7 Hard Truths EVERY Pastor Needs to Hear

7 Hard Truths EVERY Pastor Needs to Hear

I love pastors. I love to encourage pastors. And, that’s biblical. (Ephesians 4:29 … or something like that.)

Seriously, I’m a pastor. And, I work with pastors every day.
And, now I am a pastor. Have been one for over a decade. Sometimes I wish I could share with pastors what I’m really thinking.

Well, maybe I can.
Here are seven hard words I’d say to every pastor:

1. Your family should not be second to your ministry.
Your ministry is important. It’s your calling … hopefully, your passion.
But, so is your family. Or, at least, they should be.
In fact, I’d claim that if your family suffers, almost without exception, so will your ministry.

2. You may never feel completely in control.
I realize the ministry has so many unknowns.
You work mostly with volunteers. You can’t seem to motivate people to do what people need to be doing.
That’s not going to change. You are walking by faith, remember.

3. You need someone in your life, besides your spouse, who knows the dark places.
Your spouse will usually feel the need to cover for you … and will almost always see the best in you.
You need someone who knows you well, but can look at you and say … “You’re not telling me the whole story. What’s the real deal?”

4. Your pace often determines your longevity.
If you run too fast … you’ll burnout. If you run too slow … you’ll get bored.
And, either is dangerous.

5. You aren’t the only one who can do that.
In fact, God has designed the church as a Body … with many parts … who can do many things. Are you seriously allowing yourself to be held responsible for everything?
You’ll be far more successful in ministry if you learn to equip and release.

6. Your church can function without you.
You aren’t indispensable. You’re awesome … and wonderful … and the greatest pastor ever … maybe … but the “church” has lasted for several centuries without you.
Sorry to break that to you, but when we come to realize this as true, it is a freeing reality. Jesus is in control.

7. You’re doing better than you think you are.
Admit it. You’ve been comparing yourself to others … haven’t you? And, it’s depressing at times. How can they do the same or even less effort as you do and seem to get more results?
But, God has a plan for you. It’s unique from His plan for everyone else. Be faithful to what He has called you to do. And, don’t worry about everyone else.

And, someday … I’m convinced … you’ll indeed hear, “Well done … good and faithful servant … well done.”

Loving Your Spouse

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: Loving Your Spouse

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word. Ephesians 5:25, 26

READING: Ephesians 5:22-33

Church planters must have strong marriages. You must love your spouse. This is foundational to your life and church planting mission. It is the number one predictor of ministry success.
When God prepared the way for the birth of his precious son, Jesus, God gave Jesus a loving mother and foster-father. God is deeply committed to the institution of marriage.

I have been appreciating my wife more and more. We are very different. We give each other depth and balance. It hasn’t been easy, but we are life partners and ministry partners.

How can we plant a healthy church if we don’t have a healthy marriage? Our life, marriage and family are to be an example to those who find Christ in our new churches.
God isn’t asking you to give up a happy marriage for the sake of your mission. He wants you to have both a happy marriage and a productive mission.

I sometimes attend a fine local church. When I think about some pastor and his wife there, I think of a couple who are very different in their gifting, but who have been committed to one another and have been faithful in their commitment to the ministry of the church through the years.

As a church member, knowing that my pastor has a strong and devoted relationship with his wife brings a security to me in my church relationship that I could not have if they weren’t happy together.

LET US PRAY
Father, Help me to love my spouse well. Amen.

Good morning brethren

Living Generously

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: Living Generously
      
Scripture: “For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“God loved so much . . . that He gave.” This sums up the generous heart of God, and is an example for us, His children. In fact, we are most like Him when we are giving generously and even sacrificially.

Giving Beyond their Means

In 2 Corinthians 8:1-3, Paul commends the Macedonian believers: “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” These Christ-followers did not wait until they were financially comfortable or even stable, and they gave “beyond their ability.”

Do Good and Share

What has God given you to share? Are His blessings the type you can pass on? The Bible says, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16). Timothy reminds Christians to "use their money to do good, [to] be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others" (I Timothy 6:18).

Generously sharing with others is one way to “store up treasures in Heaven” (Matthew 6:20), and keeps greed and selfishness from growing in our hearts.

Let’s pray for the day when Jesus’ followers are known more for their generosity and kindness than for what they are against

LET US PRAY
FATHER LORD, PLEASE GIVE US GRACE TO LOVE YOU AND OUR NEIGHBOURS AND HELP US TO GIVE YOU OUR TOTALITY AMEN

GOOD MORNING

Lest I Myself Be Disqualified

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: Lest I Myself Be Disqualified

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. ~ I Corinthians 9:27

READING: I Corinthians 9:24-27

I’ve met many church planters in my life, but one of the best I ever knew was Justin (not his real name). A gifted evangelist, he easily made friends with unchurched people, and often led them to the Lord within a short time. Justin was also a very effective preacher. His sermons were interesting, thoughtful and personal, all the while remaining true to the meaning of the text.

The church Justin was planting was doing well. Many lost people had come to Christ and many others had begun a renewed walk with the Lord. He had assembled a committed team of leaders who were eager to reach the community for Christ.
But then Justin faced some personal challenges. A death in the family hurt him deeply. He was criticized unfairly by some people in the church. He began taking time off and would be gone for hours without explanation. I could tell he was depressed, and I wondered if he was hiding something. Finally his secret was revealed – he had become involved in an inappropriate relationship with another woman. His wife and children were deeply hurt and the church was devastated. Within a few weeks Justin resigned as pastor. Eventually, the church itself was forced to close.

Although the Apostle Paul was a godly and effective church planter, he knew that he was capable of falling into sin. He disciplined himself to stay focused. My friend, Justin, fell and was “disqualified.” Though he is still saved, he is no longer in ministry.

May God help us to stay close to Christ, obedient to His word and faithful to our families!

LET US PRAY
Protect me, Lord, from sin. Show me how to run the race – and finish – in holiness. Amen.

GOOD MORNING

Our resolution

CONTINUE FROM YESTERDAY
IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: OUR RESOLUTION
TEXT: 1THESS 5:14-23

D. V. 19 There Should Be Yieldedness To The Spirit Of God - Quench = "To extinguish or to stifle." As Christians, we are often guilty of stifling the Holy Spirit! He will move on our hearts to witness, to give, to go to someone, to do something for Him, whatever it may be. Too often, our response is to ignore Him and to say no until we extinguish that little flame in our hearts that He tried to ignite. When the Spirit of God is moving on our souls, our duty is to obey and to do so immediately.

(Ill. Sometimes this will manifest itself in a testimony service. Or, others will experience an almost overpowering urge to praise the Lord. Whatever the Spirit is trying to do, do not block His efforts. By the same token, we must be sure it is the Holy Spirit who is doing the prodding. The devil uses the same technique to stir up confusion in the church - 1 Cor. 14:33.)

