₦airaland Forum

Yesterday, we looked at how a relationship with Christ can drive depression away from a person’s life. However, once in a while, Christians also get depressed. A Christian may get depressed when life’s challenges make them lose sight of how great God is or how much He loves them.

I have experienced this before. I was already the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God then, and the Church was growing, but somehow, I felt the people I was pastoring did not care about me. I felt I was labouring in prayers and fasting for them, but they didn’t care, so I decided that I was going to resign as the General Overseer of the Church. With my decision made, I took a nap and when I woke, there was a young girl who had come to see me. She said God told her to come and give me a cake. I was so touched by that gesture that even though I don’t like cake so much, I ate that one. Then God said “I thought you said no one cared”. I realised that I had paid so much attention to appreciation from the people that I did not remember how much God cares for and loves me.

Now, when as a believer you are feeling depressed, what you need is to go deep into the presence of God because Psalm 16:11 says:
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of Joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

You cannot be engulfed in the presence of God and not feel His love and care for you; that love you feel will bring joy to your soul. How can you get into the presence of God? Simple. Through praise and worship. David said in Psalm 100:4 that with thanksgiving, you enter into the gates of God and with praises, you enter into His courtyard. When you praise and worship God for a long period of time, you will feel His presence come down, greatly and since in His presence there is fullness of joy, you will begin to feel a joy that is beyond understanding. That is why Isaiah 61:3 says a garment of praise will replace a spirit of heaviness:
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness….”
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

It would be hypocritical to act as if one cannot see how fast depression is taking over the minds of many people today. I want to let you know that there is a tested and sure way out of depression. Suicide is not a way out because that will only lead to hell, and believe me, the depression and suffering in hell is far worse than what obtains here on earth. Don’t go that route at all. Alcohol is also not a way out of depression. If anything, it makes matters worse because the repercussions of actions taken when under the influence of alcohol will lead to further depression. Food does not heal depression either. Many depressed people choose to ‘eat away their worries’. but unfortunately, food does not cure depression. At best, it would only make their stomach full so that they become so tried that they sleep off.

What a depressed fellow really needs is joy. You see, happiness depends on happenings, but joy comes from the Lord, irrespective of prevailing circumstances. Their first step to having joy is to become a believer in Christ. 1st Peter 1:8 says:
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”

When you become a born-again Christian, loving righteousness and hating iniquity, God will anoint you with the oil of gladness above your fellows (Hebrews 1:9). Joy is the fruit of the Spirit and a means by which a born-again Christian may be identified (Matthew 7:16)

Finally, depression thrives in silence. Speak out today if you are struggling with unhappiness. Seek counselling from a more matured Christian, preferably a pastor of the same gender in a bible-believing church. Also, as brethren in Christ, we all ought to consciously look out for one another, showing kindness and love at all times.

The Joy of the Lord will keep strengthening us all in the mighty name of Jesus.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

As Christians we must resist the urge to hastily take positions on both public and private issues without making proper findings. It is very easy to judge others, even more so now with the advent of social media.

Though a crime suspect is yet to be pronounced guilty by a competent court, a lot of people would have made conclusions already about him/her especially if the suspect’s appearance portrays him/her as a criminal. People are especially good at speaking out against things they find offensive. Sadly, their focus may be on the person, instead of the action.

In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus cautions us against judging others in a hypocritical way. We shouldn’t be habitually critical of others when we need correction as well. Only God’s judgements are flawless (John 8:15-16). Don’t be quick to condemn someone else’s actions. God is patient, but He would not overlook anyone’s disobedience (Romans 2:1-5). Don’t attack people; be a good example for others (Romans 14:13).

While believers are not to condemn others, we are however not to ignore or condone sin. There is a difference between the judgment in Matthew 7:2-5 and the righteous judgment that comes with discernment. John 7:24 says:
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement.”

If you see another believer falling into sin, you should confront the person in a respectful and loving way. Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus teaches us to judge sin, not the sinner.

The ultimate goal of confronting a believer who is backsliding is so the fellow can repent and abide. Thus, when we judge sin, let it be done in meekness with the goal of repentance and reconciliation. This is the will of God (Galatians 6:1).
Written by Pastor E.A Adeboye.

The wicked are people who do not know God and those who probably know Him but do not seek Him (Psalm 10:2-13). Their lifestyle shows that they don’t believe in the gospel of Christ and that they do not have any regard for God. On the other hand, there are saints – the people of God; those are the people who believe. Though they may suffer persecutions and afflictions for the Kingdom, they remain faithful children of God.

Paul assures the saints who have believed and remain steadfast even in their afflictions that God will grant them relief and their afflictions would come to an end in due course. Christ will be glorified in them, and they in Him (2nd Thessalonians 1:12). On the other hand, God will repay the persecutors with affliction; He will mete out justice. He says in 2nd Thessalonians 1:9 that the retribution will be:
“….everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”

The wicked would not cease to exist because of God’s final judgement, rather they would be deprived of being in God’s presence forever.

Daniel also declared:
“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Daniel 12:2

Jesus described the judgment thus “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: And those shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (Matthew 25:41-46). Revelation describes the fate of the wicked thus: “…and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

Beloved, a life without Christ is one full of crises – both when the fellow is alive, and even death. Too many people pay lip service to following Christ but actually do not in the real sense of it. Examine your life and choose to deny yourself and follow Christ daily to escape eternal damnation,
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

“In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;”
2nd Corinthians 11:26

As we see above, Apostle Paul enumerated the dangers he had encountered in the course of preaching the gospel and ‘perils’ among false brethren’ made the list. You must be wary of false brethren within your family, neighborhood, workplace and even in your local assembly.

