BE THANKFUL – November 2024 Newsletter

Scripture References:  1 Thessalonians 5:18  and Psalm 100:4 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) 

INTRODUCTION

In this world filled with pressures, it’s easy to forget the power of a thankful heart. Gratitude has the ability to change our perspective, lift our spirits, and draw us closer to God. Being thankful isn’t just a nice thought or a seasonal theme; it’s an essential part of Christian living and spiritual growth. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to live with a heart of gratitude by looking at three key aspects: recognizing God’s goodness, finding gratitude in adversity, and expressing your thanks through action.

  1. Recognize God’s Goodness

Thankfulness begins with recognizing God’s blessings. When we take the time to consider the many ways God has blessed us—big and small—it leads us to a deep appreciation of His goodness and care. Psalm 103:2 reminds us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” God is continuously at work in our lives. Even in the simplest things, like a new day, a friend’s smile, or provision for our needs, we see His love.

Imagine a father giving his child a beautiful gift. The child’s reaction is often one of pure joy and gratitude, acknowledging the thought and effort behind the gift. Similarly, every day is a gift from our Heavenly Father. By recognizing the goodness around us, we tune our hearts to His love, inspiring us to respond with thanksgiving.

  1. Find Gratitude in Adversity

It’s easy to be thankful when life is smooth, but true gratitude shines in the face of challenges. The apostle Paul, who faced persecution and hardships, reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” God doesn’t ask us to give thanks for everything that happens but to maintain a heart of gratitude regardless of the situation.

Consider Job’s example: despite losing everything, he held onto his faith in God. He said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Job’s thankfulness wasn’t rooted in his circumstances but in God’s sovereignty. Similarly, when we face difficulties, gratitude strengthens us, helping us focus on God’s presence and the blessings that remain.

  1. Express Thanks Through Action

Being thankful should extend beyond words—it should influence our actions and relationships. James 2:17 tells us that faith without action is dead, and the same can be said for gratitude. A truly thankful heart leads us to share our blessings, serve others, and spread kindness.

Suppose someone receives an unexpected financial gift that meets a pressing need. A thankful response might lead them to bless others when they’re able, paying forward the generosity they received. This is how thankfulness becomes contagious, bringing joy not only to our hearts but to the lives of those around us. Our gratitude to God is best shown when we serve others and live with a spirit of generosity.

Conclusion 

To live a life of thankfulness is to recognize God’s goodness, find gratitude even in adversity, and let your thankfulness overflow into action. When you cultivate a habit of gratitude, you fulfill God’s will for you and reflect His character.

Remember, gratitude doesn’t depend on life’s circumstances—it’s a constant response to God’s unchanging love. Let’s embrace a thankful heart today and every day, choosing to see His blessings and sharing them with the world.

Finally, to be sincerely thankful, you need to have the mind of Christ. If Jesus Christ dwells in your life, He will be the source of your strength and hope.

Let’s Pray 

Read Psalm 100:1–5, then position yourself to sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to express your gratitude to God.

John Aderogba for ROPMI 

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Be Courageous – SEPTEMBER 2024 Newsletter

Topic: Be Courageous 

Text: Daniel 6

INTRODUCTION

Courage is a virtue that is often misunderstood. It is commonly associated with acts of bravery in combat or the ability to confront physical danger. However, true courage, particularly within the Christian faith, lies in the steadfastness to trust in God’s promises and timing, even during periods of waiting for answers to prayer. This form of courage necessitates profound faith and a heart firmly grounded in the assurance of God’s unwavering love.

Throughout history, the Bible offers countless examples of individuals who displayed extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. One of the most notable figures is Daniel, whose unwavering faith serves as a timeless model of courage in the midst of uncertainty. Found in Daniel 6, his story of boldly continuing in prayer, even when his life was threatened by a royal decree, illustrates the kind of faith-fueled courage that all believers are called to embrace. His confidence in God’s deliverance was not only a testament to his personal conviction but also a profound example of what it means to remain steadfast when faced with life’s greatest challenges.

In this writing, we will explore what it means to be truly courageous as individuals on the journey of life, drawing upon the example of Daniel to understand the fundamental principles that strengthen and embolden us. Courage, in the biblical sense, is not merely the absence of fear, but the presence of faith—a deep trust in the unfailing promises of God.