(Ill. As we take our stand, let us resolve that we will listen to the call of the Spirit and that we will respond to Him when He speaks and that we will never be guilty of holding back on the Lord in our worship of God!)

E. V. 20 There Should Be Openness To The Word Of God - The word Despise = "To make of no account." What Paul is referring to is those people who are guilty of hearing the Word of God preached in power and truth and then simply ignoring the message. Thereby making it of no effect in their lives. God's Word is not a buffet! We are not permitted to take what we wish and leave the rest. We are challenged in the Bible to do more than simply hear the Word, James 1:22. Never be guilty of picking and choosing only that which you want from the Word!

This year we need to take a hard look at how we worship the Lord. If any of these areas are lacking in your life, then they need to be made right.

LET US PRAY
FATHER HELP ME NOT TO SIN AGAINST YOU AND GIVE ME GRACE TO ALWAYS KEEP YOUR LAW IN MY HEART

GOOD MORNING

WHAT OUR RESOLUTION OUGHT TO BE

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: WHAT OUR RESOLUTION OUGHT TO BE
TEXT: 1thess 5:14-23

I. REVOLUTION IN OUR WORSHIP (Ill. Let's face it, often our worship experience is less than it ought to be. The fault lies not with the Lord, but with those who are involved in the worship. In these verses, Paul gives some practical advise that will breathe new life into dead worship.)

A. V. 16 There Should Be Praise - "Rejoice evermore" literally means to have a praise in our hearts to God at al times. In truth, the modern church is lacking in the praise department. There was time when the people of God were filled with His glory and were not ashamed to express it visibly and vocally. Yet, in our day, we seem petrified when it comes to praising the Lord. Now, whether we ever believe it or not, whether we ever do anything about it our not, it is still God's will for His people to praise Him - Heb. 13:15; Psa. 50:23. There are other verse that teach this same truth, but suffice it to say that the church, and our private lives, ought to be filled with the sounds of His praise.

(Ill. There are those who say, "Well, that just isn't my style!" If you will think for a minute, you will find many areas where you have changed in your lifetime, this is one where you can as well. Ill., there is always one good reason for praise - Luke 10:20.)

B. V. 17 There Should Be Prayer - God isn't saying that we are to walk around all the time taking to Him. He is saying that we are to leave the receiver off the hook and be in an attitude of prayer, so that when needs arise throughout the day, we are constantly ready to call on His name whether it be out loud or silently.

(Ill. The words "without ceasing" refer to a person who has an intermittent cough. He may not be coughing every instant of the day, but there is always that little tingle at the back of his throat. A cough is always a possibility.)

(Ill. Prayer is vitally important to the spiritual life of every Christian. Therefore, we should always be in that place of prayer, for when we are, the Lord will hear us and will answer according to His will - Matt. 21:22; 1 John 5:14-15.)

C. V. 18 There Should Be Thanksgiving - Ill. Some sing the Doxology and think that they have given thanks to the Lord. God, however, is calling us to be genuinely thankful from our hearts for His blessings in our lives. God has done so much for us that we could never repay Him. The least we can do is to bow our heads before Him and be thankful for His gracious gifts. After all, it is His will for every Christian!

(Ill. Thankfulness is the opposite of complaining. The Israelites had more to be thankful for than any people of their time, yet they were guilty of doing the most complaining. For 40 years they wandered around the desert and griped and complained about what they were having to go through, when all the while, they were there through their own doings - Numbers 13-14. You might not be happy about your situation, but at least be thankful that there is a God in Heaven who loves you and cares for you!)

LET US PRAY
MAY GOD GIVE YOU EVERY REASON TO PRAISE HIM THIS YEAR IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING BRETHREN

SOME NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: SOME NEWS YEARS REVOLUTIONS

1THESS 5:14-23

Intro:
Many people are making, and will make, New Years Resolutions. That is, they will promise themselves that they will lose weight, stop smoking, go to church or something of that nature.

Webster defines a resolution as: "a) a resolving, or determining; deciding b) the thing determined upon; decision as to future action; resolve." Now, this sounds good, and it makes people feel better about themselves to make a promise concerning something they plan to do, or something they plan to stop.
However, the problem with resolutions is that they tend to be forgotten within just a few days, or weeks, at the most.

In truth, what we really need is a revolution!

Webster defines revolution as "a) a complete or radical change of any kind b) overthrow of a government, form of government, or social system by those governed and usually by forceful means, with another government or system taking its place."

To my way of thinking, this is exactly what most Christians need to have happen in their lives.
We need to experience a radical change in the way we think and in the way we act.

What I am saying is that we need to have a revolution in the body of Christ.
Not that we should seek to dethrone Jesus, but that we should seek to put self out of power and yield ourselves to our rightful Lord and King.
We need a total overthrow of our lives until they are brought under the absolute Lordship and leadership of the Lord Jesus Christ. With that in mind,
I would like for us to look at these verses of Scripture and discover some News Years Revolutions. As Paul writes to the Thessalonicans, he tells them in no uncertain terms exactly how the Lord intends for every child of God to live his life. Notice with me some New Years Revolutions that we all need to make today.
. . . CONTINUE NEXT WEEK

LET US PRAY

MAY THIS YEAR BE A FRUITFUL YEAR OF A BETTER ACHIEVEMENT FOR YOU IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING BRETHREN

THE POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: The Power of Encouragement

TEXT: “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Success with Godly Advice

God tells us in Proverbs: "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success" (Proverbs 15:22). We knew we couldn't do anything good or well without God's help, guidance, and blessing. And God often uses godly friends and family to speak His guidance into our lives.

Help from Your Friends

When starting out in any spiritual task or mission, it is a blessing to have a group to support you. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). When life’s troubles get you down, your believing friends can help you get back on track. Their prayers, advice, and encouragement can be God's answer to your prayers for help.

“The Power of God Working Through a Group of People”Luke 10:17-21

Chapter 10 of Luke’s Gospel describes Jesus sending his 70 followers to every town and place where He was about to go. They were astonished and overjoyed at how God worked through them, and could not wait to share it with Jesus and the others. Jesus was so full of joy through the Holy Spirit and praised His Father!

We can experience joy like this as well. When ordinary believers live out their faith by praying and caring for others, and sharing Jesus with them, God can use them to bring people into His kingdom, and they too will have amazing stories to tell!

