Month: March 2024

Introduction:

• As we continue in this season of glorious transformation , God wants to see glorious change in every area of our lives including our thoughts, the way of life, actions, perceptions and belief system.
• The revelation that God is bringing to us from our focal text is to understand the demand of God upon as children of God who has turned a new life in Christ (2 Cor.5:17) and have embraced the message of the cross (1 Cor. 1:18, Jn. 1:12; 2 Cor. 5:15a)
• Christ died & rose to give us salvation as well as enablement to live for Him all days of our lives.
• To live for Christ is to die to selfishness in order to selflessly live for Christ.
• 1 Peter 4:2- so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

We shall be examining the divine instruction for believers in this passage as follows:

1. Live not for yourself
2. Learning to live for Christ
3. Approach to living for Christ

Live not for yourself

1. Living for self is characterised with selfishness, self-centeredness.

• Living to either sinful self, or righteous self (Luke 18:10-12; Gal.1:10)
• Living unto oneself also include: living to lusts and worldliness. (Titus 3:3; 1 Jn. 2:15-16)
• Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world-I John 2:15-16 NKJV

Seeking your own ease and satisfaction (Matt. 6:19-21)

Promoting your own interest (Phil.2:3-4,21; 2 Tim. 3:4)

• Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus-Philippians 2:3-4, 21

Seeking pleasure and worldly gain, ( Isa. 5:11-13; Prov.21:17; Luke 8:14)

•  Woe to those who rise early in the morning, That they may follow intoxicating drink; Who continue until night, till wine inflames them! The harp and the strings, The tambourine and flute, And wine are in their feasts; But they do not regard the work of the Lord, Nor consider the operation of His hands-Isaiah 5:11-12

Having reputation as the controlling principle of their lives- Prov. 30:12, 20:6; Matt.5:20,6:5; Mark 11:25;

God is saying the time to put off such life is now, it is not compatible with new way of living. Such practices must henceforth stop

• B.   Living for Christ- Rom.6: 9-11

For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord-Romans 6:10-11; Galatians 2:20-I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me

To live for Christ is the opposite of living unto ourselves.

This form of life seek to honor the Lord firstly and always (Matt.6:33,10:38-39; Exo. 20:3)

Honour God with everything you own; give him the first and  the best(MSG)

To love God absolutely ( Matt. 22:37-38);

• Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment-Matthew 22:37-38 To acknowledge and accept that we belong to Him; that all our time and talents; all our strength of intellect and body; all the avails of our skill and toil, all belong to him, and should be employed in his service for impacting the world (Col.3:17).
• And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him-Coloss. 3:17

Philippians 1:21: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

C. Approach to living for Christ

• Possessing the mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5 says _”Let this mind be with you which was also in Christ Jesus”_

When we carry the mind of Christ, we reason the way of Jesus. And it reflects in our everyday life and in every where

we found ourselves: in the market, neighborhood, Church, homes, workplace, shopping malls, on the road, in the street, on the wheel etc. Christ must reflect in our lives. We must live for Jesus and through that impact our world daily.

Submitting and obeying the master

Such believer is bound to go where his master chooses; to execute the task which He assigns; to deny himself at his master’s will; and to come and lay the avails of all his toil and skill at his master’s feet.(Eph. 6:5 Prov.19:21).

• Seeking to bring glory to His name: Psalm 29:2

As children of God, in all you do, you reverence God as the owner and the giver of all grace and gifts. The glory of God alone is reveal in all opportunity you have to shine.

For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?-1 Cor.4:7

• Conclusion

Let’s conclude with this hymn:

I Live for Jesus I live for Jesus, day after day

• I live for Jesus, O Come what may The Holy Spirit, I will obey I live for Jesus, day after day

Preamble

Today, we continue in our understanding of how we can continue to enjoy new leaps via different approaches.

We have understood the following

1. Era of New Leaps
2. Relaunch to Leap Forward
3. Attaining New Leaps Together
4. Today our task is understanding how to enjoy new leap by living above the World

Understanding the Defining Elements

1.  Living:

• Living is defined as the style or way a person lives their life.(Way of life)
• To continue to exist
• the pursuit of a lifestyle of the specified type.

2. Above:

• The definition of above is something that is higher in relation to something else.
• Over or higher than; More than
• Beyond the level or reach of.

3. World:

• All that relates to or affects the life of a person.
• A realm or domain.

