REDEEM TIME

Ephesians 5:15-16-“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

One of the profound lessons of a lockdown is that it reminds us of the value of TIME. Truly, time is life. When we waste time, we waste life. That is why, even during this lockdown, we must resist the temptation to waste time. Many will come out of the lockdown gaining only physical weight. But the wise will gain more than physical weight, because they would have put the time to more beneficial use.

In the above scripture, Apostle Paul was admonishing the Ephesian Christians to spend their time on valuable rather than mundane things. To ‘redeem’ means to recover or compensate for. While it may be naturally and physically impossible to recover lost time, we can compensate for, or ameliorate the impact, by utilizing our remaining time in the best possible optimal way.

How can we do this?

1. By avoiding the mistakes of the past. Isaiah 43:18 says:”forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Philippians 3:13-14 too. Whatever we did yesterday that did not work out, may appear as a lost opportunity, but by identifying the mistakes, learning from, and avoiding them in the future, we will be able to use our time more profitably. When you avoid past mistakes, you move faster and achieve more with less time.

2. By avoiding time-wasters. Just imagine those things you thought were vital to your existence, but which you have not been able to do in the last four weeks, yet you survived. There are many things we merely do out of habit rather than need. They are avoidable time-wasters. Whatever or Whoever will not add value to you, will de-value you, by wasting your time. Abraham’s life improved after he parted with Lot. You have no business in the company of those who don’t share your vision and passion in life. They will only steal your time. The Bible says you should ‘come out’ from them, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17.

3. By forsaking sin. Sin costs you more than you can afford and takes you farther than you intended. If you’ve been engaged in fornication or adultery before, or still do now, you will honestly admit the enormous time it cost you, apart from the financial and emotional drain. Satan’s trick is to gradually steal your time through the indulgence of sin, until he steals your whole life, John 10:10. That’s what happened to Samson. He wasted his time on Delilah’s Laps and eventually wasted his life in the hands of the philistines, Judges 16. When you stop sinning, you will gain enormous amount of time which you can invest in more profitable ventures. If you can forsake sin for four weeks, you can forsake it for life.

4. By prioritizing. In Mathew 6:33, Jesus commanded us to prioritize the Kingdom of heaven and its righteousness above all else. In Acts 6:1-7, the Apostles realized the need to prioritize preaching over serving of food, so they appointed deacons to serve tables while they concentrated their time and effort on preparing and preaching of sermons. Don’t be a jack of all trades and master of none. Spreading yourself too thin, will leave you with little or no impact. Learn to differentiate between the urgent and the important issues of life. What is urgent may not necessarily be important. Apply wisdom in deciding what to spend your time on. Don’t also forget that procrastination is a thief of time.

5. By maximizing your chances. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, wither thou goest.” In life, you must think and act like a top footfall striker. Have an eye for goals. Be ready to score from the narrowest of chances. Maximize every opportunity that comes your way, for it may be the last. Remember, the clock is ticking, and there are others on the substitute bench, waiting to take your place, if you keep missing your chances.

6. By being constantly heavenly conscious. Colossians 3:2 says to set our minds constantly on things above rather than on things here on earth. If we do, we are likely going to invest our time more in the things of the Kingdom, for as Jesus Christ said in Mathew 6:21, where a man’s treasure is, there his heart will always be.

In conclusion, as Jesus warned in John 9:4, always remember that night is coming, when no man can work. Spend your time now while it is day, on things of enduring value, so that you can have rest at night. Your family, your health, helping others, right standing with God, drawing men to God, saving for the rainy day, and a legacy of integrity-are things worthy of your time. ‘Night’ is not necessarily just death. It could be retirement. It could be old age. It could be unexpected ill-health. It could be loss of a dear one. But ultimately it is the day we shut our eyes for the last time.

How we spend our time now, will determine how cold or warm, bitter or sweet, glorious or inglorious our night will be. May your night be exceedingly much better than your day, in Jesus name. Amen.

Shalom!

Isaiah 54 vs 4 says “Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, & shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.”

The Holy Spirit this morning is smiling on someone out there that has been in a pit, shame, reproach, ridicule & discouragement etc. You were brought down & reduced to zero; & you’re asking: God where are You?

I am led this morning praying for you, God’s mercy can provoke HIM to override your doubts & trigger off your season of laughter in Jesus Christ name, Amen!

Beloveth, HE knows the magnitude of the situation, this day God had overruled your doubts because is your season of laughter. As God is laughing, HE will laugh over your doubts & cause you to laugh.

