Author: kkdvh

Objective: Self-appraisal of your divine productivity or work with God.
Question: What does it mean to be busy?
– Having a great deal to do.
– Keeping oneself occupied.
– Running up and down doing things not profitable.
– Full of activity.
Can I ask a question? If you have a lot to do or you keep yourself occupied by one
thing or the other, does that translate to a yield, answer, result, profit or
productivity? – No.
So, are we right to say we can be busy doing one thing or the other but that thing
does not necessarily bring profit or result?
Example:
– We can be busy coming to church every time without profiting the church or
ourselves.
– A big tree that doesn’t yield fruits can be said to be busy occupying space. Is
that right? No preaching, no soul, no character change, no attraction to people.

Question: What does it mean to be fruitful?
 Producing much fruit, fertile.
 Producing good or helpful results i.e. productive.
 Producing many offspring i.e. children.
E.g. We can then say a tree that has fruits on it is fruitful, right? – Yes, because we
can see the results which is fruits.

So, that means to be fruitful we must see tangible results; evidence, produce.
We want to all appraise ourselves today both spiritually and physically. Have we
been just running around or have we been productive with our lives?
– Most times we spend our day running back and forth:
  Phone calls.
  WhatsApp.
  Instagram.
  Facebook.
  Replying or sending emails.
  Returning calls.
And before you know it, the day is gone and nothing has been done on your to do
list for the day. yet you have a lot- What do you call a day like that? Busy or
fruitful?
Remember we said fruitfulness is known by results, so if you will get any results in
life, it will not be by accident.
Fruitfulness is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent
planning and focused effort.
So, we can say:
Busyness is as a result of lack of intelligent planning. There wouldn’t be
commitment or focused effort because nothing was planned.
Note – Ask yourself:
– What task are you doing daily?
– Is it meaningful or meaningless?
– How much time is it consuming?
– What profit do you get from all the time you invest?

If you are not careful you can be wasting a lot of time on meaningless tasks.
Remember – time na money.
When busy:

• You can accomplish little.
• You overload yourself with unprofitable deeds.
• Leading to you not being able to do your main task.
• Affects your credibility.

How can we solve the issue of busyness?
1) Slow down your brain.
2) Take stock of your activities.
3) Be brutally honest with yourself about your ways.
4) Try and understand the difference between what is urgent and what is
important.
Dwight D. Eisenhower (former president of the United States) devised
“Eisenhower’s decision matrix.”
He said that “what is important is seldom urgent. What is urgent is seldom
important.”

• He said most people fall into the trap of believing that all urgent activities are
  also important, thereby unable to accurately see and assess our priorities.
  Stephen Covey’s- In his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” he
  refined Eisenhower’s decision matrix into 4 quadrants. (I recommend we read).
  Quadrant 1
  – Tasks that are both urgent and important requires immediate attention.

Quadrant 2
– Tasks without deadlines that help you achieve your goals. Centers around
relationship building.

Quadrant 3
– Urgent and not important tasks.
– Tasks require action now.

Quadrant 4
– Tasks that are neither urgent nor important.
– Tasks do not assist you in achieving your short or long-term goals
– e.g. surfing web, Television, social media.

Spiritually
The Bible says when we return to Jesus, we want to hear “Well done, my faithful
servant.”
Question is: What are you supposed to be doing for Jesus, such that you will hear
that?

• You need to know why God created you. It’s in knowing it that you will be
  able to figure out what you ought to be doing.
  – The Bible says He has given all of us talents according to our abilities,
  some 5, 2, 1. How are you using yours?
  – Have you been busy struggling with someone else’s job? Or have you been
  diligently using your talent so that even you see results?

Question: What am I called to do?
 Writer.
 Singer.
 Preacher.
 Teacher.
 Encourager.
 Do you render help?
 How many souls have you won?
– Am I slothful in doing it or tenacious about it?

• Some people would say “I don’t know what I am called to do.” if you haven’t
  found out, then start doing the general ones revealed in the Scriptures. i.e.
  – We are all called to evangelize.
  – We are all called to be kind to strangers. (Good Samaritans).

1) Physically
Question- What plan do you have for yourself in life? (Note the word plan. We
saw this word pop up when we were talking about attributes of fruitfulness and we
said intelligent planning was one.)
2) How do you intend to achieve this plan?
3) When do you intend to do it? (Time frame; procrastination)
4) Who do you want to involve?
5) What help will you need?
When you list out all these, it helps with your planning. Once planning is in place,
execution will be easy.

