A Grateful Heart – November 2023 Newsletter

Introduction:

Let’s begin with a question: Do you have reasons to be thankful, or has God been good and faithful to you in any way? There’s a saying: “Think and Thank.” When you reflect on God’s goodness in your life and all He has done for you, it naturally leads to gratitude. As we journey through life, cultivating a grateful heart is essential, especially as the year comes to a close. This world often presents challenges and uncertainties, making a grateful heart incredibly significant. Gratitude has the power to transform our perspectives, fostering resilience and appreciation for life’s blessings. As the year unfolds, let’s reflect on our journey and the kindness we’ve received. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of a grateful heart and its connection to recognizing God’s goodness, drawing inspiration from the scriptures mentioned above.

1) Reflect on God’s Faithfulness:

As the year ends, we have the opportunity to reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout the year. Despite challenges and uncertainties, God has been with us every step of the way. From small blessings to significant milestones, everything we’ve experienced is a testament to God’s goodness. Let’s acknowledge His faithfulness and express our gratitude for His unwavering love and care. Gratitude is not just an emotion; it’s a transformative practice that shapes our outlook on life. By thanking God for both triumphs and trials, we embrace a holistic perspective that deepens our spiritual connection.

 

2) Recognizing God’s Provision and Providence:

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1 (NIV) This scripture invites us to see God’s hand in our lives as we look back on the year. We witness a tapestry of experiences woven by the hands of a benevolent Creator. Every sunrise, every breath, and countless opportunities are manifestations of God’s enduring goodness. God has provided abundantly for our basic needs and desires. Whether it’s a job opportunity, financial stability, or the support of loved ones, His provisions are evident. Let’s not take these blessings for granted but offer heartfelt thanks for His generosity. A truly grateful heart recognizes God’s hand in both moments of joy and adversity. Challenges are not stumbling blocks but stepping stones, guiding us toward growth and resilience.

3) Embracing a Positive Perspective:

Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (NIV) This scripture encourages us to embrace a positive perspective through a thankful heart. It enables us to focus on the goodness around us rather than dwelling on challenges. Even in difficult times, blessings can be found. Shifting our focus toward gratitude brings strength, hope, and joy. As we approach the year’s end, let’s choose to see the glass half full, acknowledging the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon us. A grateful heart is attuned to God’s faithfulness from the beginning of the year. His grace has been a constant companion, guiding us through highs and lows. Embracing a positive perspective helps us cultivate gratitude in our hearts.

Conclusion:

A grateful heart is a conduit for experiencing the fullness of life. Rooted in the scriptures, our gratitude becomes a sacred practice woven into the fabric of our existence. As we navigate the remainder of the year, let’s start each day with thanksgiving, recognizing and celebrating the goodness of God that has been with us from the very beginning. Maintain a spirit of gratitude, giving thanks to God for His countless blessings. May the words of the psalmist resonate within us, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1, NIV).

Time to Pray:

  1. Give thanks to God for His goodness and mercy over your life.
  2. Sing songs of praise to God.
  3. Read Psalm 100, 107, and 118, then offer your prayer.

 

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

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Be Joyful and Hopeful – October 2023 Newsletter

October Newsletter

Topic: Be Joyful and Hopeful

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Introduction:

The mystery of life is this: no one can give you joy or make you joyful. People can make you happy; that’s why we have entertainers and comedians to amuse us at events. Many people express their emotions through facial expressions while being entertained, but once the event ends, that happiness fades because it’s not resolved within their minds. You are the only one who can create joy within your heart. Joy flows like a river and permeates every fiber of your being as you generate it yourself. As human beings, we all encounter trials and tribulations that can be overwhelming. It’s easy to become discouraged and lose hope, but as believers, we are called to be joyful and hopeful despite our circumstances. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the apostle Paul reminds us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This scripture tells us that our joy and hope should not be based on our current life situations but on the fact that we belong to Christ and have the assurance of salvation. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by negativity. We need to cultivate a spirit of joy and hope, regardless of our circumstances.

We shall explore three key points that can help us embody this article and experience a life filled with joy and hope.

1) Focus on The Promises of God:

One of Satan’s tactics is to divert your attention from God’s promises and use circumstances to distract you from placing your hope in the Lord. God has promised us eternal life with Him if we put our faith in Jesus. We can be assured of this promise and find comfort in knowing that no matter what happens in this life, we have a hope that extends beyond it. Romans 8:28 tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This means that even our struggles and challenges can be used for our ultimate good if we trust in God’s plan. True joy is not dependent on external circumstances but on the state of our hearts. By choosing to focus on the blessings we have, no matter how small, we can find reasons to rejoice. This does not mean ignoring our pain or challenges but rather choosing to find strength and hope in the midst of them. By embracing a mindset of gratitude and celebrating even the smallest victories, we can experience a profound transformation in our overall outlook on life.