• Surrounding circumstances and prevailing events

• The world today is characterized with Negativism,  Pessimism and Hopelessness. (Gen.1:1) Most of us live in disappointment, depression and stress because we allow circumstances to dictate pace control our life.

• Living above the world therefore speaks of our attitude (way of life) as children of God and believers, seeing ourselves far more than or beyond ( through God) the contemporary happenings or existence around us- Philippians 3 :12-13; 1 John 5:4-5
• When circumstances want to drive and direct our life, we learn to look beyond it and go ahead of them-Phil.3.13 Brethren,…. but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead (Phil.3.13 )

• Living in the consciousness that we have a goal in view to catch up with – Phil.3.12 – Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Psalm 27:13 KJV:

• I had fainted, Unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living- Psalm 27:13 KJV
• I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (NIV)

Secrets of Living above the World

1. Living through Hope in the LORD
2. Living through Trust in God
3. Living by different spirit
4. Living through Faith in God

• Living through hope in God. Hope in Christ secures new leaps. Nothing else is assuring than hope in God- Psalm 23:1-6
• Psalm 130:7 Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
• Wait on the Lord, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. Psalms 37:34

1.  My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. 

Ref:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

  All other ground is sinking sand.

2.   When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

• Living through trust in God:I will let down the net.”- Luke 5:5c; Prov. 3:5-6;
• Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act. (Psalm 37:5, ESV)
• Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8, NIV)
• Trust in God not in things– Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7, NIV)
• It’s time for a spiritual transfer. . .your circumstances to God. 1 Peter 5:“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].”(AMP)

Orin 250: GBEKELE onigbagbo

Ẹsẹ 1

GBEKELE onigbagbo,

B’ ija na tile pe,

Sibe iwo yio segun,

Olorun ja fun o.

Sa gbekele!

B’ okunkun tile su:

Sa gbekele!

Ile fere mo na.

Ẹsẹ 2

Gbekele! ewu ma mbo,

Idanwo wa n’tosi;

Ninu gbogb’ ewu aiye,

On yio t’ oko re.

Ẹsẹ 3

Oluwa le gba wa la,

Ore otito ni;

Gbekele onigbagbo,

Gbekele de opin.

• Living by Different Spirit– Numbers 14:24;13:30
• The Spirit that we stay on the new leap of glorious transformation is not a common spirit of this world but Spirit divine- Numbers 13:30Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”
• Caleb was a man of altitudes. He was not content with the average or commonplace. He was never moved by the presence of the hostile Anakites but was moved by possibilities and claimed his inheritance.

• Living through faith in God- Heb.11:1, 6, 11; Luke.5.5 Heb.11:32-34

Heb.11.32 – And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and

Samuel and the prophets:

Heb.11.33 – who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Heb.11.34 – quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

• Without faith you cannot approach God for help
• nevertheless at Your word Luke 5:5
• Faith in God guarantees new leap in all your life
• Faith sees the victory
• Faith brings a good report
• Faith sees with the eyes of God

Conclusion New Leap is real and circumstances of the world could not stop it if we live above the world

INTRODUCTION

In our last lesson, we explained the four key words in the topic of our study: “Kingdom”, “Virtues”, “Garment,” and “Elect”. We concluded that, those who are the elect (chosen) of God, holy and beloved of the Father, ought to clothe themselves with Kingdom virtues (in the form of garment), to portray them as belonging to God and living the life of Christ.

In this lesson, we shall focus our attention on one of these items of clothing, as outlined and described by Apostle Paul in our text, Colosions 3:12-15.

1. BOWELS OF MERCY

Literally, the bowel is part of the digestive system. It is made up of the small bowel (small intestine) and the large bowel (large intestine or colon and rectum).

▪︎Bowels of something mean the deep inner parts of something, the inward or interior part. To understand this better, read Acts 1:18.

▪︎Figuratively, bowels connote deep emotions of various kinds.

Mercy is defined as the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one’s power to punish or harm them as they deserved.

▪︎In the Bible, Mercy is used in reference to giving forgiveness or withholding punishment. Look up Num. 14:18; Ps. 51:1; 103:10-11; Dan. 9:9.

▪︎God’s mercy shows up in the believer’s life at salvation. Check Titus 3:5.

▪︎Bowels of Mercy can therefore be described as “tenderhearted mercy” or “deep Compassion.”

Reflection: Read Exd.33:19 and Rom. 9:15 and briefly explain the concept of God’s mercy.

TENDERHEARTED MERCY

The concept of tenderhertedness brings to mind a picture of “ample insides” that are easily touched and moved to action. A tenderhearted person is easily moved to love, sorrow, and sympathy. Consider Peter’s encouragement to believers in 1Pt. 3:8.

