PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS - Part 1

Lamshem International - Inter-ministerial Support
 (A message Aps Timothy Oluwajoba preached on 13/10/2019 at The Glory of God Temple  - The Wise Builders Church International, Nyanyano Road, Kasoa.)

It is good for anyone to desire to be successful in your life.  Success is not fixed but a process.

WHAT IS SUCCESS IN LIFE?
Some people spend their entire lives wondering how to be successful in life, but never figure it out.

The dictionary describes success as the following: “attaining wealth, prosperity and/or fame."

Your individual definition of what success is exactly may vary, but many might define it, as being fulfilled, happy, safe, healthy, and loved. It is the ability to reach your goals in life, whatever those goals may be.

We are surrounded by a materialistic culture and get to experience first-hand the kind of “happiness” it brings when we obtain a specific title or object. You may even feel it from time to time, like buying the new iPhone or basking in the scent of a fresh new car. It’s not necessarily bad to have these things, but many times, the reasons why we crave these things are a bit misconstrued.

The truth, however, is that success is ephemeral in all areas of life. The smell of the new car will fade. The new phone will be replaced — sooner, rather than later — by a more advanced, sleeker, lighter, and better one. Someone younger, stronger, or smarter will eventually come and beat your record.

WHAT IS THE REAL DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN LIFE?
Why are so many people unhappy with their progress in life? Why do some really rich people commit suicide despite all their achievements in life?

Success centres on attainment of God's set goal for an individual. What is the plan of God for your life?

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (AKJV+ Jer 29:11)

"Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (AKJV+ Jer 1:5)

THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF SUCCESS IN LIFE

1) HUMAN SUCCESS
What is Human success? It is based on human principles, traditions, norms or methods and cultures.

The cardinal evidence of human success is selfishness with no room for others and disregard for Christian values. It is characterized with lot of struggles, frustrations, resentment, and jealousy because you are always trying to catch up, which always result in fruitlessness. If you continued to chase after these false objects of happiness and success, what you would ultimately be doing is, running around in circles.

2) SATANIC SUCCESS
It is based on evil principles which is contrary to God's word. They pull people down in other to arise. They use diabolical means to attain success. The Bible says, "the thief comes to steal, to kill and to destroy." John 10:10 The plan of Satan for every human being is declared in above verse. What ever Satan gives you, he exchanges with your destiny and your life purpose. It's like building your castle in a sandy ground. It will eventually fall.

3) COVENANT OR DIVINE SUCCESS
This is based on God's principles and his word. It is totally driven by God's perfect will. The core objective for covenant success is the Kingdom Business. Covenant Success is established until your assignment is finished on earth. Sometimes the covenant success is slow but it's the best.

There is no fetch or herbalist that's not connected to Satan. Every Covenant Success can be traced to God. But the success you can't show to the public is satanic.

4) HOW DO YOU LOCATE YOUR SUCCESS?
Success is not a native of anyone or country. Don't think that you have to travel to any country before you can be successful.

Locating your success begins by knowing and understanding your divine assignment on earth. 

Every human being was created to solve a problem. Everything God created is a solution to a problem. 

The fact that you are born is an evidence there is a problem you are wired to solve. Your success in life lays in identifying the problems you are created/wired to solve.

I will continue with this important topic next time. I will like you to ponder on this, its not your chieftaincy or whatever titles that makes you successful in life. It's not the number of houses, flitch of cars, houses or the higher position that makes you successful in life. Its identifying your purpose on earth. I want you to know and understand that you are a solution to a problem on this earth.

Just locate that problem GBAM! You are the most successful person in the eyes of God.

May you be fulfilled today in Jesus name!

Aps Timothy Oluwajoba

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#principleofsuccess
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THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP - SACRIFICIAL LIFE

"And the king said to Araunah, No; but I will surely buy it of you at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God of that which does cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver." (AKJV+ 2Sam 24:24)

When David was instructed to offer burnt offerings where the Lord had stopped the pestilence, Araunah offered as an outright gift a threshing floor, oxen, and wood for the fire. But David insisted on buying these things. He would not offer to the Lord something that cost him nothing.

