His love, glory and holiness.
Man lived in a personal fellowship with God that involved moral obedience and intimate communion.
Man was created as a personal being with spirit, mind, emotion, self-consciousness, and power of choice.
Man was made ruler over every creature.
- THE LOST MAN Genesis 3: 15 – 19, 23, 24
Man sold his birthright to Satan
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it
.Man is being controlled by Satan and demonic spirits
1 Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him
.Luk 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. 5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. 6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
- THE REGAINED MAN
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luk 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
Man became a slave on his own territory. God decided to rescue man and He had to send Jesus to come as a man to rescue man.
Christmas is a time to remember the sacrifice of releasing His only begotten Son to come to this sin-soaked world because of you and me. It is the time to think of Jesus coming to rescue man from the voluntary slavery we put ourselves. The entire heritage is released to the Christians and it is far more than whatever it was before. That is, a Christian can now have a better position than what Adam had because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Now we must rise up to take the challenges and claim all that belong to us.
WHY WILL YOU CONTINUE TO SUFFER UNDER THE DANGEROUS MASTER WHEN JESUS CAME BECAUSE OF YOU?
WHY DID HE COME?
John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
We have come to Christmas period when we celebrate Christ’s birth with drinking, eating, dressing and a lot of other crimes. Why did Jesus come?
Christ our perfect example did not come to the world for nothing or for fun fair. He was sent of the Father just as we are sent. Jesus left His glory above to this sin-soaked world to come and rescue humanity and as He was going away, He said “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21. We are to learn from His purpose of coming so that we can follow His steps. 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Jesus came to: –
- Save from sin Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
- Call sinners to repentance Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
- Save from destruction Luke 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
- Redeem from iniquity Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
- Seek and save the lost Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
- Put away sin Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
- Suffer for men 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
- Ransom men 1 Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
- Deliver from evil Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
- Give abundant life John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
- Bear sicknesses 1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
- Be a light to the world John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
- Give eternal life John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
- Bring grace and truth John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
- Do God’s will John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
- Destroy Satan’s work 1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
- Be an example 1 Peter 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
- Die for sins Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
- Purify unto Himself a peculiar people Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
As we are thinking of celebrating Christmas, we must be personally involved in making the coming of Jesus into the world a reality and we must be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ. Live only for Christ
“as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21.
CELEBRATING JOY
Joy was created by God for man. Joy brings laughter but laughter is not joy.
Joy brings health even to the sick and it is a thing to be desired by all. Some look for joy in different places and surprisingly in wrong places and they meet sorrow. Some get everlasting sorrow.
There is temporal, momentary joy and the lasting joy, which only God can give.
- SOURCES OF FALSE JOY Job 20:5-9 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds; Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he? He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night. The eye also which saw him shall see him no more; neither shall his place any more behold him.
- Eliminating those that stand on your ways 1Kings 21: 5 – 7 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard. And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. 1 Kings 21:15-16 And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead. And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
- Covering sin 2 Samuel 11:5-8 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child. And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David. And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered. And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king’s house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king. 2 Samuel 11:26-27 And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.
- Putting your trust in things 1 Samuel 4:3 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. 1 Samuel 4:5 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. 1 Samuel 4:10-11 And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
- Putting your trust in man – in the case of the Philistines, they put all their trust in Goliath and when he was killed, all their joy disappeared. If your trust is in man, you will be highly disappointed sooner or later.
- Achieving your set goals 2 Samuel 16:15 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. Absalom was very happy that he achieved his set goals for becoming the king. How long was he on the throne?
- SOURCES OF TRUE AND LASTING JOY
- Salvation Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
- Sacrificing willingly 1Chronicles, 29:9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
- Personal and Church revival Psalms 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
- When we understand Cod’s promises
- Seeing success in everything we do
- Thankfulness
- Seeing the good side of everything
- Having wise and trained children Proverbs 23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
- Consciousness of the presence of God Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
- Having the opportunity to serve God 1Chronicles 15: 25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.
- Victory over the enemy 1 Samuel 18:6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.; 2Chronicles 20: 27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.
- Recognizing the love, plan, and purpose of God for your lives
- Knowing that “all things work together for good”
- BLESSINGS OF JOY – 2 Chronicles 30:25 – 26 And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced. So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem.
- Brings physical strength 1Samuel 17: 51 – 52 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.
- Gives the boldness to destroy idols 2Chronicles 31:1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.