This week we encourage you to share with others what God has been doing through you. Share your God stories with a small group at your office, church or home. If you don’t have a group like this, look for a few people who can gather for mutual encouragement, accountability and prayer

LET US PRAY
THIS WEEK MAY GOD CONNECT YOU TO THE RIGHT PERSON YOU NEED TO TAKE YOU TO THE FULFILMENT OF YOUR DESTINY IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING BRETHREN

A New Commandment

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: A New Commandment

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. ~ I Corinthians 13:4-7

READING: I Corinthians 13
In Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher sits on a location believed to be the hill of Calvary. An altar marks the spot thought to be where the cross of Christ was placed. It is perhaps the most sacred location in Christianity. Yet seven branches of the Christian church bicker over ownership of the site and church building. At times the controversy among clerics has erupted into physical altercations resulting in injuries requiring hospitalizations. The keys to the only entrance have to be kept by a neutral party, a Muslim family!
Before we shake our heads let’s ask ourselves if we too are not sometimes quite loveless. I Corinthians 13 shines a spotlight into our hearts revealing our love level.

As you read each description about love, give yourself a letter grade for each one – A (for most Christ-like) to F (least like Christ).

Love is much more than an emotion, it is ACTIONS! Right now:

1. Thank God for the areas you scored high.
2. Determine what you will do today to begin to correct low scoring items.

LET US PRAY
Lord, Help me to love, not just in word or theory, but in deeds. May people recognize that I belong to You by my love for others. Amen.

GOOD MORNING BRETHREN

Anointing For Prosperity

TOPIC: Anointing For Prosperity!

You have the legal, heavenly right to prosper as a Christian. God wants to bless your life and make you a blessing in these last days so that the Gospel of His Son Jesus might be preached to the nations.

Seven Manifestations of the Anointing
Scripture shows us the manifestations of the anointing for:

1. Preaching
2. Teaching
3. Healing
4. Deliverance from bondage
5. Prophecy
6. Worship
7. Prosperity

God’s Supernatural Favor.
It was because of this anointing for prosperity that God blessed the nation of Israel on their way out of Egypt, for He declared through Moses to the people that He would give them favor in the sight of the Egyptians as they borrowed silver, gold, and raiment for their journeys:

The children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians. (Exodus 12:35-36)

Can you imagine, three million Israelites knocking on countless Egyptian doors asking for gold, silver raiment, and provisions for journeys, and an entire nation granting their request at midnight? The wealth of Egypt was literally poured out upon the Israelites—and all their needs were met—because of the incredible power of the prosperity anointing.

Only the favor of God could do that...and that is the anointing for prosperity!

It was the same anointing that we see and read about when Peter preached to the church to go sell their land and properties and bring the money to the church (Acts 2:44-46). What would move thousands of people to obey him? Only the anointing!

It was that anointing in the Old Testament also that rested on the life of Abraham, who had favor in the sight of Pharaoh (Genesis 12). It was that anointing on the life of Isaac that gave him the wealth of Abimelech (Genesis 26). It was that same anointing on Joseph that promoted him everywhere he went. And it was that anointing on the life of Solomon that caused the world to honor him with gold, silver, and jewels beyond description!

It is that same anointing that Moses talked about: “All these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field” (Deuteronomy 28:2-3). And it was also that prosperity anointing mentioned in verse 12: “The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand.”

Only this anointing can accomplish these things for either a nation or a person!

It was also the prosperity anointing that our Lord Jesus spoke of when He said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).

Notice the reference to “men giving into your bosom.” In Scripture, the reference to the bosom is a reference to a “place of comfort,” so that literally means that men (the people and circumstances that surround you) will give and add blessings to your life that pertain to the peace and comfort of your own life and that of your family.

So why would a man give you anything unless God had placed an anointing on your life?

It is the power of that blessed anointing!

The Anointing for Prosperity, Your Covenant Right
I believe this prosperity anointing belongs to you as a child of God! It is your covenant right to have it every day. But it is giving that releases the treasures of heaven on your life and triggers the anointing for prosperity.

A spiritual miracle demands a spiritual act, while a physical miracle demands a physical act, and a financial miracle demands a financial act.

When someone is saved they must confess Christ publicly. When someone is healed, they must step out in faith. And you cannot prosper financially unless you act in faith as you give to God’s work. That is how the anointing for prosperity is released.

That is the order of Scripture. It is impossible to prosper without an act of faith, and it is impossible without an act of faith occurring and reoccurring continually in our life.

Miracles happen when we give God something to work with. And when we sow seed into His kingdom, we release our faith so God can use what we give for His glory and our prosperity!

Take a step of faith and sow a seed for the work of the Lord.

I truly feel that this is an important, life-changing time for the prosperity anointing, and I want to do whatever I can to encourage you to understand and claim the promises that are available to you as a covenant believer.

Be courageous today. Be bold. Step into your covenant position and your prosperity anointing. Secure your financial tomorrow with a step of faith so the prosperity anointing will be released upon you.

Act today! As a step of faith, send us your most generous seed-gift. I look forward to hearing from you and anointing your name and seed-gift as I ask the Lord to release the anointing on your life today.

Here are seven of the hardest people to lead:

Here are seven of the hardest people to lead:

1. Know it all. It’s difficult to lead someone who won’t listen, because they don’t think they have a need for what you have to say. They think they know more than you … and everyone else. They may or may not, but it makes them very hard to lead.

2. Gifted leaders. Don’t misunderstand this one. I don’t mean they try to be difficult. They just bring higher expectations for those who try to lead them. I have had some very successful retired pastors in my churches. I love having them … but they keep me on my toes! (And, that’s a good thing.)

3. Hypercritical. When someone is always negative, it becomes difficult to lead them, mostly because they zap the motivation from you to do so. They never have anything positive to add to the team, the glass is always half-empty, and the sky is always about to fall. Draining.

4. Wounded. Wounded people are more resistant to being led to something new until they heal. I’ve had staff members who came to our church injured. I knew before I could effectively lead them, I had to help them heal from their past.

5. Insecure. Those who lack self-confidence are harder to lead, because they are hesitant to take a risk. The best leadership involves delegation. It’s people who assume responsibility for a task. Insecure people will usually only move when they are given specific tasks to complete. And, while good leaders encourage followers, insecure people need constant feedback and assurance, which can be exceptionally time-demanding for leaders.

6. Traditionalist. This may not be the right word, perhaps risk-averse would be better, but leadership always involves change. Always. Without change, there is no need for leadership. So, those who cling so tightly to the past are harder to lead to something new. There is nothing wrong with tradition or with enjoying the memories of the past. It’s when someone’s love of our history prevents them from embracing their future that it becomes difficult leading them.

7. Myself. The hardest people to lead are almost always the leaders. If leaders could always perform as we’d have others perform, we’d be better leaders. In fact, most of us would be excellent leaders.

I’m sure I missed some. The fact is, everyone can be difficult to lead at times and during seasons. It’s what makes leadership fun, right? Seriously, all of these scenarios and types of people serve a role. Whether or not they prove to be a good fit for your team, they sharpen our skills of leadership.

What type of person have you found hardest for you to lead?

SHOCKING: Pastor Impregnates His Wife's Friend In Lagos

SHOCKING: Pastor Impregnates His Wife's Friend In Lagos

A Lagos-based businesswoman, Iyabo Olusoji has appealed to a court to end her marriage as she described her husband, a pastor, as a chronic womanizer. She told a Customary Court sitting in the Igando area of the state that her husband, Pastor Taiwo, is an habitual adulterer, adding that he had impregnated her friend.

