| One of the greatest discoveries I have made as a Christian is that God has spiritually blessed every believer equally – and this has led to a turnaround in my life. The reason we seem to be miles apart in the blessings that are evident in our lives is simply that our understanding and appropriation of God’s blessings are also miles apart. Therefore, what we experience in our lives is not a result of God opening the doors or not, it is a question of whether we have stepped through the doors. Simply put, the ball is in our court.
Many times our walk with God is similar to walking through automatic doors – common in most airports. They do not open when you stand far away, but when you approach them and get very close; their sensors recognize your image and the doors open wide for you to step in. Many believers would rather stay at home or far away, pray for days for the automatic doors to open, and get discouraged after some time. But these doors wait for you to step close and you will see ‘openings’.
Ephesians 1:3 says – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. By nature, we are all alike, but our individual lifestyles set us miles apart. Call it grace or anointing or power, so long as it is a spiritual blessing, all believers possess it in equal measure. But we do not believe it or act on it in the same measure. The secret of men that walk in God’s blessing and abundance is locked in this phrase: whatsoever he tells you to do, do it. The truth is that we do not always obey God.
Recently God gave me directions about the next steps He wants us to take in our ministry and immediately, I became scared. I figured that the vision would require mega bucks and many devoted people, and started to wonder how it would come to pass. I even complained that He should allow me finish the other tasks he had given in the past before introducing new ones. But He said, “just step into it and you will see me at work. The tasks are not mutually exclusive, neither are the resources that are required for their accomplishment.”
Recall that Jesus fed 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish. One would expect that after much prayer, the 5 loaves would fill 500 baskets for the people to start eating. But it didn’t happen that way. After Jesus’ prayer, there was no visible change. It was when they started sharing (breaking) the bread that the multiplication took place. Similarly, the red sea did not part when the children of Israel were in Egypt; it parted when they got to the bank of the sea. One reason many of us have not experienced the abundance of God in our lives is that we have not walked close to the door He has showed us. This may be because it appears closed now. Know that they have sensors and will recognize us when we get close – these doors are programmed to give way for us.
As I write this, I am taking these steps and trying to catch up with my heavenly father. I know it is challenging, but it is one of the blessedness and pleasantness of Christianity. Will you also join me in doing the same? What has God told you about your ministry, career, family or future? Step into it. Make a move today.
Tope Aladenusi |
Quite recently, I took some timeout to monitor some mad or insane people on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria. One of the major things that startled me is their love for their lives. I noticed that insane people are quite specific about when to cross the major roads as not to be run over by oncoming vehicles. They take to their heels when there’s a stampede or a mob action. When they’re hungry, they instinctively look for food and when they find food, they eat with their mouths. It beats my imagination when I see these scenarios. In all their limitations, they still maintain some sense of judgment.
Similarly and obviously, sane people have a well-trained sense of judgment. We’re quite specific about what we want out of life. Efficient professionals start the day with to-do lists and set timelines for completing their tasks. People train their minds and themselves to attain successful heights in life. People clearly identify what kind of food they’ll like to eat. People seem to know the right clothes for an occasion. People select their friends and define their relationships. In all our wants and anticipations we make conscious efforts to attain them.
Much as both sane & insane people are specific about basic issues of life, God is more. The author, builder of this world and owner of all its constituents (Ps.24:1) has a greater sense of judgment about Life, because He’s the owner. He has a gilt edged plan to bring us to a life of unparalleled success (Jer.29:11). In line with these, He came in flesh to give His Life so we can unequivocally have His good sense of judgment (Jhn.6:39-40, 1Cor.2:12, 1Cor.1:30-31, Jer.9:24). He in turn expects us to rely on this sense of judgment imbued in us to direct our every singular thought and action (1Cor.2:14-16).
