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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Launch Your Net into the Deep – March 2023 Newsletter

Topic:  Launch Your Net into the Deep
Text: Luke 5:1-7.

INTRODUCTION
This is just the first quarter of the year, yet many people are already frustrated and worn out by the current state of affairs. Some individuals have employed the most effective strategies they are aware of to improve their circumstances but to no avail. Many are confident in their abilities and mental prowess to complete tasks, but they all fail.
The current circumstance renders a warrior weary, a brave person fearful, an expert foolish, and a giver a beggar. Due to their environment, several individuals abandoned their posts in search of means to improve their standard of living. Such was the circumstance for Peter and his companions.
These aforementioned men held large nets that could help them catch enough fish, but they didn’t see any fish to catch.
What is the net you are holding? Your net could include your talent, skill, vision, field of study, potential, and enthusiasm. You may have tried to fit into an appropriate position of opportunity but to no avail. The good news is that you have hope because Jesus, the Master of possibility, is close by.

In this article, we will outline some techniques for launching your net into the deep.
1)   Discover Your Net.
2)   Surrender to Jesus, The Master.
3)  Act on Jesus’ Instruction
The breakdown of the write-up
1) Discover Your Net
Many people are irritable, frustrated, and overworked because they are not in the right place and have not discovered their net. Some people are followed because their friends are doing something; others follow their friends haphazardly. Some people are starting businesses or looking for work because it is prevalent.
Peter and his friends were skilled fishermen. They had nets and were in the right location for their businesses. Franklin stated in his writing that, “Character discernment is a valuable tool for avoiding toxic entanglements. It is a skill many of us lack. What is character discernment? It is simply the ability to find relationships that are good for you, and to avoid those that are not.” (Pg. 50)
These guys knew what they were doing; they had many customers with whom they traded, but on this particular day, they were embarrassed because they couldn’t catch a single fish.

2)  Surrender to Jesus, The Master.
Jesus Christ is the Creator of the universe; He is always present and ready to assist, even when things go wrong. Luke 5: 3 says, “He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat.” (NIV).
When Jesus appeared, these guys didn’t look at their situation; instead, they let Him do whatever He wanted with their boat.

Joyce Meyer mentions in one of her writings, “We may expect the day to be sunny, but instead it rains. We may expect to get a raise at work, and we don’t.” (Pg. 8)
There will always be a bad day, no matter how good you are at your job. The ability to put your emotions aside and be aware of what is going on around you would link you to your helper.
These guys may have promised their customers that they would supply them with a large number of fish. They may have collected money in advance with the promise of making an ample supply when they arrived. But even though they were in serious trouble, they surrendered to Jesus and listened to His teaching. I want you to know that Jesus is aware of your situation, but He desires that you submit to Him. Anderson stated that “We have a whole God, the Creator of all reality, and He relates to us as whole people (Pg. 21).

 3) Act on Jesus’ Instruction
Some individuals let their difficulty overpower them, and as a result, they disregard the voice of their helper. Some individuals are confident in their routines, while others fear failure. They are unwilling to try again or take professional guidance.
Peter and his friends were confident in their abilities and were so sure that there were no fish in the ocean, so they could not harvest any. After Jesus had completed utilizing their boat, He wished to express His gratitude for their willingness and generosity.

In Luke 5: 4-5, “When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch.” 5. Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (NIV)
Peter, the leader of the guys, just spoke. Can you hear him? “We have attempted to use our professional expertise, but it has not been successful.” Are you in a comparable circumstance? Are you fearful of trying again? Are you attempting to discard the Spirit’s directions? Peter and his pals obeyed Jesus’ command, and they had their fortunes.
Kenneth E. Hagin stated with a clear explanation that “There is something about the Lord – there is just something He won’t tell unless you ask Him because He is a perfect Gentleman.” (Pg. 16).
Peter and his friends would have stayed hopeless if they had disregarded Christ’s commands. Jesus will not coerce you, yet He desires your cooperation because He is all-powerful.
Conclusion
If you are where Christ has called you and are carrying out His commands, He will protect you during the storm. You should not hide your problems from Him, the Master; instead, you must allow him to assume full responsibility for your position and carry out His commands.
You must finally surrender your life to Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Let us Pray
Dear Jesus, I recognize you as the universe’s Master, Creator, Conqueror, Savior, and King. Forgive my limited understanding of who You are; have mercy on me, and shower Your blessings on me. I promise to obey Your commands and instructions. I believe in You; please help me not to be ashamed of my faith in You. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

 

References

  1. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
  2. Jentezen Franklin (2007). Right People, Right Place, Right Plan, “Discovering the Voice of God,” Ministries/Kingdom Connection. P.O. Box 315, Gainesville, GA 30504
    jentezenfranklin.org.
  3. Joyce Meyer, (2003). Straight Talk on Depression,”Overcoming Emotional Battles
    with the Power of God’s Word!”     Publisher: Faithwords, USA. ISBN: 0446691518, ISBN13:9780446691512.
  4. Kenneth E. Hagin, (1992). PURPOSES PURSUITS, Fifth printing, USA, ISBN, 0-89276-512-7.
  5. Neil T. Anderson and Dave Park (2012). Stomping Out Depression. Published by Bridgetree, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-9856907-5-5.

