| Bible Reading: I Peter 2
I have seen many pastors give ‘anointing oil’ for so many things e.g. for financial success; for having a set of twins; for passing examinations etc. But I have never seen any pastor prescribe anointing oil for spiritual growth. I still wonder why this is so. Is it because it will be an obvious error or because … … Just before I continue in my wonder lane, let me ask you this question – Are you growing spiritually?
If your answer is ‘No’ or you are not sure, then you will find the next couple of months very fulfilling because you will receive information that will lead to a permanent transformation of your life. If your answer is ‘Yes’, let me ask you some other questions. What is your rate of growth? How do you know you are growing? What apparatus did you use for your measurement? When will you be fully grown? Hey! Don’t mind my questions; I was only trying to stretch your thoughts. I believe you will also benefit greatly from these messages.
Beloved, spiritual growth will help us fulfill our purpose on earth, enable us live above the storms of life and make us live an all-round successful life. These days I see Christians struggle to read many books like “366 ways to have a happy marriage”, “49 steps to become great”, “999 ways to live above fear”, “1234.5 steps to riches” etc. and I marvel. This is because we do not really have a marriage problem or riches problem; we typically have a growth problem. Such materials may be very good but they are just like icing on a cake. They cannot replace the cake itself. It’s like a 3 months baby reading a book titled “22 ways to win a 100 meters race”. The baby will not be able to run until it has grown. The same thing applies to Christianity. There are so many good things that you will not be able to achieve until you grow. The shortcuts and quick wins only work if you have taken the “longcut” of growth. Spiritual growth is like a branch in the tree of ‘seeking first the kingdom of God’ after which ‘all other things shall be added unto you.
Oh! I wish all Christians focus on spiritual growth. It doesn’t matter the title you have in your church. Whether pastor or usher, titles are not a substitute for spiritual growth. As a matter of fact, they could be a hindrance to spiritual growth. This is because when titles come, most of us tend to have this feeling that we have made it and we lose sight of the ingredients of spiritual growth.
My joy is that nearly every believer I have met was at one time or the other deeply interested on how to grow spiritually, though many of them never knew the right way or they gave up along the way. What about you? Are you still concerned about your spiritual growth? Have you given up on it? Do you know other believers interested in growing spiritually? Then join me as we discuss Spiritual Growth in the next couple of months. – tope aladenusi |
Bible Reading: Acts 9
There are universal laws and principles established by God on earth, but sometimes such laws can be overruled by God and his children. For example, God has set the law of gravity on the earth that is why things tend to come down if we throw them up. Also, it is not natural to see people walking on the sea. But these laws can be overruled by supernatural influences. The Bible gives account of how Jesus and Peter walked on water (Mat. 14:24-29).
In like manner, God has given us the privilege of defining our miracle points such that things happen in our lives just the way we believe and expect them to happen. But there are times when God gives us specific instructions about a particular matter and we cannot experience success unless we obey such instructions. In other words, there are times when you do not need to define your miracle point but obey His miracle point. For instance, In Acts 9 when Saul had an encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus, he became blind for 3 days. Here is the account of how he was healed:
“And there was a certain disciple in Damascus by name Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision … Rise up and go into the street which is called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas one by name Saul, he is of Tarsus: for, behold, he is praying, and has seen in a vision a man by name Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him,so that he should see. And Ananias went and entered into the house; and laying his hands upon him he said, Saul, brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus that appeared to thee in the way in which thou camest, that thou mightest see … And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he saw…” Acts 9:10-12; 17-18
In the verses above, God already defined the miracle point and he communicated it to Ananias i.e. Go lay your hands upon Saul. Ananias simply obeyed and the miracle was experienced. But imagine if Ananias had replied God saying “Lord, I do not need to go and lay hands on Saul. Just like the experience of the centurion servant, I will only speak the word and Saul would be healed”. I can assure you that even if he spoke words for several hours, nothing would be done. Ananais understood that sometimes universal principles can be overruled and did not bother defining any miracle point. But many Christians are living the other way round. They are trying to live by the exception, i.e. waiting to hear God like Ananias before making any move. They are lazy to operate based on God’s general rule in scripture and always waiting for a specific rule from heaven. The general rule (Mark 11:23) is simple: go ahead and define your miracle point as long as it is in line with God’s instructions in bible and it is not aimed at robbing God of his glory.
Finally my dear reader, I will like you to answer these questions sincerely – Have this series on ‘Defining your miracle point’ helped you in experiencing God’s blessings in your life or it has only spiced up your knowledge base? Have you attempted to put these things into practice? II Peter 1:3 says ‘God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life’. Can someone who has never read the Bible look at your life and see the reality of II Peter 1:3?
