Move on with Courage – February 2023 Newsletter

Topic: Move on with Courage.

Texts: Deuteronomy 31:8; Proverbs 3:5-6

INTRODUCTION

Many individuals enter this year with high hopes, full of energy, and motivated enthusiasm. However, by the end of the first month of the year, some people begin to lose their enthusiastic strength due to the satanic projective voices they heard in the form of prophecies and news from around the world.

One of the Devil’s strategies is to keep your gaze away from the tick cloud, high mountains, and reality shadows of death blinking and roaring dangers along your path.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NIV).

In his life journey, David recognized the Devil’s strategy. Many times, he was confronted with challenges that could have swallowed him whole, but he did not lose courage; instead, he maintained his focus, and he was celebrated in his generation.

Remember, “a winner doesn’t quit, but a loser does.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

This write-up shall focus on what you need to do to move on with courage.

1) LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT’S LEAD

2) TRUST IN THE LORD

 

Below is the breakdown:

1.) Listen To the Spirit’s Lead:

Connecting to the right Spirit for motivation is the source of strength to keep moving and focused on a journey.

During a soccer game, the players always listen to their supporters’ voices as they echo the sound of victory to energize the players. The voices of their supporters and coaches are recognized and familiar to the players, and when they give instructions, they listen.

Smith Wigglesworth said; “When you are filled with the Spirit, you will know the voice of God.”

When you entrust your journey to God, He will send His Spirit to guide and lead you. It will be easy to recognize God’s voice once you have become acquainted with the Spirit of God.

God’s Spirit provides the motivation you need to stay focused. With His words, He will direct you to the right path; as in the where, the when, and the how. This includes where to go, when to start and stop, and how to do it.

Kenneth E. Hagin stated that, “Sometimes God will show you how He wants you to do it, you will have His plan. But at the same time, you will perceive in your spirit that the time to do it isn’t quite right.”

To have a successful journey this year, it is critical to follow the Spirit’s leading.

 

2.) Trust in the Lord:

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight” (NIV). What the Devil does is cause people to waver in their faith, causing them to faint and sink on their journey through life.

This year has just begun with few weeks behind, and a lot of promises from the government, co-workers, family and friends that do not appear to be working because of what has been looming, including economic hardship, and inflation everywhere.

Someone recently told me that, “This year 2023 is turning bad,” to which I quickly replied that, this is only the beginning of the year and that shouldn’t be said. After meditating on this, I realized that this is the picture the Devil is painting for people as if God does not care about them.

In his writings, Diester Pauwels stated that, “Beliefs create a structure of right and wrong which includes what others expect of you and what you expect of yourself. Your beliefs shape your life to the degree that they determine what seems possible.”

You must resolve in your mind that your God can lead and see you through whatever comes your way. Nobody will do it for you. Because God has told you His plans for you this year, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be any storm or distractions.

Jentezen Franklin made a statement in his writing that, “God’s plan often comes through events that force you in a direction you never would have gone.” Many times, God allows some things to shake you to see how serious you are in your trust in Him.

What you must do is maintain your faith in God and proceed with courage.

Conclusion:

David said in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (NIV).

Be brave and focused as you move forward this year. Note that no matter how thick a cloud is, it will give way to a clear light in a moment. So, be bold; listen to the Spirit’s lead, and keep your faith in God.

Finally, because Jesus Christ is the Chief Commander of your journey, you should attach yourself to Him and let Him be your pilot. Give your life to Him, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). He is the only Driver who has never crashed a car, the only Sailor who has never sunk a ship, and the only Pilot who has never crashed an aircraft. He alone is the Lord!

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being an anchor that keeps my soul; thank You for always being there for me. I covet Your presence on my journey as I move on this year. I ask for the grace to move on with courage and never be distracted. Let Your precious blood preserve me from every challenge on my way. Amen.

Reference:

  1. Smith Wigglesworth (1999). Devotional, published by Whitaker House, United States of America, ISBN:978-0-88368-574-7

eBook ISBN:978-1-60374-178-1, Pg. 133.

  1. Kenneth E. Hagin (1992). Plans, Purposes, Pursuits. Fifth printing, USA, ISBN, 0-89276-512-7. Pg. 37. Fellowship Bookstore 5240n. Socrum Loop Rd.

Lakeland, l 33805

Ph.858-5668

  1. Les Brown, Mark Victor, Harsen, Jo Anne Bishop, and Deepak Chopra (2008). Success is the State of Mind,’ Building a Foundation for your Future. Published in the United States by Insight Publishing Company, 647 Wall Street·Sevierville, Tennessee·37862www.insightpublishing.com Pg 58.
  2. Jentezen Franklin (2007). Right People, Right Place, Right Plan: Discerning the Voice of God. Printed in the United States of America, Jentezen Franklin Ministries/Kingdom Connection. P.O. Box 315, Gainesville, GA 30504

www.jentezenfranklin.org

ISBN: 978-0-88368-797-0. Pg 79.