In 1st Samuel 17:26-28, while David was making enquiries about the reward for slaying Goliath, his elder brother wanted him to go back to look after sheep. The elders say that if the household enemy cannot kill a person, neither can the external ones. David was already dreaming of how he was going to become a giant-killer but his brother wanted to silence him, just as Joseph’s brothers sought to kill his own dreams in Genesis 37:17-20. One would think that his brothers would have been interested in helping him become a great ruler as he had dreamed, after all, they would have been ‘the great ruler’s brothers’. Rather, they not only wanted his dreams to be aborted, they also wanted to kill him.

Don’t be fooled; not everyone smiling with you genuinely wishes you well, so be careful who you share your dreams with. Be like David and follow the counsel of God rather than those of men.

When I became the General Overseer of the RCCG there was a man I had considered to be a good friend as we had done some wonderful things together for God in the past, I went to visit him one day to discuss my new assignment as the General Overseer. When I got to his house, he drove me away, saying he had hated me since the day I came into the Church. I was shocked and really felt sad.

I pray that every wolf in sheep’s clothing around you shall be exposed and disgraced in the mighty name of Jesus.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

PRAYERS

1. Father, thank You for our elders. Thank You for giving them long life.

2. Father, let our elders never lack divine wisdom to counsel and guide the younger generation.

3. Father, please forgive our elders for whatsoever they might have done to displease or sin against You.

4. Father, let our elders enjoy divine health in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. Father, please send help to every elder who does not have someone to take care of him or her.

6. Father, let our elders serve You for the rest of their lives. Let them fulfil Your purpose for their lives.

7. Father, let us not disappoint our elders. Let us make them proud so they will have peace in their old age.

8. Father, let our elders finish strong. Let them make it to heaven when their time is up here on earth.

9. Father, let our elders not lack faithful successors who will be greater than they and would carry their legacy to the next generation.

10. Father, help me to be a blessing to the elders in my family, in the Church and in my community.

11. Mention the names of the elders in your family, church and community and pray for them specifically.

12. Any special prayer you wish for yourself and your elders.

I stand in agreement with you today and pray that the Lord will grant all your requests concerning our elders, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Faith is the bedrock of Christianity. Hebrews 11:6 says:
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh of God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

In Romans 10:9, we see the steps to salvation:
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Faith is the most important ingredient in the Christian walk. That’s why Paul said anything done outside faith is a sin (Romans 14:23). You may doubt if an action is a sin or not. You may have asked some spiritual leaders, yet still remain unsure. Romans 14:23 says once you are unsure if an action would amount to a sin or not, then you should choose not to do it. It says anything you do in doubt and not in faith is sin.

As a Christian, it is best to stay off that act that you are not sure about and let go of the benefit you may receive from it. It is better to deny yourself of earthly benefits than finding out at the judgement seat that such an act is a sin. That you have conflicting opinions alone is probably an indication that God wants you to beware of doing that thing.

There has been a lot of debate on whether wearing trouser or jewelry is a sin or not. Beloved sister, if God has instructed you not wear trousers for example, (maybe through your church doctrine, your parents or personally) and you go ahead to wear it, you are not doing it in faith because there will be that caution in your heart that you shouldn’t be wearing trousers; hence you are committing sin.

Be wise; if there is a conflict in your heart concerning anything, it is best to stop and steer clear of such. Only do things when you are sure they are not sins.

Written by Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Anger is so dangerous because it can destroy a lifetime of achievements within seconds. Ask Moses: a man who God spoke to face to face (Exodus 33:11), the one who led the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and also caused the Egyptian army to be destroyed in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:27,28). Many great miracles had happened through him and he was on the way to leading the children of Israel to the promised land, but anger ended his mission within seconds (Numbers 20:10-12).

Anger is a destiny-killer and that is why I am determined never to get angry again in my life. I was once asked to act the role of an angry man in a play. As hard as I tried, I just couldn’t do it because I had dealt with anger so much in my life. Once in a while, things happen around me that can get me angry but I ensure that I do not stop doing things that help me avoid anger.

Always be in control of your emotions. Anger has a way of making people say or do things they wouldn’t, normally. You need to be in control so anger does not take you in that direction. When people say “That is how I behave when I get angry”, it shows they don’t place great value on their destiny. If you let anger dictate how you behave, it will also dictate how far you go. Proverbs 25:28 says:
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”

You have control; use it!

When someone gets me angry, I sing choruses. As I sing, I am inviting the Holy Spirit to take control and since He is a gentle Spirit, once He comes in, the anger will go. At other times, you may just quietly leave a place to avoid getting angry.

Whatever you do, ensure anger does not control you.

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9

Don’t be a fool.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Today, there are diverse kinds of doctrines. It is not surprising because Jesus had warned that many false prophets would arise in the last days (Matthew 24:24). Apostle Paul also warned against these false ministers in 2nd Corinthians 11:14-15.