1) Courage That Is Rooted in Faith 

The essence of courage lies in its deep foundation in faith. True courage, as demonstrated in the life of Daniel, does not arise from self-confidence or physical strength, but from an unshakable belief in God. Daniel’s courage was not based on his ability to avoid or manipulate danger, but on his trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Even when faced with a decree that threatened his life, Daniel’s faith was unwavering. The king’s law demanded that anyone praying to any god or man other than the king be thrown into the lions’ den, but Daniel remained steadfast in his practice of praying three times a day. His courage was fueled by his faith in God—not in the absence of danger, but in the knowledge that God could deliver him according to His divine will.

This profound relationship between faith and courage is illuminated by the words of Hebrews 11:1, which tells us that faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Daniel exemplified this faith, trusting in God’s plan and protection even though the outcome was not visible. He believed not in what he could physically perceive, but in the unseen power and promise of God.

In our own lives, we too face situations that test our courage. When we are waiting for answers to our prayers—especially in moments of deep uncertainty and desperation—our courage must be anchored in our faith. Like Daniel, we are called to believe that God is with us, even when the path ahead seems unclear. We must trust that He hears our prayers and is at work, orchestrating all things for our good. This faith gives birth to a courage that transcends human understanding, empowering us to face the lions in our own lives with boldness and confidence.

Courage founded on faith also invites us to embrace patience. It reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when we do not immediately see the outcome we desire. Just as Daniel trusted in God’s protection without knowing how or when deliverance would come, we too are called to trust that God is working behind the scenes, aligning everything according to His perfect will. Our role is not to manipulate outcomes but to remain faithful, knowing that God’s plans are for our ultimate good, even when they differ from our own expectations.

Thus, true courage is not merely about facing challenges with boldness; it is about standing firm in faith, knowing that God is with us in every trial. Whether or not we can see the solution, courage compels us to hold onto the hope and assurance that God will provide, and that His ways are higher than ours. Through faith, we can boldly step forward, confident that we are held in the hands of a loving and all-powerful God.

2) Courage Requires Perseverance 

Courage is not merely a fleeting emotion or a momentary act of boldness; it is a continuous, deliberate choice to trust in God’s sovereignty, no matter the circumstances. True courage is demonstrated through a lifestyle of persistent faith, just as we see in the example of Daniel. He did not pray once and stop, nor did he allow external pressures or fears to weaken his resolve. Instead, Daniel remained steadfast, seeking God’s face in prayer day after day, even when faced with the threat of persecution and when God’s response seemed delayed. His unwavering commitment in the midst of uncertainty highlights that perseverance is a vital component of courage.

In the same way, we are called to walk in courage through persistence, especially when the answers we seek from God are not immediate. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This scripture speaks directly to the heart of endurance. The challenges of waiting can often lead to weariness. It is in these moments of delay, when doubt begins to creep in, that we might question whether God will truly come through. Yet, this is precisely where courage is most needed—not in moments of immediate triumph, but in the long journey of faith, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.

Courage keeps us pressing forward, despite the silence, despite the setbacks, because it is rooted in the unshakable truth that God is faithful. Every act of perseverance, every prayer spoken in faith, is an act of courage that aligns us with God’s perfect will. Though we may not see the full picture, we trust that in due time, our efforts and steadfastness will bear fruit. God’s promises are sure, and our courage enables us to wait upon Him with hope, knowing that our perseverance will be richly rewarded.

Let us be people of courage, not swayed by temporary difficulties or prolonged waiting, but strengthened by the knowledge that God honors those who trust Him fully. As we persist in doing good, even when it seems unnoticed or unrewarded, we stand confident that God’s promises will be fulfilled in their season, and we will indeed reap the harvest He has prepared for us.

3) True Courage Brings Peace 

True courage is a profound and transformative quality, one that does not merely face danger but does so with a heart rooted in peace. Consider the example of Daniel, who, when cast into the lions’ den, exhibited a courage that transcended mere bravery. He did not panic, nor did he plead for his life, despite the imminent threat before him. His courage was not fueled by his own strength, but by his unwavering faith in God. It was the product of a life devoted to perseverance and trust, built over time through prayer and obedience to God’s will.

Daniel’s calm in the midst of peril reveals a deeper truth: courage, when born out of faith, produces an unshakable peace. He understood that his life was secure, not because he knew the outcome, but because he trusted in the hands of the One who held his future. Whether God chose to save him from the lions or not, Daniel’s heart was at peace, knowing that he was in the sovereign care of God.

This same peace is promised to all believers who fully place their trust in God. Philippians 4:6-7 exhorts us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This passage reminds us that when we approach God in faith, surrendering our worries and anxieties to Him, He responds by giving us a peace that defies human reasoning. It is a peace that stands firm even in the face of trials because it is rooted in the character of a faithful God.