The Maker retains the sole right to be the dictator of the made. In the same way he made the head not to act as the leg, He has a specific purpose for your life. He has specific timings, locations, people and patterns He made you for. Buy into God’s specifics by allowing the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom & ramifications of Life (Col.3:16a) and you’ll be a success in whatever you do (James 1:25). Jesus was successful, because He imitated His Father in everything (Jhn.5:19-20). As dear children we ought to do same (Eph.5:1).
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do, do all things to God’s glory.” (1Cor.10:31 JN Darby)
– Emeka Ofia
| Over the weekend my friend and I took a ride in his car through the streets and conurbations in the Dubai free trade zone. Amusingly, we lost our way when he was about to make a detour and take me back to my abode. At this juncture he quickly re-thought and told me to pick out his Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver from the pigeonhole in the car’s dashboard.
A GPS receiver is configured such that it receives very clear information from a space-basedglobal navigation satellite system (GNSS) that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. My friend’s well sophisticated GPS receiver has a voice prompt that gives salient details about our location, our direction, required speed limits, necessary landmarks, road monitors (cameras that monitor speed) and our final destination. Our complete adherence and reliance on the information given to us via the GPS receiver made us get to our final destination (my abode) without much challenge.
Just as my friend and I took advantage of the information via the GPS receiver to get to our destination without much trouble, Christians are meant to rely on the information they get through the Spirit of God in us (Rom.8:9-10) and reliance on the Word of God (John 1:1-3, Prov.3:5-7) through scriptures to enjoy what I call God’s Provisional Scheme (GPS) (Phil.4:19).
God made heaven and earth through Christ for His purpose and goodness (Col.1:15-19). He redeemed us through Christ for His purpose and goodness (Eph.1:7-12). We are in turn meant to live through Christ to fulfill God’s purpose and goodness for our lives (Eph.2:10).
It was easy for us to take advantage of what the GPS receiver fed us with, because we trusted its viability and the source of information, though it was made by fallible men. Our lives will only be easy with God if we have faith in Him and trust Him for every single thing in our lives (Heb.11:6). God is never late (Eccl.3:11), He’s faithful even when we’re faithless He can’t deny Himself (2Tim.2:13) and he’s not unfaithful to forget your labors of Love (Heb.6:10). John G. Whittier once said – “God’s providence is not blind, but full of eyes.” Yes! His hands are also full of all the goodness that you desire.
Jesus said “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mat. 11:28-30 NIV). Please submit to Jesus in all you do and you’ll enjoy God’s Provisional Scheme (GPS) (Phil.4:19).
– Emeka Ofia |
Years ago, I was assigned to go assist our Cameroun office for a short time. As I was about to set out for Cameroun, it occurred to me that I did not have sufficient cash to buy a few gifts or souvenirs for myself and my loved ones. I pondered on this need, and expressed my desire to God to provide cash for me … in a miraculous way.
Miraculous way . . . ? That was what I said but, sincerely I had defined in my mind how I wanted God to ‘send’ me the cash, not necessarily ‘miraculous’. I imagined I was going to do an outstanding job for the guys in Cameroun and they would be so impressed that they would give me a parting cash gift. I’m sure a lot of us do this on several occasions in our prayers, we figure out how we want God to grant our desires – sometimes to the smallest detail. But God’s ways can be totally different from our imaginations, like he taught me on that trip.
I got to Cameroun and went to the baggage claim section. After every passenger had picked their bags, mine refused to show up. I complained to the airline staff and they gave me the sad news– my bag was missing! They said that a message had been sent across their entire network and, hopefully, they would find my bag soon. Bewildered, I went to the Cameroun office to report the situation, and that was when I started to get answers to the desire I had expressed to God.
First, the ‘big boss’ at the Cameroun office gave me some cash to get clothes and shoes for myself before I commenced the assignment. The next day, I got a call from the airline; they apologized, explained that my bag had been mistakenly packaged to another country and handed my bag to me. Something more – they gave me a cash compensation for the inconvenience. When I opened my bag, I thought to myself – “I did not really miss the bag, but I really wanted the money. Thank God”. And then everything seemed to be the ‘miraculous’ for me unlike my earlier imagination.
