Running To Win The Race Of Life

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

There are three major races the Christian believer is engaged in: First, the race to actualize God’s blessings and promises (2 Peter 1:4); second, the race of destiny, that is to fulfill divine mandate on individual lives; and third, (the most crucial of all) the race of eternal life, the race to hold onto one’s salvation despite enemy attacks and temptations.

Below are some ways to run to win:

Run With Precision: To be precise is to be exact. God is a precise and very detailed God. He gave precise instructions to Moses while building the tabernacle. God is a detailed God who has His preferences for His children (Ephesians 1:11). As we crave for His plan and preferences for our lives in prayers and meditation, life’s journey becomes smoother and swifter. God will always back His perfect plans.

Run With Pace: Pace means the rate of movement. We all have different rates of movement. Martin Luther King Jr. said,“If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”  Thus, moving constantly and steadily is very crucial to winning the race. To stop movement at any time is to quit running, which is detrimental to destiny pursuits.  So, whether crawling or running, you need to keep a pace, and keep making strides to the desired end (Philippians 3:12-14).

Run With Power: Power is the ability to accomplish tasks. Other synonyms for power in Christianity are anointing and grace. The Holy Spirit in the Christian believer is an Enabler and a Helper (John 14:26). To do divine or secular tasks without the input of the Holy Spirit is akin to driving a dump truck with no power assisted steering wheels. It is torturous drudgery. Learn to always call for the Holy Spirit’s assistance.

Run With Purpose: Purpose is simply the intent, the reason why something is done. Apostle Paul said: “I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow boxing” (1 Corinthians 9:26, NLT). Successful people never engage in any activity without first defining the purpose or the reason why. To maximize life, engage only in purposeful and thoughtful endeavors (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Run With Purity: Any athlete that doesn’t run according to the laid down rules will be disqualified. Living carelessly and indulging ourselves carnally will result in disqualification (1 Corinthians 9:27). To run to win, focus is essential. Careless living is a distraction and detour from the race of life.

Conclusion:  Have you dropped out from the race? Get back on track! Are you running at slower pace? Receive anew the enablement of the Holy Spirit! Have you started the race at all? If not, receive Jesus today as your personal Savior and Lord.

Ade(Gboyega) ESANhttp://gboyegae.blogspot.com
www.rccgpittsburgh.org

The Blessings Of Adversity

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).

One dictionary meaning of adversity is difficult situation or condition: misfortune or tragedy. Simply put, adversity implies a bad situation. The reality, in God, is that good can come out of the bad. Samson said, “Out of the eater came forth meat...” (Judges 14:14, KJV). There is some advantage in adversity: Gain in pain, and glory in shame. This may seem paradoxical; but God always has a good purpose when He allows His beloved to go through suffering. Below are some truths to consider:

Adversity can force repentance: In Luke 15:11-24, when the prodigal son was confronted with abject poverty, shame and ridicule, he was forced to reconsider going back to his father. In affluence and ease, he rebelled against his father’s wish and left home; but when adversity struck, “he came to his senses” and returned home to reunite with his loving father. Any situation that causes genuine repentance in a person, in Heaven’s reckoning, is a blessing in disguise (2 Corinthians 7:8-11). Heaven rejoices when a sinner genuinely repents.

Adversity forces us to turn to God:  King Hezekiah was very sick close to dying. God told him through Prophet Isaiah that he will die, so he should put his house in order. After receiving this gloomy prophecy, the king turned his face to the wall and prayed, and wept bitterly to God (Isaiah 38:1-5). His devotion and prayer life changed suddenly because of the adverse situation that had befallen him. He was spared as a result. Any situation that will engender total dependence and focus on God, in reality, is a blessing (Deuteronomy 4:30, 31).

Adversity can lead maturity: The latter part of our opening text talks about perfection and completion, which imply maturity. Joseph was the favorite of his father among his 11 brothers; but after he was sold off into slavery, he quickly transformed from a mindset of entitlement to a mentality of a servant leader. He grew up overnight from a daddy’s boy to a dependable man of God. Adversity produces fortitude (inner strength) which develops maturity of character (Romans 5:3-4, AMP).