Erroneous doctrines on grace, tithing, same-sex marriage and many more have become common place in Christendom today. Usually, these false teachings sound very logical and are backed by a wrong interpretation of the Scripture. However, Christians who have the Holy Spirit in them can discern between sound and false doctrines. May you not be deceived in the mighty name of Jesus.

It is easy to fall prey to these teachers if you only want to serve God in pleasure and convenience. Imagine a fornicator who wants to repent, meeting a ‘Pastor’ who tells him that as along as he only commits the sin once in a while, the grace of God covers him. Such a Pastor would not mention the fact that in Matthew 5:28, Jesus said:

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

If such a person is not careful, he might find out too late that all fornicators, whether regular or occasional are going to hell.

Convenience or a semblance of the truth should never be your motivation for adopting a doctrine. 1st Corinthians 14:26 says that the purpose of doctrines is edification. They nourish your spirit man. Every godly doctrine must align with the word of God and you should be at peace when you practise it, if not, it is not a true doctrine of Christ.

While it is fine to learn from someone else’s perspective on God’s word, stop depending solely on other people’s interpretation. Read the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to interpret His word to you directly. There is no revelation more impactful than the one you receive first-hand from Christ Himself (1st John 2:27).
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Whenever you look down on a man, you are indirectly looking down on God. He is so in love with mankind that He said whatever you do to them is what you have done to Him.

“Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Matthew 25:40

You must be careful because you cannot simply tell who a person is from their looks. David looked like an ordinary teenager, but inside him was a giant killer. Goliath paid with his life for looking down on him. Inside some prisoners today are Presidents tomorrow; Joseph is a classic example.

Never look down on anyone because they could be the solution to your challenges. Naaman was very great. He had all he needed but he was leprous. The solution to his leprosy was in Israel, but he did not know until a slave girl told him. If you read the story carefully, you will note that when Naaman was storming off in anger from Elisha’s house, it was his servants who pleaded with him to obey the man of God. As a matter of fact, they referred to him as “father” (2nd Kings 5:13). Naaman listened to them and got his healing.

If he had been wicked to his servants, they wouldn’t have bothered to plead with him, neither would they have been able to call him “father”. The beggar on your street may be the one to help you when no one would be able to. The poor people living next door may provide information required to save you from an impending trouble. Do not look down on anyone.

Many Christians also feel so holy that they don’t want to relate with unbelievers. Yes, we are not to be equally yoked together with them (2nd Corinthians 6:14) but we are not called to be hostile to them either (Luke 6:35). God called us to love, not to hate and snub. There could not have been a more aggressive or harsh enemy of Jesus’ followers than Saul of Tarsus. Yet, once God showed Saul the light and truth, there was never a more devoted, enthusiastic or fearless disciple of Christ. Saul became the Apostle Paul. His life offers a wonderful example of how God sees beyond people’s current status to their potential.

We all have in our own lives Saul-like individuals with Paul-like potentials. Can you imagine how our families, our communities, and the world at large might change if we all tried to see each other as God does?
God hates a proud look (Proverbs 6:16-17).
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Many people treat those who work for them – Personal Assistant, house keeper, gate-man, gardener and others as though they were a lower breed of humans. That fellow who works for you is a human being, just like you. With God, there are no differences; you are only privileged to be the employer or supervisor while he/she serves you. When such people give their lives to Christ, there is rejoicing in Heaven just as there is when the president of a nation become born again.

Would you want your employer to treat you the same way you treat your domestic staff or some subordinates? You would like some respect in the office, why not give some to those who work for you? After all, they are in their respective offices too, no matter how low their cadre may be. Don’t insult or slap them, don’t make them eat your leftovers or sleep in the kitchen. Jesus said:
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
Luke 6:31

Most domestic staff and even some other junior employees who work with you have more access to information about you than many of the people you think highly of, hence can hurt or help you. Your house keeper has access to your food at any time and can put whatever he/she wants in it without your knowledge. Your gate-man can also decide who goes in and out of your house, so if he wants, he can let unwanted visitors in at night. Your driver practically has your life in his hands every time he takes you out. The worst you can do is to make them feel worthless and probably withhold their salary – an action God completely frowns against.

“At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee.”
Deuteronomy 24:15

The worst they can do to you has more far reaching consequences. This is why you must teach them the word of God and also be interested in their advancement in life. Look at them the way God does and He will bless you for it.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Scientists have established that there is no vacuum anywhere in the world. It is the same in the Spirit realm; wherever the Spirit of God is not present, an evil spirit takes a seat. This is why many people keep going for deliverance session – trying to get rid of the same demon over and over again. It is not that the demon did not leave the first time, only that, when it did, the delivered fellow did not invite the Spirit of God into his/her heart to dwell, hence the demon came back with a legion to take over the heart. Such people end up worse than they were before they went for the deliverance session.

“…See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” John 5:14

In the Bible verse above, when Jesus chased the disease-causing demon out of the life of the man at the pool of Bethesda, He warned him not to go back into sin, lest a demon with a worse disease enter into him. If you want total and permanent freedom from demons, you must keep your heart filled with the Holy Spirit.

Have you recently become free from the hold of pornography, alcohol, hard drugs, sexual immorality or cultism? This is the time to constantly read your Bible and pray, because if you just keep rejoicing in your freedom without growing in grace, you would soon find yourself back in your old ways, or even worse. This is why many return to their old addictions.