She accused Pastor Taiwo of using charm to marry her, saying she initially went to his church for prayers when she was having marital problem with her ex-husband and that Pastor Taiwo gave her soap to bath.
In her words: “I went to Taiwo to seek help concerning my marriage that was collapsing. He gave me soap to bath with that my former husband will come back. After using the soap, instead of my husband and I to settle our differences, it became worse and I don’t know how I became one of Taiwo’s wives.”
According to her, her husband always beat her anytime she goes to his church to ask for money and he will not leave her until he sees blood on her. She added that:

“My husband runs after anything in skirt. He flirts around with some of his female members, he also slept with my friend and got her pregnant.”

Iyabo, mother of one, consented to dissolution of the the union, saying that she was no longer in love and that Pastor Taiwo is only keeping her as a sex tool.

On his part, Pastor Taiwo, 53, begged the court to dissolve the 7-year-old marriage, citing Iyabo’s constant embarrassment and defamation. He said she always came to his church to embarrass, defame his character in the presence of his members.

He added: “She will come to my church, lock me up in the presence of my members, calling me all sorts of names like thief, woman wrapper, cultist and other names. There was one day she came and naked herself in the presence of my congregation claiming that I abandoned her for two years.”

He pleaded with the court to dissolve the union, saying that that he is tired of his wife’s bad character.

The Presiding Officer, R.I. Adeyeri, adjourned the case to February 3 for judgement.

OUR COMFORT IN THE LORD PROVIDES HOPE

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: OUR COMFORT IN THE LORD PROVIDES HOPE

Text: Psalm 27:5-6

A. v. 5 God Has A Sheltered Place For Us – David tells us that the Lord will hide him in His pavilion. A king’s pavilion was a tent that erected in the middle of the army’s encampment. The tent was then surrounded by an army of brave soldiers. With all the host of the army camped about, the king’s pavilion was the safest place on the battlefield. Those who were fortunate enough to be allowed to enter the king’s pavilion were protected by the soldiers and entertained by the king during the battle! (Note: The word “hide” means “to treasure away.”)

As the battles of life rage about us, we are safely tucked away in our King’s pavilion. The Bible tells us that “your life is hid with Christ in God”, Col. 3:3! Could there be a safer place in all the universe? Of course not! Those who have entered His pavilion are protected by Him and, even while the battles rage around them, they are entertained with the peace and joy of the King Himself. This is promise to those who will abide in that close place! No enemy can penetrate the defenses and enter this private place. It is protected from the enemy!

The assurance of His sheltering place allows us to weather the storms of life with hope. This was what allowed David to face Goliath. This was the confidence that kept Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. This was the assurance that gripped the heart of Daniel! This was the knowledge that allowed Paul to continue, even when he suffered greatly, 2 Cor. 12:7-11.

B. v. 5 God Has A Secret Place For Us – The word “tabernacle” brings to mind the place of worship. The “secret” refers to the “holy of holies”. That place which was off limits to all but the High Priest, and he could only enter there one day per year, and the only with the blood of an innocent sacrifice. It was a place that other men entered under the penalty of death.

Yet, it is that secret place, to which God takes His precious friends. The Holy of Holies was a place where the very presence of God dwelt and the glory of God could be seen. It was there that God took David during the battles of his life. It was there David found himself shut up with God and shut off from the world around him.

In a king’s home, this place referred to the private apartment of the king. It was a place no one could enter unless they did so at his bidding. To do otherwise invited instant death. (Note: The word “hide” means “to conceal”.)

It is amazing that there is a place of solitude in a world filled with people. There is a place that you and I can flee to during the crushing battles that rage about us. A place that affords us quiet, peace and the profound presence of God. Those who have learned to abide in Him have been to that place and know the glory of it. It is a place where the enemy dares not follow. It is a place reserved for those who love the Lord their God. Have you ever been to that place? That place where God meets with you and you alone. That place where all else falls away and you are left with Him and Him alone? That is the place He invites those who abide to enter!

Stephen was in that place at the moment of his death, Acts 7:55-56! Paul was in that place during his life, 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Acts 27:23. It is possible for us to enter that sacred, secret place where the world dims away and God becomes larger than everything else!

LET US PRAY
MAY YOUR HOPE TURN TO TESTIMONY AND GREAT ACHIEVEMENT IN JESUS NAME

GOOD DAY BRETHREN

OUR COMMITMENT TO THE LORD PROVIDES HOPE

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: OUR COMMITMENT TO THE LORD PROVIDES HOPE

(Ill. Not only does living with our faith give us hope; but also living faithful to the Lord provides a measure of hope that cannot otherwise exist. David mentions three goals in this verse. These three goals all arise from a single commitment to serve the Lord faithfully from a heart of love. Notice how David’s commitment to the Lord manifests itself.)

A. He Is Committed To Lingering Near The Lord – David wants to spend his entire life in the house of the Lord. He wants to be in that place where the Lord dwells and where the Lord’s presence is real. This is a theme David repeated in Psalm 84:1-4. There, David envies the little birds that make their nests around the tabernacle. They can be near the house of God all the time, while David cannot. He has a desire to be where God is; to be in that place where God is worshiped and honored. That is his heartbeat.

That ought to be our desire as well. We need that same passion to be where the Lord is honored and where He is worshiped. Of course, we have the church and we are commanded to be in attendance, Heb. 10:25. But, I think there ought to be a desire to find that place of closeness and intimacy with the Lord. We can have that place where we can linger in His presence all the days of our lives.

If there is a genuine desire to be near Him, it will manifest itself in clear action. There will be a commitment to prayer and to the study of the Word of God. There will be a commitment to public and private worship. Those who want to linger near the Lord will find a way. And, when we make a move toward Him, He will make a move toward us, James 4:8.

B. He Is Committed To Loving The Lord – David wants to “behold the beauty of the Lord.” That is, he wants to “seek His face.” You see, not only is David committed to being where the Lord is; but he is also committed to worshiping the Lord. That is a worthy goal for life!

This should be the goal of every believer as well. If we are going to worship the Lord, we are going to have to do it His way. Jesus told us how to worship in John 4:24. As we yield to the Spirit of God and worship God for Who He is as He is revealed in the Word of God, we will be engaged in the business of loving Him. How long has it been since you just loved on the Lord?

