GLORY TO THE NEWBORN PRINCE OF PEACE – DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

Text: ISAIAH 9:6.

Introduction

Glory is the language of worship that reveals the amazement and excitement when the wonder of God manifests to man. This is used in several events in the scripture. But the one that is particularly alarming is the experience of the shepherds when the news of the birth of Jesus Christ came to them in the field while they were watching over their sheep at night. The angel of the Lord appears to them with the word “Peace.” Suddenly, the glory of the Lord surrounds them with beautiful voices from heaven echoing songs of joy and glad tidings.

In the tapestry of religious narratives, the birth of the Prince of Peace stands as a timeless symbol of hope and harmony. Rooted in the scriptures, this celestial event continues to resonate across cultures and generations, offering solace in turbulent times.

The journey begins in the Old Testament texts, where prophets foretold the arrival of a savior, a harbinger of peace. From Isaiah’s prophetic words to Micah’s vision, the anticipation of a Prince of Peace echoed through the ages. The fulfillment of these prophecies unfolded in a humble manger, where a divine presence descended upon the world, ushering in an era of tranquility.

Let’s delve into the three key points and the profound significance that sometimes eludes our understanding.

1) Emmanuel: God With Us

The name ‘Emmanuel’ symbolizes the presence of God all around his people. It is a sign that God has reconciled with man. So, the essence of the Prince of Peace lies in the concept of Emmanuel – God with us. The incarnation of divinity among mortals signifies a profound connection between the celestial and the earthly realms. It beckons humanity to embrace harmonious coexistence, reminding us that amidst our struggles, we are not alone. One of the undeniable promises of God is that “I will not leave you nor forsake you…” This season is a time to remember that God will always be there for you in all situations.

2) His Compassion and Forgiveness have no End

The news of the newborn Prince of Peace extends beyond His miraculous birth. His earthly journey is marked by a revolutionary message of compassion and forgiveness. In a world often marred by discord, these principles serve as pillars of peace, guiding us toward understanding, empathy, and reconciliation. The peace that Jesus brought to the world is the bedrock of his mercy and love toward man. “God loves the world and gave his only son…” His love is encompassed with compassion and forgiveness for man to take his place in heaven.

3) Light in the Darkness

After the experience of the Garden of Eden, the world was covered with darkness. In the book of Isaiah 9:1-2, when Prophet Isaiah was delivering the messages about the coming of the Prince of Peace, he confirmed and described the effect of darkness in the life of the people. The symbolism of the star that led the wise men to the newborn Prince resonates as a beacon of light piercing through the darkness. In our own lives, this celestial light represents hope in moments of despair, promising that even in the bleakest hours, a transformative radiance can guide us toward a path of peace. Jesus Christ came to shine as light in our dark world and deliver us from the effects of darkness.

Conclusion

The celebration of the newborn Prince of Peace encapsulates a saga that transcends time and resonates with the deepest recesses of the human soul. As we reflect on the scripture background, key points, and occasional confusion, let us strive to embody the timeless principles of hope and harmony in our own lives, ensuring that the glory of the Prince’s arrival continues to shine brightly across the tapestry of human existence.

Finally, the best you can do is to give your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This will pave the way for you to enjoy the peace which he brought to the world.

LET’S PRAY

1) Give thanks to God for his mercy and love towards you.

2) Sing Christmas Hymns and Songs to celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ.

3) Pray for the Peace of God in your life as the year is coming to an end. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

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MOVE ON WITH A VICTOR’S MIND – July Newsletter

MOVE ON WITH A VICTOR’S MIND.

Text: Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV).

Introduction:

We are in the second half of the year already, and the journey is like a big mountain for many people because of the circumstances around them. Life is filled with ups and downs, victories and defeats. It is during times of adversity that our true character is tested. However, as believers, we have a powerful source of inspiration to help us overcome any obstacle and move forward with a victor’s mind. The Bible, a timeless guidebook, offers wisdom, encouragement, and examples of individuals who triumphed over adversity.

This article will explore some points that can inspire everyone to move on with Victor’s mindset. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

The breakdown of the writing.

  1. Forget The Past: The first step towards moving on with a victor’s mind is to let go of the past. In his letter to the Philippians, apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of forgetting what is behind. Dwelling on past failures, disappointments, or hurts can hinder our progress. Instead, we should learn from our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and embrace the grace of God. By releasing the burdens of the past, we open ourselves up to new opportunities for growth and success.
  2. Strain Towards What is Ahead:

Moving on requires intentionally focusing on the future. Paul encourages us to strain toward what lies ahead, indicating the need for perseverance and determination. We should set goals, make plans, and work diligently towards them. While challenges may arise, having a clear vision of what lies ahead allows us to stay motivated and push through obstacles. By keeping our eyes fixed on the prize, we can move forward with confidence and purpose.

  1. Press On Towards Your Goal:

“If you don’t set a goal, you have nowhere to go.” Your goal will defiantly drive you to a successful end. The journey toward victory can be challenging. It requires endurance, resilience, and unwavering faith. Paul emphasizes the need to press on toward the goal. This means we must not give up or lose hope, even in adversity. God has called us to a higher purpose, and we can overcome any obstacle with His strength. By relying on His guidance and grace, we can persevere and achieve the prize that awaits us.

Conclusion:

Moving on with a victor’s mind is not always easy, but it is possible when we draw inspiration from the Bible. The text from Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us to forget the past, strain towards what lies ahead, and press on towards the goal. By applying these principles to our lives, we can overcome setbacks, embrace new opportunities, and ultimately achieve the victory that God has prepared for us. So, let us hold onto these words of wisdom, trusting in God’s faithfulness, and move forward with a victor’s mindset. Finally, you need Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He’s the only one that can lead you to a successful journey if you let him have His way in your life. Give your life to Him today. Let Us Pray: My God and Lord, I thank you for your life and grace upon my life. Thank you for your faithfulness over me. Dear Jesus, I put you in front of my journey as I go in this second part of this year and beyond. Guide me thou great Jehovah to and grand me wisdom and supernatural help win all the battles ahead of me. Amen

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

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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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