Adversity proves our faith: Any faith that is not tested can’t be trusted. To test something is to prove its worth, reliability and dependability; it is to confirm, affirm and strengthen.  The Bible says the word of the Lord tested Joseph. He had to be tested and proven because of the enviable destiny of being the savior of his people at that time (Psalm 105:16-19). Joseph was squeezed by God so that the milk of human kindness and compassion will flow from him (Job 23:10).

Adversity makes us a blessing to our world: “…Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:4). No experience of ours is wasted by God. Out of our mess comes a message. We are sometimes afflicted for other people’s consolation and comfort. The greatest ministries are those borne out of adversity.

Conclusion
Please note that adversity isn’t meant to be permanent. Apostle Paul said they are light and momentary (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18). Bible scholars tell us Job’s travails lasted just 9 months. So if your adversity lasts longer than usual, check yourself and realign yourself back to your Maker. How is your standing with Jesus presently?

Have a blessed month.

Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.org

Transformed By Grace

Grace is divine supply to the child of God. Every child of God stands by grace (Romans 5:2). We are justified by grace (Romans 3:24); we are instructed and trained in righteousness by grace (Titus 2:11-13); we are ultimately saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9); our hearts are established in God’s righteousness by grace (Hebrews 13: 9); we overcome sin and our carnal desires by grace (Romans 6:14); the nation of Israel are God’s elect by grace (Romans 11:5); we excel and are able to labor diligently by grace (1 Corinthians 15:10); and we receive His blessings and inheritance by grace (John 1:16).

Below are some reasons why genuine transformation of life is brought about through the work of grace:

God forgives in advance and in totality: “I, even, I am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). Forgiveness and acceptance by God of the born-again Christians is the crux of Christianity. Our debts are forgiven because Jesus paid the debts with His blood on the cross of Calvary. A realization and acceptance of this truth leads to some impartation of divine grace on the soul of a person. This same saving grace emboldens us to humbly walk with God, an experience which results in the transformation of our mind and destiny.

Rest in the love of God: Apostle Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus that they will have a revelation of the vastness of God’s love, and be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19). A clear understanding and experience of God’s unconditional love never leaves the recipient the same. Though, at times, this divine love may be tough, it still has so much tenderness. “For He bruises, but He binds up” (Job 5:18). He breaks and molds, effecting transformation through His dealings.

Abide in Christ: The branches of a tree shoot out fruits effortless because they are connected to the nutrients flowing through the vine of the tree. Any branch that is detached eventually will die off because nothing is flowing into it anymore. As long as we are connected to the Vine, which is Jesus Christ, we will produce fruits that are consistent with the nature of the tree. As long as we continue to behold His glory with an unveiled face, we will be transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Christ is the Focus: “For while the law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ”(John 1:17). A proper focusing on Christ entails embracing His truth and grace. Embracing His truth alone makes us judgmental and unattractive to nonbelievers; while embracing His grace alone, without His truth, may make us anomic. However, when we embrace His truth and grace all together, we get transformed and become sweet aroma of His presence in this world.

Excel in Grace: Apostle Paul became the greatest apostle of all times because he maxed out the grace of God on his life. When grace is in operation, seemingly impossible things become achievable. To excel in grace means to be an overcomer in all circumstance through divine enablement (1 Corinthians 5:10). Those who excel in grace carry the mentality of grace all the time (Philippians 4:13). A grace-full Christian is an all season winner (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Conclusion: Transforming grace has to do with Jesus Christ. How is your relationship with Him? Receive fresh grace in this new month to run the race set before you. Have a blessed new month.

Ade(Gboyega) ESAN

http://gboyegae.blogspot.com

www.rccgpittsburgh.org

 

The Power Of Focus

Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed” (Isaiah 50:7b).