C. He Is Committed To Leaning On The Lord – David also expresses his desire to call upon the Lord; to commune with God; and to make requests of God. This is another image of worship. David here declares his utter dependence upon the Lord for the necessities of life. David looks beyond his own abilities and sees the limitless provisions of the Lord. Therefore, he wants nothing more than to be able to call upon the Lord

My, what a limitless resource we have been given in prayer! We are invited to pray, Jer. 33:3; Matt. 11:28. We are promised that God will hear and answer our prayers, Isa. 65:24; John 14:13-14; John 16:23-24. Therefore, let us also learn to lean upon Him! Instead of worry and fear, let us learn to turn to the Lord. He will see to our needs, Phil. 4:6-7; 19. He will never fail us nor will He ever turn us away empty-handed, Matt. 7:7-11.

(Note: Our commitment to Him provides hope in the day of our battles. As we Linger near Him; Love on Him and Lean on Him, we can have the absolute confidence that He will see to our needs and to the things that would cause us to worry.)

LET US PRAY
FATHER IN JESUS NAME, HELP US TO BE MORE SPIRITUALLY COMMITTED TO YOU THIS YEAR THAN LAST YEAR IN JESUA NAME

GOOD MORNING BRETHREN

OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD PROVIDES HOPE

. . . CONTINUE FROM YESTERDAY
IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: I. Psalm 27v. 1-3 OUR CONFIDENCE IN
THE LORD PROVIDES HOPE

(Ill. David begins his psalm of hope by declaring his personal faith in the Lord. Notice the three-fold use of the word “my” in verse 1. David has a personal relationship with God. This is the basic foundation for hope.)

A. v. 1 Confidence In The Person Of The Lord – David tells us that God is his “light”, his “salvation” and his “strength.” There is a tremendous blessing in these three titles attributed to our God.

1. As Light, God delivers His people from Darkness – “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:,” Colossians 1:13. As Light God guides our Steps – (Psa. 37:23; John 16:13; Psa. 119:105)

2. As Salvation God delivers His people from Damnation – “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life,” John 5:24. As Salvation God secures our Souls – (John 10:28; 1 Pet. 1:5; John 6:37)

3. As Strength God delivers His people from Defeat – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Cor. 15:57. As Strength God guarantees our Success – (Rom. 8:37; 2 Cor. 2:14; Isa. 54:17)

These three great characteristics of God serve to give us hope even in the midst of battle! Because of Who our God is, we need not fear any enemy that should arise against us. Satan himself is no match for our sovereign God!

B. v. 2-3 Confidence In The Performance Of The Lord – David declares that his present hope in the Lord rests upon that which the Lord has done for him in the past. God did not fail him then, and He will not fail His child today.

That same confidence is ours today! The God we serve is unchangeable, Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8. He is the same God with the same power that He has always been. He has never, and He will never change. Because He has been faithful in the past, we can count on His being faithful now.

(Ill. Think of all the things He has done; the victories He has won; the enemies He has vanquished; the mountains He has moved; the victories He has won. Think on these things and remember that the God who performed countless wonders in the past is still that same God today! That should give His people hope!)

LET US PRAY
GOD WILL CONTINUE HIS MIRACLE IN YOUR LIFE AS HIS HAS ALWAYS DO IN JESUS NAME. MAY YOUR HOPE NEVER BE DISAPPOINT YOU IN JESUS NAME

GOOD DAY BRETHREN

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF YOUR BATTLES

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: HOPE IN THE MIDST OF YOUR BATTLES

TEXT: PSALM 27:1-6

Intro: As I read the words of this psalm, I see the imagery of battle being portrayed in these verses. Words like “enemies” and “foes” in verse 2; “host” in verse 3; “war” in verse 3; and “enemies” in verse 6 all speak of warfare. Phrase like “though an host encamp against me”, verse 3; and “though war should rise against me”, verse 3 speak of a battle being waged against David. It appears that he is in a difficult situation. Yet, it is also very clear from reading these verses that even in the midst of the battles he is fighting, David still has hope.

Hope is a powerful thing. G. K. Chesterton said, “There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.” Emily Dickinson, in one of her poem said, “Hope is a thing with feathers, / That perches in the soul.” O. S. Marden said, “There is no medicine like hope . . .” Pliny the Elder wrote, “Hope is the dream of a waking man.” Martin Luther said, “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.”[1]

Here is how the dictionary describes hope. “to have a wish to get or do something or for something to happen or be true, especially something that seems possible or likely.”[2] Hope, from the world’s viewpoint is just what that definition describes. The world sees hope as a wish or a desire. Hope, for the world, is a longing for something that may or may not take place.

The Bible teaches us a vastly different definition of hope. Listen to the words of Jeremiah, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is,” Jer. 17:7. Hear also Paul, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity,” 1 Cor. 13:13. The world says that hope is merely a fond wish or desire. But, the words used for hope in the Bible tell a different story. They teach us that hope is “A deep settled confidence that God will keep His promises!”

Now, I know you have battles; but do you have hope? Are you resting in the sure confidence that God will do just as He has promised He would? That is the essence of hope and hope is a possession we all need to be sure we own in large quantities. I want to look into these verses for a while today and I want to preach about Hope In The Midst Of Your Battles. I want to show you, from the words of David, why you and I have a reason to hope in the Lord. Notice with me where our hope comes from and what hope will accomplish in our lives.
. . . CONTINUE TOMORROW

LETS PRAY
MAY YOUR HOPE BE ALIVE TO TAKE YOU TO DESTINATION OF MANIFESTATION OF YOUR MIRACLE THAT WILL LEAD TO A WONDERFUL TESTIMONY

GOOD MORNING BRETHREN

Reason why you should tithes

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: NINE REASONS WHY WE SHOULD TITHE

1. God commands it. In Malachi 3:10, God says, "bring the whole tithe into the storehouse". The storehouse refers to the place where you worship. The tithe is to be given to your home church, the place where you are spiritually fed. When you give to support charities and other ministries, you should be giving out of your offerings. The whole tithe belongs to the local church.

2. Tithing proves God's Word is true. God' says, if you will put Him to the test in tithes and offerings, eventually you will see great blessings overtake your life, even to the point that you will see God open the windows of blessing upon you and your family.

3. God will rebuke the devourer. According to Malachi 3:11, you have an enemy that will steal all your finances, but, when you bring God the whole tithe, and give offerings as He leads you, God will rebuke the enemy. When you become a follower of Jesus Christ, the enemy targets you and your finances. You need God's help if you're going to make it financially in today's world and the tough times that we live in. God actually challenges every believer to "put Him to the test" in their giving, and watch what He does in their lives. It's time to put God to the test, and watch God's blessings flow toward you. Do it today!

4. Tithing teaches me to put God first. According to Deuteronomy 14:23, the purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in your life. If God has our finances, then we know He has our hearts. If we refuse to tithe, we prove that He really isn't first in the first place.

5. Jesus recognized tithing. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus recognized or commended the Pharisees for tithing. Tithing was the only thing they were doing right.

6. Tithing is essential to spiritual growth. God tells us in Luke 16:11, "if therefore you have not been faithful in the use of money, how can you expect Him to entrust greater riches to you?" Many Christians don't grow spiritually, and remain spiritual babies because they are not faithful to obey God in the tithes and offering.

