Be Joyful and Hopeful – October 2023 Newsletter

October Newsletter

Topic: Be Joyful and Hopeful

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Introduction:

The mystery of life is this: no one can give you joy or make you joyful. People can make you happy; that’s why we have entertainers and comedians to amuse us at events. Many people express their emotions through facial expressions while being entertained, but once the event ends, that happiness fades because it’s not resolved within their minds. You are the only one who can create joy within your heart. Joy flows like a river and permeates every fiber of your being as you generate it yourself. As human beings, we all encounter trials and tribulations that can be overwhelming. It’s easy to become discouraged and lose hope, but as believers, we are called to be joyful and hopeful despite our circumstances. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the apostle Paul reminds us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This scripture tells us that our joy and hope should not be based on our current life situations but on the fact that we belong to Christ and have the assurance of salvation. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by negativity. We need to cultivate a spirit of joy and hope, regardless of our circumstances.

We shall explore three key points that can help us embody this article and experience a life filled with joy and hope.

1) Focus on The Promises of God:

One of Satan’s tactics is to divert your attention from God’s promises and use circumstances to distract you from placing your hope in the Lord. God has promised us eternal life with Him if we put our faith in Jesus. We can be assured of this promise and find comfort in knowing that no matter what happens in this life, we have a hope that extends beyond it. Romans 8:28 tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This means that even our struggles and challenges can be used for our ultimate good if we trust in God’s plan. True joy is not dependent on external circumstances but on the state of our hearts. By choosing to focus on the blessings we have, no matter how small, we can find reasons to rejoice. This does not mean ignoring our pain or challenges but rather choosing to find strength and hope in the midst of them. By embracing a mindset of gratitude and celebrating even the smallest victories, we can experience a profound transformation in our overall outlook on life.

2) Cultivate A Heart of Gratitude:

When we focus on the blessings in our lives and the ways that God has been faithful to us, it can be easier to maintain a spirit of joy and hope. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Gratitude can help us keep our focus on God and remember all that He has done for us. Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective and transform our lives. The scripture urges us to give thanks in all circumstances, reminding us that even amid adversity, there is always something to be grateful for. Cultivating a practice of gratitude allows us to shift our focus from what is lacking to what we already possess. It opens our eyes to the blessings, big and small, that often go unnoticed. Gratitude not only brings us joy but also inspires us to extend kindness and compassion to others. By expressing gratitude in all circumstances, we cultivate a spirit of contentment and resilience that carries us through life’s ups and downs.

3) Surround Yourself with Positive Encouragement:

The reason why many people cannot create joy within themselves and remain hopeful in the Lord is because of the people they surround themselves with and their perspectives on life. Satan purposely surrounds people with individuals who pollute their minds with negative thoughts to discourage them. As believers, we are called to support and encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Surrounding ourselves with other believers who can uplift us in times of difficulty can help us stay focused on our joy and hope in Christ. This life presents us with trials and tribulations that can dampen our spirits.

Conclusion:

The scripture 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 calls us to be joyful and hopeful, irrespective of our circumstances. By rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances, we can cultivate a mindset that transcends challenges and enables us to experience a life filled with joy and hope. Let us embrace the wisdom of these words and strive to live each day with gratitude, knowing that through joy and hope, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way. In doing so, we not only transform our own lives but also become beacons of light, inspiring others to embrace the power of gratitude and live joyfully and hopefully. Finally, the only source and giver of joy is Jesus. In Him, you can find everlasting joy. He will always want to be there for you in all circumstances if you will let Him. I encourage you to let Him have His way in your life as your Lord and Savior.

Prayer time: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Then, create an atmosphere of joy within yourself and worship God. Tell Jesus about your troubles; I am sure He will see you through. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

Read More

BE DILIGENT – September 2023 Newsletter

Text: Proverbs 10:4

Introduction

This marks the beginning of a new season and the last stretch of the year. Many people have earnestly prayed for things to take a better turn in their lives, yet breakthroughs remain elusive. The word “diligent” carries profound significance; it signifies persistence, hard work, and the commitment required to attain our goals. Diligence holds utmost importance in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to careers and hobbies. It distinguishes successful individuals from those struggling to achieve their aspirations.

Proverbs 10:4, an enduring verse from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, imparts a profound lesson on the significance of diligence. It states, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment in realizing our dreams. In this article, we will delve deeper into the concept of diligence, exploring its significance and offering practical insights on how it can pave the path to success as we approach the year’s end.