Remember Nehemiah. He had a purpose (Got a word from God).

• What was it – To rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and the burned gates.

Then he planned:
– Sat down and wept (mourned but got up).
– Fasted and prayed before God of heaven.
– Asked for forgiveness of sin.
– Reminded God of His word.
– Went to do his work before his king.
– Made a request from the king.
– Asked for letters.
Examples of busy people in the Bible:
– Gehazi.
– Eli’s sons.
Examples of fruitful people:
– Elisha.
– Joshua.
– Samuel.
– Joseph.
– Daniel.
– David.

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

1) Text: Psalm 124:8; Isaiah 41:8-14
2) Our pastor has declared this month of April our month of help, therefore we
will receive help in Jesus’ name.
3) Psalm 124:8 clearly states our help comes from God. You will see clearly
that help doesn’t come from anywhere but from God.
4) What is Help?
Help is that which someone receives to make it easier or possible for them to
achieve a thing or purpose which would have been difficult to achieve by
themselves.

• So, help can be an assistance, aid, resources or services given to make life
  better.

5) Therefore, Divine Help simply means help from God, to make it easier or
possible to achieve a purpose that would have been difficult to achieve ordinarily
or by self.
Financial Help :- Peter — Luke 5:1-9
Peter was one who received help from God for his business.

• Question is why did God help him; why not the other boat owner?
  Answer:
  (a) Peter answered the call of Jesus to push his boat into the water. (vs 2)
  (b) Peter yielded his resources (boat) to Jesus to use without question (vs 3).
  Are our resources available to Jesus?

(c) Peter followed the direction of Jesus to let nets down even though he had
done it earlier (vs 4) He didn’t argue about knowing it better being a
professional fisherman.
(d) Peter obeyed by letting down the nets.
(e) Peter was hardworking (vs 5) worked all night without a catch and wasn’t
tired enough to say he wanted to rest when Jesus beckoned on him. He was
also patient, resilient, humble and committed to his work.

• His many catches translated to God helping him financially, but he sowed a
  seed before reaping any harvest and followed the strategy God gave him.
  Spiritual Help — Elijah — 1 king 17:1-16
  Elijah was one who received great help from God spiritually and serially. He was
  greatly anointed.
  Question is So why did God help him?
  Answer-
  (a) He knew God and served him wholeheartedly he didn’t mind being alone
  with God.
  (b) He always took directions from God (vs 2, 8, 13, he started giving and never
  deviated in anyway.
  (c) He always obeyed God (vs 5, 10, 15) Widow started obeying him.
  (d) He never turned to man but God – when he was depressed, he spoke to God
  and God helped him resolve the issue.
  (e) His faith in God was absolute; never doubted God to hear him and see him
  through all the miracles he wrought;
• He called fire from heaven.
• Raised the dead son of widow of Z.
• Outran Ahab’s chariot.
• Declared no rain on a nation and God honored him.
• He had no provision but believed God for raven.
• Killed all the prophets of Baal.
  (f) He was committed, bold and faithful to the things of God
   For spiritual help, your focus must be on God alone, he can use anybody or
  anything to help you. Your motive must also be right – for God’s agenda.
  Physical Help – Naaman – 2 kings 5:1-14
  There are several people recorded in the bible that received healing of some sort,
  both new and Old Testament are filled with testimonies. However, we will look at
  Naaman as a person God helped physically.
  Question: – Why did God choose to help Naaman despite his initial reluctance to
  follow God’s direction by obeying his instructions.
  Answer:-
  (a) Naaman was a mighty warrior, the commander of the army of king of Aram
  meaning he was hard working and rose through the ranks to become head of
  the army of a Nation , even the king admired his work ethics.
  (b) He wasn’t too proud to listen to the suggestion of the slave girl and his
  officers when he refused to go to the river.
  (c) He was generous, took gifts along to see the prophet.
  (d) He is a grateful and thankful person, came back to Elisha.
• Physical help is not only healing, it can be the need for promotion – Psalm
  75:6-7 as well, whatever it is, only God can truly help.