Dear child of God, if the challenges of life have stopped you from laughing, get ready for a New season of unstoppable laughter! Weeping is over, & you will not remember your tears anymore: Henceforth in righteousness, be giving God quality Praises, Thanksgiving, Worship & let the Holy Spirit takes you to another realm in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

SHALOM.

Internal Rock of Ages we adore you this morning, for the privilege to see another day, thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for provisions. Thank you for being there even at this critical moment. Accept our thanks in Jesus Name. Amen!

We commit today into your able hands please don’t take away your Presence from us in Jesus Name. This morning speak to us and accept our supplications in Jesus Name. Let Your mercy speaks for us. In Jesus Name we pray.

Proverb 29:18

No good thing will God withhold to those who walk uprightly.

When we have heart to please God and when we live a life of excellence and integrity, doing our best each day, living with purpose and passion and with a desire to help others, God’s promise is that He will not withhold what you and I need to become, or what He has created us to be. God will not withhold wisdom, creativity, good breaks, the right connections, strength, joy or victory.

Many may have been through challenging times. The economic downturn may have affected people and every income. Millions more have seen their savings depleted. Many have lost one thing or the other. Relationships have been strained.

Many may feel that they don’t have all that it takes to emerge stronger, but He does. With God in our heart, we will persevere and prevail.

At this critical point, it is time to believe because tough times require strong faith. Also this moment will pass because big challenges precede bigger things

In conclusion

Let keep hope alive. NCDC may be giving there reports as part of there work, don’t let us be scared with the daily figures. On the other hand we believe the Reports of the Lord. So whatever we jointly agreed on, the Lord will grant it. Jeremiah 33:3

PRAYER POINTS

1. Let’s thank God for being a good Father to us. For not neglecting us despite the situation

2. Let us pray that God will strengthen our faith in Him even at this critical moment and we will not draw back

3. Let us pray that the Solutions He has designed to uproot this Corona Virus, that by His mercy He should please release it.

4. Oh Lord fight our battles and grant us victory in Jesus Name

5. Let us pray that there will be great Revival in the body of Christ and there will plenty harvest of souls

6. Please let read Jeremiah 30:3 and pray with it. God promised to deliver the captive, return them to their land and also help them to possess it.

7. Our personal prayer requests

May the Lord answer our prayers and give us testimonies in Jesus Matchless Name.

I love praying. I can pray for several hours, especially when I am on a prayer walk, but this wasn’t always so. When I became born again, I could hardly pray beyond 5 minutes, whereas the other people in Church will keep going on and on.

One day, I decided to eaves drop on a brother while he prayed. I discovered that for a 1 hour prayer for example, this brother would worship God for the first 50 minutes and then make his request in the last 10 minutes.

I adopted this same method, but little did I know that I had adopted an important principle to getting my prayers answered. As I went on in my prayer life, I started to discover other principles that not only assure me of answered prayers but also help speed up the answers.

By God’s grace and Hisgrace alone, today , I enjoy speedy answers to my prayers.

What I learnt from that brother was priceless, now I am paying it forward with this book. I want you to learn from me how to pray and get speedy answers to your prayers.
Henceforth, God will answer all your prayers by fire in Jesus’ name.

https://www.openheavensplus.com

Jeremiah 30:16 -19

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob’s tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.

And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

Our Father in Heaven, we bless your Holy Name. We exalt thee. Thank You for the gift of life.

Thank you for the miracle of sleeping and waking. We thank You for help you have send to all Nations of the World which soon will yield to Testimonies. Please accept our thanks in Jesus Name.

Anywhere we have wronged You please forgive us and let our prayers (individual and as a group) be accepted in Jesus Name. (Amen)

RESTORATION

This morning brethren, I just want to encourage us with some scripture verses which we shall also use to pray.

God sent His Word to the Israelites through Jeremiah to encourage them that all that devour them (whatever they have loss or miss) he will restore and also deal with the devourer.(I pray for someone this morning reading and have faith, whatever you have loss or miss God will restore unto you In Jesus Name)

God promised restoration of health to His people. According to Gen 1:26 we are God’s children created in His image. Therefore wherever, whatever, whoever requires Healing now (Ps 107:20) receive it in Jesus Name

Further, God promised His children Mercy and Thanksgiving. In all happening now, God will show all Nations mercy and the sound of rejoicing will spring up again.

1. Let us thank God for everything he has done, he is doing and will still do

2. God please destroy every devourers affecting lives and Nation’s and please restore all losses in Jesus Name

3. Please Lord show Mercy to all and let there be sound Of joy and rejoicing in Jesus Name

Numbers 21:8 “And the Lord said to Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole, and it shall come to pass, that everyone that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, he shall live.”