A tender heart is very sensitive and affected. It feels things very strongly and responds quickly.

▪︎It does more than merely feel compassion when it sees someone hurting, vulnerable and in need of help or support. Consider the action of the good Samaritan in Lk.10:30-37. The merciful Christian sees other people’s problems and then works to help resolve them.

▪︎It empathises and bear other’s burdens (Gal. 6:1-3), patiently tolerates difficult people (2 Tim.2:24-25), and is always ready to do good (Titus 3:1-2).

Mercy is also described as a mission or act performed to alleviate the suffering of others. It is to have compassion to spare, to pity… Check Exd. 2:6; 1Sam. 23:21.

By His nature, God is merciful, compassionate, and tenderhearted. His infinite compassion towards us is made known throughout the Scriptures. Look up Exd.34.6; Ps. 86:15; Is. 49: 15-16.

▪︎God’s Compassion is rooted in His covenant bond with His people. Check 2kings 13:23; Lam. 3:22-23.

In the New Testament, God’s tenderheartedness is revealed through the life and Ministry of His Son, Jesus Christ.

▪︎His compassion moved Him to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and forgive repentant sinners. Check Matt. 9:36; 14:14; 20:34; Mk. 1:40-41; 8:2; Lk. 15:20.

God calls us to follow His example by clothing ourselves with tenderharted mercy. Look up Lk. 6:36.

Tenderhearted mercy and compassion moves Christians to do God’s will on earth.

▪︎If it is God’s will to heal the sick, comfort those who are mourning, love the unlovable and take care of the needy, then compassion is first needed to move us into doing those godly actions.

CONCLUSION

As believers, God is the source and supply of our comfort and compassion for others. Check 2Cor. 1:3-5; Phil. 2:1-2.

A. Introduction
• The theme ‘‘Godly path a blessed path’’ symbolises the pathway of God that guarantees a blessing. We walk through that pathway (journey) to reach our various destination of next levels.
• There is a connection between start of a journey and the end.
• Walking (Journey) speaks of consistent motion.
• Connecting the beginning with the ending only guarantee a good finish.
• It takes commitment, dedication, perseverance, focus and untiring attitude for everyone that wants to journey through the end.
• Jesus said we shall be saved when we walk consistently with Him, endure the tough journey of life to reach God’s desire end for us

B. Understanding the Consistency of a Kingdom Journey and Blessing that follows– Matt.24:13

1. Consistency and goal are connected- no one can reach his/her goal without demonstrating consistency in what he/she does.
2. Consistency is defined as being in the habit of doing the same thing on a regular basis.
   a. Consistency is the act of living by the same principles-2 Tim.3:14-15 – 2Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;”
   b. It is the practice of being the same when it comes to attitudes, behaviours, beliefs, and characteristics- Galatians 2:11-14; 1 Cor.10:21-
3. Consistency implies journey of commitment and dedication- Eph.4:1; Phil.1:27
   a. Commitment to the word of God because here in lie the secret of success- Joshua 1:8; II Tim.3:16; Acts 6:7; Acts 18:11(9-11); 19:10(8-12)- Success, Prosperity, Spiritual Growth.
   b. Commitment to biblical pattern of prayer- Acts 1:14, 6:4, Daniel 6:4,10.; Matt.6:9-15- Understanding the mind of God; Kingdom gains, Answers and Solution
   c. Commitment to fellowship – Luke 24: 53(50-53); Acts 2:42-47- Blessings of Joy, God’s Provision No Lack, Signs and Wonders, God’s Favour; Increase Unity…Etc
   d. Commitment to Life of Holiness and righteousness- Access to God; Pleasing God
4. Consistency implies focusing and perseverance – Heb. 12:1-3; 10:36,39; Luke 9:23; Matt.10:38; Luke 14:27- Receiving the promises of God; Saved till the end.
5. Consistency implies determination and unwavering – Daniel 1:8; 11-12,15,18-19. 1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. Outstanding and excellence Spirit, Heavenly reward

Conclusion:
• God expects consistency from us because He is consistent. He would not require us to do something that He does not require Himself to do
• Can you characterize your life as consistent?

• Prayer Time?
• Bible Time?
• Giving?
• Witnessing?
• Godly Attitude?
• Walk?
  Next levels blessing is sure when we keep walking with God.
  So help me God.

Hearing and following God’s voice guarantees divine satisfaction.

