PONDER AND RESTRATEGIZE – JUNE 2023 NEWSLETTER

Topic: PONDER AND RESTRATEGIZE

Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4; Luke 14:28-32.

Introduction

Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and challenges. At times, we may find ourselves facing difficult situations that require us to take a step back, reflect, and strategize our approach. This process, often referred to as “pondering,” entails deep thought and contemplation. Looking back at the events of this year, it becomes evident that numerous challenges have caused many individuals to lose their focus. An African proverb wisely states that when a child stumbles and falls, they look forward, whereas an elderly person looks back to identify the cause of their fall. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to avoid persisting in a struggle without achieving tangible results. Each person’s life experiences grant them the opportunity to contemplate strategies that lead to greater achievements at every crossroads. The Bible also encourages us to engage in such pondering and restrategizing in the face of challenging circumstances. Proverbs 18:15-16 emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge by discerning hearts and the power of one’s gifts in opening doors to opportunities. These verses underscore the importance of wisdom and knowledge in attaining success. They encourage us not to shy away from seeking information and learning from those who have achieved great things in their lives. By doing so, we can gain valuable insights that enable us to restrategize and overcome obstacles in our own lives.

This writing explains how you can move forward in your life strategies:

 

  1. Understand the Seasons:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 states, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” These verses remind us that life is full of seasons, and they constantly change. They suggest that we should be flexible and willing to adjust our approach depending on the circumstances we find ourselves in. Sometimes we need to tear down old structures to build something new, and sometimes we need to be introspective and reflective before we can find joy.

By contemplating these truths, we can gain the insight we need to re-strategize our approach to life. Many people are not sensitive to the dynamics of time and season. One of the greatest gifts that God has given to humanity is the change of time and seasons. Seasonal changes can manifest in economic, climatic, socio-political, and structural shifts. All these changes present their own challenges that affect individuals within the environment. One essential factor that can help people overcome any form of challenge is understanding the seasons, reflecting on them, and formulating effective strategies.
2. Be Strategic in Your Focus.

In Luke 14:28-32, Jesus tells a parable about a man who wants to build a tower. He advises the man to sit down and count the cost to ensure he has enough resources to complete the project. This parable highlights the importance of careful planning and foresight in achieving our goals and overcoming obstacles. The reason many people are stuck at any given moment is that they do not plan strategically to meet the challenges that may come their way. When facing any challenge, giving up or settling for less is not the best option; approaching it with an open mind and determination is the best way to achieve a favorable outcome. As the adage says, “If an ox makes you fall, you will reclaim it.”

The following tips will help you:

Identify your priorities: Determine which tasks or projects are most important for achieving your goals. Rank them in order of importance and focus on the highest priority ones first.

Limit distractions: Eliminate or reduce distractions that hinder your focus. This can be done by turning off your phone or computer, closing unnecessary browser tabs, and finding a quiet space to work.

Use time blocking: Schedule your time to allocate dedicated periods for focused work. This can help minimize interruptions and increase productivity.

Break down large tasks: When faced with a large project, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach can help you feel less overwhelmed and allow you to focus on one task at a time.

Take breaks: It’s important to give your brain rest periods to recharge and refresh. Take short breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk, or simply step away from your work.

Remember, being strategic in your focus involves being intentional and deliberate with your time and energy. By prioritizing tasks, limiting distractions, and taking breaks, you can increase your effectiveness and achieve your goals more efficiently.

Conclusion

Pondering and re-strategizing are essential skills for navigating life’s challenges. You can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals by reflecting on your circumstances, seeking wisdom and knowledge, and adjusting your approach. The Bible offers many examples of people who have done just that, and by studying their models, we can gain valuable insights that can help us succeed in our own lives.

Finally, the only person who can help you with strategies is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a master planner and a helper in times of trouble. You must surrender your life to Him as your Lord and Savior.

Let’s Pray:

Father Lord, I thank You for Your love for me and for always being there for me, even in times of trouble. Many times, I have failed to let You have Your way in my challenges. Please have mercy on me and see me through. I place You ahead of me in the second half of this year, bless me with Your divine direction to the right path. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

 

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Look Up and Define Your Value – MAY 2023 NEWSLETTER

Topic: Look Up and Define Your Value
Text: Genesis 35:11-12, Matthew 6:22-2

Introduction
One of many people’s concerns is that they lower their heads and close their eyes because of how men define their life. According to an African adage, “Someone who does not know where you are coming from cannot predict where you are heading.” People are banding together to mock you, humiliate you, and say whatever they want about your life. What other people say about you will be ineffective unless you make it potent. Looking up and determining your value can be a huge step toward a more full and pleasant existence.

Genesis 35:11-12 tells us that God promises to increase our numbers and make us fruitful if we walk in His ways. Furthermore, “Look Up and Define Your Value” is a statement that encourages individuals to reflect on their self-worth and to find meaning and purpose in their lives. It also means recognizing that our worth is not based on external factors but on our relationship with God and our commitment to living a purposeful life. By focusing on what truly matters and walking in the ways of the Lord, we can find true joy and fulfillment.

In this article, we will highlight some positive facts that will open your eyes to the need to discover your value and ignore everything that may have made you appear vulnerable.
1).  LOOK UP
2). DEFINE YOUR VALUE.
 LOOK UP
Looking up indicates that you are paying attention to a serious call or reacting to a command for a clear direction. In another sense, it denotes self-discovery and motivation. This is a critical step that anyone who wants to make a significant influence in life must take. When you look up, your eyes will be opened, and your brain will be receptive to new moves.