2) Cultivate A Heart of Gratitude:

When we focus on the blessings in our lives and the ways that God has been faithful to us, it can be easier to maintain a spirit of joy and hope. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Gratitude can help us keep our focus on God and remember all that He has done for us. Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective and transform our lives. The scripture urges us to give thanks in all circumstances, reminding us that even amid adversity, there is always something to be grateful for. Cultivating a practice of gratitude allows us to shift our focus from what is lacking to what we already possess. It opens our eyes to the blessings, big and small, that often go unnoticed. Gratitude not only brings us joy but also inspires us to extend kindness and compassion to others. By expressing gratitude in all circumstances, we cultivate a spirit of contentment and resilience that carries us through life’s ups and downs.

3) Surround Yourself with Positive Encouragement:

The reason why many people cannot create joy within themselves and remain hopeful in the Lord is because of the people they surround themselves with and their perspectives on life. Satan purposely surrounds people with individuals who pollute their minds with negative thoughts to discourage them. As believers, we are called to support and encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Surrounding ourselves with other believers who can uplift us in times of difficulty can help us stay focused on our joy and hope in Christ. This life presents us with trials and tribulations that can dampen our spirits.

Conclusion:

The scripture 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 calls us to be joyful and hopeful, irrespective of our circumstances. By rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances, we can cultivate a mindset that transcends challenges and enables us to experience a life filled with joy and hope. Let us embrace the wisdom of these words and strive to live each day with gratitude, knowing that through joy and hope, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way. In doing so, we not only transform our own lives but also become beacons of light, inspiring others to embrace the power of gratitude and live joyfully and hopefully. Finally, the only source and giver of joy is Jesus. In Him, you can find everlasting joy. He will always want to be there for you in all circumstances if you will let Him. I encourage you to let Him have His way in your life as your Lord and Savior.

Prayer time: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Then, create an atmosphere of joy within yourself and worship God. Tell Jesus about your troubles; I am sure He will see you through. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

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BE DILIGENT – September 2023 Newsletter

Text: Proverbs 10:4

Introduction

This marks the beginning of a new season and the last stretch of the year. Many people have earnestly prayed for things to take a better turn in their lives, yet breakthroughs remain elusive. The word “diligent” carries profound significance; it signifies persistence, hard work, and the commitment required to attain our goals. Diligence holds utmost importance in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to careers and hobbies. It distinguishes successful individuals from those struggling to achieve their aspirations.

Proverbs 10:4, an enduring verse from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, imparts a profound lesson on the significance of diligence. It states, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment in realizing our dreams. In this article, we will delve deeper into the concept of diligence, exploring its significance and offering practical insights on how it can pave the path to success as we approach the year’s end.

The Breakdown of the Writing

1) The Value of Consistent Effort

Diligence involves the unwavering and sincere application of effort towards a specific task or goal. There’s an African proverb that says, “Anyone who tastes the honey extracted from inside the rock will not mind the edge of the axe.” Let’s recall the story of the blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52; even amidst distractions, obstacles, and opposition, he persisted and cried out for help when he sensed Jesus passing by. His unyielding effort resulted in Jesus attending to him and restoring his sight. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 1:1-20, Hannah demonstrated relentless determination in her prayers to God, despite being mocked and misunderstood by the priest. Her diligence eventually led to her celebration and blessings.

Being diligent means refusing to give up, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. It means maintaining focus on your goals and consistently working towards progress. It’s natural to feel discouraged when things don’t go as planned, but diligence requires us to keep pushing forward, even when our motivation wanes.

2) Diligence Leads to Wealth

The latter part of Proverbs 10:4 declares, “But diligent hands bring wealth.” While wealth often refers to financial prosperity, it can also encompass richness in experience, knowledge, and relationships. Diligence, when applied across various facets of life, can lead to success and abundance. Jacob’s story in Genesis 29:15-20 exemplifies how diligence can lead to wealth. He toiled for seven years to marry Rachel, and when faced with deception, he worked another seven years to attain his goal. Jacob’s diligence and hard work ultimately brought him wealth and success, making him a prosperous shepherd with a large family, abundant flocks, and numerous servants.

To be diligent in our pursuits can lead us toward a more prosperous and fulfilling future. In business, diligence can be the defining factor between success and failure. Many entrepreneurs face initial setbacks, but those who remain truly committed learn from their mistakes and persevere until they achieve success.

Conclusion

In our personal lives, diligence is essential in our relationships, health, and spiritual growth to yield positive results. Your diligence will drive you to seek a deeper connection with God through Jesus Christ and His plans for you. As Paul stated in Philippians 3:10, the desire to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection is the heartbeat of a diligent person. I encourage you to come to Jesus, make Him the Lord of your life, and allow Him to guide your focus and lead you to a successful path.

Let’s Pray

1) Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love and grace upon me. Thank You for provision, safety, and abundant blessings.

2) My God and Father, I ask for forgiveness and mercy for any wrong steps I may have taken in my aspirations and ambitions.

3) Lord, I ask for Your guidance to sustain me on life’s journey. Help me to embrace diligence in my work as I await the manifestation of Your unstoppable blessings and favor. Amen.

John Aderogba, for ROPMI.

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