- Gives the impetus to fight the enemies
- Leads to purification and consecration
- Breaks the prison doors and chains Acts 16:25-26 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
TAKING STOCKS TO FACE THE NEW YEAR
Luke 14:28-32 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
In business world, taking stock is known and the importance of it is recognized. Yet, Christians are not able to make the best use of this precious gem. We must sit down and with our writing materials take stock of the just passing away year. In doing this, we must identify some points in our lives. To identify failure or success, we must establish a reference level – The Purpose Of Our Existence. Upon this level, we can identify success or failure. Once there is a sense of purpose, we will then know where we are going. Remember that if you aim at nothing, you will kill it.
- WHY AM I HERE?
Joseph was not useful until he identified his purpose of stay in Egypt. Esther was highly productive after recognizing her purpose of being in the palace. So, why are you where you are?
- Man’s Ways Gen 5: 1 – 32; Isaiah 22: 13
- God’s Way Isaiah 43: 7, 21; Luke 1: 17; Titus 2: 14; John 20: 21
Points to think about – Matthew 6: 19 -21, 24, 25, 33
- WHAT HAVE I ACHIEVED FOR GOD?
What is interesting to God in my life? What will God reward me upon? Job 4: 3, 4; 29: 12 – 17; Matthew 25: 33 – 40; Romans 12: 6 – 21
- In my ministry
- In my church
- In my family
- In my working place
- In my relationship with others
- How many did I win for God?
- How many did I influence or uplift?
3. WHERE AND ON WHAT DID I FAIL?
- On obedience 1Sam 15: 22 – 23
- On holiness 1Thes 5: 22, 23
- On carelessness
- On evangelism Luke 19: 13
- On making use of available time and opportunities 7: 29
- On my prayer and study life Acts 6: 4
- In my worship and fellowship Acts 2: 44 – 47; 3: 1
- WHAT CAN I LEARN FROM FAILURE OR SUCCESS?
SUCCESS;
- What are agents of my success?
- What useful efforts did I make?
- What type of behaviour helped me?
- Who did God use to assist me?
- Which areas can I do better?
- How can I maintain my success?
FAILURE
- What led me to fail?
- Were there some warnings I did not take heed to?
- Were there some miserable counsellors that I listened to?
- Did I copy or compromised?
- Did I tolerate laziness?
- Did I give chance to self-indulgence?
- Did I allow sin?
- WAY TO SUCCESS
Joshua 1: 8, 9; Psalms 1: 1 – 3; Philippians 3: 7 – 14
THE WICKED ENEMIES
THE WICKED ENEMIES
The Wicked Enemies
God created man to rule the world and man sinned and released the rulership to
Satan. Since that time, Satan had being planning to destroy man.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come
that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Because of the projects of Satan, he had to use these enemies against man.
Sin – sin is the chain of Satan to bind man and make him to do his biddings. Sin brings failure,
disappointment, and judgment.
Immediately sin entered into David’s life, he became a man of sorrow and peace disappeared
from him.
Solution – 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Fear – fear paralysis faith and keeps us in sin. Fear brings the worst out of us and God wants
all His children to run away from fear –fear of the future, death, defeat, etc
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the
LORD shall be safe.
2Ch 20:1 It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of
Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.
2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude
against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar,
which is Engedi. 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and
proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Solution – 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Evil Reports – 1Sam 4: 12 – 22 evil report brings untimely death and many other
catastrophes.
Solution – 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Sicknesses –
Mark 5: 18, 19; 21 – 23; 25 – 29; John 11: 1 – 3
Sicknesses and diseases bring different problems in the life of man and can also bring death.
Solution – Isai 53: 4 – 5; Matt 8: 16, 17; 1Pet 2: 24
Death
Mark 5: 35 – 41; Acts 9: 36 – 40; John 11: 19 – 35
Solution – John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth
in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Poverty And Debt – 1Kings 17: 10 – 15; 2Kings 4: 1 – 6
Whatever the case is, Jesus is our solution.
He had not failed and He cannot
Let us trust Him now
Ancient Rules That Never Failed
ANCIENT RULES THAT HAVE NEVER FAILED
-To be rich, give.
-To succeed, serve.
-To laugh, make someone laugh.
-To prosper, be honest.
-To excel, be faithful.
-To go far, get up early.
-To change someone, change yourself.
-To be great, be disciplined,
-To be strong, pray often.
-To do a lot, speak little.
-To be fruitful, praise God.
-To live well, forgive.
-To talk well, bind anger.
-To sleep well, work hard.
-To be loved, love.
-To be a good husband, listen to her.
-To be a woman, submit yourself.
-To be respected, be polite.
-To bind satan, sanctify yourself.
-To grow in faith, meditate.
None of these has ever failed! Give it a try and see for yourself.
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