7. Tithing proves you love the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 8:8, God says that your giving tests the sincerity of your love. You say you love the Lord, but you prove you love him when you give. Talk is cheap, and actions speak louder than words.

8. Tithing is an investment for eternity. In Matthew 6:19, Jesus told us to "store up treasure in heaven." When you give your tithes and offerings to the Lord's work, you are investing your money in souls for the Kingdom, and helping to get peopole to heaven.

9. You cannot "out-give" God. In Galatians 6:7, God says, "do not be deceied, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows that he will aslo reap." God is watching, and whatever you give to Him, He will give back to you. Giving unlocks heaven's gates on your behalf. You cannot out-give God. The more you give to Him, the more He'll give back to you.

LET US PRAY
FATHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS GIVE US YOUR SPIRIT TO BE FAITHFUL IN ALL OUR ACTIVITIES TO YOU IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING BRETHREN

TITHES AND IT IMPORTANT

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: TITHES AND IT IMPORTANT

According to Hebrews 11:6, God says without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. When you tithe to God, you are truly walking by faith and not by sight. Most of us normally don't have enough money to spare. So when we tithe, we're putting God to the test. We're saying, "Yes, Lord, I believe you are the God of your Word, and I am giving by faith".

You have to use your faith to please God. As you step out in faith to give your tithes and offering, you are showing God that you believe him, and great shall be your reward eventually.

Be faithful day in and day out, week in and week out, month in and month out, year in and year out, and you will see the windows of heaven shower blessings on you and your family that are so great, that there will eventually be an overflowing in your life.

LET ME ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS

1. What is tithing?

"Tithe" means 10% or "a tenth part". God's Word tesll us that the first 10% of everything we earn or receive belongs to Him. God says in Malachi 3:8, if you don't give your thites and offerings to Him, you are a thief. In verse 9, He says that we bring lots of problems on ourselves if we don't tithe. The only way God's work will be doine on this earth is if God's people give of their finances. Certainly, the world isn't going to finance the end time harvest. It's the responsibility of the church, or God's people.

2. What's the difference between the "Tithe" and "Offerings"?

The tithe is to be the first 10% of everything you receice financially. An offering is any amount you would give above the tithe.

3. Well, I thought tithing was Old Testament Jewish Law that's not for today.

No! According to Galatians 3:17, the Law came 430 years after God iinstituted the promise and tithing with Abraham. If tithing was under the Jewish Law, why did Abraham tithe 430 years before teh Law was given? According to Genesis 14:20, Abraham tithed to the Priest Melchizedek from the very beginning, hundreds of years before the Law.

4. I can't afford to tithe!

If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, you can't afford not to tithe! You need God's supernatural help if you're ever going to get out of debt. If you wait for your ship to come in before you tithe, you may be waiting a long time. Put your faith into action today by giving Him the first 10% of everything you earn or receive, and watch how He helps you get out of debt. I would also encourage you to teach your children to tithe to God from an early age, so they will be blessed all the days of their lives.
. . .CONTINUE TOMORROW

LET US PRAY
FATHER IN JESUS NAME, LET ME NOT BE A THIEF IN THY PRESENCE, TEACH ME HOW TO PLEASE YOU AND HELP ME TO GIVE MY SELF TO YOU AND ALL THAT I HAVE IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS

MIRACLE: Pastor's Wife Resurrects During Burial In Ogun State

Real miracles still happen, in spite of all the scams going on in some churches...
The wife of the General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Mrs Folake Achudume who doctors have confirmed dead has resurrected before she could be buried.

The woman while narrating her story and testifying to the goodness of God in the presence of their congregation, said she was already confirmed dead by doctors and narrated how her spirit left her body and what she saw in the other realm:
“What I experienced was like being a drama piece. I saw myself coming out of my body, and going into a white cloud. I didn’t know where I was going, but I was asked to look down, only to see my husband, children been consoled, as my burial was been planned. I saw people crying.”
“Later, I stretched my hand and I was taken to a glorious place, where I saw people in white garment welcoming me, telling me to come in. I joined them, but a big hand stretched out, with a voice saying the place is not for me,” she said
Rev. Mrs Folake continued: “I later found myself in another place, more glorious and beautiful, I was not allowed in again, but I was taken to a third place, where I was not allowed again. Then a voice came telling me to look down, and told me I should return to where I was coming from, but I was struggling to join the group. Then I heard a thunderous voice and it was at that point my eyes opened.”

“I stand to tell you that God has power over death. The consultants had confirmed that I bled to death after the operation. If you understand what I went through you will realise that life is vanity. By that experience I had everything in life to me has lost value. It was not a joke, I appreciate God, because God made me to understand the mystery of life,” she told the congregation.

On his part, her husband said when doctors told him his wife was dead as a result of the operation because she bled to death, he told them she didn’t die but went on a visit in faith.

PHOTOS: Dear Christians, Why Do We Take These Nonsense?

The way things are going in the Christendom these days is quite worrisome. And most of these things happen as a result of too many gullible people around. As captured in the first picture; why should a woman allow a man, in the guise of pastor conducting deliverance, to lie down on top her? Is this not out of line?

Now the latest saga is that of a pastor in South Africa who ordered his members to eat grace like goats all in the name of "baptising" them. In fact, in other pictures, the same pastor was seen climbing on these people.

Dear Christians, are most of us so gullible that we can't say "NO" even when our pastor is leading us astray?

The Full Meaning of First Fruits

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: The Full Meaning of First Fruits

This idea of first fruits that God was sowing in His people’s minds had a much bigger scope than just harvests, beasts, or property. God was preparing and priming humanity for the entrance of Jesus and the kingdom of God. The New Testament flings away the veil to reveal the full meaning of first fruits.

Adam was the first person God created. When he became contaminated with sin, everyone else became contaminated, too. No one was to touch the tree of God’s knowledge and headship for their own use. Its fruit was the ‘devoted thing’ Adam took for himself and brought a curse upon all of us. We inherited Adam’s sin because he was the firstfruit of the family of man.

“Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.” (Romans 5:14)
The first man, Adam, was a template or a pattern of everyone else to come. This is the principle of first fruits, or ‘a promise to come.’ The way you govern first things in your life sets a pattern for how the rest of those things will flow or come to fruition. Since Adam fell into death, death reigned until a new firstfruit was sent and a New Covenant was made – the ‘promise to come.’

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23)
Who is our Promise to come? God wanted a family. He sowed a son, and reaped many children. Jesus had to present Himself to God the Father as the firstfruit so we could become the sons of God. Jesus became the firstfruit offering. The Old Testament vaguely pointed to Him, but the New Testament proclaims about Him! In Romans 8:29, the Bible declares:

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Jesus is the firstborn, or firstfruit, among many brethren, brothers and sisters in the family of God. Jesus is our pattern now. We no longer live under the failure and shame of Adam; we have the victory and confidence of Christ!