– tope aladenusi
Bible Reading: John 11
Some time ago, I was caught up in a motor accident where the bus somersaulted several times before it came to a halt. When it stopped, it was lying on its side and some “good Samaritans” assisted in helping the passengers get out. I became terrified after I struggled out of the bus and realized that some passengers had passed out. I then took away my shredded shirt and did a quick checkup of my body parts. They appeared to be in place except for some bruises all over my body. I felt everything was fine and dashed immediately to my destination. But I was wrong. About 5 hours later, my legs, hands and head seemed to be heavier than a bag of cement as I experienced difficulty lifting them up. Everyone around me was screaming and they were about to rush me to the hospital when I persuaded them to give me some time to rest. They agreed.
At this juncture, I had to define my miracle point. I reasoned within myself – if I dare go to the hospital this way, I would be placed on admission and would not be able to honour the invitation to minister at a Church’s youth convention which was just two days away. Moreover, the church was about 900km from where I was.
On a second thought, I considered the possibility of getting well instantly and miraculously so that I could embark on this journey and grab the opportunity of impacting lives and leading many to salvation?
Another idea came to mind – I could give the church a call and explain that I will not be able to make it due to the accident. But would Jesus have done that if he was in my shoes? Wouldn’t that pooh-pooh the ministry of the King of kings? But right now, Jesus is fine at the right hand of the father. I was the one suffering from pains. What will I do?
Just before I tell you what I did, let’s consider some similar occurrences in Bible and how people defined their miracle point.
In John 11, I read about a story of Lazarus who was sick. His sister, Martha, sent a message to Jesus requesting that he should come and heal Lazarus. Jesus was unable to make it to Lazarus’ house on time, and so he died. As soon as Jesus came around and Martha saw him, she said “If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died!” John 11:21. Can you see how she defined the miracle point? It is obvious that she was expecting healing to come if and only if Jesus was physically present with them. She said “If you had been here”. Perhaps Lazarus would not have died if she had acted like the centurion who came to Jesus and said “my servant lies paralytic in the house, but only speak a word, and my servant shall be healed” (Mat. 8:5-8).
The woman who suffered severe bleeding in Mat 9:20 defined her miracle point as “if I can touch his dress”; the centurion said “if you can speak a word”; Martha said “if you had been here”; But Tope is lying with pains on the bed after a ghastly motor accident, how would he define his miracle point?
I opened my mouth to declare – “Lord, if you could save me from that accident then you can heal me from every pain and bruises. Tomorrow morning I will set out on my journey to minister to your people. I want you to help me to have a deep sleep tonight. When I wake up, I want to forget that I even had an accident the previous day because all the bruises will be dried up, all these pain will be gone and I will be completely healed”.
By the next day, I woke up late and started rushing to catch up with a bus. I was on my way when I remembered that I had an accident the previous day. I quickly inspected my body and realized that all the bruises were dried and all the pains were gone. Glory to God! I went to that church and after the message, many listeners made a commitment to serve God all the days of their lives.
Beloved, many good things may be dying in our lives because we are defining unfavorable miracle points like Martha instead of opting for favorable miracle points like the centurion. Remember, our main responsibility in life is to use the resources of Christ at our disposal to attract others to God’s kingdom. Christ has given us all the power, grace, anointing, resources and divine connection we need (Eph 1:3, II Pet 1:3). Let’s be committed to using these abilities to fulfill our responsibilities.
– tope aladenusi
Bible Reading: Matthew 8:5-13
I once drove for over 60 kilometers in Lagos before realizing that my car’s number plate was missing. I was perplexed as to what to do next, so many options swirling in my head. First I considered the option of getting a new one and all the challenges of getting a new one; on a second thought, I thought of going back to look for it, going back 60 kilometers in Lagos traffic! While I was still considering what other options I had, my heart echoed these words – “Man of God, practice what you preach – Define your miracle point”. So I paused for a while and said, Holy Spirit I do not want to search for this number plate. I want you to lead me to the exact spot where it is. Immediately, he said to me – go right under that flyover and you will find it. I replied – objection my Lord! How could it be under the flyover? But as I wanted to continue with my protest, I realized that I did not even have a clue of where it could be, and the best thing to do at that point was to obey. So I took a ride straight to the bottom of the bridge and on getting there, the first thing I saw was the number plate.
This experience and many more, constantly reminds me of how we Christians limit ourselves by defining unfavorable miracle points. I could have desired to find the number plate after searching through the entire road. I could have even given up the idea of finding it; but I went for a more favorable option. This was because I learnt from the experiences of the people described below.