Deliverance ministers should also not leave a person alone after praying for him/her. There must be a proper follow-up to ensure the Spirit of the Lord is fully formed in such a person. Teach them to read their Bible daily, to pray and be a part of the fellowship. Follow-up is the real deliverance; it is what determines if all the efforts in getting a person delivered are worth it or not. It gives an assurance that you did not leave the person worse than you met him/her.

Never leave a vacuum for the devil to take advantage of. Welcome the Holy Spirit today.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

In assessing our offering, God looks at the motive of the giver. If anyone gives to God for the wrong reasons, He will not accept, let alone reward such giving.

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1

No matter how large, offering ill-gotten wealth to God can incur His wrath. God frowns at people who try to clear their guilt by tithing from stolen funds. He hates sin and anything given by a sinner. Proverbs 15:8 says:
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is His delight.”

God taught me a lesson on my way back from Ilorin, Nigeria where I had gone to preach some time ago. I had refilled my car unknowingly with adulterated fuel and it wouldn’t start. While a mechanic was trying to fix it, the Lord taught me a lesson from that experience. He told me “I can’t accept offerings from many people because their gifts are a mix of clean and unclean sources.” If you add money made from shady means to those from clean sources and then give to God, the dirty money in the mix will contaminate the entire offering and make it unacceptable.

God is displeased with any offering given grudgingly; He will reject such. However, He loves cheerful givers (2nd Corinthians 9:7). Sometimes ago, I was at a service in another denomination. While the programme lasted, I grew tired of the numerous offerings we were asked to give so much that when they called for another donation, I angrily dipped my hand in my pocket to give. Then God said “Keep your money, I am not a beggar.” I immediately realised my mistake, asked for forgiveness and cheered myself up internally before giving the offering.

Please God with your offering; give cheerfully.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

God doesn’t assess the quality of your gift by its actual value, but by the value you have left after the donation. In Luke 21:1-4, the rich dropped fat offerings in the basket, but none of them pleased God as much as the giver of the least – a poor widow. Jesus said she had “cast in all the living that she had.” You have not given your ‘widow’s mite’ until you have given all your living to God.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into you your bossom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
Luke 6:38

If you want a spectacular breakthrough, give a spectacular offering. God is interested in what you give Him; if He weren’t, He wouldn’t have been looking into the basket as people were giving in Luke 21. He is observing; if He finds your offering to be of good measure, a ground-breaking blessing will surely come your way.

Some people say they don’t give because they don’t have. Actually, they don’t have because they don’t give. If a poor widow could have had something to give, then everyone can. People remain poor because they hold back more than is necessary instead of sowing it (Proverbs 11:24). The Bible says He gives bread to the eater and seed to the sower. If you eat your seed when you should be a sower, how would you have bread when it is time to be an eater? Give your way out of poverty.

As God blesses you, increase your giving so that He can also increase His blessings. I once met a man who, rather than pay 10% of his income as tithe, paid 90%! He once challenged all of us at a conference to give our best offerings and that he would match it. He did! He constantly gave like that poor widow and God also continued to bless him in return.

You want a spectacular breakthrough? Give a spectacular offering.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

A Christian is not necessarily someone who follows a set of religious rules, but rather, someone who has a cordial relationship with Christ. A Christian behaves like Christ.

Christianity is about Christ who lives in you and not all about do’s and don’ts. Most people who see Christianity only from the viewpoint of rules and regulations are hypocrites. The Pharisees and Sadducees condemned Jesus for healing on a Sabbath. Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy when He asked if they would not go searching for any of their sheep that went missing on a Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6).

Rules and regulations are good, but they must never take the place of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Ghost in you that helps you live completely holy and not the rules. Adhering to rules does not make a sinner acceptable to Christ, it is only the willingness to surrender all that guarantees salvation. Your Christianity should be cantered on Christ’s love for you, His death, resurrection and promise of eternal life, not some rules to be followed.

For some people, they give pre-eminence to rules so they can earn the right to boast and arrogantly declare their ‘holiness’ forgetting that “ … we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6)

The best thing rules can give you is self-righteousness. Which can make one to be like the Pharisee who went to the temple to pray in Luke 18:10-12. However, justification By God can only come through God’s Spirit in you.

Legalistic people care more about how people see them than how God sees them. they are always looking out for who is breaking the rules so they can attack and even gossip about them (Luke 18:11). God does not want you to boast about your holiness because only through His Spirit can you live holy.
“Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Ephesians 2:9
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

“Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.”
Psalm 25:4

The word ‘way’ was used four times in Proverbs 25 verse 4, 8, 9 and 12) while ‘paths’ was used twice (verse 4 and 10). This indicates the importance of depending on God’s ways and having Him direct one’s paths.

As a Christians, we can know God’s way by immersing ourselves in His truth. David in Psalm 25:5 pleaded:
“Lead me in your truth, and teach me.”

God’s word is where His truth is found. It contains instructions on how to live a fulfilling Christian life. God’s precepts are not hidden; if only we would just read and apply them.

You cannot be a Christian and not study the word of God daily. Christianity is not the same as attending church services. If you don’t have a relationship with Christ, forested by reading His word and praying daily, then you are not Christ-like.

Children who are close to their parents usually know their parents’ ways. They can tell what food they like, how hot or cold they like their drinks and so on. They know what can make their parents angry and exactly what will make them glad. They know all this because of the constant association they have with their parents. Likewise, when you read your Bible and spend time with God regularly, you will get to know Him more and more daily.