I remember grumbling when my bag didn’t show up. I mean “how could the bag of a man of the most high God be declared missing?” But God arranged that temporary disturbance to grant me my heart desire. Perhaps you are saying – “why am I still unmarried despite my service to God for years?” “Why should the ministry or business of a man of God not move with rocket speed from the first day?” “Why haven’t I gotten that dream job?” As long as you are serving God with honesty and dedication, rest assured that a pleasant surprise is coming your way soon. His ways will transcend your imagination. “God makes everything happen at the right time…” -Ecclesiastes 3:11 (CEV).
– Tope Aladenusi
| Sometime ago, I read what David said in Psalm 23:1 (NIV) – “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want“. While growing up, I had recited this verse several times, but did not appreciate the magnitude until I attempted to read it in opposite terms: The Lord is NOT my shepherd, I shall BE IN WANT! Hmmm! Cold shivers ran through my spine as I began to ponder on this.
Could it be that some lack and need in my life are as a result of me not following the direction of the shepherd and bishop of my soul?
Then I remembered Elijah’s story in I Kings 17:3-16; during the time of drought, God led him to the brook Cherith, and there he fed him with bread and meat delivered by ravens and he drank water from the brook. But after some time, the brook dried up and there was no water, and God led him to a widow of Zeraphath, who took care of his needs. If Elijah had spent hours commanding water to come out of the dried brook rather than following the ‘new’ direction of supply (just as most believers would do today), would he have been in want?
Reading the story of the Israelites journey to the promise land with the benefit of hindsight, is it worth asking why God did not continue to feed them with manna when they got to the promise land? What about Jesus, why didn’t he pay the tax collector the same way he fed 5000 people?
Why do many believers in the 21st century seem to stick to one channel of supply their entire lives; not expecting God to meet their need using other channels? Are we enjoying the excitement of change in walking with God or we are comfortable with the path of least resistance? Could we be missing something in this generation? Could God be leading us to several areas and into different things that will naturally quench our needs? Do we say “My God shall supply my needs” when we truly mean “my job shall supply my needs”?
Why do we lack if God leads?
I think this is worth thinking about.
– Tope Aladenusi |
Christians are the most powerful beings on earth. The same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in every believer. In our previous message in this series, I emphasized that God’s power is not given in measure. You either have all of it or none of it. Today, I’d like to highlight one reason why many of us are not expressing God’s power.
Romans 8:11 GNB says “ If the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, lives in you, then he who raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the presence of his Spirit in you.”
This verse of scripture never ceases to amaze me and I’ll tell you why. The normal human mind would expect that giving life to our mortal body is a “lesser miracle” to raising Jesus from the dead. Therefore, we expect God to release just a small “amount of power” or “spirit” for this so called lesser miracle. But the bible says “the same Spirit” will perform both miracles.
That’s one big mistake we make that deters us from expressing God’s power. When we see a bigger problem, we think we need a bigger power from heaven to confront it. But that’s a lie! Therefore, if you have ever experienced a miracle in your life, then you can also experience any kind of miracle.
The same power that heals headache also heals HIV/AIDS. The same power that settles a minor couple’s dispute can restore a broken relationship. The same gospel that saves a life can deliver a million Souls. The same power that gave you $100 can help you to raise $100 million. It’s like using an ATM machine; it’s the same PIN that you used to withdraw a thousand bucks that you use when you want to withdraw five thousand bucks. You don’t run to your bank and ask for a longer PIN because you want to withdraw more money. No! So, stop limiting what God can do through you!