Focus, simply defined, is a central point of attention.  The magnifying glass is known to magnify whatever object it is focused on. It is true that when you focus sunlight on a combustible object using a magnifying glass, the object will catch fire. This phenomenon proves the immense power of focus. It is said that nothing becomes dynamic unless it is specific or focused. Since life is full of many distractions, the only way we can be dynamic and effective at achieving something is by staying focus. Below are some truths about FOCUS:

Focus on Jesus and His cross:  Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The only way to overcome the darkness of evil prevalent in our society is by fixing our gaze on Jesus, who is the light of the world (John 8:12). A proper focus on Jesus and His words leads to transformation. When we focus on our personal weaknesses, failings and sins, we tend to reinforce and give power to them. But when we focus on Jesus and realize that our righteousness is of Him (Philippians 3:9), we begin to experience amazing transformation by His grace.

Obedience to divine laws:  Laws are meant to bring order, though some human and governmental laws particularly in our generation do the opposite. But all divine laws bring order, which is essential to human development and progress. Divine laws are not grievous. For instance, the Ten Commandments were given by a Holy God for our good.  The only way to experience heaven on earth (which is God’s will) is by focusing on God’s laws with a burning desire to keep them (Joshua 1:8).  Obedience to God’s laws is only possible when we relate with God in a loving manner, and He in turn empowers us to obey.

Christ Himself focused:  “He, for the joy (of obtaining the prize) that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame…” (Hebrews 12:2, AMP). Jesus looked beyond the pain, suffering and travails of the cross to the grand applause and celebration that would herald His arrival into heaven after His resurrection and ascension. Great visionaries are able to weather the temporary hardships and inconveniences they face in pursuit of their life goals because they focus on the desirable end result. We are to follow Christ’s footsteps by looking beyond the present difficulties we face, and fixing our attention on eternal realities.

Understanding purpose and purposeful living:  Every achiever is purposeful and deliberate. Purposeful living makes a person to narrow down his or her choices in life to one or few things. It is true that multi-gifted people often times become jack of all trades and master of none, and thereby allowing greatness to elude them. Every great person, whether long dead or alive, is known for one thing. Paul said this one thing I do; David said this one thing I seek; and Jesus said for this purpose I came into the world. Achievers always try to define the purpose behind every tasks and assignments they engage in. This sparks off focus for them.

Set your thinking: Philippians 4:8 admonishes us to set our thinking on good and noble things. Our lives gravitate towards our predominant thoughts.  Whatever thing you focus on, you tend to give strength to.  If you focus on something for one minute, you push your mind (and your life) in that direction for one minute. When you focus on the same thing for months and weeks, you push your entire life in the direction of that thing. What distinguishes the winner from the loser, and the spiritual Christian from the carnal one is what they set their minds on (Romans 8:5-6).

Conclusion:  Someone said, “If you focus on your focus very soon you become a focus.” What are you presently giving your attention and power to? Are they things that have no value, temporary values or eternal values? Are you paying attention to Jesus and His commandments? Receive grace to set your face like a flint on eternal issues!

Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.org 

Unleashing The Creativity In You

“And Moses said to the children of Israel, see the Lord has called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship…” (Exodus 35:30-35)

Creativity, according to the dictionary, is the ability to create.  Another dictionary meaning of creativity is to have or show the ability to make new things or think of new ideas. We, humans, possess some level of creative capability of God Himself, since we are created in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26, 27). God started the work of creation and left it for us to share in His work. For example, He made the trees and gave man the wisdom to make furniture, writing materials, building materials and the likes out of them.  And the story of creation and post creation continues! Below are some ways we can release our creative potential:

Unleash Creativity By Knowledge And Revelation: Knowing who you really are changes your mentality. “And as a man thinks, so he is…” (Proverbs 23:7). Whenever God wants to use a man, He tampers with his thinking to show him who he really is and what He has invested in him. The creativity in Gideon was fully released when he caught a revelation of who he really is. While he saw himself as nobody, God called him a mighty man of valor; while he was still in serious self-doubt, God assuredly told Gideon“Surely, I will be with you and you shall smite the Midianites as one man squad” (Judges 6:12 – 16). May you receive a fresh revelation of your capabilities today!