If, on the other hand, you only read your Bible when a Pastor is on the altar, the best you can know of God is what he or she tells you, which would never be sufficient. Imagine someone having to tell you everything about your father – that is proof that you don’t know Him.

It is a huge privilege to know your Father’s ways. His ways are so distinct and learning them would distinguish you greatly in all you do (Isaiah 55:9). God will show you His ways through His word. Study His word diligently.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Some people keep returning to sin over and over, despite having asked Jesus to come into their lives. They wonder how others live above sin. The answer is sanctification. When a person is sanctified, he/she loses the taste for sin. The Bible describes it in Hebrews 1:9
“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

When a person is sanctified, sinful habits that used to excite him/her become irritating. As a result, the fellow is able to lead a life of holiness in Christ. Sanctification is the grace of God that helps man to live above sin. If you are still struggling with sin, then you need to be sanctified.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1st John 1:9

To be sanctified, you must first confess all your sins to God (1st John 1:9). You can also experience sanctification if you are an avid student of the word of God. John 17:17 says:
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

If you want to enjoy your Christian life; feed on the word of God. David said in Psalm 119:11:
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

The more of God’s word you study, the more sin will disgust you. If you are always studying your Bible, God’s word will begin to influence the way you see things and how you behave.

The word of God has a Spirit which gives life, and that life, being Jesus will enter into you as you study it daily. It is Jesus who makes it easy for you to live holy. Take up the challenge today and you will overcome sin, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Ever since Adam sold the liberty of man to the devil, everyone else who desired freedom has had to fight for it. Success in this fight however, is only guaranteed through prayer - engaging God to do what we cannot do on our own. It is the only way of dealing with destiny-threatening enemies whatever and whoever they are.

After Hezekiah received a letter from Sennacherib, he asked God for help and He obliged accordingly (Isaiah 37:14-20).

In 1 Samuel 17:45-51, after Goliath had cursed David (1st Samuel 17:43); the young man intelligently invited God – the greatest Ally, to the battle between him and Goliath and by extension, between Israel and the Philistines.

“…Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 1st Samuel 17:45

After the invitation, David became more than a match for Goliath. The devil was indeed the primary figure behind the attack against David – he didn’t want him to become the king of Israel.

We can learn from David. He was a successful warrior who relied on divine intervention in all life’s battles. In numerous Psalms, he promptly reported his real and potential enemies to God. Most famous is Psalm 35:1 where he wrote: “Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.” He knew he could not handle these enemies by himself. He was specific about what he wanted the Lord of hosts to do with his enemies (Psalm 6:10).

Beloved, are you faced with battles from destiny-threatening enemies? Hand the battles over to God – the Jehovah Nissi today. He will fight for you if you surrender all to Him (Isaiah 59:19).
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

It is one thing to be able to gather a harvest; it is another thing entirely to preserve it. It is sad that while the Church is making valiant efforts to gather plentiful harvests through evangelism, numerous outreaches and programmes, even less and less is being done to preserve the souls won for Christ. Many souls are won to Christ on a daily basis, but how many will eventually remain in the body of Christ as committed Christians?

In Matthew 9:27, Jesus laments the scarcity of people committed to keeping His harvest.
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;”
John 15:2

The parable of the talents teaches that the Lord expects every one of His children to diligently put their talents and special gifts into profitable use for the advancement of His kingdom. If you fail to be fruitful or productive, then you are guilty of receiving the grace of God in vain, becoming an unprofitable servant. I pray that you will never be guilty of being an unprofitable servant in the mighty name of Jesus.

Do everything within your power to be one of the few faithful labourers of the Lord Jesus today. Work very hard to win souls for Christ, and more importantly, preserve every harvest God brings your way through the work of other evangelists.

May you not be found guilty of receiving the grace of God in vain in the mighty name of Jesus.
Written by Pastor Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

When the leadership of the children of Israel was handed over to Joshua, he was really afraid. He knew it would take a lot of wisdom to resolve conflicts and deal with complaints among his people. He had also seen how they were faced with huge obstacles in the past – the Red Sea, lack of food and water in the wilderness, enemies coming against them and many more. Joshua was sure he would need a special anointing to overcome such obstacles if they came up again.

God however, knew that with fear in the heart of Joshua, he would not be able to lead the Israelite's to the Promised Land, so He had to remind him:
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua 1:9

Beloved, if you will succeed in your divine purpose and assignment, you must be strong and courageous, confident that God is with you at all times. Fear is a strategy of the devil to limit you; never allow it in your heart. No matter how great a task is, as long as God is with you, you have succeeded already.

The Israelite's were afraid of Goliath and would have been delivered into the hands of the Philistines, but for David’s godly confidence (1st Samuel 17:24). Despite the fact that David was young, the moment he stepped into the situation, everything changed. All God needed to deliver His people was courage, not necessarily skills, Your abilities are not sufficient to guarantee your success. God is however, more than enough to help you succeed. All He needs is your courage; not experience, connections or skills – Just courage.

Good courage is taking steps in the face of fear, difficulties and danger with the confidence that God is with you.

As you go about your various activities today, be strong and of a good courage. God is with you and you will definitely overcome, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

God loves commandos because a lot of His work can be done through them.