We know that it costs nothing to become a Christian, but we should also know that a life of genuine discipleship costs plenty. “A religion that costs nothing is worth nothing.”

Too often the extent of our commitment is determined by considerations of convenience, cost, and comfort. Yes, we’ll go to the prayer meeting if we aren’t tired or if we don’t have a headache. Yes, we’ll teach the Bible Class as long as it doesn’t conflict with a weekend in the mountains.

It makes us nervous to pray in public, to give a testimony, to preach the Gospel—therefore, we remain silent. We have no desire to help at the rescue mission for fear of picking up lice or fleas. We shut out any thought of the mission field because of a horror of snakes or spiders.

Our giving is too often a tip instead of a sacrifice. We give what we will never miss—unlike the widow who gave all. Our hospitality is determined by the measure of expense, inconvenience and mess to our homes—unlike the soul winner who said that every rug in his house has been stained by drunks throwing up on them. Our availability to people in need ceases when we lie down on our water bed—unlike the elder who was willing to be roused at any time in order to be of spiritual or material assistance.

"But you have profaned it, in that you say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible. You said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and you have snuffed at it, said the LORD of hosts; and you brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus you brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? said the LORD. But cursed be the deceiver, which has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices to the LORD a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, said the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen." (AKJV+ Mal 1:12-14)

Very often when the call of Christ comes to us, we are prone to ask ourselves, “What’s in it for me?” or “Will it pay?” The question is rather, “Is this an offering that really costs?” It has been well said, “It is better in the spiritual life that things should cost than that they should pay.”

"A son honors his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? said the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, that despise my name. And you say, Wherein have we despised your name?" (AKJV+ Mal 1:6)

When we think of what our redemption cost our Savior, it seems a poor return that we should hold back from cost and sacrifice for Him.

"Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)" (AKJV+ Phil 3:19)

CONCLUSION
My dearly beloved of God, it is time we review our spiritual activities before the LORD. With what mind am I give service to Him? The Bible says, ...out of the abundance of the heart comes the issues of life... Matt , Luk 6:45

 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (AV Gal 6:7-9)

Let us begin to take our relationship with God very serious. Cain fell short of divine acceptance of his sacrifice just because of the heart he gave the burnt offering to the LORD, while Abel gave his sacrificial burnt offering full of Thanksgiving, gratitude and appreciation.

When ever we bring an offering before the Lord, be it material, financial and ourselves. The state of our heart as at time time of offering is very important. May you receive more understanding in Jesus name.

God bless you as understand the value and privilege of being a true disciple indeed.

Watch the Short Story of Cain and Abel  attitude towards given Sacrificially.

Cain and Abel - Attitude to Giving Sacrificially

Aps Tim. Oluwajoba
#lamsheminternational
#costofdiscipleship
#attitudetogivingsacrificially
#timothyoluwajoba
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PROPHETIC BOMB

This Is For The  END Of SEPTEMBER!

EVERY STUBBORN ENEMY THAT WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO ENJOY THE GOODNESS OF GOD, SHALL PERISH AND DARKNESS SHALL OVERRUN THEM LIKE FLOOD IN JESUS NAME!

SOMEBODY SHOUT FIRE!!!!

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THE FATHER IS WAITING!

Many of us have fallen victims of being sent on an errand by our parents only to get carried away by other things and forget the message we were sent.

A boy was sent by his hungry father to urgently buy him food from a restaurant. On his way going, he was in hurry because of the urgency of the Assignment.

However, on his way back, he stumbled on where his mates were playing football. He  slowed down, began to watch, gradually slowing down until he finally stopped. He watched for a while and got carried away. He became interested, and indicated interest in playing, he was invited.