Marital Help – Rebekah – Genesis 24:1–4, 12–23
Rebekah is one person who received help in finding a life partner.
Question is why did God help her?
Answer will be she exhibited certain qualities that attracted her helper:
a) Vs 17–19, The old servant said please give me water, she said, Yes my lord
have a drink, I will even give your camels too water to drink.
b) Rebekah was humble (Yes my lord! servant), Don’t look down on anybody, it
could be your Destiny helper you are sending away.
c) She was generous, gave a drink to the man and offered to give drink to his
camels, now this is not small work, a camel who have travelled for about a
week drink about 25 gallons of water, so it’s not small work; now imagine
how many camels?? vs 22.
d) Definitely she was a hardworking woman had a heart for service and would
always do more than expected.
e) She was hospitable (Vs 25), she said we have plenty straw to feed the camels
and rooms for guests.
f) Lastly, she was beautiful the Bible recorded, but the servant was looking for
more than physical beauty, he wanted to see the inner beauty too. We spend a
lot of time and money improving our appearance, how much effort do we put
in developing our inner beauty- patience, kindness, show of joy by smiling to
the next person can attract your life partner.

• Physical beauty can get you a suitor but cannot keep the suitor.
• Remember the qualities you display will either attract or repel people from
  you.
• It cost nothing to be nice to the next person to you.
  Political Help – Joseph- Genesis 41:40-44; Daniel – Daniel 2:48, 6:1-3
  It is recorded in the bible how both Joseph and Daniel enjoyed great political help
  from God especially them not being a citizen of that Country or Nation. They were
  both captives from a foreign land who were like slaves or servant and God chose to
  give them such great political power. They both became the second to the king of
  the land.
  Question is why did God choose to help them? They certainly had great
  characteristics that endeared them to God. Let us look first at: –
  Joseph
  (a) Joseph was forthright, from the beginning he reported his brothers when they
  do wrong.
  (b) Joseph was spiritually sensitive; he could dream and had a gift of interpretation
  of dream.
  (c) Joseph wasn’t lazy, worked hard at his job.
  (d) The Lord was with him and caused him to prosper wherever he went.
  (e) Joseph was faithful, loyal, honest, had integrity and was responsible.
  (f) He feared God and did not want to do wrong in God’s sight.
  (g) He had a gift of dream interpretation and used it to the benefit of others.
  (h) He was full of wisdom in dispensing his duties.
  (i) He had self-control, especially for a young handsome boy.
  Joseph’s use of his God’s given gift made a way for him political. what do you do
  with your own gift. Are you nurturing it “The bible says your gift will make a way
  for you.”

Daniel
– Daniel was blessed with an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of
literature and wisdom.
– Daniel had the special ability to interpret dreams and visions.
– Daniel knew God and had a relationship with God.
– Daniel was a lover of God and was not ashamed to make it known to all, even
when it was to his detriment.
– Daniel was a problem solver, solved difficult problems.
– Daniel was not greedy for the things of the world. Daniel 5:17.
– Daniel was faithful, responsible and trustworthy Daniel 6:4b.
– Daniel wasn’t a hypocrite, continued to pray to God openly.
– Daniel had the gift of revelation because of his relationship with God.
Daniel’s use of God’s gifts in his life made a way for him. He stood with God
knowing that one with God is majority, he wasn’t afraid to say the truth to
Nebuchadnezzar despite being the king or governor or president of a Nation.

• Can God entrust you to be truthful in all your ways political without
  compromise?

Conclusion

1. A plug that is disconnected from the socket can never receive help. Those who
   received help knew God.
2. God can use anybody and thing to send help (widow and raven for Elijah).
3. Everybody needs helpers. Joseph the interpreter of people’s dream also needed
   his dreams to be interpreted.
4. Help can come from places you least expect (Naaman’s slave girl).
5. Some helpers are not good to you but good for you. (Potiphar’s wife).
6. Your help will arrive before you run out of options (Elijah arrived before the
   widow ran out).
7. When one door of help closes, a bigger one opens (Joseph moved from
   Potiphar to Pharaoh).
8. You too can be a help to someone (Matthew 5:16) let your light shine.
9. If you help others, you will be helped also, sow help today and you will reap
   help like the widow of Z, she helped Elijah and in turn Elijah helped her.

• Everyone God helped had a relationship with God, if you are here today and
  you haven’t given your life to Christ, please signify by raising up your hand. It
  is your day of help, please come out quickly.
  Romans 10:9–10 — If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe
  with your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved; 10-For it is
  by believing in your heart that you are made right with God and it is by confessing
  with your mouth that you are saved.

Repeat after me:
Lord Jesus, I come to you today, please forgive my sins and accept me as your
child. I repent of all my wrong doings. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord
and believe in my heart that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary and God raised Him
from the dead, please save me today and write my name in the book of life, in
Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let us stand up and begin to ask God for help in any area of our life’s that need
help.