The woman who suffered chronic bleeding for twelve years defined her miracle point when she saw Jesus. She said to herself, if I can touch the hem of his dress, I will get well (Mat 9:20). There were many people touching Jesus at that time, but not all of them defined “touching him” as their miracle point. If she had said – “if I can just set my eyes on him, I will get well”. It would have happened just as she has defined.
“When Jesus entered into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, saying, Lord, my servant lies paralytic in the house, suffering grievously. And Jesus says to him, I will come and heal him. And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not fit that thou shouldest enter under my roof; but only speak a word, and my servant shall be healed” (Matthew 8:5-8). In verse 13, Jesus said to the centurion, Go, and as thou hast believed, be it to thee. And his servant was healed in that hour.
The centurion is another person who defined his miracle point.
Jesus did not say – No, I am the one that will define when and how the miracle will take place. He however said ‘as thou hast believed’. That is, it will happen just as you have defined it because you believe. The woman said “if I can touch …”; the centurion said “if you can speak …”; what are you saying? What are you defining as your miracle points as you set out to achieve your goals and to be a blessing to this generation? Remember these people were not Christians. If we say we are tongue-talking, demon-casting and serpent-picking people then we shouldn’t be lily-livered, yellow-bellied and chickenhearted when it comes to producing results in our daily lives. We should not reduce what we read from the Bible to mere stories, they should ignite us to display the glories of the new creation that we are. We have been called to a high calling and we should be operating at a higher level. If an unbeliever can do everything we do and have everything we have, then something is wrong somewhere. Start defining miracle points in a way unbelievers can never attempt. Start doing things that will make unbelievers to ask you about the God you serve. One of your primary assignments as a Christian is to make the most of the limitless resources and powers you have in Christ in a way that will attract others to Christ. If you start doing exploits by defining favorable miracle points, then you have started gaining points in your assignment.
– tope aladenusi
Imagine that you are able to get whatsoever thing you desire; at whatsoever time you want, choosing whatsoever way you want it to appear. Will you consider that a wonderful status? Beloved, if you have not been operating at that level, then you are missing a lot because that is the way you have been designed to function. In Mark 11:23, Jesus declared – “… whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou taken away and cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but believe that what he says takes place, whatever he shall say shall come to pass for him”. Jesus was teaching a fundamental principle here that we can define our miracle points as long as there is no doubt in our hearts. For example, you can decide to uproot a mountain by saying it with faith in your heart.
The woman who suffered chronic bleeding for twelve years defined her miracle point when she saw Jesus. She said to herself, if I can touch the hem of his dress, I will get well. There were many people touching Jesus at that time, but not all of them defined “touching him” as their miracle point. Some may have said – I will get well if Jesus places his hand on me OR if only I was able to fast before He came.
Imagine if the woman had said – “if I can just set my eyes on him, I will get well”. Would she have also received her miracle? Absolutely! I will explain further in the second part of this message. But right now I want you to understand that things usually happen to us like we expect them to although most times we are not conscious of our expectation.
Some Christians say – if only I can perform well in the interview, I will get the job. And many jobs elude them until they are able to perform well in an interview. Others say – I will get the job as soon as the interviewer sets his eyes on me. And it happens just as they have said.
Some say – if only I can attend that healing crusade, I will get well. Others say – it is impossible for me to be sick. And both parties get results like they have defined. Some Christians fast for days before they get some results. While some others believe they have a miraculous thought and by just thinking about it, they get the same result. Why is this so?
I Cor. 3:21 says “all things are yours”. ‘God’s divine power has given useverything we need for life’ (II Peter 1:3 – GW). Many of us think “if only God can give, we will get it”. But the scriptures above remind us that “if only we care to know, God has given all we would ever need”. You are the one who usually determine what you get, when you get it and how you get it. Imagine that your earthly father deposited 100 billion bucks into your bank account. It is you who determines where you withdraw from, the time of the withdrawal, the withdrawal amount and the mode of withdrawal. But in relating with God, many are waiting for God to make withdrawals for them from an account that belongs to them and have been credited with unlimited resources.
Christianity will have a unique impact in this world if many more Christians realize that the ball is now in our courts. Let’s stop chasing after God to do what he has already done. Let’s focus on doing what is expected of us. God has done his best for us and it is left for us to experience the best. If you have not consciously defined favorable miracle points, then you may have unconsciously defined unfavorable miracle points. This also applies to your targets for this year. As long as there is no doubt in your heart and you believe in your heart, you can do unlimited exploits that glorifies God and benefits humanity.