I remember about six years ago, I was involved in a ghastly motor accident and our vehicle somersaulted and I found myself in a bushy dish. The accident was so terrible that some passengers lost their lives instantly. My body was covered with bruises and my clothes were shredded. About 5 hours after the accident, I could not even move my hands or legs. Wow! I thought “What do I do?” I had a speaking engagement in 2 days time. “Would I send a message to them that the man of God was incapacitated?” Was there ever a time in Jesus ministry when people were waiting for him to come and preach and, news came that he could not stand up? How would that sound? As I was ruminating over this, I just remembered …that same power.
And then I prayed to God … believing ‘that same power’ that delivered me from the accident could heal me from every bruise and pain. I wanted to keep up with my speaking appointment.” Beloved, within 6 hours, all the pain was gone and all the bruises dried up. I was able to embark on a 10-hour journey to preach the gospel. That same power did it!
What area of your life needs the touch of God’s power? Is there any loved one that is in dire need of you to express your nature? Please act using the mindset that it is ‘that same power’. Our generation is in dire need of the power of God, and that’s one reason why God has left you and I here. We have been preserved for greater things. Will you start acting today?
tope aladenusi
Procrastination is such a thief of purpose. What has been laid upon our heart let us do quickly. It is so easy to push of things till the next hour but before you realize it the next hour becomes the next year. Let us learn to work while it is day making the most of time and purpose and not allowing that evil attitude cause us to count losses.
You would be wondering why I should be saying this but I really ought to have shared this article a while back but nearly lost it no thanks to my yielding to the temptation of “it should be set by tomorrow”.
Here is the article, which has been a blessing to me; I hope it would minister to you as well.
God’s word knows no boundaries. It has no walls. It has no off limits sign. God’s word is living and active. We must learn to separate God’s word from the things around us especially the circumstance or the situation we find ourselves in.
Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost said, “Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer,even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.”
The truth is the situation we find ourselves is not a testimony to the efficacy of God’s word in our lives. God’s word is true all by itself. Had the children of Israel understood this they would have been of more cheerful countenance when they saw the giants in the promise land. Because they would have been looking to Jehovah – their deliverer. We’ve mentioned here that at a time when it was impossible medically for Sarah’s womb to give a child Abraham yet believed because he considered the one who had given the promise.
“And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.”
God’s word is not bound. Are you a student? Are you searching for a job? Are you married? Whoever you are God’s word over your life is not defined by the situation in your life or by your status. Way back in the university, I remember at times I made the mistake of viewing God through the glasses of the four walls of school. Prosperity for instance meant passing exams and having a meal on campus. Peace meant having good grades. Now that I am out of school it is so tempting to think peace is having a good job. But friends we should not think this way. God’s word is defined in itself. There is a peace in God which no one can fathom, which no career can satisfy.
God’s word is not bound dear friends. Take your eyes of yourself and that situation you are in and latch onto the Truth of His Word. I love that song we sang back in those days
God is bigger than all my problems
Bigger than anything
God is bigger than any mountain I can or cannot see
God is bigger than all my problems
Bigger than anything
God is bigger than any mountain I can or cannot see.
God’s Word is not limited, constrained by the things you go through. Hallelujah!
– Dr. bolaji akanni
| Apostle Paul once said “Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of God’s plan for us” (2 Cor. 10:13 NLT). Think about his statement. Why should he make “staying within God’s plan” his goal? It appears to me that there are a whole lot of goodies attached to staying in God’s plan. It is as though if this aspect of his life is taken care of, every other thing will fall into place.
Why didn’t he say “my goal is to carve out the best plan for myself”? It is obvious that Paul knew something about “staying in God’s plan” which we should also know about. Today, believers are wishing to see good fruits in their lives, but their roots are not attached to God’s plan. And just like an average plant, the fruits are mainly dependent on the soil and nutrients the roots are constantly interacting with.
Some of the things believers are chasing around (miracles, marriage, prosperity, health, progress, etc) are things that should radiate effortlessly from our lives through the unfolding of God’s plan. If only we learn to stay in God’s plan, we would realize that many of our so called successes are already outdated or will soon get outdated. While we want to start celebrating today’s breakthrough, another mega one shows up and makes the former one insignificant. We will just find ourselves in an unending victory parade.
