How Understanding is Unlocked

Topic: How Understanding is Unlocked

Text: Luke 24:44-49

During the three and a half years of Jesus’ public ministry, he went about doing good and healing all who the devil oppressed. He taught his disciples from villages to towns and cities all they needed to know about his kingdom.

Then he spoke about the things that would happen to him, and he would be crucified; it was hard to understand or even believe as possible considering all the miraculous things they had seen him do; commanding the winds and the waves, walking on water, and even raising the dead. Before their eyes, all these things had now occurred, leaving them sad.

Jesus asked, “What things?” “The things about Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a mighty prophet of God who performed miracles and wonders. His words were powerful, and he had great favour with God and the people. But three days ago, the high priest and the rulers of the people sentenced him to death and had him crucified. We had all hoped that he was the one who would redeem and rescue Israel.– Luke 24:19-20,

Their hopes had been dashed, with so many questions begging for answers and then news of the resurrection filtered in, leaving them even more troubled.

Jesus chose to stay back another fifty days on earth, appearing to them in different places to assure them of his true identity, mission on earth, and his plans of continuity.

Jesus said to them, “Why are you so thick-headed? Why do you find it so hard to believe every word the prophets have spoken? Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to experience all these sufferings and afterward to enter into his glory?“- Luke 24:25-26

Have we become so thick-headed that we find it hard to believe anything the master says? Are we questioning the ways, wisdom, and timing of God in the issues of our lives?

It is time to remember the things that have been revealed to us in the scriptures concerning the issues we are facing personally and in our nation. As we return to the word of God to seek clarity, God unlocks our understanding supernaturally by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Then he said to them, “Don’t you remember the words that I spoke to you when I was still with you? I told you that I would fulfil everything written about me, including all the prophecies from the law of Moses through the Psalms and the writings of the prophets.” – Luke 24:44

The transition between his resurrection and return was a time of understanding the mission of Jesus in-depth. It was a time of great revelation and impartation.

Stunned, they looked at each other and said, “Why didn’t we recognize him? Didn’t our hearts burn with the flames of holy passion while we walked beside him? He unveiled for us such profound revelation from the Scriptures!” – Luke 24:32

In this season, pray that the Lord will unveil the scriptures to you in a way you have never known before. God does not want you to be in fear or confused about his purpose for your life. Ask him for a divine visitation today and receive it by faith in Jesus’ name.

While they were still discussing all of this, Jesus suddenly appeared right in front of their eyes! Startled and terrified, the disciples were convinced they were seeing a ghost. Standing there among them, he said, “Be at peace. I am the living God. Don’t be afraid. Why are you so frightened? Don’t let doubt enter your hearts. – Luke 24:36,38

God wants you to have peace and live a life free of fear. Don’t be frightened by what you see happening around you; God is in control.

And said to them, “Everything that has happened fulfils what the Scriptures prophesied of me. The Messiah was destined to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. I will send the fulfilment of the Father’s promise to you, so stay here in the city until you are clothed with the mighty power of heaven.” – Luke 24:46,49

Everything that happened to Jesus was to fulfil his destiny. Are you living to fulfil your destiny, or are you trying to be like another person? Jesus promised them the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them accurately discern the will of God and receive the power to fulfil the mission. Have you received the Holy Spirit.? Are you enjoying his partnership? It is time to walk in the blessing and move to the next level God has for you!

Prayer

Lord, you are so faithful; you never leave or forsake us in our trials or tests. We thank you for all the lessons we have received on transitions; help us walk in the light they bring in Jesus’ name.

Teach us to walk with the Holy Spirit until our understanding is unlocked supernaturally and we are empowered for exploits in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash

Courage & Hope During Transition

Topic: Courage & Hope During Transition

Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:14-17

KEY VERSE: May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and firm hope, 2 Thessalonians 2:16 GNT

God is with us through all the seasons of life. No matter how challenging or enjoyable a season may be, we must never lose sight of God’s faithful presence. God is a spirit, and often because we can’t see him, we think we are alone in our situation, and we rely on ourselves instead of trusting in the Lord to provide us with the way out. Your faith must anchor on the fact that God keeps his promises not to allow you to go through what your power can not handle. Our adversary, the devil, will push you to think that your case has lasted longer than others; focus instead on the promise of strength to endure.

Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, still tied up, fell into the heart of the blazing fire. Suddenly Nebuchadnezzar leapt to his feet in amazement. He asked his officials, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the blazing furnace?” They answered, “Yes, we did, Your Majesty.” Then why do I see four men walking around in the fire?” he asked. “They are not tied up, and they show no sign of being hurt—and the fourth one looks like an angel. Daniel 3:23-25

Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it and so provide you with a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 GNT

Your journey in life is a call to share in God’s glory; when we endure tests or delays and eventually receive what we ask for, we become instruments bringing praise and glory to God.

Then King Darius wrote to the people of all nations, races, and languages on earth: “Greetings! I command that throughout my empire; everyone should fear and respect Daniel’s God. “He is a living God, and he will rule forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his power will never come to an end. He saves and rescues; he performs wonders and miracles in heaven and on earth. He saved Daniel from being killed by the lions.” Daniel 6:25-27

The secret to surviving storms at sea is to apply the things you have learned about winds and sails and use the tools you have with you. Regretting the journey or looking for who to blame will not change the course of the winds or stop the rain; instead, it saps you of the strength you need to go through, making you forget all that the Lord had spoken earlier to you.

So then, our friends, stand firm and hold on to those truths which we taught you, both in our preaching and in our letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Learn to return regularly to the Bible, not just for a quiet time but to search for answers concerning your tests. Read the devotions and remember the prophecies that have been spoken over you and the situation you are facing. Knowing God as Father assures you that someone is watching over you to protect you.

The grace of God has specific abilities it provides; courage to face the unknown during a transition comes from God. Hope is a virtue that keeps you going even when you have reasons to turn back. Reach out to God in prayer for these things; it will equip you to triumph in the different seasons of life.

The more the enemy pressures you with an evil report, turn to the promises of God for encouragement and strength, look for other brethren facing the same challenges and encourage each other with the word of the Lord by the words you speak and the things you do.

Victory lies ahead, don’t give up. Cheer up; God is not slack concerning his promises; he watches over his words to perform them.

So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny. Job 23:14 NLT

“The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them. Jeremiah 33:14

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. Philippians 1:6

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you because you never change; as we continue in this race, grant us the wisdom to build up courage and hope as we face our transitions till we see victory and bring glory to your name in Jesus’ name.

Pastor Ada

Photo by Liam Simpson on Unsplash

Enjoy The Ride!

Topic: Enjoy The Ride!

Text: Psalms 105: 16-22

Key Verse: Joseph remained a slave until his own words had come true, and the Lord had finished testing him. – Psalms 105:19 CEV

Life’s experiences are better appreciated with hindsight. At the moment you are going through the process, it sometimes does not make sense like the individual pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, but in the end, when every part is in place, the beauty and worth of each become glaring.

There is a beautiful image of what it means to be in transit l would love to share today because it conveys a meaning l consider relevant that of travelling to a destination on a train. Imagine you are on a train to a town you have never been to before, sitting by the window and having an excellent view of the outside surrounding.

On that trip, sometimes you see new and exciting objects like rivers, hills, gullies, and bridges; at other times, it is just typical farmlands. Imagine the train approaching a new city; you begin to see one or two houses until you are in the heart of the town. The activities around you increase, and the sight and sounds of people, animals, and city movements fill you up as the train grinds to a halt at the station. You realize the station’s name is not what you are looking for, so you cannot disembark from the train, and your journey must continue.

After a few minutes, no matter how beautiful, lovely, or inviting that town is, you just have to proceed. As your train rolls out of the station, you have mixed feelings of sadness and joy because they were parts of that town you enjoyed and wanted to explore, and there were others you wished you didn’t have to have experienced.

Joseph’s life and journey to Egypt started one day like that train ride; some of the events on that journey were not pleasant but were part of the ride. He couldn’t end the trip even if he wanted until God’s purpose for the ride had been accomplished. His time in Potiphar’s house was a stopover, not the last bus stop. His prison visit was part of the plan until God’s perfect work was done.

What is the destination of your journey? What work has been achieved during your transition? The trip will end when your word is accomplished.

Joseph remained a slave until his own words had come true and the Lord had finished testing him. – Psalm 105:19

Do you feel bound or stuck in a place? What tests have you faced? Joseph’s journey was not without purpose, a mission was at stake, and Joseph stayed on that train until it was done. Don’t jump ship or become discouraged; there is a destination God has chosen for you, a throne waiting for you, and most of all, people are waiting to be saved by your fulfilling purpose.