The Breakdown of the Writing

1) The Value of Consistent Effort

Diligence involves the unwavering and sincere application of effort towards a specific task or goal. There’s an African proverb that says, “Anyone who tastes the honey extracted from inside the rock will not mind the edge of the axe.” Let’s recall the story of the blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52; even amidst distractions, obstacles, and opposition, he persisted and cried out for help when he sensed Jesus passing by. His unyielding effort resulted in Jesus attending to him and restoring his sight. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 1:1-20, Hannah demonstrated relentless determination in her prayers to God, despite being mocked and misunderstood by the priest. Her diligence eventually led to her celebration and blessings.

Being diligent means refusing to give up, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. It means maintaining focus on your goals and consistently working towards progress. It’s natural to feel discouraged when things don’t go as planned, but diligence requires us to keep pushing forward, even when our motivation wanes.

2) Diligence Leads to Wealth

The latter part of Proverbs 10:4 declares, “But diligent hands bring wealth.” While wealth often refers to financial prosperity, it can also encompass richness in experience, knowledge, and relationships. Diligence, when applied across various facets of life, can lead to success and abundance. Jacob’s story in Genesis 29:15-20 exemplifies how diligence can lead to wealth. He toiled for seven years to marry Rachel, and when faced with deception, he worked another seven years to attain his goal. Jacob’s diligence and hard work ultimately brought him wealth and success, making him a prosperous shepherd with a large family, abundant flocks, and numerous servants.

To be diligent in our pursuits can lead us toward a more prosperous and fulfilling future. In business, diligence can be the defining factor between success and failure. Many entrepreneurs face initial setbacks, but those who remain truly committed learn from their mistakes and persevere until they achieve success.

Conclusion

In our personal lives, diligence is essential in our relationships, health, and spiritual growth to yield positive results. Your diligence will drive you to seek a deeper connection with God through Jesus Christ and His plans for you. As Paul stated in Philippians 3:10, the desire to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection is the heartbeat of a diligent person. I encourage you to come to Jesus, make Him the Lord of your life, and allow Him to guide your focus and lead you to a successful path.

Let’s Pray

1) Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love and grace upon me. Thank You for provision, safety, and abundant blessings.

2) My God and Father, I ask for forgiveness and mercy for any wrong steps I may have taken in my aspirations and ambitions.

3) Lord, I ask for Your guidance to sustain me on life’s journey. Help me to embrace diligence in my work as I await the manifestation of Your unstoppable blessings and favor. Amen.

John Aderogba, for ROPMI.

Read More

ARISE AND PRAY – AUGUST NEWSLETTER

ARISE AND PRAY

Text: Luke 22:46

INTRODUCTION:

I’d like to commence this writing with the lyrics of a song: “Prayer is the key, prayer is the key, prayer is the master key, Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer, prayer is the master key.” Prayer forms an essential foundation of faith in the life of every Christian. It serves as a means of communicating with God, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance and forgiveness, and finding solace. Toney Evans emphasizes that “The fuel that ignites the spiritual spark is prayer. Progress in the journey of faith is impossible without a prayer life, yet many Christians neglect it under the false assumption that they can get away with it.” (Pg.6).

Jesus Himself esteemed prayer and often spent solitary moments with God in prayer. In Luke 22:46, He urged His disciples to “arise and pray.” Aware that Satan, the accuser of believers, would assail His disciples, Jesus awakened their understanding of the significance of prayer. If Jesus Christ, the almighty and triumphant Master, could allocate time for fervent prayer, how much more should an ordinary person like you? Toney Evans further expounds, “When we truly grasp the vital importance of regular, sincere, private, and thoughtful prayer, we open ourselves to learning more about how to pray.” (pg.12).

There exists a profound connection between prayer and spiritual growth – regular prayer strengthens faith, enhances comprehension of God, and enriches the relationship with Him. When you rise and pray, you receive a stream of grace, forgiveness, and serenity, equipping you to conquer distressing circumstances. Prayer shifts the focus away from ourselves, providing clarity and purpose, enabling us to discern God’s plan for our lives. In this article, I will highlight certain points to invigorate your prayer life. These points are as follows:

  1. ARISE
  2. PRAY

The Breakdown of the Writing:

ARISE:

To arise signifies awakening mentally with a complete readiness to take action. It also involves taking decisive measures against a distressing experience that has long burdened you. This is reminiscent of what Jabez did in 1 Chronicles 4:10: “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” (NIV). Jabez’s discomfort with his circumstances impelled him to rise and entreat his Creator. In Luke 22:46, Jesus questions His disciples, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” These words hold a potent message for us today, encouraging us to “ARISE” in our spiritual journey. The term “ARISE” can be broken down into an acronym, representing four pivotal actions that deepen our connection with God and guard against the snares of temptation and despondency.