He left the food in care of some unknown person and entered the pitch. He forgot the Assignment completely and played his heart out.

He became the man of the game, scored goals, dribbled opponents, created chances, and changed the tide of the entire game.

When night came, the owner of the ball picked it up. It was time for everyone to go home; to go back to their parents, the game was over!

Everyone left, 'our friend' remembered for the first time that he was actually sent to buy food by an hungry father.

He went to where he kept the food, it was already eaten by goats, "but I kept this food with some persons here now", he lamented. But no one was there to answer him.

He picked up the plates, but was no longer happy. All the excitement of the game disappeared, the people clapping for him were all gone, the opponents he was struggling to beat were all gone, the ball itself was gone, time was gone too, those selling food were equally gone. He couldn't go to buy another food even if he had the money.

Regrets took over him; he sluggishly walked home with tears of sorrow and regrets hiding in the dark.

When people saw him, they queried why he was crying and hiding in the dark with empty plates!

HE LEFT WITH CLEAN PLATES FULL OF EXCITEMENT, BUT RETURNED WITH SAME EMPTY PLATES, NOW STAINED AND FULL OF REGRETS.

When passersby asked him, "Why can't you go home?" He replied, "My father will beat me." He realized the implications of a wasted time. So sad, so late.

Food for thought; We have a Home and a Father to return to after Leaving here on earth.

Don't be distracted from your mission; don't rejoice when people clap for you while doing the wrong things. They will be gone when the game is over, and you will have to face your Father all alone to give account.

Avoid Distractions, avoid a wasted life. We are sent here for an assignment, the Father is waiting..., when the night comes, the game will be over, and the owner of the ball will pick it and go, the crowd that clapped for you will disappear. We'll be left alone to go back and give account of how we spent our life.```

...

COMPLETE SAFETY IN CHRIST

And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders. (Deuteronomy 33:12)

Yes, there is no safety like that which comes of dwelling near to God. For His best beloved the Lord can find no surer or safer place. O Lord, let me always abide under Thy shadow, close to Thy wounded side. Nearer and nearer would I come to Thee, my Lord; and when once specially near Thee, I would abide there forever.


27 The eternal God [is your] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms. And He shall throw the enemy out from before you, and shall say, Destroy!
28 And Israel shall dwell in safety alone; the fountain of Jacob in a land of grain and wine; and his heavens shall drop down dew.
29 Blessed [are] you, O Israel! Who [is] like you, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and who [is] the sword of your excellency! And your enemies shall be found liars to you, and you shall tread on their high places. - Deut 33:27-29

What a covering is that which the Lord gives to His chosen! Not a fair roof shall cover him, nor a bomb-proof casement, nor even an angel’s wing, but Jehovah Himself. Nothing can come at us when we are thus covered. This covering the Lord will grant us all the day long, however long the day. Lord, let me abide this day consciously beneath this canopy of love, this pavilion of sovereign power.

Does the third clause mean that the Lord in His temple would dwell among the mountains of Benjamin or that the Lord would be where Benjamin’s burden should be placed, or does it mean that we are borne upon the shoulders of the Eternal? In any case, the Lord is the support and strength of His saints. Lord, let me ever enjoy Thy help, and then my arms will be sufficient for me.

"For I will defend this city to save it, for My own sake and for My servant David's sake." (MKJV Isa 37:35)

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall rest [under] the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, my refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him I will trust." (MKJV Ps 91:1-2)

"And you are complete in Him, who is the Head of all principality and power," (MKJV Col 2:10)

PRAYERS:
May the Lord Almighty be your protector. May you and your entire household be under the canopy of His divine refuge and fortress. May the Lord be your defence and safety. May He be your guide and may you be hidden in his Holy Secret Pavilion in Jesus name! May you be graced to put your total trust in Him, who is the head of all principality and power both in heavenlies, on earth and underneath the earth, through His previous Blood, in Jesus mighty name!

God bless you, in Jesus name!