The king sent and had him released; the ruler of peoples set him free; he made him Lord of his household, in charge of all he owned, correcting his officers as he saw fit and teaching his counsellors wisdom. – Psalm 105:20-22 JCB

Enjoy the sights and sounds of your journey; surrender to God’s dealings and learn obedience from the different experiences. Acquire the requisite wisdom for your tomorrow from the lessons of today. The wait will soon be over. Are you ready for your dreams?

Brothers, I, for my part, do not think of myself as having yet gotten hold of it, but one thing I do: forgetting what is behind me and straining forward toward what lies ahead, I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize offered by God’s upward calling in the Messiah Yeshua. – Philippians 3:13-14 JCB

Prayer

Father, l thank you for the gift of the stories of others, written to encourage us on our journey, help us to learn obedience, and have understanding in Jesus’ name. Teach us to make the most of opportunities that come our way and help us withdraw from things or people when the time to move on comes, as we set our eyes on the finish line in Jesus’ name. Amen

Pastor Ada

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Movement During Transition

Topic: Movement In Transition

Text: 1 Kings 17:1-16

Key Verse: “Leave and go across the Jordan River so you can hide near Cherith Creek. – 1 Kings 17:3 CEV

Do you know there is a specific location for every season in your life? Jesus, during his mission to the earth, transitioned from one place to the other according to the word of the Lord spoken concerning him.

After the wise men had gone, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Hurry and take the child and his mother to Egypt! Stay there until I tell you to return because Herod is looking for the child and wants to kill him.” That night, Joseph got up and took his wife and the child to Egypt, where they stayed until Herod died. So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, “I called my son out of Egypt.” – Matthew 2:13-15 CEV

Without a prophetic direction from God, Joseph would have remained in a place, and a negative prophecy would have been fulfilled over the life of baby Jesus. There is a time and a place for the new season you seek.

Every season comes with its provision to man, and when the time to move comes, a continuous stay in the wrong place is no longer an act of faith but a sign of ignorance.

God’s purposes are tied to a location just as it is tied to a season. Have you asked the Lord if it is the set time to move? Why should you move from one place? When God’s judgment is upon a place, you have to move. When the brook dries up, and your source of sustenance is gone, you have to move. When you cease to sense the presence and provision of God in a place, it’s time to move. But ask the Lord for direction before you launch out.

Elijah had to move to a new location because his destiny at that time was tied to another person’s. He had survived alone at the brook, but his next level of ministry and purpose was intertwined with that of a widow and her family, a very unlikely partnership. Who are you sent to serve in this season? Have you considered that your future might be tied to theirs? Don’t reason out everything about your future; seek revelation from God.

But the gatekeeper opens the gate for the Shepherd, and he goes in through it. The sheep know their Shepherd’s voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out. When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow because they know his voice. – John 10:2,4 CEV

It is important to know the difference between the gatekeeper and the Shepherd, the gatekeeper gives you access to the next level, but the Shepherd gives you directions to the green pastures. Whose leading are you following now? Are you relying on weather predictions to know when to set out or remain in a place? Divine direction is strongly rooted in your intimacy level with the Shepherd. Does the Shepherd call you by name, or are you simply following the bleating of other sheep?

It is time to make an informed move; spiritual dryness might be the reason for your transition lasting far longer than it ought to be; you need to pursue a spiritual revival before you seek other things.

A conscious effort to work on your emotional distress will give you the clarity you need to see the vision God has set before you. Fear, anxiety, and worry will always blur your vision. Empty yourself of these things and listen confidently to the Word of the Lord. There are opportunities in the most unlikely places if you look with the right attitude.

You need to welcome the person God has sent to you this season; it is a prophetic connection and relationship that Heaven designs for your mutual benefit. Don’t be blinded by your own needs, be a blessing to them and watch God’s miracles unfold in your life.

Prayer

May you receive understanding to apply this truth to your journey in Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Ada

Transition And Restitution

Topic: Transition And Restitution

Text: Luke 19: 1-9

Key Verse: Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. – Luke 19:9 NLT

Transitions can be prolonged if you don’t take the necessary steps. Restitution is not often spoken about but an essential part of God’s work of restoration in our lives. When we desire and pray for recovery, it becomes possible when individuals restitute what is in their possession that rightfully belongs to you. Conversely, we can not seek to make progress in life if we still hold on to things illegally, giving the enemy a foothold to resist us.