Unleash Creativity By Spirituality: Jesus said those who are born of the Spirit are spirit. Born again believers are not just ordinary human beings, but also spirit beings (John 3:6). Apostle Paul developed his spirit man to such a level that he could perform creative miracles. Because of a robust, fervent, well-built up and well-fed spirit man, he said I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).  Also, the apostle because of a buoyant prayer life in the Spirit wrote almost two thirds of the New Testament.

Unleash Creativity By Innovation: To innovate simply means to do something in a new way or to seek to improve on something. God is a dynamic God who is always interested in making things new (Isaiah 43:19). Doing something in a new way often times involves tweaking things already in existence or use. The creativity we see in the technology and automobile industry is, most often than not, attained by just making little adjustments on previous and existing products. Become more creative by always seeking to challenge conventional thinking and traditional ways of doing things.

Unleash Creativity By The Spoken Word: The story of creation is that of God calling the world into existence from invisible realms (Hebrews 11:3). The Bible further tells us that God sustains the earth also by the word of His command (Hebrews 1:3). Notable men in scriptures used their words to hold up the sun for 24 hours, to release abundance in times of famine, to cause the barren to conceive and to do several miraculous acts. As we declare the inspired word of God in boldness under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we become more creative.

Unleash Creativity By Venturing: Most inventions that we see today are the results of trial and error, results of people venturing to do something daring and different. Thomas Edison was not deterred by his several attempts to invent the incandescent bulb. After several trials and failures, he eventually succeeded at his work and said, “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” It’s better to attempt something and fail than to attempt nothing.

Conclusion: Creativity is an attribute of God that is in us.  In our opening scripture Bezalel was endowed by God for craftsmanship. It’s time for you to begin to deploy God’s endowment in you.

Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.org

The Ability To Dream

“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream” (Psalm 126:1)

A dream is an imagination of the heart that looks impossible. In the above text, the Israelites were just released from captivity and were restored back to Jerusalem. Their deliverance was something that looked impossible at the time. When Martin Luther King was alluding in his “I have a dream” speech in the sixties that racism will become a thing of the past, it was a tall order. A dream is a mirage, something that one hopes for but seems unattainable.

One of the ways mankind was made in the image and likeness of God is the ability to envisage or conceive the future and bring it to pass. Below are ways to dream successfully:

Dare to dream: Daring to dream is being able to think unconventionally and out of the norm. In 2 Kings 6:1-6, we read the story of Elisha retrieving an iron axe head that fell into the River Jordan with a stick. The servant who mistakenly dropped the iron axe head in the river cried out to Prophet Elisha in despair. While the servant saw nothing but impossibility in the situation, the prophet envisioned with the eyes of his spirit that the situation was redeemable. Hence, the prophet threw a stick in the river, and then the iron axe head emerged from the river and stayed afloat on its surface.   It wasn’t recorded that God told Elisha to do what he did, but by using his God-given ability of envisaging possibilities, even in dire situation, he was able to produce a desirable result. God likes dreamers because they take the limits off Him.

Renew your mind: Heaven’s thinking is different from natural thinking. Part of renewing one’s mind is to think Heaven’s thoughts. God, in Deuteronomy 8:6-16, was painting a picture of the Promised Land in the minds of the Israelites. He also instructed Moses to send 12 leaders from among them to spy the land. God wanted them to conceive and internalize and dream about the land flowing with milk and honey. But this thought was too high for the Israelites and they couldn’t enter God’s promises. The Bible is to instruct us and also to shape our thinking after Heaven’s perspective. The Bible is a great dream book!

Engage diligence: The Bible says diligence is man’s precious possession (Proverbs 12:27). The diligent man is the one who makes the best use of resources. He is the guy with the five talents who uses his talents and gains five more. The diligent is like Joseph who never trifles with opportunities or wastes experience. Anywhere Joseph found himself, whether in Potiphar’s house or in the jailhouse, he engaged discipline, focus, and hard work. The diligent, sooner or later, will always live their dreams.