In a time of trouble, the way out, is to LOOK UP TO GOD. When the children of Isreal were being bitten to death by serpents in the wilderness, the anti-dote was looking up to God. All those who looked up to God, survived.

In Hebrews 12:2, we are admonished to constantly look up to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. An Author writes a story and knows all the plots, intrigues and suspenses, better than anyone else.

A Finisher decides the fate of a game. He knows when and how a thing will end. So, Jesus, having written the story of our lives, knows everything that is happening to us right now, how and when it will end, and it’s aftermath. That is why He is Alpha and Omega-the beginning and the end, Revelations 1:8.
Jesus Himself told us what to do at a time like this: “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.-Mathew 11:28.

Nothing catches God by surprise.

There is no unforeseen contingency with Him. Therefore, notwithstanding covid-19, and the accompanying economic realities, we can rest assure that God is fully aware and has already accommodated everything in His recovery plan for His children. His deliverance is always total rather than half-way.

He will not preserve you from the plague, only to let you be consumed by its economic aftermath. If He spares you from the pandemic, as He will, it is surely for a glorious aftermath. Those He preserves, He sustains.

In Luke 5:1-7, Peter had labored in vain all night, while relying on his own experience and wisdom. But the moment he looked up to Jesus, his story changed. How? Jesus gave him divine instruction which led him to finding where the fishes were. Same boat, same net, same Peter, but a different result!

In the midst of other empty boats on Lake Genessareth, Peter’s boat suddenly became full of fish to breaking point and he had to call for help. That will be your story too, if you start to look up to God, instead of getting fixated on Bloomberg.

Those who look up to God receive heavenly guidance. Their feet are ordered during famine to where the oasis is. They find Brook Cherith. Ravens bring them food. They stumble upon Syrian Camps empty of soldiers but full of provisions. They are sustained by the Zarephath Widow until the famine is over!

In 2 Kings 6:26-27, a woman looked up to the King for help during severe crisis, but the King in turn told her to look up only to God. At a time like this, only God can help you. He can use men, but He alone will decide where your help will come from, Psalm 121:1-2.

In conclusion, please note that a time of crisis is always a time of the miraculous for those who decide to look up to God. As you continue to look up to God in the time ahead, may you experience miracles, signs and wonders, in Jesus name. Amen.

Shalom.

“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”_ 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Beloved, wake up! Christians cannot afford to lose focus for a moment; our heart must be kept with all diligence. We must watch the crafty attempts of the enemy to attack the authority of Scripture.

Watch against worldliness and the quest for ungodly pleasures. Every believer must protect the sanctity of the church against false prophets, sexual immorality and all sinful practices.

Father, please help me to be sober and watchful in all things, in the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen!

TEXT: Acts 13:2

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

HYMN

Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
Of our life’s wild, restless sea;
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, “Christian, follow me”.

INTRODUCTION

We are usually very busy that we often don’t hear God when He speaks to us. We also don’t have time for quality communion with Him even though He is yearning for it.

One of the methods He employs when it is important that He speaks to us or pass a message across is to separate us from our busy schedules.

I remember two occasions when God needed my attention, He took me away from my busy daily routine. The experiences and impacts remain unforgettable for me.

The current lockdown arising from the covid-19 pandemic may be God’s way of calling our attention to Him. The difference between this one and my personal experiences is that He locked down the whole world at once. That tells me that whatever message He needs to pass across must be extremely important and time bound.

WHY SHOULD WE SPEND TIME ALONE WITH GOD?

1. God desires alone time with us. Gen.3:8-9; Acts 13:2

2. We need to develop intimacy with God to rely on Him as our vine. Jn.15:1-8

3. Spending time alone with God rids our minds of distractions so that we can focus on Him and hear His word.

4.We draw closer God and get to know Him in a different way than we do in group settings. Ps. 42:7; Jam. 4:8

5. To follow biblical examples. 1 Cor. 10:11

EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE IN THE BIBLE WHO SPENT TIME ALONE WITH GOD

1. Adam – The first man to have a quiet time with God. He received the vision/purpose for his life in one of those sessions with God. Gen. 2:15-16

2. Abraham – He left his country, kindred and family to be alone with God. Gen. 12:1-4 God changed his name from Abram to Abraham, the father of nations. All the nations of the world can be traced to him.

3. Samuel – As a young boy, he was separated from his father, mother and immediate family. He was separated unto God. At a tender age, God trained him to hear His voice and prepared him to be a Prophet. 1 Sam. 3:1-14. He was one of the greatest Prophets in the bible.