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

Genesis 1:27 – So, God created man “in His own image”, in the image of God he
created him; male and female He created them.
Let’s quickly back up to Genesis 1:26:
Then God said, let us make man in our image, according to our likeness; let them
(male and female) have dominion over everything.

• So, God created man in His image (emphasis 3x)
  Question: What is the image of God?
  (When you hear Gods image, what comes to your mind?)
  Physical attributes of God
   God is powerful (He kills and make alive).
   God is limitless (not bound by space or time; He is spirit).
   God can do all things (nothing is impossible with God).
   God is knowledgeable (He knows all things; Bible says darkness is light to
  him).
   God is wise (The only wise God).
   God is understanding (He understands with us that we are flesh).
   God is a problem solver (opened the red sea, problem of salvation).
   God is righteous (His eyes cannot behold iniquity).
   God is merciful (Micah 7:18 – You do not stay angry forever but show
  mercy).
   God is trustworthy (You can trust Him with your secrets and life).

 God is reasonable (Come let’s reason together – God thinks before doing
somethings i.e. Abraham’s dialogue).
 God is beautiful (for all situation).
Great, ok, Let’s look at some of His Spiritual attributes
 God is love (John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave…)
 God is giving (He gave His only begotten son)
 God is kind (1 Samuel 20:14 says show me unfailing kindness like the lord’s
kindness).
 God is faithful (Deutronomy 7:9 -The Lord your God is God, the faithful
God who keeps covenant).
 God is forgiving (He forgives us all our sins).
 God never bears grudge (Never holds us to our previous sins; it’s like we
never committed any sin once he forgives us.
 God is holy (1 Peter 1:16 You shall be holy for I am holy; Habakkuk 1:13;
God is Holy, His eyes cannot behold iniquity).
 God is protective (Psalm 91; talks about He that dwelleth).
 God is compassionate (For the Lord your God is gracious and
compassionate- 2 Chronicles 30:9b).
 God is humble (We see that in the life of Jesus).
 God is patient, in fact longsuffering).

• NOW, when we say God created us in His image, we already have a little
  idea of God’s image from above. I want us to begin to X-ray ourselves and
  locate ourselves in God’s image. Where are you in the physical attributes or
  spiritual attribute? This message can go in diverse ways but we will try to
  narrow it down to our everyday life; how our thoughts (cognition) and

actions (behavior) can promote the image of God in us or demote the image
of God in us.
Looking at our everyday way of life, that we are not conscious that we exhibit as
God’s image.
I want you to take a good look at yourself. Let’s do mirror therapy now and be
honest.

• What do you see? Do you look like Him?
• Do you manifest His image and attributes?
• Do you see His image in you?
• Can people describe you as looking, acting or behaving like Jesus? Talking,
  thinking.
• Do you do what Jesus would do in certain situation you find yourself?
  How do you represent God in your office?
• Remember, People judge you by what you do, not what you say It doesn’t
  matter if you say you’re a Christian…
• Do you falsify figures in your office?
• Do you doctor your business books because of tax purpose? (People are
  watching). I remember someone telling me his experience with a big banking
  Christian M.D in the past. He said they will cook the books, falsify figures,
  then pour anointing oil and pray over them before submitting to CBN. Can
  you imagine the testimony?
  This in itself can debar people from receiving Christ.
• Do you take bribe or give on behalf of your office? The same people you do
  it on their behalf for fear of losing your job, will come back and say and they
  call themselves Christians. laugh at you. The day they are looking for
  someone to trust, they will not call you.
• Story – I remember another person who works in Alausa (lands) precisely,
  she takes bribe and says, “It’s what they are asking for the job to be done.”
  Yet she calls herself a Christian, in fact, she just got ordained in this
  convention as an assistant pastor.
  Who are we fooling? Certainly not God.
  Yoruba people say (Excuse me) eyan meji ko ni yin padanu iro.
  If the one that is being lied to doesn’t know, the liar will know his lying
• Do you cheat your establishment, steal their time, steal their resources, pen,
  notebooks, surf the net when you are supposed to be doing their work?
• Or are you a solution provider or problem solver in your office?
  Daniel 5:12 — says
  Daniel solves difficult problems. It then say, call for Daniel and he will solve
  your problem.
• Do people say “Oh! I wish Yetunde was here, this issue would have been
  resolved.” -No problem solver is ignored round the world, but ability to solve
  problem resides in God.
• A problem solver is a great thinker, he dwells on his thoughts before coming
  up with a rational action.
  2) How do you represent God in your home? What are you called? Margaret
  Thatcher? Iron lady or what?
• How do you relate with your husband? Do you honor and respect him or you
  confront him on every occasion possible.