Christian commandos do not have to be monitored closely by their Pastors to achieve their deliverables. They are always hungry for even more. Paul was a commando. He knew his assignment was to spread the gospel around the world and he never relented. Even in dangerous situations, he still went about preaching (Acts 21:1-16)

How many souls have you won in the last six months? If missionaries in hostile environments still preach, even in the face of death, you don’t have any excuse not to preach the gospel to people around you.

Sometime ago, I was invited to preach outside Nigeria. I was talking with my host when he told me of a man called Cobra – a cultist who was also very rich and well-connected. He was indeed a terror in the land, so no one dared to confront him. The more he talked about Cobra, the more I wanted to preach to him. Eventually, I asked him to arrange for me to meet the man. My host was alarmed. He said “Sir he could kill you if you dare talk about Jesus to him.” However, I insisted on him setting up the meeting.

On the D-day, I met the Cobra and said “Sir, the Lord has sent me to tell you that your cup is full and He is about to bring judgment on you.” Within minutes, Cobra was on his knees. In the end, not only did I come out alive, I did so with a new soul won for my Lord.

Will you run away at the slightest threat or forge ahead to do whatever God ask of you?

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15

As for me and my household, we will be Commandos for Christ. What about you?
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Sometime ago in the American Army, a battalion was dropped behind enemy lines. Initially, it was believed that the enemies were not aware, however the enemies eventually surrounded the battalion. Once it became clear that the battalion would be defeated, the leader of the group phoned their headquarters for support saying “We are totally surrounded and outnumbered at least 100 to 1; send the Marines” Legend has it that the phrase "send the marines" was derived from this even. At that time, only three Marines were available for the assignment and they were all sent. They worked all night and created a path for the battalion to escape. While the battalion was moving, they saw thousands of dead enemies. The three commandos had killed them in just one night.

There are ordinary Christian soldiers and there are Christian commandos. As for me, I have determined not to be an ordinary soldier for Christ, I want to be a commando. What about you?

Commandos go through the most rigorous qualification training. That is why a commando for Christ can weather any storm. He is unshakeable. Job was a commando. No wonder he stood strong and even came out stronger in the face of adversity.

The true strength of a boxer is measured by the opponent he/she faces. Likewise, the strength of a true Christian soldier is known by the kind of opponents he/she has brought down. If an ordinary insult is enough to bring you down, then you are not yet ready to be a member of this select group in the army of Christ. If you are still finding ‘good’ excuses to commit sin, you are obviously not yet ready for the training, talk less of becoming a commando.

If you would be used of God, you must go through the training. Just as no one can join the army without being fit, God cannot use an untrained person. If you would be a commando for God, you must go through the most rigorous training. Surrender all and make yourself available today. Stay on the winning side.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

An army once went to war on an island. On seeing the size and strength of their opposition, they were afraid and sought their commander’s permission to retreat. In response, the commander burnt the ships that had brought them, declaring that there were only two options – fight or die. No going back. They fought, and in the end, won. This is how you should approach temptations. Burn the ship so there is no option of returning to sin. Fight your way into Heaven and you will win in the mighty name of Jesus.

Perhaps you have friends who entice you into sin; if they refuse to give their lives to Christ, cut them off immediately and completely. If you don’t, you would be leaving open a channel for the devil to get at you. If access to the internet will lure you back into the world, why not get a phone that is not internet-enabled or delete the applications that keep drawing you back to sin? Any channel through which the devil can get you is an evil agent; deal with it decisively.

“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
Matthew 5:29

Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife; he didn’t wait to resist or convince her into letting him be. He ran! He knew that if he stayed, he could fall, but if he ran out, she couldn’t follow him. Even if she did, nothing would have happened outside. If you stay in a room alone with your fiancé or fiancée, you are leaving wide open a channel for the devil to enter into your courtship; block all such channels from now.

If little drops of water keep falling into a tiny crack on a rock, sooner or later the rock would begin to break apart. Likewise, it is not wise to keep a channel of sin open, thinking you can continue to resist its lure. If indeed you don’t want to sin, block that channel.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

The devil is cunning, not wise. When he sees a Christian determined not to commit sin, he puts strategies in place to ensure such a one falls. He locates the person’s weakness. Then searches for a channel through which he can bring him/her down.

Once the devil discovered Moses’ weakness, he began to find ways to get him angry, so he could misbehave. He used Miriam but Moses overcome (Numbers 12:10-13); he also used the Israelites to get him angry by successfully tempting them to worship the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6). On Moses’ return from the mountain, he got so angry with the Israelites that he broke the tablets God had just given him (Exodus 32:19). The devil knew anger was Moses’ weakness so he continued using the Israelites to annoy him. At another time, Moses let the murmurings of the Israelites get to him again and he lost his temper terribly (Numbers 20:10-12). The devil had him in his hands.

Since the devil has made it a point of duty to discover and exploit the weakness of all Christians, what should we do?

Block every channel he would use to employ that weakness against you. The devil knows you can control what you see on the streets, so he might try another channel – your phone. If you allow lust to take over when provocation pictures pop up on your phone, the devil will rejoice in having found a channel to destroy you. He will then start to introduce more provocative pictures and even more sites to nurture the seed of lust he has planted. You won’t be a victim in the mighty name of Jesus.

Brother, the devil could attack you through the smile of a young lady when you are stressed. He could use provocation from your spouse to lure you to source money through shady means. Whatever that channel may be, cut it off completely or train your mind to ignore it. If Moses had blocked the channel of anger early enough, perhaps he would have overlooked the murmurings of the Israelites and reached the promised land.