– tope aladenusi
Bible Reading: Proverbs 24
It is so amazing that God’s affirmations are not dependent on man’s proclamations. The word ‘opportunity’, often times when used by man, is heralded as something that can only show up ones and when not maximized, it fades into oblivion. This belief has made believers to continue in sin, businesses to fold up, students and professionals to settle for average and dreams to become nightmares. This is because of the general mindset that your first attempt should be and bring the best.
With God, it’s a different ball game. Proverbs 24:16 (NIV) says “for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again”. ‘Whhoosshh!’ That man fumbles with the opportunity to be righteous seven bright times, but God was right on time, to present another. Jonah abused his first opportunity to preach to the people ofNineveh, but God gave him another. Peter denied Jesus thrice, but he later became a great apostle. Even brother Samson was given another opportunity to destroy the Philistines. I only know of Judas Iscariot, who after betraying Jesus, did not dare to believe there could be a ‘next opportunity’, and being burdened by guilt, he went and hung himself.
Although we may not have hung ourselves physically, but most times we hang our potentials, creativity, love, service, talents, gifts, trust, help, good works and desire for success. We try to judge the future with the past and feel if we couldn’t make it yesterday despite our rigorous effort, there is no assurance that we’ll make it today/tomorrow. That’s the devil’s lie and it is not meant for your consumption.
Are you currently comfortable with sin because you feel it is impossible for you to display righteousness? Did you narrowly lost a job/contract? Did you ever fail an exam you don’t have the courage to face again? Did you ever take a bold step into loss in your business? Have you been jilted before and you’ve vowed never to love again? Have you misused and abused the opportunity to be a blessing to people in time past? Please don’t go the way of Judas Iscariot, because God is bringing another bigger and better opportunity to you and you can still be a victor where you were once a victim.
Although God doesn’t expect you to handle today’s opportunities with a slack hand under the umbrella that another will show up, of course that will mean settling for foolishness, but one thing is certain: He is bringing another opportunity for you to display righteousness where you’ve sinned before; to succeed where you have failed; to rise where you’ve fallen; to be a victor where you were once a victim. When it comes, give your best possible to maximize it. Your next attempt could be the best you desire.
– tope aladenusi
| Bible Reading: Philippians 3
My father constantly told me that ‘a good soldier prepares for war in the time of peace’. In other words, his success at war time is dependent much on the training he has acquired before the war. But today, I see many Christians trying to prepare for the battle of life only when they find themselves in battle. Very little time is given to spiritual growth and skills development. We are so much engulfed in the “get it quick” syndrome.
I wish all Christians focus on growth – because it is naturally accompanied with a fruitful ministry, good success and a good life. Sometimes it baffles me that when some chronic sinners just give their lives to Christ, they immediately rush to Bible school and the next year they are already made Pastors. They get the position of a pastor but lack the disposition of a pastor. While it is good that we all engage in the ministry of reconciling men to God, it is not a substitute for our Christian growth. Some Christians are praying everyday to reach the zenith of their career, but they are spending no time to develop themselves. Some others do not even pray or read their bible until when they are in a difficult situation – You see them quoting Psalms.
So many times we go to God in prayer for things that we have not developed ourselves to handle. It’s like a 5 year old boy crying to his father to buy him a Hummer jeep. Even if the father buys it for him, he won’t let him drive it until he has developed to the age where he can handle it. Jesus Christ spent 30 years preparing to enter into the core of his purpose on earth. When I understood this principle, I began to focus more on growth because there are a lot of God’s blessings which are potentially ours, but do not become ours experientially until we have grown up.
If you are a good Christian, I probably have your attention. But if you are not, you may see Christianity as pressing a button to receive anything at anytime from God. Take a lesson from the trees. They don’t spend time worrying about having a great height. They focus on sipping water and nutrients from the soil, and in no time, they grow tall for all to see. Many Christians are struggling to get to great heights, but little do they know that great heights will naturally accompany a good growth.
I love the words of Tanzanian Marathon runner – Juma Ikangaa (1957): “The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare”. Beloved, in your career, ministry and life endeavors, I want you to see this time as a growing time. Develop your skills. Stretch your mind. Now is the time to study. Now is the time to pray. It is cheaper to do it now. It is easier to do it now. You can make your life very productive if you make today productive. Give today your best shot. Focus on growth. – tope aladenusi |
Bible Reading: John 1:43-51
Most great visions were at one time or the other ridiculed by someone. It is natural for some men to assess you based on how you look now. That is why when they hear about your ideas, they consider it a joke. They cannot just imagine that you can excel where others have settled for mediocrity. They find it difficult to fathom how what is in the world today can transform into what you see in your mind. But if only you will hold on to your dream; if only you will run with the vision; if only you will give it all it requires; sooner than you think, we will see in the world what you currently see in your mind.