Story – Are you like Mary wiggles worth who laughed off her husband’s
foolishness or you are like the foolish woman who uses her hands to tear
down the house she built. If your husband wasn’t born again, can he give his
life to Christ because of you?

• How do you relate with your house help, driver, security men or washman?
  What name do they call you behind your back? Kind of wicked? Is God’s
  image portrayed through you. I know domestic staff can be off sometimes but
  how do you keep a balance?

3) How do you represent God with your children? Do they call you a hypocrite
or what they see is what you get. Do they see Godly character in you, they
can emulate? Are you moderate in all things or your thinking is wild and
demanding?

4) How do you represent God with your in-laws? Never want to see them
around or despite their excuses, you still show them the love of God.

• Are you forgiving when they offend you or do you still bear grudge against
  them never really forgiving them in fact blocking your husband from being a
  blessing to them (forgetting that seedtime and harvest is certain).

5) How do you represent God with your friends? Are you so giving of your time
and resources, Are you selfless like Jesus? Do you display understanding
when people wrong you? Or

• Do you say I am done with them and move on. What if God says to you, I am
  done with you when u wrong him.
• Do you fast and pray with them, when they have issues or you basically
  think, serves them right.

6) How do you represent God even in the church.

• Are you real or pretentious?
• It’s amazing how women especially will “sir” pastor a hundred times but
  vehemently disrespect their own husbands.
• Are you compassionate towards the poor or in your mind, you always think,
  let me quickly enter my car and leave.
• Jesus fed the poor.
• Jesus met the needs of the people
• If truly you are in his image, are you doing same?

There’s a relation between our thinking and our doing, if we are convinced in
our thoughts that we are like him, then it wouldn’t be difficult for us to
behave or act like him.

Question: How can we look like him?
1) Give your life to him if you haven’t, “Eni bini lanjo”, you cannot look like
him if you don’t know him.
2) God already created you like him in the very beginning (then man fell, but
was restored through the sacrifice of Jesus). All you need to do is align with
him in your thoughts, renew your mind with his word (the Bible) daily and
you will see changes occur in your life step by step. What you think of God
will determine how you relate with God and that doesn’t change who God

really is. God is good, are you enjoying his goodness. God is kind, is he kind
to you?

Finally, I think the whole purpose of this message to you and myself, is to
bring to our consciousness that we are created by God in his image. We
cannot be limited by our thoughts, what we think of God doesn’t change him.
Once the consciousness is there, it will help us check:

• What we do i.e. how we communicate with people around us.
• How we do it- the time, shout, scream.
• Why we do it – focus on what you want.
• Who we do it with- unbelieving friends.
• When we do it – odd hours , on Sundays when we should be in church or
  clubs, hotels and places that the Holy spirit wouldn’t go with you. Dibia’s
  place, Babalawo, mallams.

b) And also, to remember we might be the “only bible” someone will read.
They will conclude, if this is how a Christian looks like or behaves, then I
don’t want to be a Christian.
The Bible says such a soul would be required of you Ezekiel 33:8.
 We need to live a conscious Christian life.
 know we ought to be the image of God.
 Thereby his ambassador here on earth, his representative.
 Guess what, when we do it right it comes with fringe benefits.
 Any ambassador representing his nation in another country enjoys fringe
benefit.

Psalm 103:2-6 talks about such:
– Forgives all our iniquities.
– Heals all your diseases.
– Redeems your life from destruction.
– Crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies.
– Satisfies your mouth with good things.
– Renews your youth like that of the eagle.
– Executes righteousness and justice on your behalf whenever you are
oppressed.

Praise the Lord!!!