.. otherwise, you leave room for the Adversary. – Ephesians 4:27 JCB

So that we will not be taken advantage of by the Adversary — for we are quite aware of his schemes! – 2 Corinthians 2:11CJB

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Now have come God’s victory, power and kingship, and the authority of his Messiah; because the Accuser of our brothers, who accuses them day and night before God, has been thrown out! – Revelation 12:10 JCB

When Jesus responded to Zaccheus’s quest and visited his home, he observed the people’s comments.

But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. – Luke 19:7 NLT

God’s internal dealings in our lives require a physical manifestation for people to see and believe in our Salvation and transformation. Restitution provides proof of our Salvation. Note that Jesus didn’t have to remind him of his past or the law’s commandments concerning it, but his conscience smote him, and he decided to restitute all he had taken unlawfully.

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” – Luke 19:8 NLT.

Total Salvation will come into your home when you do what the Holy Spirit commands. Don’t wait until your pastor preaches it as a confirmation; your denomination may not make it a doctrine, but if it is in the scriptures and the Lord brings it to your attention to do so, don’t delay.

And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts, brought their books together and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. – Acts 19:18-19

The people who believed gave up the things they acquired from the kingdom of darkness to be destroyed willingly, not minding the worth. Are there things you are holding onto that you need to return or destroy? Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness, leave everything you are doing in the church or for the kingdom, and go and make peace lest your offerings and seeds are wasted?

God wants you to move to the next season of your life, but you must rid yourself of everything that gives the Accuser the right to resist you. Ask the Lord to shine the light into your life, business activities, and relationships and expose any impediments hindering your advancement in life. Did you know that the devil remembers agreements, oaths, curses and covenants? You must have a legal right to what you claim in prayer. Take a moment and review your life and journey.

They examined me and were ready to release me because I had done nothing to justify a death sentence. – Acts 28:18 JCB

If you are examined, will you be justified? Are your actions and behaviour in agreement with your profession of faith? You cannot receive God’s blessing when disobeying God and his word. Take action and move out of unequal yokes and immoral relationships; stop stealing to pay big tithes; the accursed thing will always attract demons and judgement. Repent while there is time. May the Lord help you heed this message promptly in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your interest in our progress in our journey; we desire to reach new heights in life and ministry; we seek new levels of anointing and grace, deeper levels of intimacy with our loved ones; help us remove every hindrance on our part so that your promises will be manifested on our behalf in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

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Service While In Transit

Topic: Service While In Transit

Text: Genesis 17:23-27

Key Verse: All the men [servants] of his household, both those born in the house and those purchased with money from a foreigner, were circumcised along with him [as the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham]. – Genesis 17:27

Abraham’s walk with God started with a Call. Have you heard the call of God? God called him alone, but he travelled with many. As he journeyed from place to place, he grew in the knowledge of God’s ways. His faith in a God he could not see but believed was not personal; he obeyed God and shared his faith with his family.

Look unto Abraham, your father, and unto Sarah, that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. – Isaiah 51:2

It is essential to share your faith with those in your life during the transition. Abraham is an excellent example of how he did not just grow in faith, but everyone around him did.

For I have made myself known to him so that he will give orders to his children and his household after him to keep the way of Adonai and to do what is right and just, so that Adonai may bring about for Avraham what he has promised him.” – Genesis 18:19 JCB

Our faith in God must be passed on, regardless of whether we see what we are hoping for or not. Abraham saw Isaac but did not see his descendants as many as the stars in the sky; today, that word has come to pass as an encouragement to us who are still waiting on the Lord.

As Naomi passed through the different seasons of her life, she did not notice that Ruth, her daughter-in-law, was observing her, especially her faith.

Ruth answered, “Please don’t tell me to leave you and return home! I will go where you go; I will live where you live; your people will be my people, your God will be my God. I will die where you die and be buried beside you. May the Lord punish me if we are ever separated, even by death!” – Ruth 1:16-17

Challenging times are standard here on earth, but a believer must keep eternity in view. Abraham went on to raise an army of soldiers from his household. They were not his biological children, but he brought value out of their lives. Who have you trained in the things of God? Who in your household can carry on your faith? Have you invested in the spiritual development of your family as much as you have done in their academic education? Can they fight for the faith you have passed on to them? Will there be a witness of your faith in the next couple of decades?