Let me share two striking quotes with you, and I hope you learn from it:
“This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication.” —Western Union memo, 1876
“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” — Ken Olson,President of Digital Equipment Corp. 1977
Surprising!!! The telephone and computer that nearly everyone uses today was once seen as impossibility. The computers at that time were manufactured in limited quantities for professionals; their size was massive. So it would not make sense then if someone said that the massive structure would be reduced to the size of a palm. Remember Ken was not a layman. But you know as much as I do that the ideas in the minds of some have made it a norm to have computers in our homes.
I read in Bible that when Phillip told Nathaniel about the presence of Jesus Christ inNazareth, his response was “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” That is why I’m not moved when some ‘men of God’ tell me that I am too ambitious after they just get a glimpse of some of our ministry plans. Sometimes I even say to them that ‘if only you knew my father in heaven, you will realize that what you call ambitious may be obnoxious when compared to his standard. If God has not set a limitation on us, why should we do ourselves a disservice by placing limits around our vision? If God has not said ‘it is not possible’, why should we follow the voice of men who say so?
You are a person of unlimited abilities. If nobody in the world believes in you, I do. That is why we constantly send messages to let you know the level God wants you to operate. We believe you have a great future. Where you are now has less significance when compared to the dreams you are conceiving; the direction you are facing; and the destination you are heading. Do not let men shape you up. Let God mould you. Do not be tossed hither thither by what others feel. Reach out consistently for your God-given goals. “He can who thinks he can. He can’t who thinks he can’t”. The ball is in your court. Value the instructions of your coach (God) more than objections of the spectators.
tope aladenusi
Bible Reading: Matthew 5
“Ye are the light of the world: a city situated on the top of a mountain cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the bushel, but upon the lamp-stand, and it shines for all who are in the house”. Mat 5:14-15
God has configured you to shine. No matter how hard men try, they can never stop you from shinning. Only you can stop you from shinning. People may facilitate your move from one position to another or one location to another, but they cannot move the illumination in you. Jesus Christ says ‘no man lights a lamp and put it under a bushel’. So why do some think that God has lighted our hearts and it may not be his will that we shine? Why do we think he wants us to shine only at a particular season? Why do we think that he is comfortable with the world seeing us as sinners, paupers and ‘sicklers’. No. Never! ‘You are the light of the world, you cannot be hid”. In order words, you are the light of the world and you should be in limelight. Anywhere you are, your lifestyle and success should command attention. Mediocrity has no place in Christianity.
I now appreciate Matthew 5:16 like never before –
Let your light thus shine before men, so that they may see your upright works,and glorify your Father who is in the heavens
First, it is your responsibility to let your light shine. No one can shine it on your behalf and no one can stop you from shinning it.
Second, let your light shine before men. Many times I hear Christians say things like “well, I may not look righteous before you, but I know God sees me that way. I may not look like an ambassador of Christ, but God sees my heart. I may be so poor and wretched, but I am rich in the Spirit. I may fall sick every now and then, but I have health on my inside”. My brothers and sisters, come out of that. God already knows your inner state and he acknowledged that several times. But he did not say “let your light so shine before ME, but before MEN. In order words, let others see on the outside what God sees on your inside. Let them look at you and see holiness, success, good health, prosperity, generosity. So that they can glorify your father who is in heaven
Are you only shinning before God? Beloved, His commandment is clear – Shine before men. Hallelujah!
– tope aladenusi
Bible Reading: Colossians 1:16-27
I will never forget the story of the balloon sales man in New York. He advertised his balloons by filling them with gases and releasing them into the skies. These balloons had different beautiful colours – blue, pink, green etc. Suddenly, a young boy came to the balloon salesman and asked – if you throw up a black balloon, will it also go up? The balloon salesman looked at the young boy and with a grin on his face he said – it is not the colour of the balloons that make them go up. It is what is inside of them that make them rise high.
Many of us today still have the mentality of this young boy. It is pretty sad that some Christians think that their advancement and success in life is based on the colour of their skins. Some even consider their external look as a bait or hindrance to success. This dogma has been popularized all over the world and it is now believed by many. Despite this, God’s standpoint on this issue has remained the same over the ages and across borders. Do you know what it is?
Colossians 1:27 – God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, the hope of glory.
Yes! It does not matter what the world seems to say to you. Make up your mind to believe the conclusion of God – Christ in you, the hope of glory; the hope of prosperity; the hope of advancement; the hope of creativity; the hope of greatness. Oh my God, I wish I could say it loud and let everyone on earth hear it at once — Christ in you, the hope of success.
– tope aladenusi