Align with other dreamers: A popular quote says, “if you are an eagle, don’t flock with chickens.” Chickens don’t fly. Anyone who intends to operate in a dream frequency shouldn’t be found in the company of dream killers. A major reason the Israelites couldn’t enter the Promised Land was because their influencers (the 10 spies) told them it wasn’t possible. Joshua and Caleb were almost killed literally because they had a different opinion. Martin Luther King drew inspiration from Rosa Park’s refusal to boycott her seat for a white person. This made him launch the massive boycott by black folks of Montgomery public buses that eventually ended segregation on Montgomery buses. Though eagles don’t flock, they draw inspiration from other eagles.

Manifest greatness: Great people are great because they are dreamers and also risk takers. They challenge the norm and status quo always by dreaming. They manifest greatness by daring to put into action the dreams of their hearts. They are what Americans will call crazy people because they have fear in its proper place. Because they are constantly dreaming, they are constantly producing and always on the cutting edge and on top of their game.

Conclusion: “Then he (Joseph) dreamed another dream…….” (Genesis 37:9). It is time to DREAM again. Have a blessed month!

The Wonders of His Cross

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Introduction

The value you place on something or someone determines what you get out of it. If you place high value on your relationships, you will get the best out of them, and this is literally true for virtually everything in this world. Apostle Paul in the scripture above expresses the high premium he placed on the cross of Jesus. George Bennard (1873-1958) in his classic, the Old Rugged Cross, said he would cherish the old rugged cross; for him the cross of Jesus Christ holds a high attraction. Below are some reasons why we should place a high premium on the cross of Jesus where was crucified:

The cross is where both the compassion and judgment of God collided: Because sin had to be punished, Jesus had to become man to pay the penalty on our behalf for the sins of mankind. God because of His love for mankind dealt a hard blow on Jesus on the cross for mankind to be saved (Romans 5:8). On the other hand, the anger of God on sin was also displayed at Golgotha where Jesus died. God couldn’t behold the sin Jesus bore on that cross, so He turned away and pitch darkness fell on the land from 12 noon to 3pm (Luke 23:44-45).

The cross is the place of salvation: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). The cross of Jesus is representative of the bronze serpent pole that Moses erected in the wilderness. The Israelites were being bitten by snakes and the cure for the snake bite was for them to look up and behold the bronze pole (Numbers 2:4-8). The cure for the toxic power of sin is to look up and believe in the cross of Jesus.

The cross is the place of crucifixion: “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him that the body of sin might be done away with that we should no longer be SLAVES OF SIN”(Romans 6:6). When Jesus hung on the cross we were united with Him, and the old Adamic carnal nature in us was crucified with Him. Every true child of God is no more in captivity to sin. We are no more under the tyranny, rulership and control of Mister Sinful Nature. We are no longer under obligation to obey our old sinful nature (Romans 8:12).

The cross is the place of death: “And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last” (Mark 15:37). Jesus died on the cross around 3pm after being nailed to the tree for six hours. The more we value and embrace the cross, the more the allurement, pleasure and fascination of the world wane. Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:14 said, “Because of that cross my interest in all the attractive things of the world was killed long ago, and the world’s interest in me is also dead” (TLB). When we fix our gaze on the cross, its attraction trumps the attraction of the world; likewise, when the attraction of the world fascinates us so much, we get distracted from the cross and its wonders.

The cross is the essence of Christianity: Without Good Friday, there wouldn’t be resurrection morning. Because Jesus rose, every child of God has the hope of resurrection. The same power that went into the grave and brought Jesus out is still available till today to help us live godly lives, rout out demons, heal the sick, revive dreams and businesses, etc. There is hope of eternal life because Jesus rose.

Conclusion

What attraction does the cross of Jesus hold for you? Receive Jesus today and visit the cross daily. Have a blessed new month!

The Nature of Godly Trust

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved but abides forever” (Psalm 125:1).