Many of us know this and that is why we pray “Lord, let your will and purpose come to pass in my life”. But it goes beyond mouthing some prayers. You have to ensure you live by some key “staying principles” as far as God’s plan is concerned.
Join us as we discuss this life updating topic at the World Outreach Convention 2009 (WoC ’09) slated for Abuja, Nigeria.
When: Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 by 11am Where: Unity Hall, Reiz Continental Hotel, Plot 779, Cadastral Zone AO, Central Business Area, Abuja. Enquiries: +234-8726126, +234-8082462670, info@christlifeline.org
Come and update your life! Remember to invite others.
– tope aladenusi |
Almost everywhere you go today, the world is saying one thing – “global economic crisis”. This used to sound like a mere joke, but as the effect began to poke people’s eyes, the popularity of the so-called crisis increased frenziedly.
“So-called crisis?” you may ask. Yes! The current economic downturn is only a manifestation of the real crisis facing the world. I John 5:19 (GW) says “…the whole world is under the control of the evil one”. Life without Christ is naturally characterized by crisis. Some times this crisis manifests in form of economic downturn, other times it shows up as wars, genocides, terrorism, sexual immorality etc.
We see the effects of this real crisis every day, but do not really pay attention to them because they have not been branded as “global”. What about hatred among brothers? What about the poor and impecunious people around the world? What about day to day corruption, stealing and cheating? What about the sexual impurity that is fast becoming the norm? What about the greed that has crept into the church? We could go on and on.
Nations are trying to pluck the fruit off the tree of the world crisis, but as long as the root of this tree is still rooted in the ground, it’s only a matter of time before they show up again. Governments may draw up bailout plans to address the fruit of this crisis, but only believers have what it takes to tackle the root of this problem by rolling out God’s bailout plan explicitly stated in I John 3:8 (KJV) – “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil”.
Wouldn’t you rather focus your energies on God’s bailout plan? Start from where you are and with what you have.
tope aladenusiP
Dear Minister,
Grace is yours in Jesus Christ. I write to remind you that the church of Jesus Christ was not designed to be a competition ground. The goal of your local assembly should not be to outplay the other. Your focus should never be shifted from saving unbelievers to snatching the available believers from other assemblies. Do not let your messages be packaged to tell people how a particular personality and interpretation of doctrine is better than that of the next neighbour. For God has not called us to compete with one another but to complement each other.
You may never get to a point in your lifetime where all Christians say and believe the same things because they all have different rate of growth even as they try to measure up to the full stature of Christ. If Matthew and John who were eyewitnesses to the events in the life of Jesus, did not write about them in the same way, then what about your followers who are trying to understand what has been written. Do you expect that they say all things the same way?
Differences may always exist between us, but we should focus more on our origin – God, our mission – evangelism, our destination – heaven, and join hands together to fight the enemy – devil. “When we focus on personalities, preferences, interpretations, styles or methods, division always happen. But if we concentrate on loving each other and fulfilling God’s purposes, harmony results” (Rick Warren).
Our differences do not necessarily need to result in negativity. Just as different notes on a piano keyboard are necessary to compose a good music; our differences will result in a beautiful success if we have the right focus. Let us be more passionate about the ultimate goal rather than our individual roles. Let’s work together to win many more souls into God’s kingdom.
Some of us are saying we belong to Paul, others are saying we are protestant, but God is saying – you are a Christian, with a global mission that is bigger than the project and constitution of your local assembly.
You know so well that the boundary of God’s family, which is the body of Christ, is beyond your local assembly. Therefore, everyone that has been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ should be treated as your brother/sister. See them as partners in ministry and not opponents. Share bible knowledge with them. Rejoice with those accomplishing great feats for the Master, rather than maligning them in envy. Pray with them and for them. Let’s turn off the local mentality … and appreciate the global reality.
Best Regards,
tope aladenusi