  1. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®

John Aderogba for Ropmi

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“LET JUDAH GO FIRST” – JANUARY 2023 NEWSLETTER

Topic: “LET JUDAH GO FIRST”

Texts: Judges 1: 1- 5; 20:18; Psalm 22: 3-5

INTRODUCTION

Judah is Jacob’s and Leah’s fourth son.

Judah means “praise” in Hebrew, which is called Yehuda.

God mysteriously coded some divine languages that ordinary man cannot easily understand in His arrangement of the interpretations of His love for His people.

God has been leading Judah in line with the purpose and meaning of his name since the beginning of time.

In Genesis 37:26, Judah helped Joseph out of the pit which his other brothers threw him (Joseph) into. 

In Genesis 40:19, Judah interceded for Benjamin.

There are several accounts in the Bible where Judah demonstrated God’s purpose for his name. 

God strategically communicates His desire to the people, which is hidden in the name ‘Judah’ (praise).

God instructs the Israelites at every turn of their journey to prioritize Judah in order to defeat their enemies. God is also instructing you to put Judah in front of the journey this year. 

This article will explain how to do so in details.

1.) ACKNOWLEDGE GOD

2.) LIFT UP GOD’S HAND IN PRAISE


1. Acknowlegde God:-


The first thing to do is to acknowledge God. 


There is a wise saying that, “The person you acknowledge, you value; the person you value, you listen to his voice; the person you listen to his voice, you follow.”  


Before you launch properly into the boat of this year, it will be appropriate for you to acknowledge God, so that your journey through the year 2023 will be smooth.

   

If you look at the background scriptures, Judges 1:1-2, “After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands” (NIV) .


They acknowledged God as the anchor of their journeys and as the One who owns them. They asked Him who would lead the war against their enemies, because that was the custom of their previous leaders, Moses and Joshua. 


“Someone who leads you would determine your your success.”  


David Jeremiah stated that, “Many people make new year’s resolutions without relating to time management, but all such resolutions are hard to keep without the power and priorities of Christ surging.”


Acknowlegde God’s leading. Do not be led by your personal experiences, your intellect, wealth, or the opinions of others.


Currry R. Blake mentioned that, “Our problem is that, we’ve taken those personal experiences and made the standard or requirements to walk in the power of God.” 


Recognize God in all your ways this year, and you will have overflowing songs of praise in your heart to worship your God.


2. Lift Up God’s Hand in Praise:-


When the winner of any game or public competition is announced, his hand is raised to show everyone that he is the champion. 


After you have acknowledged God, you must elevate Him above everything in your life, including your difficulties. Many people fail at this point because they let their problems overwhelm them and fail to praise God. 


In Psalms 22, David cried to God in his anguish as if God was far away, but in verse 3 of that same chapter, he quickly called himself to order and stated, “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; You are the One Israel praises.” 


David continued to enumerate God’s acts in various ways throughout the rest of the verses of that scripture. 


As David did, you must come to your senses and make a decision. Lift God’s hand in praise by letting go of your low points. 


Maintain your position of hope by standing in faith and trusting that God will never fail you or change. Trust that God is now bringing forth a new chapter in your life!


In John 11: 41-42, Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus lifted the mighty hand of God in praise. If Jesus Christ could do it, you should cultivate this as a practice throughout the year.


CONCLUSION


Who will be leading you this year? 


Understand that the one who will lead you must be more powerful than the giant, raging storm, and every circumstance in your path.


The Lion of Judah is always ready to guide you through. He is Almighty, All-powerful, and All-knowing. He wants you to acknowledge Him and prioritize Him in everything.


Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (NIV). 


God has promised to provide you with everything you need to succeed on your journey, but you must let Judah (that is, praise) go first.


Judah is the replica of God’s presence that led Israel through the wilderness in both the Old and New Testaments. He came in person as the Savior. Give your life to Jesus and allow Him to guide you.

  

Sing the following Hymns prayerfully:


A.) Great is Thy Faithfulness.


Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

 

Refrain: “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed

Thy hand hath provided 

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!…


B.) Guide Me, O My Great Jehovah


Guide me, O my great Jehovah,

pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but you are mighty;

hold me with your powerful hand.

Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,

feed me now and evermore,

feed me now and evermore…


C.) He Leadeth Me


He leadeth me, O blessed thought!

O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!