There is a thin line existing between faith and trust in God.  Faith in God is active, always seeking to gain control of situations and circumstances; trust is passive, relinquishing control of situations to God, being still and waiting for divine intervention (Psalm 46:10). Faith emphasizes the now or present reality, while trust transcends time into eternity. Faith, at times, could be an event, while trust is more of a process. Prophet Elijah through confidence in God called fire down from heaven and slew 450 idol worshippers at Mount Carmel. Few moments later, this great prophet was running from Queen Jezebel who threatened to kill him for slaying the 450 idol worshippers.  Prophet Elijah demonstrated faith in God on an occasion, but a total lack of trust in God when he ran away from Jezebel (1 Kings 18 & 19). Below are some characteristics of TRUST in God:

Trust is commitment:  From time to time, new born babies are brought to church for dedication. These babies are being committed and entrusted to God to keep and ensure a blessed future for them. Likewise as Christians, our souls are entrusted to God to keep and ensure a glorious destiny for us in Heaven. Jesus is the Bishop and Shepherd of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). A trusting heart relinquishes control of things beyond him or her to God.

Reliance on God honors Him: God was displeased when King David counted his army to assess his military prowess over neighboring countries. He looked away from God who really was the secret to his military successes. God felt dishonored, and hence decided to punish David (2 Samuel 24). Men trust in different things such as money, good education, good health system, social connections, etc.  “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in men” (Psalm 118:8).

Understanding God engenders trust in Him:  Because Job understood God’s ways, His covenants and dealings with him, he trusted God implicitly in his travails and troubles. As a result, he made statements such as “even though He slay me yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15) and “I know My Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). Job was unshaken in his belief because He understood the ways of God.

Surrender and trust are partners: The more one surrenders to God, the deeper the trust he or she exercises in Him.  Apostle Peter slept off in a prison knowing he would likely be killed by King Herod after the Passover celebrations. He was not deterred or moved, despite the threat on his life. This was possible because he was totally surrendered and submitted to God.  His assurance of deliverance by God was total because he was in God’s perfect will.

Trust is an inward matter:  “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3). Trust in God is cultivated as we set our mind on God and His word. This trust manifests as inward peace in trouble times; restfulness in times of turmoil and great danger; Godly assurance when we hear bad news. Anxiety and trust don’t coexist. Worry and trust also don’t coexist. When worry is rife in our lives, it means we are not trusting God.

Conclusion

Those who trust in the Lord are described as well watered gardens whose leaves are green all seasons through. They are described as the blessed of the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7-8). They are unmoved and unshaken, and are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved. Where is your trust?

Ade(Gboyega) ESAN

http://gboyegae.blogspot.com

www.rccgpittsburgh.org

Setting God Centered Goals

"A man’s heart plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV).

A goal simply defined is a target or desired end. Christ centered goals are goals mainly sourced from the word of God. These are goals we set that are in alignment with God’s will, His power and the prosperity of His kingdom. They are goals that bring honor and glory to God.

God allows His children to make some decisions regarding their lives even though He can sovereignly overrule. The Living Bible in Proverbs 19:21 says man proposes but God disposes. We are to have goals that we subject to God’s will. It is okay to make plans counting on God to direct our steps (Proverbs 16:9, TLB). Below are some salient points about goal setting:

 Goals Are Important In Life: Goals are the roadmap to progress. A wise man said nothing is dynamic until it first becomes specific. Until you can define your desired end, forces of progress may elude you. It’s amazing how before you set date for an event everything is in a stalemate but immediately the date is set things begin to move fast and fall into place. Setting goals motivates and set things in motion.

 Goals Should Be Written Out:  “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets that he may run that reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2). The fact is that whatever we focus on in life magnifies. Whatever you set before your eyes is magnified in your mind. God asked Abraham to focus on the stars of the firmament and not on his childlessness. God was trying to advertise his future to him and needed Abraham to ingest and internalize what He was planning to do in his future.