Aps Tim. Oluwajoba
Lamshem International
https://lamshem.blogspot.com

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PRAYER OF PROPHETIC DECLARATION

May the Lord, give you the ability that is equal to your opportunity.  May He empower you to pluck the seed of success. May you be empowered to reach your goals today and throughout this year in Jesus name. May the Lord give you sufficient days to reach your goals. May your words be guided and may they bear good fruits in the mighty name of Jesus. May the Lord give you divine alertness to recognize divine opportunities as they appear in your life in Jesus might name! Amen! 

Aps Tim Oluwajoba

https://lamshem.blogspot.com

DISCOVER AND FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE - Series V

Continuation from the previous topic!

"To every thing [there is] a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens:" (MKJV Eccl 3:1)

"Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man [is] great on him." (MKJV Eccl 8:6)

"And God blessed them and told them, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it; you are masters of the fish and birds and all the animals." (TLB Gen 1:28)

Introduction
Our purpose in life is the very meaning of our existence and without knowing this we often suffer ignorant of our own significance. We fall prey to the illusion that our lives don't matter and we have no connection or impact on the world around us. The Bible offers many insights into man's purpose on Earth and living within a meaningful mission.

2. God placed Adam in the Eastern part of Garden of Eden. He was placed in his location! Your purpose determines the location assigned to you to function. When a King locate his (kingdom) Dominion, he is enthroned with authority and power in his located territory.

"Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, to the east, and placed in the garden the man he had formed." (TLB Gen 2:8)

Adam was specifically located, not just any place in Eden but in the garden at the East of Eden; not the West, nor South, nor the North, for his life assignment.

"His dominion extended over all the kingdoms west of the Euphrates River, from Tiphsah to Gaza. And there was peace throughout the land." (TLB 1Kin 4:24)

Pharaoh gave Joseph his area of jurisdiction to function. "And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." (MKJV Gen 41:41)

For every man of purpose (divine assignment) has a geographical place of primary assignment, scope and sphere of influence. Your purpose cannot be carried out in a vacuum.

3. When you know your purpose and the your geographical location where you have been assigned to function effectively, God had allocated to everyone his or her resource to fulfill his purpose on Earth. Your purpose attracts divine provisions and benefactors.

"A river from the land of Eden flowed through the garden to water it; afterwards the river divided into four branches. One of these was named the Pishon; it winds across the entire length of the land of Havilah, where nuggets of pure gold are found, also beautiful bdellium and even lapis lazuli. The second branch is called the Gihon, crossing the entire length of the land of Cush. The third branch is the Tigris, which flows to the east of the city of Asher. And the fourth is the Euphrates." (TLB Gen 2:10-14)

Adam was purposed to tend and keep the garden of Eden, however, all that he needed to have a successful outing at the job were provided, which included food a river which parted into found river heads that lead to great natural resources such as good, bdellium, onyx stone etc.

A) When you identify your purpose and you locate your sphere of influence, abundance of divine resources are channeled unto your location.

1) Heavenly Resources Assigned to you
2) Your table will not lack food, even in famine. 1kings 17:1-16, 1kgs 19:5-8
3) Those that have been predestined to help you to fulfill your Purpose or assignment on Earth, will appear to you at the appropriate time and period. Sometimes I always make this declaration: "Lord let me be at the right place, at the right time, meeting the right people to glorify your name!" Is a wonderful and effective declaration. Luke 8:2-3, Matt 2:11. The purpose of Jesus attracted the wise men and later in ministry some women that brought resources needed for his earthly ministry. Your provision is in your purpose.
4) Angels are assigned to minister to your needs. Angels ministered to Elijah in 1kgs 19:5-8

Prayer

DISCOVER AND FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE - Series IV

"To every thing [there is] a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens:" (MKJV Eccl 3:1)
"Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man [is] great on him." (MKJV Eccl 8:6)

A mystery is a strange event. It is an unexplained or inexplicable phenomenon. it is an occurrence that bests human mental capacity or understanding. Mysteries occur in many spheres of life, until the human understanding gets the better of them by research or by divine revelation.