You have the chance now, don’t become a victim. Block those channels!
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus entered into Simon’s boat and asked him to push a little from the land. Simon not only accepted but also allowed the Lord to preach from his boat for as long as He wanted. Afterwards, Jesus rewarded Simon by blessing him with the greatest catch he had ever had. God never ignores any good act. He always rewards, and He does so bountifully.
“And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9
Sometimes, it may appear that you are not getting rewards for your labour in the house of God. This may be because the coming reward is indeed very great and God is preparing you for it. Don’t lose hope. It will come at the right time if you keep working for God.

Joseph was honest and hardworking, yet he was thrown into prison. In the prison, he interpreted the chief butler’s dream yet for two years it appeared there was no reward coming (Genesis 40, 41). However, by the time God was going to bless him, the reward was great. He became the second in command to the most powerful man in the whole world at the time. That is what happens when you are not weary in well-doing.

God will reward every sacrifice – your time or money, in multiple folds. Hebrews 6:10 says
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

Only an unrighteous person will refuse to say ‘Thank you’ when something has been done for him/her, not God. He is not righteous.

Matthew 19:29 says anyone who sacrifices the comfort of family and home just to please and obey God will get a hundred-fold reward and also inherit everlasting life.

Do not be weary in well-doing, your reward is coming.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

God wants you to be involved in winning souls. That is why He did not take you to Heaven immediately after you became born again. Like Christ, your aim should be to “seek and to save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10). May God enable you to fulfil that Heavenly mandate in the mighty name of Jesus.

The world may regard great scholars, powerful rulers and rich business tycoons as wise; however, Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, says in Proverbs 11:30 that he that wins souls is wise.

“…and he that winneth souls is wise.”
Proverbs 11:30

If winning of souls is wisdom, then the refusal to win souls is definitely foolishness. If as a preacher you don’t win souls, you are in the category of the foolish. While you may never get on the pulpit, if your lifestyle makes a sinner accept Jesus, you are in the category of the wise. Everything you do must point people to Jesus.

You may be an usher, chorister or even a member of the prayer band; you are not wise until you engage in the best occupation on earth – to “seek and to save that which is lost.”

What is the wisdom in soul –winning?

While every human achievement and reward will be left behind when we leave this world, souls are everlasting; they will live forever in eternity. There is no occupation more noble than plucking souls from the path of hell and transporting them safely to Heaven.

Soul-winning glorifies God and guarantees you a great legacy. All of God’s creation glorify Him but none more so that a new creature made in the image of Christ.

It takes wisdom to win souls. So many things keep souls in the bondage of the devil – pride, lust, the pleasures of this world, unbelief and so on. It takes divine wisdom to be deliberate about leading others to Christ. May you receive grace to be wise, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

It is human nature to worry about personal welfare and that of our loved ones, but as Christians, this should not be our lifestyle because God has told us to be anxious about nothing (Philippians 4:6).

Fear reaches deep into our consciousness, making it very difficult to shake off. When anyone allows it, the door to stress becomes open, leading the way for many diseases, some of which can become fatal.

Luke 12:22-31 tells us how God wants us to live – worry-free. He wants us to rest in the knowledge that He is in charge.

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:”
Matthew 6:27-28

Can you answer the question above? Can you add one inch to your height by worrying? The answer is NO. If you cannot change the situation by worrying, why not put that energy into praying and getting rest from the presence of God?

I was only thirty-nine years old when I became the General Overseer of the RCCG. One day, while combing my hair, I noticed some grey strands and asked “Lord why am I having grey hair?” He replied “Are you not the one who is always worried about the Church? It is my Church; stop worrying.” From that day, I left everything in His hands. The grey strands of hair disappeared and the Church has been marching forward a lot faster than when I was worrying. My anxiety added nothing to the Church but my surrendering to God added everything.

Worrying magnifies the problem because what you focus on will always get bigger. From now, focus on God, on His omnipotent and very soon, you will see the end of that problem.

Nothing is too difficult for God to handle (Jeremiah 12:27). Turn over all your cares to Him today and He will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19).
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patient the race that is set before us,”
Hebrews 12:1

Hebrews 12:1 says we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. This means that the hosts of Heaven are constantly observing us and our actions on the earth. Sadly, when they look down, most of what they see is sin.

Yes, once in a while, these clouds of witnesses see one or two people who surrender their lives to Christ and the whole of Heaven erupts in joy because of this one fellow. This is why I use every opportunity to win souls to Christ; I want Heaven to rejoice always. What about you? When last did Heaven rejoice because you brought someone to Christ?

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
John 15:16

The statement Jesus made in the above verse is very logical. First, God loves soul winners – so whatever they ask, He will give. Imagine if someone who always makes you happy comes with a request. Even if the father of the house wants to say no, every other person will speak up for him and say “Daddy, we cannot say no to the request of this fellow, he is special to us in this family.” That is what happens when a soul winner prays. The whole of Heaven will cooperate to ensure that the prayer is answered because you are constantly making them rejoice.

When we gather for services, Heaven doesn’t rejoice over the great sermon, music, communion or giving, rather in souls won. Heaven will ask “Did anyone get saved?”