And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. – Genesis 14:14

Sodom and Gomorrah could have been saved if there were ten righteous people; Lot had no witness among his sons-in-law and servants. Even his wife and daughters did not seem to know the God he believed in. What witness are you producing as you continue in this journey of life? Everything Lot gathered was lost in the fire, just as the Bible says everything on earth will be consumed by fire. What will you leave behind?

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. – Genesis 19:29

The day of the Lord’s return will surprise us like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a loud noise, and the heat will melt the whole universe. Then the earth and everything on it will be seen for what they are. Everything will be destroyed. So you should serve and honour God by the way you live. You should look forward to the day when God judges everyone, and you should try to make it come soon. On that day, the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and everything else will melt in the heat. But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth where justice will rule. We are looking forward to that! My friends, while you are waiting, you should make certain that the Lord finds you pure, spotless, and living at peace. – 2 Peter 3:10-14

We are in transit to our eternal home and ought to use the challenges and opportunities each season presents to enhance our eternal pursuit. We must refrain from dwelling on the absence or abundance of anything to the detriment of our goal. Use every moment to serve your generation.

For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his generation, fell asleep and was buried among his fathers and experienced decay [in the grave]; – Acts 13:36

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me into your purpose; help me to keep my eyes on the goal as l serve those whom you have sent me to. Teach me gratitude and contentment as l serve your purpose in my generation, not according to cultural expectations but according to your purpose. Give me an understanding of these things in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

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Towards The Goal

Topic: Towards The Goal

Text: Philippians 4:12-16

Key Verse: I run toward the goal so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. – Philippians 3:14 CEV

Life is a race from birth to death, we travel through different seasons, but the goal is the prize of our calling. It is not uncommon to see hurdles; it is not strange that every season will present fresh opportunities and challenges. But Apostle Paul admonishes the need to maintain the proper focus through all the seasons.

Everything on earth has its own time and its own season. – Ecclesiastes 3:1 CEV

What season are you in? Are you able to identify the opportunities it presents? You may miss seasonal fruits if you don’t take notice, and you may have to wait another year before you see them again.

There are opportunities to study and learn new skills ( teaching, communication, cooking, baking, farming, IT, Management, technical etc.), languages, and methods of doing things better and faster. God may bring new relationships your way at work, in your neighbourhood, in church and online; what will you do with these? How will you incorporate these into your journey as you focus on winning the prize?

Transitions are not idle moments; there are investment opportunities in your life that God brings your way in that season. Focus today on those people; who are they? What are their needs, and how can you serve them better? What are they offering you? Are you ready to receive and be blessed?

What would life have been without all the women who followed Jesus? How would their absence have been felt if Jesus didn’t encourage female disciples? How would Paul’s missionary journeys have been if he had travelled alone through the different cities and regions?

Soon after this, Jesus was going through towns and villages, telling the good news about God’s kingdom. His twelve apostles were with him, and so were some women who had been healed of evil spirits and all sorts of diseases. One of the women was Mary Magdalene, who once had seven demons in her. Joanna, Susanna, and many others had also used what they owned to help Jesus and his disciples. Joanna’s husband Chuza was one of Herod’s officials. – Luke 8:1-3 CEV

Pause and consider the people God has given you; this is your moment with them; savour it, leverage on it as you keep your eyes on your pursuit of the prize.

You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone because then you will get more enjoyment out of what you earn. If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble. If you sleep alone, you won’t have anyone to keep you warm on a cold night. Someone might be able to beat up one of you, but not both of you. As the saying goes, “A rope made from three strands of cord is hard to break.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 CEV

Prayer

Father, grant me a discerning heart to nurture old and new relationships and reap the benefits of the opportunities in this season in Jesus’ name. Amen

Pastor Ada

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Transitions Require Faith And Obedience

Topic: Transitions Require Faith And Obedience

Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Key Verse: So she left him and shut the door on herself and her sons. They brought her the containers while she poured. – 2 Kings 4:5

Transitions won’t last forever; faith and obedience to God bring them to an end. Most interruptions allow us to see the manifestation of the power of God, the wonders and wisdom of the Almighty!

The prophet struggled with providing for his family until he died. He left behind debt for his family at his death because he preferred to go borrowing rather than wait out the miraculous provision of God.