Mysteries are riddles. They defy logical explanations. They are occurrences that do not submit to natural laws. Man has no option than to submit helplessly in the face of a mystery.

WHAT IS PURPOSE?
It is the reason for existence, the use of a thing or a product is intended for. The goal or intended outcome of something i.e. the desired effect something is meant to achieve. It means the problem you are born to solve. The needs you are created, wired, equipped and fashioned to meet.

1. One of the purpose of Adam on Earth is to cultivate the earth.
"There were no plants or grain sprouting up across the earth at first, for the Lord God hadn't sent any rain; NOR WAS THERE ANYONE TO FARM THE SOIL." (TLB Gen 2:5)

In the garden of Eden, God gave Adam a reason for living (Purpose). He was given specification of purpose; 

A) To tend and to care for all the creations of God on earth.
"The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden as its gardener, to tend and care for it." (TLB Gen 2:15)

The day God revealed my purpose of life to me from the Bible scriptures, my life has taken a dramatic turn and understanding. It was located in (MKJV 1Cor 3:6)  "I have planted, APOLLOS WATERED, but God gave the increase."

The Bible says, Jesus was handed the book of Isaiah and he located where it was written, about Him and read it loud to the congregation present, "The Spirit of [the] Lord [is] on Me; because of this He has anointed Me to proclaim the Gospel to [the] poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, and new sight to [the blind, to set at liberty those having been crushed, to proclaim the acceptable year of [the] Lord." (MKJV Luk 4:18-19)

B) When your purpose is known, authority and power to prosper is established.
"So the Lord God formed from the soil every kind of animal and bird, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever he called them, that was their name. But still there was no proper helper for the man." (TLB Gen 2:19-20)

"And God blessed them and told them, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it; you are masters of the fish and birds and all the animals." (TLB Gen 1:28)

To be continued

PRAYER
It is my prayer to you my dearly beloved, that as you discover your purpose in life, as you find your location and there your allocation of resources for your life, are placed without struggling... In Jesus name.

- Aps Timothy Oluwajoba
Lamshem International
https://lamshem.blogspot.com

WHY GOOD PEOPLE OFTEN GO THROUGH BAD TIMES

• A hungry boy sat on a river bank looking longingly across to the other side.  A canoeist paddling by asked why he looked so sad.  The boy explained how hungry he and his family were and how he could see this tree laden with fruit on the other side of the river but his father had forbidden him to ever cross.

The canoeist assured the boy his father was just being over-protective because he didn’t want his son to drown.   Wishing to be helpful, the canoeist then suggested the boy hop into his canoe so he could paddle him safely to the other side to pick the fruit and then row him back again.  He reassured the boy that his father would be so pleased when he saw the food to feed his hungry family.

The boy eagerly jumped aboard.  Soon he was safely on the other bank climbing the tree and picking fruit.  As the canoeist watched the grateful boy pick the fruit, a grin spread from ear to ear – he was happy to have done such a good deed.  Moments later, however, his grin disappeared when he saw a lion leap into the tree and devour the boy in a single gulp.

We can find it very difficult to understand the reasons why good people often go through bad times.  Why does God permit or withhold certain things that seem completely unfair or unreasonable?    We must remember, God has a reason for everything and often that reason is not made clear to us.

Understanding this, we must resist the urge to rush in with our good intentions. This is not to say we do nothing, but before we take action, have we considered what God is trying to do in that person’s life.  Is our well-meaning intentions going to rob that person of an opportunity to grow spiritually; or worse, put them in a lion’s den.

As Christians, our intercessory prayer and service are designed to help the spiritual advancement of others – never to hinder them.    If we are ever in doubt whether or not our good deeds will have dire consequences, we should do what the well-meaning canoeist should have done – consult the Father before he acted. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8.