True courage, then, enables us to release our fears and anxieties. It empowers us to stand firm, not because we are unafraid, but because we have entrusted our lives, our hopes, and our future to God. This courage comes from a deep conviction that God’s purposes for us are good and that His will is perfect. As we embrace this trust, we are freed from the burden of worry, and we rest in the knowledge that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds, no matter what we face.

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, we can draw strength from the example of Daniel. His courage is a reminder that true peace does not come from the absence of danger, but from the presence of faith. As we grow in our relationship with God and learn to lean on Him in every situation, our hearts can be fortified by the peace that only He provides—a peace that transcends understanding and equips us to face life’s lions with courage and calm. Let this be a source of inspiration and motivation: to live courageously is to live in peace, knowing that we are held secure by the One who is greater than all our fears.

Conclusion

Being courageous, especially when waiting for an answer to prayer, is not about mustering up strength or bravado. It is about placing our complete trust in God, persevering in that trust, and allowing His peace to guard our hearts. Like Daniel, we must be willing to stand firm in our faith, no matter the outcome, knowing that our courage honors God and draws us closer to Him.

As we wait on God’s timing, let us remember the words of Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” With this assurance, we can face any challenge with the courage that comes from knowing our God is faithful and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Finally,  you need to give your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior because this is the bedrock for you to be courageous.

LET’S PRAY:

Say your prayer like Daniel did—pour out your heart to God. Just as God came through for Daniel and defended him, so shall God answer your prayers. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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SPEAK LOUD IN PRAYER – AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER

Topic: SPEAK LOUD IN PRAYER

Text: Psalms 121:1-2 

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is a powerful tool in the life of a believer, an intimate conversation with God that transcends the physical and reaches the spiritual. Speaking out loud in prayer signifies a deep desire, an expression of fervent faith, and a bold declaration of dependence on God. This article examines the importance of vocal prayer, drawing lessons from the biblical stories of Jabez, Hannah, and Bartimaeus.

  1. A Cry for Change

Jabez, mentioned briefly in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, is a poignant example of someone who prayed aloud for his circumstances to be changed. Born in sorrow (his name literally means “sorrow”), Jabez refused to let his identity be defined by his past or circumstances. Instead, he cried out to God: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV).

Jabez’s prayer was powerful, not just in volume but in boldness. He spoke with a deep desire for transformation, for a life that reflected God’s blessings rather than the curses of his name. His prayer teaches us that praying aloud means having the courage to ask God for more—more blessings, more influence, more protection—while trusting in His divine ability to change our circumstances.

  1. A Heartfelt Prayer

The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 is another powerful example of vocal prayer. Deeply distressed by her infertility and the ridicule of those around her, Hannah prayed earnestly to God at the altar in the temple. Although her lips moved, no one could hear her voice—but her fervent prayer was so powerful that the priest Eli thought she was drunk.

Hannah’s prayer was full of emotional intensity. She did not hesitate to lay bare her deepest desires before God, expressing her anguish and her hope in the same breath. She made a vow: “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11, NKJV).

The story of Hannah reminds us that praying aloud involves more than just the words we say; it’s about the depth of emotion behind them. It is about being honest with God, expressing our pain, and trusting Him with our deepest desires.

  1. A Cry for Mercy

Bartimaeus, the blind beggar of Jericho, illustrates the power of persistence in prayer. Hearing that Jesus was passing by, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47, NIV). Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus shouted even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:48, NIV).

Bartimaeus’s prayer was powerful and persistent. He refused to be silenced because he knew that this was his opportunity to meet the One who could change his life forever. His cry for mercy stopped Jesus, resulting in his healing and the restoration of his sight. Bartimaeus teaches us that praying out loud sometimes means refusing to give up, even when others try to silence us. It is about continually seeking God’s attention, knowing that He hears us and will respond to our cries for mercy.

Conclusion

In Psalm 121:1-2, the psalmist declares that he relies on God as his source of help. Likewise, the examples of Jabez, Hannah, and Bartimaeus show us that praying aloud is a powerful expression of our faith and dependence on God. Whether we are asking for transformation, pouring out our hearts, or relentlessly seeking mercy, our praying aloud reflects a deep trust in God’s ability to intervene in our lives.

As believers, we are encouraged to pray aloud, calling out to God boldly, intensely, and persistently. When we pray aloud, we affirm that our help comes from God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who is always ready to hear and respond to the cries of His children. Remember that Jesus is the answer to your prayers, and it would be good if you had an intimate relationship with Him as your Lord and Savior, which would give you access to His presence and promises.

Let us Pray

Take a moment to pour out your heart to God with all seriousness.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

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