At the prophet’s death, the wife turned to Elisha as God’s representative for help, and the man of God gave her instructions on what to do. It required faith to see how that would solve her debt; her creditors were ready to take her two sons as slaves for the unpaid debt, which is any mother’s nightmare!

She didn’t reason it out; she obeyed. We often want a second opinion on everything, including a prophetic word. What if you are the first person to experience that particular miracle? Who did Abraham have to ask if he should sacrifice Isaac? Who did Mary have to bear witness that she saw an angel from God? Quit looking for confirmation; every child knows their parents’ voice, except they are deaf.

Financial laws or economic theories can’t explain God’s wonders. God does what he pleases to meet the needs of His people or to keep His promises, so stop reasoning and rationalizing God’s Word.

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. – Hebrews 6:12

Follow the examples of people in the scriptures and the testimonies of contemporary believers, believe the word of God, and act in faith.

Abraham had faith and obeyed God. He was told to go to the land that God had said would be his, and he left for a country he had never seen. – Hebrews 11:8 CEV

Only after the widow obeyed she saw the miraculous; as long as she kept pouring, the oil flow did not cease. What grace and unction have ceased in your life because of disobedience?

God’s instructions sometimes come in phases during a transition; when the oil flow stopped, it was because her jars had finished. What capacity do you have for the miraculous? What limits have you set on how far and how much God can do?

At last, she said to one of her sons, “Bring me another jar.” “We don’t have anymore,” he answered, and the oil stopped flowing from the small bottle. – 2 Kings 4:6

Enlarge your faith, break down mental boundaries, and stretch your faith. God is able!

Make the tent you live in larger; lengthen its ropes and strengthen the pegs! You will extend your boundaries on all sides; your people will get back the land that the other nations now occupy. Cities now deserted will be filled with people. – Isaiah 54:2-3 GNT

You need to continue in obedience, don’t rely on human wisdom to complete what God has started. The woman returned to the prophet to ask what she needed to do next. She received specific direction from the servant of the Lord. Certain recoveries require the guidance of a mentor or minister. Refrain from making assumptions; self-medication is cheap but can turn deadly when prescriptions are not followed accurately.

Walking in faith and obedience requires work; she had to sell the oil to get her financial breakthrough, and how long it took her to sell it determined when she ultimately got out of debt. Are you ready to work with God to get your financial freedom? What is in your hand that needs to be multiplied miraculously? It’s time to birth your miracle in Jesus’ name!

Prayer

Great Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you have become my father, too; thank you for showing me the keys to recovery from my financial transition.l repent of the boundaries and limits l have set in my mind, help me to obey your word and walk in faith till my breakthrough appears in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

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Attitude In Seasons Of Leaness

Topic: Attitude in Seasons Of Leaness

Text: Hebrews 11:8-11

Key Verse: By faith, he lived as a foreigner in the promised land, as in a strange land, living in tents [as nomads] with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise. – Hebrews 11:9 AMP

Through the different seasons of life, Abraham never removed his eyes from his destination; even when he found himself in the promised land, he still chose to live lean to avoid becoming contented and losing expectation for a more glorious future.

Expectation always drives the waiting process; what are you expecting? How high are your goals? Is the delay telling on your faith by the expectations you now have?

Our call in life varies; God called some to be captains of hundreds while others are captains of thousands; you need to discern your destiny so that your expectations will match what God has reserved for you.

Choosing to live lean produces contentment during the season of transition; it gives you the right attitude.

As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus told him, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” – Luke 9:57-58 AMP

Jesus was not complaining about his life situation but was preparing a disciple’s heart to know that your vocation ( Call)might require seasons of leanness.
You are sustained by the vision of what God has promised when in lack. What has God promised you? What are your eyes focused on? Abraham was focused on the promise, and God brought forth the manifestation in time.

Now [in Haran] the Lord had said to Abram, “Go away from your country, And from your relatives And your father’s house To the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you [abundantly], And make your name great (exalted, distinguished); And you shall be a blessing [a source of great good to others]; And I will bless (do good for, benefit) those who bless you, And I will curse [that is, subject to My wrath and judgment] the one who curses (despises, dishonors, has contempt for) you. And in you, all the families (nations) of the earth will be blessed.” – Genesis 12:1-3 AMP.