WE ARE CARETAKERS!

1. Who Is A Caretaker? 

A caretaker is someone employed to look after, administer and

protect the property belonging to another.

 God is the sovereign Creator of all things – everything belongs to Him.  Most of us like to think our property belongs to us – that’s why we find it difficult (and even rebel at the idea) that we own nothing.  The Bible states in Job 1:21: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there.

2. What Are We To Take Care? 

The truth is our property, our time, our talents, our health, our

spouse, our children and even ourselves belong to God (We were bought at a price: 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23).  We are simply caretakers of all we possess.  We are employed by God to look after, administer and protect that which He has entrusted to our care. "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give

them meat in due season?" Anything we acquire in this life is simply on loan. 

Luk 19:12-13: "He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come." 

3. How Well Are We Administering Those Things Given To Us? 

So, what sort of caretaker do we make? Do people and property

prosper under our care?  How are we using our God given time, health, talents and possessions?  If we suddenly lose them like Job, can we say: ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.' Mat 24:45

4. What Is The Reward For Our Faithfulness? 

If we are a faithful caretaker of God’s possessions in this life, He has

promised in Matthew 25:21, 23:‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. 

 Mat 24:46-51: "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing. Truly I say to you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 

A. REWARDS FOR THE OVERCOMERS

1. They will eat to the tree of life – Revelations 2:7
2. They will not partake in the second death - Rev 2:11
3. They will eat of the hidden manna and have a white stone with a new name written on it- Rev. 2:17.
4. They will have power over nations - Rev 2:26
5. They shall be clothed in white raiment - Rev 3:5a.
6. Their names will not be blotted out of the book of life - Rev. 3:5b
7. Jesus will confess them before God the Father and His angels - Rev 3:5c
8. They will be pillars in the temple of God and will bear Jesus name - Revelation 3:12.
9. They will seat with the Lord Jesus on His throne - Rev. 21:3.

B. SOME CROWNS FOR THE SAINTS

1. Crown of life for those who are faithful unto death - Rev. 2:10.
2. Crown of glory for elders/pastors who feed the flock – 1Peter 5:14
3. Crown of righteousness for those who fought the good fight and finished their course and kept the faith -2Timothy 4:7-8
4. Crown rejoicing for those who have suffered for Jesus and remain steadfast – 1Thes 2:19.
5. Incorruptible crown for those who are temperate in all things 1Cor 9:24-25.

C. OTHER TYPES OF REWARDS

1. Apart from crowns and leadership positions in His Kingdom as kings and priests, the believer will also be privileged to:
   
2. Reign with Christ - Romans 8:17-18.
3. Behold His face - Psalm 17:15, Revelations 22:4.
4. Inherit all things - Revelations 21:7
5. Shine as a star – Daniel 12:3.
6. Be a pillar in the temple of God – Revelations 3:12.
7. Have access to the tree of life – Revelations 22:1-5, Rev. 22:14

A faithful Caretaker is consistent with what has been placed in his

possession, shall be BLESSED and MADE TO RULE OVER MANY OTHER THINGS. 

5. What Is The Reward Of Unfaithfulness?

" ... But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Mat 24:48-51

Prayers

1. Thank God for giving you grace to trade with the gifts or talents given according to your abilities.
2. Ask God to forgive you of any sin of making your giftings or talents dormant.
3. Ask God to make you his faithful friend, in prayers, Bible studies and other Christian commitments.
4. Pray that he will lead you daily to do his perfect will. 
5. Pray for divine Empowerment to do exploits for the kingdom of God. 

I pray for divine understanding and revelation to come upon your life in Jesus name.

God bless you in Jesus name 

Aps Tim Oluwajoba

CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL TRAINER

A personal trainer is someone who teaches and motivates others for the purpose of their physical advancement.  A good trainer motivates their clients to exercise daily and develop good eating habits. They understand people have varying levels of fitness and ability so they tailor-make a routine for each individual.