Preamble

• What is hearing? Hearing is the ability to hear well or faculty to perceive sound.
• What is following? Following is coming after or as a result of ……

Lesson aim: to understand God’s voice per time for our lives and how he leads us to the divine future

1. UNDERSTANDING GOD’S VOICE
2. For God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it -Job 33:14;
3. God always speaks and His words are powerful- Psalm 19; Amos 3:7; Numbers 12:6-8; Heb.1:1-2
4. God has his own ways of speaking to man, which are not those ways man expect all times. –
5. He may speak audibly, silently and secretly, in thunders and lightnings, (Exodus 19:16-20),
6. Regardless of ways He chose to speak, His words are nevertheless quite as effectually.

• UNDERSTANDING HOW GOD SPEAKS

PRIMARY WAY GOD SPEAKS IS THROUGH HIS WRITTTEN WORDS

• Bible is the most important and only infallible way God speaks- 2 Tim 3:16a
• It is God communicating His thoughts to you through the printed page- 2 Tim 3:16b
• No other books contain total truth from God
• It is the final authority over all issues- Matt.5:17-18; John 10:35

SECONDARY WAYS THAT GOD SPEAKS

• God never speaks against what He has written. – Rom.4:17; Luke 4:1-3;4,8,10
• God can never speak through evil spirit- Lev.19:31; Isaiah 8:19; 1 Cor.12:3; 1 John 4:2
• REVELATIONARY VOICES; Dreams; Vision; Trance- Job.33:15-16; Acts 10:9-20
• HOLY-SPIRIT GUIDANCE- Gal.5:16; John 1:14; Romans 8:14
  • INNER WITNESS AND/OR PEACE OF GOD- Romans 8:16; James 3:17; Prov.20:27/1 Cor.2:10- Holy Spirit communicating spiritual feelings/instructions to your own HUMAN SPIRIT- Phil.4:7; Col.3:15
  • THE FLOW OF SPONTANEOUS & PERSITENT THOUGHTS
  • PROPHECY- Acts 11:27-30; 13:1-3; 1 Cor.14:29,32-33
  • CIRCUMSTANTIAL EXPERINCES- Numb.22:25-28

• WHAT COULD LEAD TO IMPERCEPTION OF GOD’S VOICE

For God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it -Job 33:14;

1. SPIRITUAL INSENSITIVITY- Man, often does not recognize God’s action in this silent teaching of his.-1 Kings 19:11-12; 1 Sam.3:1,7-10
2. WALKING AGAINST THE WILL OF GOD
3. CRAVING FOR BIG SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES –  Man wants something more startling, more sensational.  In our Lord’s time, the Jews demanded “a sign” – “a sign from heaven;” but no sign of the kind was given them.

Job now did not understand that God, whom he called upon to answer him (Job 10:2; Job 13:22; Job 23:5, etc.), was already speaking to him in various ways

1. WRONG MOTIVES & MINDSET- James 4:3

TIPS ON HOW TO HEAR FROM GOD

• Hearing the voice of God is something that everyone, Christian or not, wants to experience. Although we all want to hear God, actually doing it, for most of us, is sort of a mysterious process. We often don’t know how to hear God consistently, if at all.
• God ‘s voice is critical for our spiritual development.
• As we look at people in the Bible who heard from God, Samuel was one of the best. The story of Samuel is found in 1 Samuel 3:1-10.

1. Position yourself close to God

Samuel set his bed up in the temple, “where the ark of God was” (v.3 ESV). Samuel had never heard God speak before, he did not know what to expect, but what he did know was that if he hung around the temple

2. Find a place of regular service to God

In v.1 it says, “Samuel was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli” (ESV). If you want to hear the voice of God, you have to be doing the things of God. If you’re not serving, don’t wonder why you’re not hearing the voice of God.

3. Listen for God’s voice

Eli was “lying down in his usual place” (v.2 NIV), too preoccupied with his own interests to hear God. When God began speaking, he was not listening. Many times to hear what God is saying we have to slow down and take time to get close to God. We have to put aside our interests and lean in to hear what God is saying.

4. When God calls, respond eagerly

When Samuel heard the voice of the Lord he was immediately up and moving (v.4). If you want to hear the voice of God, you need to be ready to put into action what He tells you!

He wants to give you wisdom to lead your family, at your job, in your church, and in every area of life.

5. When God speaks, obey Him

Starting in this passage and throughout the rest of his life, Samuel consistently obeyed the Lord. No matter what God told him, Samuel did it. From that point on, “the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19 ESV). For us, the quickest way to turn off God’s voice is to disobey him.