If you are saved, share the gospel to save others. If you are yet to surrender all to Christ, do so now and there would be great rejoicing in Heaven over you.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

The only reason you and I are still alive today is God’s mercy. Divine mercy is that important (Lamentations 3:22).

We can rejoice however, that God is very rich in mercy and as a matter of fact, He is the Father of mercies, He gives His mercy to us as a gift every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23, 2nd Corinthians 1:3).

His mercy guides you in your journey through life. In His mercy, you meet certain people who help you fulfil destiny; you also avoid certain people or actions that might lead you astray. It is by this same mercy I joined the RCCG.

I had wanted to travel abroad on a commonwealth scholarship. After passing the exams, we were tested on dining etiquette. As a boy bred in the village, I dipped the bread we were served into the stew and stuffed it in my mouth. That was the end. I stayed in Nigeria and became a lecturer at the University of Lagos. It was while I was there that I was introduced to the RCCG. It was pure mercy. Exodus 15:13 says:
“Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.”

God does not need permission from anyone to show you mercy. Romans 9:15 says:
“For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”

While others may struggle, He can promote you effortlessly. If you ever want to get results, His mercy is the most essential factor.

“But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
Genesis 39:21

Joseph enjoyed favour even in the prison because of God’s mercy. If you need anyone to favour you, seek God’s mercy first. He will grant you favour before them in the mighty name of Jesus.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

I have avoided sharing this for a long time so as not to be misunderstood: When you provide for a man/woman of God (in substance or service), you will never lack anything. By God’s grace, all my needs are supplied so there is no need to teach anything for selfish reasons.
In 2nd Kings 4, once the Shunamite woman knew Elish was a true man of God, she started to supply him with all he needed.

While you may have many teachers, you should have a particular Father-in-the-Lord you overwhelm with gifts or service. Doing this will ensure that the man of God takes up your case persistently with God.

It was Elisha who asked the Shunamite woman what she wanted. Although she claimed not to want anything, he pressed further. On discovering her childlessness, he prophesied that she would have a son and she did. Much later, when that son died, Elisha brought him back to life.

Elisha insisted on serving Elijah until the end, and his persistence eventually paid off as he got the double portion he had asked for. If you serve the man of God diligently, he would ensure you get whatever you want.

I like to say there are certain people in the RCCG who are not permitted to die yet. I remember one woman – very effective in missionary assignments who had been in an accident some years ago. It was so bad the foreign doctors kept saying she might not survive but I was so sure she was going nowhere. Today, she is still perfectly well and doing even more for God.

Another who has been instrumental in financing the work of God had a nightmare about death and wanted me to pray for him before he passed. I laughed and told him to relax. He said it was God who told him to put his house in order and I replied “Leave it between God and I; you are not going yet.” That was more than ten years ago and he is still bouncing in the Lord.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

As evident in 1 Samuel 2:27-36, when we go contrary to the will of God. He could decide not to fulfil His promises.

I have always known God’s promises to me and my Father-in-the-Lord concerning the RCCG, yet, I did not just relax believing that regardless of what I do, He will fulfil it. Has God made any promises to you? That doesn’t give you the liberty to misbehave. If you offend Him, He can still change His mind.

In the Bible, Samuel is one person who had seen God change His mind severally. First, as a child, He witnessed how God rejected Eli, destroying his family and legacy in one night. He also saw how God rejected Saul after having chosen him by Himself. He saw how God chose a small boy to be king and tormented Saul even while still on the throne. This made Samuel, in wisdom, decide never to offend God. His solid reputation is evident in his speech to the Israelites in 1st Samuel 12:3-4:
“Behold, here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man’s hand.”

Samuel knew that if God changes His mind about blessing anyone, the end of such would be worse than ever so he refrained from displeasing God.

Samson however, failed to play his part so he lost out on God’s promises over his life.

I plead with you today, if you are sure about God’s promises for you and His great plan for your life, do everything possible to avoid offending Him. indeed, ears have not heard and eyes have not seen the greatness of God’s plan for those who love Him (1st Corinthians 2:9). Don’t miss out on this.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Anyone who God is against is doomed already. However, I have good news for you: God can change His mind if the condition are right for Him to do so.

In Exodus 32:14, God was ready to destroy the Israelite's and start a new generation, but Moses was successful in his appeal. What was in Moses’ plea that made God change His mind?

First, Moses was pleading from the mountain. He had a special relationship with God. He was closer to God than the rest, he was a favourite. If you have incurred God’s wrath through sin, you stand a better chance of obtaining mercy by getting someone like Moses – with a higher level of anointing to plead on your behalf.

Secondly, Moses was not selfish in his plea. He was always particular about God’s name and reputation. When you put His interest first. He listens. Moses said:

“Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
Exodus 32:12

Finally, Moses ensured the people repented and forsook their sins. God cannot be fooled. After forgiveness, you cannot continue doing what brought His wrath on you in the first place.

Christian leaders, if any member of your flock is going astray, plead with God for such. If the fellow changes, you could discipline them before God does. God still punished the Israelites for transgressing despite not wiping them out. This is why erring workers in the Church are sometimes suspended – we don’t want God to mete out the punishment Himself. Man’s punishment cannot be as fearsome as God’s anger. It is true that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but God does not want the death of a sinner (Ezekiel 18:23). If you confess your sins, repent and forsake them, God is faithful and just to forgive you and spare you His wrath. Indeed, He will not reject a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.