 

 

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Move on with Courage – February 2023 Newsletter

Topic: Move on with Courage.

Texts: Deuteronomy 31:8; Proverbs 3:5-6

INTRODUCTION

Many individuals enter this year with high hopes, full of energy, and motivated enthusiasm. However, by the end of the first month of the year, some people begin to lose their enthusiastic strength due to the satanic projective voices they heard in the form of prophecies and news from around the world.

One of the Devil’s strategies is to keep your gaze away from the tick cloud, high mountains, and reality shadows of death blinking and roaring dangers along your path.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NIV).

In his life journey, David recognized the Devil’s strategy. Many times, he was confronted with challenges that could have swallowed him whole, but he did not lose courage; instead, he maintained his focus, and he was celebrated in his generation.

Remember, “a winner doesn’t quit, but a loser does.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

This write-up shall focus on what you need to do to move on with courage.

1) LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT’S LEAD

2) TRUST IN THE LORD

 

Below is the breakdown:

1.) Listen To the Spirit’s Lead:

Connecting to the right Spirit for motivation is the source of strength to keep moving and focused on a journey.

During a soccer game, the players always listen to their supporters’ voices as they echo the sound of victory to energize the players. The voices of their supporters and coaches are recognized and familiar to the players, and when they give instructions, they listen.

Smith Wigglesworth said; “When you are filled with the Spirit, you will know the voice of God.”

When you entrust your journey to God, He will send His Spirit to guide and lead you. It will be easy to recognize God’s voice once you have become acquainted with the Spirit of God.

God’s Spirit provides the motivation you need to stay focused. With His words, He will direct you to the right path; as in the where, the when, and the how. This includes where to go, when to start and stop, and how to do it.

Kenneth E. Hagin stated that, “Sometimes God will show you how He wants you to do it, you will have His plan. But at the same time, you will perceive in your spirit that the time to do it isn’t quite right.”

To have a successful journey this year, it is critical to follow the Spirit’s leading.

 

2.) Trust in the Lord:

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight” (NIV). What the Devil does is cause people to waver in their faith, causing them to faint and sink on their journey through life.

This year has just begun with few weeks behind, and a lot of promises from the government, co-workers, family and friends that do not appear to be working because of what has been looming, including economic hardship, and inflation everywhere.

Someone recently told me that, “This year 2023 is turning bad,” to which I quickly replied that, this is only the beginning of the year and that shouldn’t be said. After meditating on this, I realized that this is the picture the Devil is painting for people as if God does not care about them.

In his writings, Diester Pauwels stated that, “Beliefs create a structure of right and wrong which includes what others expect of you and what you expect of yourself. Your beliefs shape your life to the degree that they determine what seems possible.”

You must resolve in your mind that your God can lead and see you through whatever comes your way. Nobody will do it for you. Because God has told you His plans for you this year, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be any storm or distractions.

Jentezen Franklin made a statement in his writing that, “God’s plan often comes through events that force you in a direction you never would have gone.” Many times, God allows some things to shake you to see how serious you are in your trust in Him.

What you must do is maintain your faith in God and proceed with courage.

Conclusion:

David said in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (NIV).

Be brave and focused as you move forward this year. Note that no matter how thick a cloud is, it will give way to a clear light in a moment. So, be bold; listen to the Spirit’s lead, and keep your faith in God.

Finally, because Jesus Christ is the Chief Commander of your journey, you should attach yourself to Him and let Him be your pilot. Give your life to Him, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). He is the only Driver who has never crashed a car, the only Sailor who has never sunk a ship, and the only Pilot who has never crashed an aircraft. He alone is the Lord!

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being an anchor that keeps my soul; thank You for always being there for me. I covet Your presence on my journey as I move on this year. I ask for the grace to move on with courage and never be distracted. Let Your precious blood preserve me from every challenge on my way. Amen.

Reference:

  1. Smith Wigglesworth (1999). Devotional, published by Whitaker House, United States of America, ISBN:978-0-88368-574-7

eBook ISBN:978-1-60374-178-1, Pg. 133.

  1. Kenneth E. Hagin (1992). Plans, Purposes, Pursuits. Fifth printing, USA, ISBN, 0-89276-512-7. Pg. 37. Fellowship Bookstore 5240n. Socrum Loop Rd.

Lakeland, l 33805

Ph.858-5668

  1. Les Brown, Mark Victor, Harsen, Jo Anne Bishop, and Deepak Chopra (2008). Success is the State of Mind,’ Building a Foundation for your Future. Published in the United States by Insight Publishing Company, 647 Wall Street·Sevierville, Tennessee·37862www.insightpublishing.com Pg 58.
  2. Jentezen Franklin (2007). Right People, Right Place, Right Plan: Discerning the Voice of God. Printed in the United States of America, Jentezen Franklin Ministries/Kingdom Connection. P.O. Box 315, Gainesville, GA 30504

www.jentezenfranklin.org

ISBN: 978-0-88368-797-0. Pg 79.

  1. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®

John Aderogba for Ropmi

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