4. David – While his brothers were enjoying the comfort of their father’s house, God separated young David unto Himself in the bush. There, He taught his hands to war and his fingers to fight. Little does one wonder that he defeated Goliath the giant. 1 Sam. 16:10-13; 17:34-51; Ps.144:1.

5. Elijah – God separated Elijah unto Himself at the brook Cherith. There He gave him the blueprint for survival during a period of famine. 1 Kings 17:2-9

6. The disciples – After the death of their master, the disciples of Jesus Christ heeded His instruction for them to be alone with God until they received the power. In no time, they were filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4

7. Paul – He encountered God on one of his missions to persecute Christians. God locked him down and equipped him. Since then, he never looked back until he died. He wrote 13 out of the 27 books in the New Testament. Acts 9:1-22

8. Jesus – He went away from the crowd to be alone with God many times in His earthly ministry. He recharged and refined His mission on earth during these lock down sessions. Mt. 14:13; Mk. 1:35; 6:45-46; 14:32-34; Lk. 4:42; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; Jn.6:15

9. John – He was on exile on the Island of Patmos when God opened His eyes to see the edn time events as recorded in the book of Revelation. Rev. 1:9

10. Moses – Moses had a personal encountered with God while he was a fugitive in Median. He was equipped to deliver God’s precious people from bondage in Egypt. Of all the prophets, there was none who spoke with God mouth to mouth like Moses. Ex. 2:11-25; 3:1-10; 33:11-15; Num.12:8

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SPEND TIME ALONE WITH GOD?

1. We will understand God’s purpose for our lives when we spend time alone with Him. Consequently, we can live meaningful and purposeful lives.

2. People develop intimacy with God in the process. Moses knows His ways, while other prophets see His acts.

3. God equips people to fulfil their destinies e.g Samuel, David, Paul.

4. Separation unto God is the place of Power. e.g the disciples in Acts 2

5. Spending time alone with God is a place of divine revelation e.g Abraham, Elijah, John etc

6. He injects energy, power and strength into our bodies when we are tired, weary and emotionally distraught e.g Jesus

7. Spending time with God puts everything else in perspective.

HOW TO SPEND TIME ALONE WITH GOD.

1. Meditation in prayer
2. Personal praise and worship
3. Personal Fasting
4. Separation from the crowd, in self isolation.

CONCLUSION

Anyone who is too busy to pray now, will be too busy to receive the power to fulfil destiny.

Anyone who wants to be used of God cannot afford to spend all of his/her time with people.

This time when the whole world is on lockdown presents a perfect opportunity to be alone with God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Prayer of thanksgiving – to be alive, privilege to hear His word, salvation of your soul.

2. Prayer for mercy for the nations of the world, Nigeria, your family members and loved ones, yourself.

3. Prayer of healing for all those who have been infected by covid-19 and any other diseases in every nation of the world.

4. Pray for grace to take time out of your busy schedule and be separated unto God.

ACTION POINT

Separate yourself unto God and seek His face to discover your purpose on earth, ask for power to fulfil your destiny, seek divine revelation.
Seek to do exploits for Him. Dan.11:32

God bless you.

INTRODUCTION
After the resurrection, what next?

Ecclesiastes 7:8. Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.

Jesus told the disciples that He would send someone who will help them fulfill their destiny.

John 16:7. According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit would give the disciples power.

Power is the ability to do work and do it efficiently and at times extraordinarily.

There are different categories of power.

1. Political Power. Ecclesiastes 8:4

2. Financial power. Proverbs 10:15, Ecclesiastes 7:12

3. Spiritual power. 2 Kings 4:8-17.

4. Counterfeit Power. Acts 8:9-24
Power supersedes power. Exodus 7:8-12

Why do you need to have the power of the Holy Spirit?

1. To fulfill destiny. Luke 5:1-11, Acts 2:1-41.

Paul’s destiny was to preach the Gospel.

Galatians 1:15-16, Acts 9:10-20. Also, the greater the power, the easier it is to reach your goal.

For example, the power of God was manifested in great dimensions in the life of Peter. Acts 3:1-11, Acts 4:4. 1st sermon, he won 3000 souls. 2nd sermon, the power was greater; he won 5000 souls. His destiny was fulfilled at an amazing pace. Acts 5:1-16.

Don’t pay attention to those who mock you when you pray in the Holy Spirit. The Bible says you speak mysteries to God when you pray in the Holy Spirit. The end will justify the means so use it. If you don’t use the power, you will lose it! Pray more in the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26. Use the Power so it can multiply.

For those who haven’t received the power of the Holy Spirit; Acts 2:37-39

1. Repent

2. Be baptized (by immersion)

3. Begin to use the power; join the workforce

And watch the Almighty God begin to move you closer to destiny.