Prayer- Father we want to say thank you, thank you for making us in your image
after your likeness. Please accept our thanks in Jesus’ name. Lord, help us to live a
conscious Christian life at all times in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

What does it mean to be thankful?
 A feeling or expression of gratitude.
 Being appreciative.
 Being grateful.
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – in everything give thanks for this is the will of God.
(Is it possible to thank the Lord in bad times? Job did.
i.e. – God wants us to thank Him (God initiates).
Psalm 92:1 – It is good to give thanks to the Lord.
Psalm 95:2 – Let us come to him with Thanksgiving.
Psalm 100: 4 – Enter his gates with Thanksgiving.
Meaning before you go inside someone’s house you must pass through the gate
otherwise you cannot see or get audience with the person.
Psalm 50:14(a) – Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God. What does it mean to
sacrifice?
Sacrifice is surrendering a possession (something worthy to you) as an offering to
a deity e.g. Christ’s offering of himself in the crucifixion).
Psalm 50:23 – God tells us that “giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me”.

• When you do, God will reveal to you his salvation. i.e. God will reveal ways
  unto us to how to be saved from destruction, enemies, sickness, ways of
  promotion, salvation from death and so on.
• Revelation comes from thanksgiving. Once you know what to do, your
  problem is solved.
  Ephesians 5:20 – “Give thanks to God for everything through Jesus.”

Colossians 3:15(b) – And always be thankful.
Thanking God always:

• 2 Samuel 22:49-50 .
• 1 Chronicles 16:18- Give thanks.
• Psalms 136:1-3 – Give thanks for his mercies endureth forever.
• 1 Corinthians 15:57 – Thanks be to God who gives us victory.
• 2 Corinthians 2:14 – “Thanks be to God who causes us to triumph.
• Bible admonishes us to keep a thankful attitude in prayer, whether we see
  what we want or not.
  Philippians 4:6
  Colossians 4:2 – Continue in prayer with thanksgiving.
• Remember, I said in the beginning that thanksgiving is a door opener and
  this is used by different people in the bible, let’s look at who and who used it
  as a weapon.
  1) Jesus used it as the death of Lazarus John 11:41. Father thank you for
  hearing me, was Lazarus raised to live before Jesus thanked God? No, he
  thanked God before the miracle or answer to prayer came. Thanks made the
  impossible possible.

2) Jehoshaphat used it in 2 Chronicles 20:21(b) – give thanks to the Lord, his
faithful love endures forever vs 22 “when they began to sing, God moved.
– i.e. God did not move until they began to sing and gave Him praise.

• The Question is, what do we do when we are confronted with issues of life,
  enemies, sickness, do we murmur or complain.
• Job in his sorry state refused to curse God – Job 2:9–10

3) Joshua 6 – talks about the walls of Jericho coming down.

• We must cultivate a habit of thankfulness for us to get what we want, like
  daddy says, if prayers is not doing it, try thanks and praises to God.

Written by: Yetunde Oriolowo

Galatians. 5:16–26
Special reference to vs 19–21
What are desires of sinful nature? – Ask them

• Gratifying the flesh e.g. having sex before time, kissing, smooching, touching
  yourselves in wrong places and pornography.
   What is pornography? Pros and cons of Pornography? Is it worth engaging
  in it? Why?
• Pornography is the portrayal of printed or visual material containing the
  explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity intended to
  stimulate sexual excitement e.g. literatures, which could be in form of books
  you read, dirty books, films you watch, hardcore porn girls revealing their
  private parts in pictures or magazines. When you watch these, you get aroused
  and begin to play with yourself until you reach orgasm. Now the danger of
  this is that, doing it over time, gets you addicted to pornography — meaning
  your life begins to depend on it and this has disadvantages or advantages
  which are: –

Disadvantages of pornography

1. Ability not to get attracted to the opposite sex or get aroused by them at all
   even in marriage. (can’t get it up syndrome).
2. Young men who get addicted to pornography neglect their school work
   because they begin to think/daydream about it and how to watch it.
   “Distraction” becomes a thing.
3. Spend huge amount of money they don’t have on data to watch or sites to
   visit.
4. Become isolated from others and eventually fall into depression because you
   want to be alone and enjoy the few minutes of gratification but just after that,
   you are left with lingering mood or sadness.
5. Porn makes you lazy because you spend hours in front of laptop or television
   and by so doing, you will waste productive time.
6. It leads to erectile dysfunction, low sperm count; when you marry you cannot
   satisfy your partner and it reduces your chances of having children due to low
   sperm count.
7. It increases your chances of getting health risks, If you get addicted, you will
   not want to leave your screen; this causes eye damage, lack of moving around
   (exercise) and bad meals ordered mostly.

Question: Is it worth engaging in pornography with all that you know now?
Answer: NO. Why? Tell me the consequences I have taught them.

Forms of Sexual Immorality

Leviticus 18:6 – describes forms of sexual immorality which the Lord has
forbidden.