When the client has transformed from FAT to FIT, friends often want to know who their personal trainer is so they too can benefit.

We seldom consider the role of the Holy Spirit (the third Person of the Trinity).  He is our ‘Personal-Spiritual-Trainer’.  He has full knowledge about us and knows exactly what we need to build spiritual muscle. He motivates us when we lack motivation. He persistently whispers in our ear (the still small voice of our conscience) and inspires us to push ourselves.  He encourages us to have a balanced spiritual diet (Biblical Truths) and discourages us from junk food (sin).   At times He allows difficult circumstances and frustrating people to enter our lives so we can build spiritual muscle (but has promised to never test us beyond what we can handle).  He also understands the need for rest and will organise pleasant circumstances and inspiring people to encourage us to new levels of maturity.  He is the Perfect Spiritual-Trainer and is at our call 24/7. 

But here’s the problem: trainers can only help those that come to them with a real desire to improve themselves. We would be wise to employ our Holy-Spiritual-Trainer; not only will we eternally benefit, but furthermore strong-healthy spiritual students always bring glory to their Trainer.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26.

Have a Holy Spirit inspired day

Aps Tim. Oluwajoba 

COLOURS OF HEAVEN

How can we describe colour to the blind or sound to the deaf?  These things must be experienced for true appreciation.  To those who are blind or deaf, colour and sound remain an academic concept.   However, there are operations that enable a percentage of blind to see and deaf to hear.

Heaven is beyond our frame of reference.  We are both blind and deaf to understanding the realities of ‘Eternity’.  The Bible states very little of what Heaven is like.  It says more of what is not there: no more tears, sickness, pain, sorrow, death... (Revelations 21:4). We can’t possibly imagine a place without these things. 

In the Bible, God wastes little time describing a place we humans cannot comprehend (John 3:12).  How can the inexpressible be explained to finite beings that have neither the senses nor capacity to understand? However, one day we will understand; all it takes is a terminal operation – death.  For those who believed in Jesus Christ this operation has a 100% success rate – resurrection, (John 14:2-3). 

It is natural to be nervous about death; no one likes the thought of an operation, but we should keep our mind on the glorious outcome: resurrection and the gaining of new senses in order to appreciate all the wonders of Heaven.  For those in Christ, it will be a time of great celebration and amazing revelation.

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2: 9.  

The Spiritual Heart of Man - Series 1

This Evangelistic material originated in France in 1732, was revised and ire-written for the mission fields of Africa by Rev. J. R. Gschwend in 1929, and has subsequently been translated and printed under copyright in over 250 indigenous languages by All Nations Gospel Publishers who are distributing it today in 127 mission countries.

People of all languages, classes and religions are being led by this Evangelistic material, to experience the deep spiritual truth and significance of God's message to mankind as expressed by the Prophetv Ezekiel 586 years before Christ, "I will give you an new heart and a new mind ... then you will be my people, and I will be your God!" Ezekiel 36:26-28.

THE TEMPLE OF GOD OR THE WORKSHOP OF SATAN

"Everyone who is a sinner goes against the law, for sin is going against the law. And you have knowledge that he came to take away sin: and in him there is no sin. Anyone who is in him does no sin; anyone who is a sinner has not seen him and has no knowledge of him. 

My little children, let no man take you out of the true way: he who does righteousness is upright, even as he is upright; The sinner is a child of the Evil One; for the Evil One has been a sinner from the first. And the Son of God was seen on earth so that he might put an end to the works of the Evil One. Anyone who is a child of God does no sin, because he still has God's seed in him; he is not able to be a sinner, because God is his Father. In this way it is clear who are the children of God and who are the children of the Evil One; anyone who does not do righteousness or who has no love for his brother, is not a child of God." (BBE 1Jn 3:4-10)

As we go through this series of the Heart of Man, please bear in mind that it is like a mirror in which you will be able to see yourself. Whether you are a heathen or a Christian, one who does not believe in Christ or a backslider, you will see yourself as God sees you. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7). God sees us as we really are.