Jesus is our pattern and template. We are destined to be conformed to His image. He is our pattern, and we come in many designs. The Old Testament commanded Gods people to offer the best of their “first things” to God in a basic, rudimentary way. But in our new agreement with God, we can offer God the best of ourselves in a more full, and more complete way which comes from the heart. The way we do this now is summed up in Romans 12:1:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.”

LET US PRAY
FATHER IN JESUS NAME, GIVE US GRACE TO PRESENT YOURSELF TO YOU AS FIRST FRUIT AND TO MAKE YOU FIRST IN OUR LIFE IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS
HAPPY WEEK END

First Month, First Things, First Fruits

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: First Month, First Things, First Fruits

Promises tend to mean very little in the world. Most of us have experienced the disappointment of broken promises far too often to believe promises are more than just empty words. But God is the Rock who always keeps His promises. He can truly be depended on at all times, throughout all situations. I want to share with you the truth behind a powerful “promise to come” in God’s Word.

First fruits is a principle of faith that God has established from the beginning. In Hebrew, it is the word bikkurim, and it literally means “a promise to come.” First fruits means the first in place, order or rank; the beginning, chief or principle thing.

One of the most powerful principles of God’s Word is that of first fruits. It is the principle of one for many. Let me back up for a second by sharing the saying that ‘the Old Testament is the New concealed, and the New Testament is the Old revealed.’ Most of what we see in the Old Testament is a “type and shadow” of what was to come in the New Testament – Jesus Christ’s Lordship and the Kingdom of God.

In the Old Testament, Exodus 23:19 says this:

“The first of the firstfruits of thy land shalt you bring into the house of the Lord your God.”
Exodus 22:29 states:

“Thou shall not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt you give unto me.”

Besides these verses, there are several other specific first things God designates as being His in the Old Testament. People were supposed to offer the best of their “first things” to God. God refers to these as “devoted things.” Leviticus 27:28-29 says:

“Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the Lord of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord. None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed: but shall surely be put to death.”
The Lord was saying that every ‘devoted thing’ is most holy to Him. That means the same as marked and put aside as a first fruit. God also told Israel to mark and set apart for Him every male first fruit of the womb. Pay attention to that type and shadow. God’s intention was to get across to humanity this idea of the first of every significant thing to be devoted to Him, so that the rest of these things to follow would be blessed.
. . . CONTINUE TOMORROW

LET US PRAY,
LORD HELP US TO MAKE YOU FIRST IN ALL THAT WE OWN, DO AND PLAN IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

TEXT: PSALM 46:1-11
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

[2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

[3] Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

[4] There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

[5] God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

[6] The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

[7] The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

[8] Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

[9] He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

[10] Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

[11] The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

We all have days when we like to run away from it all.
Sometimes our hurt is so bad our spirit throbs inside us.
Our dreams fall apart...our hopes fade.
Our lives become wearisome drudgery.
A marriage goes bad...
Health problems develop...
Financial problems come up...
A loved one dies...
And we are tempted to give up....

Though problems will still be a given,
though difficulties will still touch us,
though hardships will be a part of our lives,
there is always a reason to keep going.
We can press on!
We can hang in there!
We can go on...when we want to give up

POINT 1
THERE IS A DIVINE PRESENCE:
Verse 1:
1 ....God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
� Notice the descriptive words in this verses:
� Refuge: it means "a shelter or hiding place."
� Strength:... "our security, boldness, might."
� Present: He is always with us.
� Help: this word means "aid or assist."
He doesn't leave us to our own struggles alone.
� Trouble: it means "tight spots...misery, distress, agony, suffering, aggravation, ."
� In: this preposition means "not before or after
but during, in the midst of".
� In all these problems...
God is our refuge, strength, and a present help.
� God is nearer to you than your spouse
and closer to you than your best friend...
� The Bible says in Psalm 139:
"Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Thy hand will lead me, And Thy right hand will lay hold of me.".
� Jesus said:
� "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20.

LET US PRAY
THIS YEAR 2014. IT SHALL BE WELL WITH YOU IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS

It should have killed you

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: It should have killed you

Acts 28:1-28:6

How many of us have looked back at our life and realized that it is only the grace of God that we have lived this long?
Car wrecks, drugs, gang violence, drowning, and so many other circumstances have taken the lives of those we have been acquainted with,
(Some of you here, right now you know that if it wasn't for the grace of God you would have died in that car wreck, you would have been the one spending your life behind prison walls,

or you would have been the one who died of a drug overdose.

We begin this message with Paul advising them not to sail.
Acts 27:10 Paul tells them not to sail:
How many know we dont always listen to wise counsel, (we could have saved ourselves a lot of grief and pain had we just listened to those who tried to instruct us).
Acts 27:11 But they didn't listen
And they sailed directly into the storm of their lives
Acts 27:18-19 They lightened the ship
There is nothing like a bad storm for realigning priorities, (You find out real quick what you need and what is unnecessary, or excess baggage).

The ship was destroyed
But they made it to land on boards, and broken pieces of the ship:

Somebody ought to lift your hands right now and say (I am going to make it) I may be broken but I am still coming, wounded but I am still coming, bleeding but I am still coming, crying but I am still coming, confused but I am still coming, rejected but I am still coming.

I know I am not everything I should be, I am still struggling with some habits and hang-ups, I am still wrestling with some anger and forgiveness issues, I still slip up every once and while and say something I shouldn't say.
I know I am not where I should be by now, but I know I am moving in the right direction.

I know I am chopping up the water all around me, but its just because I don't want to drown

Acts 27:44 They all escaped safe to land:
Somebody needs to lift your hands right now and thank God that you made it through the storm,
It should have killed you, but you made it ( Most of it was your own fault, you brought it on yourself) but God had mercy on you and you made it.

You shouldn't have made it, You shouldn't be here, you shouldn't have made it through the storm,
(But just tell the devil) I am still here

Acts 28:1-6
They made it through the storm, landed on an island, the barbarians on that island begin to kindle a fire for them, Paul begins to gather sticks for the fire and out of the sticks, a viper fastens itself to Paul hand

Now it says (Howbeit they looked) = to watch, to anticipate, to wait for,
There are people that are watching you who do not want you to make it, they are anxiously waiting and anticipating your downfall, they rejoice when they see you going through hard ships and trials,
Their watching, their waiting to celebrate your downfall, celebrate your breakdown, your defeat.