• Sexual relations with close relatives are forbidden:

1. Parents or step-parents.
2. Siblings or half-siblings.
3. Nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles or cousins.
4. In-laws.
5. A woman and her child or relative.
6. Homosexuality.
7. Bestiality.
8. Adultery, fornication, harlotry (Aristo).
9. Sleeping with your neighbors.

Why it is not good to get engaged in it: –

1. God will be far from you and you will lose your covering (no protection). You
   become an endangered specie, vulnerable to all things.
2. You are prone to diseases and sickness such as – HIV, Hepatitis B, gonorrhea,
   syphilis and all forms of infections, which could lead to infertility in the future
   when you marry.
3. Curse upon you, when a child and parent get involved in sexual activity, it
   brings God’s wrath.
4. Unwanted pregnancy at a time you did not plan for, which can lead to the
   temptation of abortion and death.
5. Sexual immorality can lead to addiction, drugs, alcohol and destruction.

• Ask them what they think.

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

Characteristics of Effective Ministers: (Paul as our example)
1) Effective Ministers are willing to suffer for the church (Colossians. 1:24)
Question: What do we mean suffer for the church? It could mean not easy and
convenient to come to church and perform your duty but because of Christ you do.
 One thing to note is that suffering is unavoidable in bringing or maintaining
the good news of Christ to the world.

• It will never be easy because Satan is doing everything to make it impossible.
  Imagine the power that will be in the house if us as ministers pray and fast in
  one accord regularly? Heavens will descend in the church and things will
  begin to happen but guess what?
• If you pray, Satan will make sure you don’t fast.
• If you do, he will stop you from meeting with the brethren to pray.
• But I encourage you, this suffering can be endured joyfully because people’s
  lives are changed – 2 Timothy 2:3, 1 Peter 4:1-2 (read).

2) Effective Ministers are servants of the church – Colossians 1:25.

• Apostle Paul said he had become the church’s servant by God’s commission,
  guess what? This is true of all ministers who are effective.
• In fact, the word minister means servant and this Jesus identified with (Mark
  10:45)
• The Question now is who are we serving?
• In what capacity are we serving?
• Are we truly offering our services to God?
• When you work in an office, where you get paid at the end of the month, you
  render service isn’t it? (Yes) that means you are serving? Is it because we

think we don’t get cash at the end of the month that we serve haphazardly in
the church?

• How many people agree that we get paid wages in our service to God?
  Yes/No.
• Yes, we do, it’s just not in cash value.
• So, let’s do His work if we are getting salary, after all some of us endure our
  jobs. Whether you like it or not, you must be in your office daily at certain
  time, in fact church time is far less than work—few hours a day.
• I encourage you with Christ words in the book of Luke 22:25-27.
• Even Apostle Peter said same in (1 Peter 5:2-3).

How do you know you are a good servant?
I) Seeking the interest of others before his own (Phillipians2:4).
II) Willing to perform menial or despised tasks (Matthew 25:23).
III) Willing to serve in secret without applause (Matthew 6:3-4).
IV) Knows and uses his spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11).

3) Effective Ministers are faithful stewards of God’s Word (Colossians. 1:25-
27)
Question: How much of God’s word do we know?
We can’t give what we don’t have, do you know that this same word we are talking
about is still a secret to a lot of people? But if we as ministers search out the word,
we can be of great service to others around us in the kingdom.

• No wonder 2 Timothy. 2:15 says to study to show yourself approved of God;
  a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the
  word of truth. This puts a burden on every Christian to know the whole word
  of God and teach them in church, Sunday school, etc. or small groups.

4) Effective Ministers are saddled with the responsibility of seeing everyone
mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28). This should be a burden!!!
– What do we do with the people that give their lives week after week? I know
we used to share cards to ministers to follow up but that has died gradually.

• Ephesians. 4:11-14 says read
• Apostle Paul describes the church as infants tossed to and fro by every wind
  of teaching.
• We need to teach the infants to adulthood so that the church will not be full of
  infant adult!!!
• It is the responsibility of ministers to help people mature in church. This
  means ministers themselves must be matured.

5) Effective Ministers are hard workers, willing to work hard not mediocre –
Colossians 1:29. Some other translation says “labor” which means to work to
exhaustion. Paul pressed or labored for others to reach perfection. My
question is: what is your calling in God’s kingdom, what are you called to be?
Are you a teacher, help, encourager, counsellor, multiplier? There are so many
works to be done in the kingdom apart from the 5-fold ministry, because some
people will say, I don’t fall into any category. Na lie. You have a purpose. You
have been called to work.