The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “By Myself based on Who I Am) I have sworn [an oath], declares the Lord, that since you have done this thing and have not withheld [from Me] your son, your only son [of promise], indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore, and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies [as conquerors]. Through your see,d all the nations of the earth shall be blessed because you have heard and obeyed My voice.” – Genesis 22:15-18 AMP.

What are the promises that help you stay focused during your transition? What vision do you have as you wait on God? Even Jesus needed to set his eyes on the prize as he walked the path to glory.

Looking away to the Initiator and Completer of that trusting, Yeshua — who, in exchange for obtaining the joy set before him, endured execution on a stake as a criminal, scorning the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Yes, think about him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners so that you won’t grow tired or become despondent. – Hebrews 12:2-3
JCB

There is a joy set before you; make that your focus, and don’t live a life of comparison. Endure the wait because God can be trusted to bring his promises to pass in your life.

Daily remind yourself that you are not the one to make good God’s promise; it is his part of the covenant to deliver on his promise. While you wait, make the right choices, simplify your life, and enjoy every day as they come.

Even though Abraham lived in tents, see the report his servant gave about him to Laban.

He said, “I am Avraham’s servant. Adonai has greatly blessed my master so that he has grown wealthy. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels, and donkeys. – Genesis 24:34-35 JCB

He grew to become wealthy because Adonai kept his promises. Trust the Lord to keep his promises to you as you wait on him. Amen.

Prayer

Father, we thank you for life, health and salvation. You have been so good to us, and daily we rejoice in the benefits you have loaded us with.
Thank you for your promises that keep us going daily; help us not to grow despondent but patient as you work things out in our favour in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

Transitions Bring Increases In Increments.

Transitions Bring Increases In Increments.

Text: Genesis 17:1-22
Key Verse: I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will increase your numbers greatly.” – Genesis 17:2 JCB

The CALL of God can be a kind of interruption; it completely moves your life away from a familiar course to a promised future delivered to you in increments.

Abraham, at ninety-nine, must have accepted his fate as being a fatherless man; the thought of polygamy had not crossed his mind until his wife suggested it, that idea had produced Ishmael, and Abraham was content with it.

God showed up and made Abraham an invitation with a promise that looked like a mere dream. Abraham laughed at the possibility and decided to make things easier for God by suggesting that God should fulfil the promise through Ishmael.

The call to stretch his faith to believe in the miraculous was a severe challenge to his relationship with God, it was meant to produce travail, growth, and increase, but it didn’t look easy at all to the natural man.

There is hardly anyone whom God’s call did not disrupt their life in a way. There was something to give up, a change of course and a price to pay. It always promised something bigger that will require the eyes of faith to see it.

Your name will no longer be Avram [exalted Father], but your name will be Avraham [Father of many] because I have made you the Father of many nations. – Genesis 17:5 JCB

To be the Father of nations, Abraham had to become the Father of Isaac first. God promised to increase him by making him fruitful.

I will cause you to be very fruitful. I will make nations of you; kings will descend from you. – Genesis 17:6 JCB

Fruitfulness during transition brings incremental growth as you walk towards the promise. Many believers seek recovery or restoration that will represent exponential growth; therefore, they despise the “mercy drops.”

You need faith to believe for an “Isaac”; that experience will assure you to hope for the descendants that God has promised will come. After Isaac came the twins Jacob and Esau, whose children now multiplied and filled the land.

Trusting is being confident of what we hope for, convinced about things we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1 JCB

You need to trust God during the transition, it may seem impossible that God can keep his promises, but the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are proof that we can trust God.

Don’t only believe God for exponential growth in your ministry or business; start to give thanks for every addition you see. Celebrate the progress you see in your health, change in your child’s attitude or opportunities God brings your way; it is the path of incremental improvement to your promise.

David started with one Bear, then the Lion and Goliath, before he took on the Philistines. Follow God, trust His timing, and watch your promises become a reality as the days go by.

Prayer

Father, thank you because you have left us examples of a cloud of witnesses who heard your call followed, and trusted you; help us to be a part of that group who will celebrate your work in our lives during our transition until our promise fully appears in Jesus’ name. Help us see our laughter( Isaac) with the eyes of faith in Jesus’ name. I pray for everyone here to be filled with the heart of Thanksgiving and contentment as they transition to their expected end, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

Photo by Christine on Unsplash