6. Read and study the Word of God

After God spoke to him in this passage, the Bible tells us, “The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there He revealed Himself to Samuel through His Word” (1 Samuel 3:21 NIV). If you want to hear from God, you have to know what the Bible says.

• WHAT WE STAND TO GAIN IN HEARING AND FOLLOWING HIS VOICE

God is speaking. He wants to give you wisdom to lead your family, at your job, in your church, and in every area of life.

1. Divine direction- Gen.26:2,12
2. Transgenerational favour- Gen.26:3
3. Divine Rest- Gen. 26:6
4. Supernatural progress- vs 12-14

Introduction

Godly path is our focus for the entire month. God will be opening our eyes on how to walk in His ways. We shall be focusing on what it means to walk His way, how to walk in the path of God, and what to expect when we walk His way.

Today we shall be focusing on journeying with the shepherd. What is unique about our shepherd, How do we journey with the shepherd and the implication and blessedness of lives that allow himself to be led by the shepherd.?

Shepherd of my soul I give you full control,

Wherever You may lead I will follow.

I have made the choice to listen for Your voice,

Wherever You may lead I will go.

Be it in a quiet pasture or by a gentle stream,

The Shepherd of my soul is by my side.

Should I face a mighty mountain or a valley dark and deep, 

The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.

Chrs…… Shepherd of my soul……

• Shepherding is a well-known concept in our environment and society.
• A shepherd is a person who tends, herds, feeds, or guards flocks of Sheep
• The occupation of shepherd is as old as humanity.
• The role of a shepherd is well understood by many even in the face of many untoward characters of nowadays shepherds.

The Unique Qualities of the Shepherd

God will be opening our inner eyes to understand the shepherd we have as children of God

• Jesus directly declared in the scripture ‘’ I am the Good Shepherd…’’ – John 10:11; 14. The fullness of goodness resides in Jesus for no other good shepherd exist besides Him- Ezekiel 34:11-16.
• He is the good shepherd that knows us inside-outside and within-without- John 10:14; Psalm 23:1; Jer.1:5; Psalm 139:15-16
• He is the shepherd that holds us close to His heart- John 10:11b—–laid down His life for us (John 3:16;1 John 3:16); to give us abundant life (John 10:10b); Isaiah 41:10; 46:4

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young- Isaiah 40:11

Learning to follow the Shepherd

The relationship between sheep and the sheep herders are critical to successful pasturing, nurturing and good outcome expected in the journey. For us to enjoy God, every child of God must do the following:

• It is a journey of absolute trust in the shepherd- Psalm 23:1—–‘’The Lord is my shepherd’’; Prov.3:3-5
• Jt is a journey of total obedience and surrenderness to the shepherd- 1 Sam.15:22; Rom.12:1-2

Implications and the blessedness of journeying with the Shepherd- Psalm 23:1-6

1. Divine care and watchfulness is guaranteed- Psalm 23:1
2. Divine provision is made available- Psalm 23:1b-2, 5
3. Divine refreshing  -vs3a, 5c
4. Divine guidance and leading assured- Vs 2b, 3b, 4a
5. Divine protection secured- vs 4
6. Unending blessing guaranteed and settled- vs 6; Psalm 28:9

Introduction/ Background

 From beginning of the year, we have understood that God is capable of causing changes in every life and situations. He has allowed many transformational changes in our lives, homes, marriages, carriers and our lives as Church.

Today, we shall be relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal another qualities of God to us ”the God of Unlimited Transformation” under the theme for the month ” Unlimited Transformation’‘ 

”They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He made water flow for them from the rock; He split the rock, and water gushed out.”

God does not only has capacity to change us from negative to positive but He has capacity to do it at all times.

God led them: Throughout the point of leading the Israelites, even in their wilderness experiences God arose for them. He was their leader all through the journey of life. God still carry that quality of consistently leading us if we rely on Him

God did not make them to thirst: wilderness was not a restriction to the provision of God for them

He made water flow for them- God provided for them miraculously even from the unexpected realms.

God did the impossible: God broke protocol and logistics to bring water out of the rock in the wilderness not from well or spring of water. He gave them a specific provision needed for survival in unfavourable conditions and situations.