 Goals Should Be Verified:  As you draw up your goals, you must also state the reason why you want them accomplished. For example if your goal is to be married in 2015, the reason for the marriage shouldn’t be that you are getting old and  therefore willing to settle for anybody available. The reason should be God glorying and should come from a desire to be in partnership with a godly spouse and to fulfill God’s will for marriage. Always ensure your motives are in line with Heaven.

Goals Don’t Fulfill Themselves: One dictionary definition of goals is the end towards which effort is directed. Some Christians erroneously feel that their goals all depend on God for actualization. We are co-laborers with God in bringing our goals or dreams to fruition. The question is what can you do to bring those goals to fruition? Do you need to go back to school? Do you need to learn a new skill? Do you need to seek out a mentor? What do you need to do to bring the goals to reality? The questions you ask determine the answers you get. Our effort is very much necessary and expedient in order to realize our goals. Note that your goal(s) carry a price tag which only you can pay.

Your Goals Should Have An Eternal Perspective:  Setting God centered goals are only possible if we keep the divine eternal perspective.  We should realize that just as we have expectations from God, He also has expectations of us. Everything I’m trying to achieve in 2015 should have a divine purpose attached to it. As a Child of God you don’t own yourself.  You have been bought with a price, so you are expected to glorify God in all you do (1 Corinthians 6:20). As you do God’s will (e.g. winning souls for the kingdom), God will perfect all that concerns you.

CONCLUSION: Goals help us to be focus. Many people don’t accomplish much because they are scattered and doing many things at the same time. Goals also help us to live our lives not by chance or happenstance, but by design.  Your goals are only as big as your God; your goals tell your perception of God. If you truly believe God is capable of doing all things, your goals will be lofty, transcendental and glorifying to God.

Ade(Gboyega) ESAN

www.rccgpittsburgh.org 

Power For A New Beginning (January 2015)

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: Which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13, KJV).

In a new year, many people make resolutions to change and make adjustments in certain areas of their lives, but usually and against their wish these resolutions are short lived and not kept. The ability to tap into the power of God and the power of the gospel of Jesus make desired changes real and possible. Below are some factors that can make changes permanent:

The Power of Conversion: The text above states that for everyone who receives Christ as Lord and Savior, God gives them power to become the sons of God (John 1:12). Being born again is a spiritual rebirth that comes from an encounter with the Holy Spirit. It is God implanting His seed into a natural man and causing a transformation in him/her that is supernatural (1 Peter 1:23). It is God turning on the light of His Word (in the dark soul of a man) that brings knowledge and enlightenment of Him.

The Power of Commitment: This is the power of a made up mind. The new Christians at Antioch were encouraged by Barnabas that “with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (Acts 11:23). There is a determination that is fuelled by the Holy Ghost as opposed to determination that is of the human will (Philippians 2:13). This determination by the Holy Ghost will always engender the just man to dust himself up and continue the journey even after a fall (Proverbs 24:16).

The Power of Biblical Meditation: God gave us the formula for all round success and prosperity in Joshua 1:8 as meditating in His Word day and night. Meditation is more than reading. It is mulling over a text/scripture in somebody’s mind until one draws strength and energy from the said scripture. The word of God contains spiritual resources that produce life (John 6:63).

The Power of Discipline: I once told my teenage son I was teaching to drive that he must always be in control of the car, that anytime the car seems to be going too fast for his control he must slow down and gain control again. God wants us to always be in control of our thoughts because we live life from the inside out. Apostle Paul was able to master control over his flesh partly because he had good control of his inward man (soul) (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

The Power of Surrender: Jesus Christ as man had control over His will. Though God’s plan was that He should die for mankind, Jesus had the freedom to refuse the death on the cross (John 10:17-18). He freely surrendered to the will of Father God. True surrender terminates struggles. Simply saying not my will but your will be done has tremendous power. Realizing God’s love for us creates the willingness in us to surrender to Him.

Conclusion

Any proposed change in the New Year that is not God-centered and God-enabled will not last. Applying the aforementioned points which are sourced in God will guarantee an amazing year. Have a victorious and glory filled 2015 in Jesus name. Happy New Year.