Whate’er I do, where’er I be

Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.


Refrain:

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful foll’wer I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me….


Let Us pray:

  

1.) Lord, I thank You for Your plans and programs for me this year.


2.) Lord Jesus, I submit to Your leading, have Your way in my journey this year.


3.) My Lord and my Father, be my vision and wisdom at every confusing stage of my life’s journey.


REFERENCES


1. David Jeremiah, Turning Points Magazine and Devotional, “All The best!” ©2000-2023, vol.25.


2. Curry R. Blake, “Strength To Carry on.” © 2013 by Curry R. Blake. Christian Reality Books, Dallas TX 75374

1-888-293-6591.

 

3. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® 

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

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The Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ; The Hope of The World. – Dec 2022 Newsletter

Topic: The Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ; The Hope of The World.

Text: Isaiah 11:1-10; John 10:9-10

Introduction

The historic celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is being prepared for during this special season of advent. It runs from the last Sunday in November until the Sunday before Christmas. It also serves as the preparation for the second coming of Christ.
Many people are running up and down every day because the world has lost hope, and hope is the driving force that keeps people moving and striving.
Many things are embedded in hope, including peace, faith, joy, goodness, success, and whatever else you can think of as an accomplishment.
Rick Warren mentioned that, “Many people in our broken world ask why things don’t seem to go right so much of the time. They want to know, ‘Is there hope?’” (Rick Warren, Daily Hope 10/18/22).

Real hope, not simply optimism, is what you need.
Being optimistic is psychological; it’s a result of your thought process.
Hope is theological; it is based on your relationship with God and who He is as a person.

Optimism is a state of mind. Hope is a deep faith in Jesus Christ.
The two anchor scriptures describe God’s arrangement to provide humanity with hope. As a result, the points of discussion in this writing will go into greater depth.

1. HE CAME AS THE SAVIOR

2. HE CAME AS THE KING AND THE LORD

3. HE CAME AS THE JUDGE OF ALL

The above points are explained below:

1.) He came as the Savior:

It is obvious that Satan has held various types of people captive, ruled over their lives with the rod of severe punishments in his hand, and rendered people hopeless and helpless.
God was aware of this, and in mercy and compassion for mankind, He communicated through the prophet Isaiah that, “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.” (Isaiah 11:1 NLT).
David was regarded as the savior of his time. God brought the people back to the memory of who David was and how the Savior who was to come would come through his lineage to save his people.
Jesus Christ came as the Savior indeed and still the Savior of the world. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Jesus is here! The hope is here!! He is the Savior. He wants to save you now.

2.) He came as the King and the Lord:
The king wields the staff of authority over a territory and exercises command and judgment as he sees fit.

That is what Satan does to people when he gives them false blessings and prosperity in order to catch their attention. He wants everyone to see him as the lord.
As God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, He had a larger plan to govern His people and rescue them from Satanic authority. “And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:2 NLT).
God’s Spirit was placed in His Son, Jesus Christ, to reign as King and Lord over His people. The living hope is in the person with the higher authority.
Jesus Christ reigns mercifully over anyone who recognizes Him as King and Lord.
Rick Warren stated that, “Because of Jesus, God responds in mercy every time you mess up. And that can give you hope.” (Rick Warren, Daily Hope 10/18/22).
3.) He came as the Judge of all:
Satan is known as the accuser of brethren and the swift and unmerciful judge.
God shows mercy in His judgment. Though He is not pleased with the actions of disobedient people, He demonstrates love because of the people’s hopeless and helpless situation.
God revealed to the prophet Isaiah His intention for Jesus to come to His people. “He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited.The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.” (Isaiah 11: 3-4 NLT).
Jesus came to judge all the evil acts perpetrated on the people by satanic orchestrated forces. He came to replace the satanic verdict through curse with everlasting blessing through his blood.
Matthew 28:18 says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (NIV).
Conclusion.
There is no peace in the world, and it is filled with a variety of hopeless and cruel acts. Jesus Christ came to give the world hope and to put an end to Satan’s orchestrated acts.
Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. He is the Redeemer, the Savior, the Giver of life, the Lover of your soul, and the King of kings.
I will encourage you not to let this hour pass you by without being saved. Your soul is important to Jesus Christ, which is why He came to this world to give you hope of eternal life.

Complement of the season to you!
Let us pray.

1.) Lord Jesus, I thank You for coming to this word to save me.

2.) Lord, with mercy, deliver me from every unholy rulership in life.

3.) Jesus, dwell in me and rule over my life.

4.) My hope stands on You alone, Lord Jesus, help me.

5.) Jesus, guide me and let me hide myself in You. Amen.
John Aderogba for ROPMI team.

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