A – Acknowledge God’s Presence: Begin by acknowledging that God is perpetually with you. Similar to Jesus’ counsel to His disciples, maintain awareness of God’s presence in your life. This awareness keeps you centered on Him, enabling you to seek His guidance in daily pursuits.

R – Renew Your Relationship: “ARISE” entails renewing your relationship with God through prayer, scripture reading, and seeking His purpose for your life. Regularly engaging in these spiritual practices enhances your bond with God, allowing Him to reshape you from within.

I – Intensify Your Faith: As you “ARISE,” your faith should intensify. This entails trusting God even in complex or uncertain circumstances. Just as Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray, cultivate an unwavering belief that seeks God’s wisdom in all situations. By doing so, you can overcome the temptations that come your way.

S – Seek Strength in God: While you “ARISE,” seek strength from God. Trials and despondency may loom large, but with God’s strength, you can withstand them. Rely on His power and solicit His aid to resist temptation.

Bruce Wilkinson inquires, “When was the last time you were certain that God worked through you in such a way?” (Pg.16). If your answer is negative, it’s time to arise and propel yourself into the realm of breakthrough.

E – Empowered by God: Being empowered when you “ARISE” means tapping into the strength and guidance of a higher power. It allows you to develop a deeper sense of purpose, faith, and clarity, which can have a positive impact on every aspect of your life. Instead of feeling helpless or overwhelmed by life’s challenges, you can become more confident in your ability to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. When you arise, you can connect with the divine and cultivate a sense of inner peace that empowers you to live more fully and authentically.

PRAY:

To pray involves establishing earnest communication with God, activating your covenant rights through communion. E.M. Bounds asserts, “Prayer is not a sporadic or short-lived endeavor. It is not a voice that remains unheard and unnoticed in silence. It is a voice that reaches God’s ears and endures as long as God’s ear is open to sacred pleas, as long as God’s heart beats for holy matters.” (pg.9). While God is ever prepared to deliver, provide, and defend, He expects you to acknowledge His almighty power over your challenges. Toney Evans explains, “Prayer must be a constant presence in our lives because of its pivotal role. One reason prayer holds immense importance is that it signifies faith.” (pg.9).

Throughout the Bible, numerous instances illustrate seeking God’s guidance through prayer. James 5:16 emphasizes the power of the prayer of a righteous person. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, prayed for a son, and her request was granted (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Moses’ intercession for the Israelites led to God’s merciful response (Exodus 32:11-14). The apostles fervently prayed for Peter’s release in Acts 12:1-11, and God answered their plea by sending an angel. Serious prayer demands dedicated space. Find a tranquil environment devoid of distractions, focusing your heart and mind on God. You can use prepared prayers or recite the Lord’s Prayer, but the key is to communicate from your heart with authenticity. Intercede for others, and you’ll witness transformation in your own life. Prayer significantly impacts your journey with God. As you arise and earnestly pray, you gain strength and encouragement from the Lord. Ensure that prayer becomes an integral part of your daily routine. While praying, remember that you are connecting with the Father, who listens and responds. Armed with this assurance, you can pray confidently, aware that your Father loves and attends to you.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Jesus’ words in Luke 22:46 prompt us to “ARISE” in our spiritual quest. By recognizing God’s presence, renewing our relationship with Him, intensifying our faith, and seeking strength from Him, we can navigate life’s trials and avoid succumbing to temptation and despair. Matthew 6:6 encapsulates this sentiment: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Ultimately, Jesus is the answer to our prayers, and you should create space in your life for Him to abide. Welcome Him today, and He will guide you through.

IT’S TIME TO PRAY:

  1. Acknowledge God’s goodness and express gratitude for His love.
  2. Seek God’s mercy and favor.
  3. Present your specific prayer requests.

References:

  1. Bruce Wilkinson, “The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life,” Multnomah Publishers Inc., Oregon, ©2000.
  2. E.M. Bounds, “Purpose In Prayer,” Moody Press, Challenge Publications, 1978. Jos, Nigeria, ISBN 978-137-300-8.
  3. Toney Evans, “Speak Out in Prayer,” Moody Press, Chicago, USA, ©2000, ISBN 0-8024-4368-0.

Written by:

John Aderogba, ROPMI.

 

Read More