UNDERSTANDING THE GOD OF UNENDING TRANSFORMATION

Under this section, we shall be examining the quality(ies) of God that give us assurance that our testimonies shall be last longing

1. God’s lovingkindness: Psalm 36:7; 6:4- How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!…..
2. The love of God for us as His Children is second to none, so He always desired for us great happenings of life.
3. How precious is your unfailing love…NLT. It speaks of the preciousness, excellency and pricelessness of the love of God.
4. 1 John 3:1- Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 
5. This love of God give us confidence that we cannot slipped of His hands ( John 17:12), so we are assured that we shall last in His hands. Even when sucking mother forgets her suckling babies, our God doesn’t forget us out His deep love for us
6.  God’s secured Protection–Psalm 36:7b; 17:8-9; 16:1;27:5

  Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. This guarantee our testimony. The Lord will watch over His word to see to it that it is ever secured (Jeremiah 1:12). God accomplish His spoken words to perform them

• God’s Abundant supply – Psalm 36:8a; Exodus 17:6; 1 Kings 3:13; Psalm 105:41- Another way that guarantees and secure our transformation is that we have God that give us in full measures and in enough capacity. He is more than enough God. His miraculous provision are not ration, rather in excessive supply. He split the rock, and water gushed out.” -Isaiah 48:21. The great one who cause a transformation in our lives will not do to last but a moment but out His abundance store, He gives generously and more than we can imagine on fathom. Ephesian 3:20; 2 Cor.9:8
• God’s kind of satisfaction and pleasures- Psalm 36:8; 16:11; Jer. 29:11; Isa 58:11; Joel 2:26- And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. The flow that comes from our God is a satisfying one. When He quenched the thirst in the wilderness, it is to satisfy their thirstiness and to give a refreshing pleasure. Our present and future is paramount to Him( Jer.29:11; Isa 58:11
• God’s Source of life and Light Psalms 36:9- One other vital attribute of God that retain for us unending transformation is because God is the origin of all that we possess and we are connected to Him. In Him, we have a guarantee over our testimonies. Acts 17: 28- ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being

In Him we Live

 This scripture perfectly express our constant and absolute depedence on God. He is the original fountain and source of life (Psalm 36:9). Scripture tells us further that, God is the is the giver of life and breath (Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:25).

 In Him we move.

Our strength, both physical and spiritual, comes from God (Psalm 68:35). “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

In Him we have our being.

Life is a gift from God to us including all that we receieved in the ending year. We owe our continued existence to God (Ecclesiastes 5:19; Romans 6:23). He upholds us every moment; He sustain

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Isaiah 3:10; John 15:5-7- God has revealed to us that once we remain in Him, we shall enjoy His manifestation in our lives more and more.

• Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit- Eph.5:19

• The word of God in Psalm 27 is being revealed to us today as divine hope and confidence against all odds.

• The charge today is to receive the word of God and see Jesus, the hope of glory in His word- John 5:39; Col.1:27-

• Therefore, let’s encourage ourselves in the word of God

A. GOD AND HIS WORDS ARE INSEPARABLE – JOHN 1:1-3; PSALM 19: 119;

• God’s word as contained in this Psalm speaks of the capacity and capability of God to preserve His own regardless of harsh or unfavourable terrain and environment.

• Therefore we need not to be afraid or fearful for God will watch over His word for performance- Jeremiah 1:12

• It is described by Michael W. Smith as follow:

Words of Life, words of Hope

Give us strength, help us cope

In this world, where e’er we roam

Ancient words will guide us Home

Ancient words ever true

Changing me, and changing you.

We have come with open hearts

Oh let the ancient words impart.

• Psalm 19: 7-8 speaks about the word of God
  • as a perfect document;
  • a law that cannot be changed and sacrosanct
  • A refreshing agent that can give renewal, changing old order to the new
  • Ever trusted word of  God relevant for all situations
  • Right for all cases and at all times
  • It gives inner joy that last; cannot be bought or gained elsewhere
  • It illuminates every cloud of uncertainties to give acceptable divine direction

B.  THE HOPE IN GOD THROUGH  THE INSTRUMENT OF THE WORD OF GOD-  PSALM 27:5-6

What is hope?

• The scripture says in Romans 8:24ff if we see what we are waiting for, that is not really hope. People do not hope for something they already have. But we are hoping for something we do not have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently. Also, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. Therefore hope and confidence in God is antidote against every untoward event ravaging the globe.

• Understanding of what God can do make the hope of His children to rise so high that God is there for us- Psalm 27:5. God express clearly that in trouble time He will be there to protect our interests and save us from calamities.