When he should have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly:
This means that they had seen this happen before, and every time it happened this was the end result.
He should have swollen or fallen down suddenly.
Medical science says you should have died
Every legal advisor says you should have died
Every natural circumstance says you shouldn抰 have made it

it should have killed you,
You should be in a mental institution or strung out on drugs, mad at God and mad at the world, but here you are strong, bold, blessed, happy, healthy and radiant. THANK GOD FOR YOUR LIFE AND MOVE ON TO GLORY THIS YEAR 2014

LETS PRAY
MAY GOD EMBARRASS YOU WITH HIS BLESSING THIS YEAR THAT WILL PADLOCK THE MOUTH OF ALL YOUR ENEMY IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING, BRETHREN

How to be blessed by God

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: How to Be Blessed by God

Psalms 1 gives us guidelines for being blessed, favored and multiplied by God. It also provides us with warnings that are equally important but usually misunderstood.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight in in the law of the Lord and in his law he meditates day and night... (Psa 1:1,2)

Being blessed of God means a person enjoys Gods favor, approval and empowerment. Here are a few guidelines for enjoying the full blessing of God and then being a instrument to be a blessing to your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and on to the utter most parts of the earth.

1. SATURATE yourself with the word of God. Fill up your thoughts, attitudes and conversations with things that found in Gods word. Let His word richly dwell in your goals, your interactions and your daily
conversations. Meditation involves hearing, reflecting and readjusting our entire lifestyle in obedience to Gods perfect will. Avoid anything that will distract you from filling your thoughts with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, admirable or praise-worthy.

2. SITUATE yourself by the living word. Jesus said, "He who believes in me, from His inner most being will flow living of living water."(John 7:38) Know that your meditation is a communion with the Savior, Redeemer, Restorer and Rebuilder. Spend time with the Lord in His word and prayer every morning before you walk out the front door. David wrote, "Let me hear your lovingkindness in the morning. Make to know the path in which I should walk for to you I lift up my soul." (Psa 143;8)

3. SATISFY yourself with God抯 word, His will and His way. It is not enough to merely think good thoughts but we find our greatest satisfaction completing His will for our lives through obedience to His will. Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me." (John 4:34)Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be satisfied." (Matt 5:8)

4. SEPARATE yourself from the world. The Psalmists warns us not to sit, walk or stand with the ungodly. Let there be no fellowship with people of ungodliness. Paul wrote, "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of pure heart. Dont have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you knw they produce quarrels... Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (2 Tim. 2:22-26)

5. SANCTIFY yourself in the truth. Jesus said, "Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:7) Let the word of God cleanse your thoughts, your motives and your perceptions.

6. SUBMIT yourself to God. Realize that it is a continually need that we have to relinquish our rights to the Lord. Ask the Lord to help you readjust your heart, soul, strength and mind to please the Lord in all respects so you may bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God. This will allow you to be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might. For the obtaining of all steadfastness and patience with joy. (Col. 1;9-11)

7. STAND firmly on His promises. "Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who calls us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises in order that by them you might escape corruption that is in the world by lust." (2 Pet. 1:3,4) Know and be firmly sure that His promises will not fail you until all of Gods work is completed in and through you.

8. SUCCEED through the power of His word, His Spirt and His will. "For he will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. His leaf will not wither and whatever He does will prosper." (Psa 1;5,6) Know that the best way to succeed is to meditate on God抯 word for greater growth in your obedience to His total will. Then you will make your ways prosperous and then you will have good success." (Josh 1:8)

9. SEE spiritual purposes in every situation. Every problem that we face can be an opportunity to draw upon the goodness of the Lord. Instead of thinking that we deserve a utopia here on earth, the Lord allows the spiritually mature to overcome the hardships, dry times and disappointments of life. God allows those who meditate on His word to have the mind of Christ. Ask the Lord to help you perceive all of life through the eyes of God抯 perspective given to you by a Spirit fill life. The mind set on the flesh is death but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. (Rom. 8:6-8)

10. STABILIZE yourself when you are worried, anxious or unsure of your direction. God told Isaiah, "He will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is staid on Thee, because He trusts in Thee." (Isa 26:3) Jesus said, "In the world, you will have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world." (John 16:31-33)

LET US PRAY
MAY GOD BLESS YOU THIS YEAR 2014. BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATION AND INCREASE YOUR INCOME IN JESUS NAME

GOOD MORNING BRETHREN

Prophecy continue

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

PROPHECY CONTINUE

Seven years, multiplied by two which will be fourteen is the beginning of another generation (Mathew 1: 17). Every seven years amount to year of completion and in the first 14 years of the New Millennium, the Holy Spirit says this is the commencement of a New Generation. For the faithful worshippers and followers of the True Lord God Almighty, He says He will reward.

For those whose hearts have not been steadfast toward Him, He warns they should rekindle their burning fire, redouble their efforts in worship and rededicate themselves.
Many Christians will rise and shine this year; while the fainthearted will fall.

The Lord God says His Coming is approaching and beginning from this year 2014; He will begin to show His imminent return with signs and wonders hitherto unseen in the world until now.

He says the demon-god of Mammon has infiltrated the church and His children are at ease on Mt. Zion (Amos 6: 1). The Holy Spirit says the church is imitating the world instead of the world looking unto the church for salvation.

Holiness and righteousness are no more emphasized by church leaders and the virtues of temperance, love and humility have taken back burners in His house-that is the church.
The Lord Jesus Christ is not pleased with what is going on in His house as the love of many Christians are waning and unity among brethren is lacking. He is not pleased with church elders, who are not leading and living by examples.

He wants us all believers to wake up, be more prayerful and intensify our evangelistic activities, because we are the ones delaying His Coming.

He said pastors, missionaries, apostles and teachers are not teaching the real Good News as He commanded us (Mathew 28: 18-20). He said the lure of money is corroding the church. He asks that we all believers all over the world should repent and go back to the original Gospel He handed over to the early apostles, otherwise, He will shake His body (church) beginning from this year and remove all the vestiges of Mammon from His assembly.

LET US PRAY,
FATHER LORD, FORGIVE ME FOR MY PAST MISTAKE AND MAKE ME STRONG TILL THE END IN JESUS NAME, LET ALL YOUR GOOD PROMISES COME TO PASS IN MY LIFE, I SURRENDER ALL TO JESUS

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS AND GOOD MORNING

Prophecy

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL
WELCOME TO 2014. To the Christian community worldwide, the Lord God Almighty through the Holy Spirit salutes all His children and the faithful believers. He says this year 2014 will be a year of breakthrough, power and accomplishments to all His faithful worshippers who have not fainted and continue to keep the faith. He says He sees all the tribulations we are going through but as He promised, He is coming back shortly and we should hold unto our faith. He says the year 2014 will be a year of reward for some, judgement for some, promotion for some, demotion for some, completion for some and year of comeuppance for some. The Lord God Almighty through the Spirit of Truth say; His seven Spirits are going to and fro all over the earth to reward, pull down and execute judgement this year, because as He said in Genesis, He is still upholding the Law of Sowing and Reaping. “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest,cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease,” (Genesis 8: 22).
. . .CONTINUE TOMORROW

HAPPY NEW YEAR