In the Name that is above every other name, I pray for you today that the power to fulfill destiny will be released unto you and you will not leave this world regretting that you failed to fulfill destiny(Amen). Praise the Lord!

Colossians 2:7-“Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye has been taught, abiding therein with thanksgiving.”

Crisis can be either a curse or a blessing, depending on what you make of it. It can be a curse, if you allow it to lock down your life. On the other hand, it can be a great blessing if you turn it into an opportunity to grow and make your life richer. Joseph grew during adversity and was eventually able to tell his brothers: ‘what you intended for evil, God has turned to good’- Genesis 50:20. That can be your testimony too.

How can you use the present lockdown to better your life?

1. By utilizing the period to grow and turn your mind into a formidable intellectual powerhouse. By feeding your mind with scripture, literature, and other edifying materials, which are in abundant supply on the internet, you will become a stronger and more confident person to face the world, after the crisis. Proverbs 23:7 confirms that your life is a reflection of your mind. You have all the time you can ever desire, now. Use it to grow your inner being. It is your movement that is restricted, not your mind. Put your mind to work! The resources you need are all around you. If you search your house, you’ll also find old books you’ve never read. Read geography. History. Politics. Science. Nature. Anything to improve and keep your mind active and fresh. Those books and pamphlets that adorn your shelf, pick them up and read. This is the time to invest in the real you-your mind, so it can serve you better later. Your mind is your greatest asset, dont let it diminish, irrespective of your age. Gain knowledge in unfamiliar areas. If you fail to feed your mind in a healthy way, it will not grow healthily. The quality of your mind determines the quality of your life. Prov:4:23. “Guide your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life”.

2. By using this period to grow your imagination. Imagination is one of man’s greatest assets bequeathed by God. Your mind and your imagination are intertwined. The better the quality of your mind, the more creative your imagination will be. In Genesis 11:6, God said nothing can stop a man from accomplishing whatever he can imagine. In 1 Samuel 17: 46, David said to Goliath: “…I will kill you, cut off your head and feed your carcass to fowls and wild animals.” And he did. That was the power of imagination at work. Only an imaginative mind could have written the Psalms of David. If you can see it in your mind, you can achieve it. Imagination, which is the ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful, is the mother of ideas. Men and women of ideas rule the world. Those who profit from crisis, after the crisis, are people who, while others were busy watching television and engaging in social media and other frivolities, were busy growing their imagination, seeing beyond the visible, and hearing the inaudible. After crisis, they make things happen, while others wait for things to happen. Powerful imaginations are mostly created during physical hibernation by great minds.

3. You can grow your faith more. Jesus said in Mark 9:23 that nothing is impossible for those that believe. In Mark 5:28, the woman with the issue of blood grew her faith to the point that she believed that all she needed to do to receive her healing was to simply touch the hem of Jesus garment, whereas there were people pressing on Him, without any encounter. In Mathew 8:8, the Centurion told Jesus: ‘you don’t need to come to my house, just speak the word, and my servant shall be healed.’ That was how much he had grown his faith. By reading the scriptures, listening to sermons and testimonies, aided by deep meditation, during this period, you can grow and build up your faith to become a better believer. Romans 10:17 says faith comes by a continuous hearing of God’s Word. Many will have their faith seriously challenged after this crisis, and only the strong in faith and bold in imagination will survive. That is why you need to grow your faith in God now, in preparation for the future ahead. Faith turns you into a storm rider!

4. Grow your competence. Isaiah 54:2 says: “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strength thy stakes.” This is a very powerful scripture for this season, speaking of growing. As a professional in your field, this is a time to grow your competence beyond the present level, despite physical restriction. Excellence has no limit. You must not stop the risk of success until your good becomes better, your better becomes best, and your best becomes glorious. So, even you are already big, you can strive to be bigger. Post-crisis periods always present new challenges even in the way professions are practiced. Only those with sharpened and enhanced skills and competencies, will be able to compete. Yesterday’s methods may not be enough in the post covid-19 era. You must accept and be ready to adapt to the reality that the world has changed. Now is the time to prepare for the new world by sharpening your skills and competences in isolation so as to remain relevant when the doors of the world re-open. Develop better skills, take online refresher courses, read up the latest developments in your field. Adaptability rather than experience, will most likely, determine relevancy, going forward. So, use this time to grow into it.
In conclusion, remember that to stop growing, is in essence, to die. Wake up every day determined to grow beyond yesterday. Only then will tomorrow meet you well-prepared. May your tomorrow be better than your today, in Jesus name. Amen.

Have a beautiful weekend and God bless you.

Shalom!