• In Psalm 31:20; God specifically promised to hide us in His secret place beyond the reach of men :

• God’s pavilion gives assurance of hope in God. Even in danger time God is ready to showcase us as His pride. So why would you not hope in God? For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.- Col.3:3

• Hope in God is certain and could be relied upon because He will set me high above dragging evil forces contending for my life. In Psalm 27:6; 40:2; 31.Jer.38:5-6;8-12.

• In brevity; the hope of God is characterised as follow:

1. The hope that never Fade

2. The hope that never Faint

3. The hope that never Fail

4. The hope that never Finish or vanished

• As long as we remain in His presence to seek His face and gaze upon His beauty, our hope in him is certain- Psalm 27:4

C. THE CONFIDENCE IN THE WORD OF GOD- PSALM 27:1-3;13-14

• The life of David further teaches us how the confidence in God is assured weapon of victory against any form of challenges

• He expressed his confidence in God as the light, the stronghold and the salvation. Therefore darkness cannot prevail because the Saviour is right there for us, what or who can overcome Him- vs 1. Isaiah 43:2.

• David expressed confidence in God’s power to cause his enemies to stumble and fall- vs 2. Therefore confidence in us as His children should not shake because God is my warrior in battle- Exodus 15:3; Zeph.3:17

• Confidence of David is shown in the assurance that his hear will not fail in battle, so he’s got no reason to fear. God can strengthen our heart in time of siege and we are sure of coming out strong – vs 3

• The goodness of God is guaranteed as the overall outcome of any challenge we face as believers. This was David’s confidence for us to lean on all times.- vs 13; Psalm 30:5

CONCLUSION

Nothing else can guarantee hope and confidence in this world and the terrible situations but God. Therefore, as Psalm.27.14 says  – Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Preamble:

We shall be concluding our thoughts on glorifying the God of transformation- Luke 17:15.

Our focus firstly shall be to define our keywords: Service, Excellence and Glorify.

Service : In general, a service refers to work that is performed by one or more people that benefits others.

Excellence: the quality of being outstanding or extremely good: having taste something very good

Glorify: acknowledge and reveal the majesty and splendour of (God) by one’s actions

A. UNDERSTANDING THE SERVICE OF GOD

• Service: Service to God is defined in the context of Kingdom assignment expected to be done by all that are save. We are saved to serve and not vice versa. Jesus declared to His disciples ‘’occupy till I come…’’- Luke 19:11-13.
• Service to God is our stewardship to Him (I Cor. 4:2), 2 Tim.2:20
• The various ministries in the Kingdom business (I Chron. 29:1-5; I Cor.12:5; Col.1:25; Romans 12:6-8; Mark 10:45
• Being available for God at any time; Ready to release yourself to God- Romans 12: 1; Luke 5:1-3; Exod.4:1-3; John 6:9-11
• The fundamental meaning of service for God is that we present ourselves wholly to God and place ourselves absolutely at His disposal for Him to do His work in and through us- Phil.2:13
• The sphere and the nature of our service may be varied, but the meaning of it is always the same – Romans 12: 1. 2 Tim.2:20
• In the light of this, are You, His servant?

B. HOW TO SERVE GOD EXCELLENTLY- 1 Peter 4:10-11

1. God’s service addresses every child of God individually. ¹¹ Whoever speaks [to the congregation] ……. Even in working together, everyone has his/her role to play. You are His workmanship saved purposely to serve Him as individual. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them- Eph.2:10

1. It speaks of willingness and personal convictions of individuals. 1 Chron. 29:6-9; Joshua 24:15; Daniel 1:8. Excellent service will only come when you are personally convinced of your service to Him. He is not interested in coarse service. Heroes of faith are men and women of personal conviction of need and readiness/willingness to serve God (Hebrews 11:4,5,7).               

When God commanded Moses to build the tabernacle, the people of God served God with great enthusiasm (Exodus 35). The people served a willing heart (2 Corinthians 9:7; 8:1-5). Interestingly, they had to be told to stop giving to the project (Exodus 35:20-24; 36:4-7). In addition to material gifts, many of the people of God willingly offered their skills and talents to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35:25-29). Serving God with gladness (Psalm 100:2). A grateful Christian offers his service to God happily. He serves Him with gladness. There is no holding back. There is no complaint from him. Whenever he is called upon, he willingly and happily offers his service to the Lord

1. Offering service in obedience to the will of God. Vs 11b: is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God.  As God prescribed, so we are expected to do without hesitation. Such worker will do according to the pattern of God- Exodus 25:40.John 12:26; 2 Tim 2:20 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honour him- John 12:26.