Satan is the father of all lies. He is the prince of darkness and god of this world, who disguises himself as an angel of light to lead men and women the wrong way. In these days, as in times past, there are many false apostles who disguise themselves, pretending to be apostles of Christ.

And no wonder, for Satan himself is transformed (disguised) into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:13, 14). Satan, the god of this world, keeps people in the dark so that they cannot see that God loves them or that Jesus died to save them (2 Cor. 4:4). All sinners and those who do not believe are spiritually dead and blind concerning God.

They are ruled by the evil of this world (Eph. 2:1-2). Unless their eyes are opened in some way to their lost condition, they are heading for eternal destruction.

The person who says, "I have never sinned" is deceiving himself. For "The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the devil had done" (1 John 3:8). "So then, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you" (James 4:7, 8).

As we go through these series of the Heart of Man and as we study its pictures, you will be able to see your own heart. Allow God's searchlight to show you the condition of your heart. Acknowledge your sins and do not deny their existence, for God's Word tells us that "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, He will keep His promise and do what is right: He will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrong doing" (1 John 1:1-10). "The blood of JESUS, His Son, purifies us from every sin."

You are ruled either by Satan or by God; you are a slave to sin or a servant of God. If sin controls your life, do not deny it, but cry out to God. He will set you free through Jesus Christ who came to this world to save sinners, to break the power of Satan and sin over us, He is our Saviour. You are in the presence of a holy God who knows all the secrets, the hidden thoughts and actions of your life. It is impossible to hide yourself and actions from God, for "God made our ears - can't He hear? He made our eyes - can't He see?" (Ps. 94:9).

"The Lord keeps close watch over the whole world, to give strength to those whose hearts are loyal to Him" (2 Chron. 16:9). "He watches every step men take. There is no darkness dark enough to hide a sinner from God" (Job 34:21, 22). 

"But Jesus did not trust Himself to them, because He knew them all" (John 2:24).

Therefore "happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. Happy is the man whom the Lord does not accuse of doing wrong and who is free from all deceit" (Matt. 11:28-30).

HELL - THE ABSENCE OF GOD'S LOVE

The absence of water makes a desert.  The absence of land makes an ocean.  The absence of warmth makes the polar caps.  The absence of light makes darkness.  The absence of God's provision makes Hell.

Hell, for want of a better word, is simply a place where God’s abundant providence is absent.  In life, God sustains us with oxygen, gravity, water, sunshine and all the universal laws of order - even when we make it quite clear that we want nothing to do with Him.  

However, there will come a day (death) when God must respect our decision to live apart from Him - His perfection demands it.  On that day He may say to those who rejected salvation, ‘It saddens Me that you have refused all My gracious offers of salvation and shown on all occasions that you want nothing to do with Me.

I must respect your decision (free-will) and leave you in a place that has been set aside where my provision shall be absent, where I will not sustain the environment or the universal laws of order, where My light will be nowhere to be seen and where you are beyond the reach of My comfort.  It is a place where I shall respect your wish and remain absent from you for eternity.’ (2 Thessalonians 1:9)

It is foolish to say we don’t need God in our lives.  Hell is the void created when God’s providence is absent.  It is a place of absolute darkness, chaos and everlasting discomfort.  

Let us not eternally regret being separated from God when Heaven is simply ours for the asking. The Bible clearly states: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ), that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).

"And if anyone's name was not in the book of life, he went down into the sea of fire."

(BBE Rev 20:15)

"He who overcomes will have these things for his heritage; and I will be his God, and he will be my son. But those who are full of fear and without faith, the unclean and takers of life, those who do the sins of the flesh, and those who make use of evil powers or who give worship to images, and all those who are false, will have their part in the sea of ever-burning fire which is the second death."

(BBE Rev 21:7-8)...