In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” This passage emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and perspective in life. It encourages us to focus on what is good and true rather than being distracted by worldly possessions and desires, which can lead us astray and leave us feeling unfulfilled

DEFINE YOUR VALUE
Many people remain depressed because they have not been able to determine their value. Some people have inferiority complex as a result of what they have undergone at the hands of others or what the community/society has turned them into. Defining one’s values is a crucial aspect of developing self-awareness and leading a fulfilling life. It involves a deep understanding of one’s beliefs, goals, and priorities and the ability to align them with one’s actions and decisions. Identifying your value can also help you make choices that are consistent with your emotional and intellectual needs, leading you to a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. So, one of the ways to define your value is by reflecting on your personal beliefs and guiding principles. These are the moral and ethical compasses that guide individuals through various life scenarios and help them make decisions that align with their shared truth. Personal beliefs are not necessarily religious or spiritual. They can be grounded in personal experiences, cultural influences, family background, education, and societal expectations. Once identified,these beliefs should be reviewed and evaluated regularly to check whether they are still relevant to your current situation.

In Genesis 35:11-12, God speaks to Jacob and promises him that he will become a great nation and that kings will come from his descendants. This passage reminds us that God sees great value in every individual and has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. It encourages us to look to God to define our value rather than seeking validation and worth from external sources.

Conclusion
Define your value; it involves aligning your actions with God. For example, if you value honesty and integrity, then it is essential to be truthful in your daily interactions and decisions. One way to find alignment is to evaluate your decisions before finalizing them and their implications in the long run. This can be done when you have the mind of Christ, i.e., allowing Christ Jesus to be in control of the affairs of your life. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV). The moment you embrace Jesus’ Kingdom principles, it will lead you to look up and define your value.

Finally, give your life to Jesus Christ now, with no further delay.

Prayer
Dear Lord and Father, I appreciate Your plan for me. I thank You for blessing me with a great future that is vibrant and brilliant. Please forgive me for my failure to listen to and follow Your instructions in order to accomplish Your purpose for me. Help me, by Your compassion, to stay connected with You through Your Spirit in order to make impact in my life. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

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IT IS SETTLED  – APRIL 2023 Newsletter

Topic: IT IS SETTLED  

Text: Psalm 119:89. John 19:30 

INTRODUCTION  

I want to begin with this  statement  by Ernest Angley: “God Said It, I Believe It, and That Settles It!” 

“Settle” is a word of comfort and relief. It is a consoling word for someone who is in distress, panic, pain, anguish, confusion, or hopelessness. Many people have been dealing with problems and obstacles that have made their lives miserable and exhausting. Some are simply marching through time, rounding a circle with heavy loads of sickness, unemployment, barrenness, and setback. They have been looking for a way out so that they can be relieved and set free, but no one has been able to assist them. 

The Devil has been in the business of enslaving people for a long time, and He always wants people to be under his control with the burden. 

The scripture says in 1 John 3:8: “…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” ( NKJV).  The good news is that Jesus came to suffer for you, to fight for you, and to destroy any curse placed on you by satanic forces. He humiliates and silences all the arrogant enslavers assigned to you by the coven. 

This article will consider exactly what you need to do to be finally settled.  

GOD HAS SAID IT  

 

  1.  BELIEVE IN GOD’S WORD. 

 Highlights Explained  

 1). God has said it. 

 The military takes pleasure in saying, “Obey the last command.” God knows you’ve been in that sport for a long time, and you need to move on. He is well aware that Satan’s plan is for you to be severely burdened. This cost Jesus the ability to enter the root of all your burdens; He entered the hidden canals to break the chains and clear the way for you to move freely. 

 1 Corinthians 15:27a, “For He “has put everything under His feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under Him…” (NIV). He endures the agony, humiliation, and shame of the cross for your sake. When Jesus saw that every covering and siege had been removed, He exclaimed and said, “It is finished!” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (John 19:30b NIV).  This is God’s verdict on your trouble, pain, sickness, and unemployment. He has made everything right for you; rise now and rejoice in the risen Christ. 

 2). Believe in God’s Word. 

 “God’s Word is yes and amen.” It will be fulfilled. What the Devil tries to do is to turn your heart against the Lord’s Word. He would create circumstances to draw your attention away from your trouble and vulnerability. When you focus on that, you can’t hear what God has to say about what you’re going through. The word can be used in a variety of contexts. God’s word is unchangeable. Psalms 119:87 says, “ Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” (KJV).   

 This is to confirm that your case has been divinely resolved. It would help if you can stand firm and trust God’s word. It will assist you in surviving any mountain-top experience. Be at home with God’s word, meditate on it every bit of time to overcome satanic influences. 

 Conclusion     

 There is no assurance from anyone that can provide you with greater relief and comfort than what Jesus Christ has said. His words will have no effect on you if you do not allow Him into your life. He has settled your case, but He requires your cooperation in order to repay you fully.  

 You must accept Him as your Lord and Savior because He loves you and desires to set you free. 

 Let us pray … 

 Lord Jesus, I appreciate Your feelings for me. I recognize that You are the only one who can assist and deliver me. Because of Your sacrifices on the cross, I plead You to be merciful to me. Please give me peace and comfort in all aspects of my life. Amen 

 

John Aderogba for ROPMI. 

 

 

 

 

 

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