1. Serving God with your given capability and quantum of energy and in acknowledgement of the giver- vs 11c : Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God [abundantly] supplies. Wholehearted services are what God desire and not a vain ones and lip services- Malachi 3:13-14; Isaiah 29:13. LIPSERVICE:  means saying “YES” with your mouth but saying “NO” in your heart and by your actions. It is honouring God with your lips when your heart is far from him.

• Serving within the domain of what God the giver has given you- Vs 10: All areas of your services are equally important to Him

• Serving to honour the Lord and give worthy praise – Don’t seek self-glory.- Isaiah 42:8. Some seek their own glory and praise (Matthew 6:2-7, 16-18)

C. REWARDS FOR SERVING GOD

Service that glorifies God brings numerous rewards

1. Service comes with blessings.

Exodus 23:25 “So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. (NKJV)

1. Life is better when you serve God.

Job 36:11 If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. (NKJV)

1. Divine Elevation and Joy

Even the little acts of service are known and rewarded by God- Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (NKJV)

Introduction:

• It is a strong belief that something will happen or be the case.
• Expectation is the prerequisite for receiving
• What you cannot conceive, you won’t be able to possess it- Abraham possess as far as he could see- Gen.13:14-17

The life of Simeon and Hannah is of tremendous blessing this evening, they demonstrated how expectation tool can propel a man to receive from the Lord.  Bible say “the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut off”, and “the desire of the righteous shall be granted”-Prov.10:23-24; 23:18b

This implies that “the righteous” is the concern of God.  Those who are in the right standing with God, doing the right thing that the Lord God prescribed. “Tell it to the righteous, it shall be well with him.

Preparing For Divine Encounter

1. Spiritual Preparedness (Amos 4:12)

Someone was a righteous man. Though waiting on God for manifestations of promises. But he never wavered in his pious act to God. He remained in right tune with the God. Emotion or sentiment cannot receive from God but being in right lane with God.

Simeon,  full of Holy Spirit. Scripture Acts of Apostles 17: 28- ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being” typifies life of Simeon.  Everything about Him speak of life in Holy Spirit. He lived, moved and had his being inside Holy Spirit. He understood instruction of Holy Spirit and the prophesy upon his life, he relied on the leading of Holy Spirit to wait on God. He received timely instructions from the Holy Spirit when to move (Luke 2: 25b-27a). A man full of the Holy Spirit will understand the move of God…in Him we moved. He was not only hearing from God hut also learned to obey the dictate of the Holy Spirit. Like Stephen, he was full of Holy Spirit, like men of Isacchar, he understood time.

To continuously manifest God, we must remain in constant tune with the Holy Spirit. Who can understand a man except the spirit in him…

2. Human intentionality (1 Chron.4:9-10)

Jabez personally cried unto God, He got what he intended.

Simeon, A devotee. God is committed to those who are committed to Him. Someone was not carried away with the promise being waited for but he remain devoted in service, worship and fellowship with God.

He was not alienated from the will of God (John 15:5-7). His eyes remain fixed to the promise keeper, he wasn’t carried away by other options.

Like Zechariah, he was devoted in the business of the Father (Luke 1:8-9) and challenges of life didn’t truncated his fellowship and communion with God. A devotee has his heart and soul get attached to God- Psalm 63:8- My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me. It’s beyond lip service but “a soul tie”, seeking God first remain supreme priority (Matt.6:33).

3. Full of Faith and Believe

Simeon, full of faith and action. Faith without work is dead (James 2:26). Faith cometh by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Simeon believed what God promised him regardless of time and facts. He had absolute faith in God, this enabled him to wait. By faith he moved into the temple to lay claim to his promise. He did not hesitate, he was not wavering in faith, he moved into action….grabbed the Saviour and laid hold on Him. Faith engenders us to move into action

4. Persistent Thirst; Unquenchable desperation and Perseverance (Mark 10:46; Gen 32; Psalm 42)

Hannah like Simeon was also a consistent woman, a devotee of God, in constant fellowship with God, very persevere, Unrelenting communion with God for 77 years, never weary, fainting. Also full of praise.

We must learn to live like these men as we rely on Holy Spirit for specific instructions. 

We shall surely manifest the glory that Jesus came to reveal (Luke 2:32).

5. Readiness to receive -Luke 2: 27

So he came by the Spirit into the temple. – Luke 2:27 NKJV. Simeon was ready an he received what he was waiting for.