 Paul’s ministerial drive is a model for us all. We will never have an authentic,
apostolic ministry unless we are willing to work to the point of exhaustion.
D. L. Moody worked so hard one day he cut his bedtime prayer on one
occasion as he rolled into bed was, “Lord, I am tired!! Amen.”

6) Effective Ministry rely on God’s power – Colossians. 1:29 (read). Jesus said
“Without me you can do nothing” – John 15:4–5.
I thank God for pastor Egra’s new dimension that you must be in fasting and
prayer whenever you are doing any spiritual work in church, Faith clinic.
This work is not by might or by power but by God’s spirit. Zechariah 4:6.
 Not relying on God’s power brings about struggles and doesn’t make it
interesting for you to do, since results are lacking. If it is about Jesus, he
must be sought after for direction as to how you will do His work.
 Power flows out of an intimate relationship with God.

Prayer for Ministers:

We are going to pray as ministers that God should give us the grace, word, glory,
power, purpose, people, prayer.

7) Effective Ministers are prayer warriors (Ephesians 6:10–18; Matthew 6:9–
13): – If you must be effective in ministry, you must be a warrior in prayer.
Can’t afford to be lackadaisical, sleep through the night and all day — NO —
not acceptable. Your antenna must be up to intercept any ungodly movement
in the spiritual realm. The Bible said while men slept, the enemy came to sow
tar.

– Revere God
– Be thankful.
– Praise God.
– Forgive others.
– Obey God.
– Believe, never doubt God.
– See results and be inspired.
– Be sure you are praying His will.
– Don’t give up in prayer.
– Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

What is Love? (1 Corinthians 13)

1. Love suffers long – long suffering, patient
2. Love is kind.
3. Love does not envy, jealous or boastful.
4. Love is not arrogant or rude.
5. Love does not insist on its own way.
6. Love is not irritable or resentful.
7. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing.
8. Love bears all things, believes, hopes and endures all things.
9. Love never ends, Love is everlasting forever.
   Vs 13 says the greatest of faith, hope and love is LOVE.

What is Well-being?

• Well-being can be defined as a good or satisfactory condition of existence, a
  state characterized by health, happiness and prosperity.
• Well-being is a positive outcome that is meaningful for people.
• Well-being is a state of being happy, healthy or successful.
• Well-being is characterized by positivity, therefore: what can you say as
  regards your total well-being involving love and relationship? Are you happy
  about your state i.e. present condition as a single person?
  Question: What does it mean to be single?
  It means unique, whole, separate, one of you in the whole world; no two of you.

What is Relationship?
Relationship can be defined as the way in which 2 people are connected or the state
of being connected.
 Ways we talk to each other.
 Ways we behave towards each other.
 Ways we deal with each other.

• It could also be defined as a romantic or sexual friendship between two
  people.
  Putting these 3 together, we want to marry the 3. Love, well-being and relationship
  which will ultimately lead to a permanent thing called marriage.
  For your being to be well, you need to be happy. Therefore, hanging out with
  anybody that will ultar your state of happiness should not be accepted.
  Signs to look out for that can mar your happiness in a relationship*

1. A man or woman that is proud i.e. pride or arrogance.
   2 Perfectionism spirit – if I leave my shoe here, don’t move it.
2. Critical spirit e.g. see how big you are, you are too clumsy.
3. Murmuring and backbiting.
4. Spirit of condemnation.
5. Independent nature– “I like to be by myself please.”
6. Comparing you to a friend’s wife or fiancée or mother.
7. Revengeful spirit.
8. Unforgiving spirit.
9. Nagging.
10. Spirit of rivalry or jealousy – Husband and wife in competition.

So, when you want to marry, look out for:

1. Genuine love i.e. Agape not Eros (physical, sexual, canal) or
   Philia(emotional).
2. Compatibility – Do you agree? Not romance, don’t mistake lust or feelings
   for true love Amos 3:3; Do you complement each other.
3. Educational level – so that you have same values on children’s education.
   etc.
4. Money – don’t waste chance on this, as it can grow.
5. Beauty – Same as money, look inside and not outside.
6. Family background – don’t discriminate if born again.
7. Tribe – No difference in Christ but know the tradition of your spouse and be
   comfortable with it.
8. Age – Not a barrier as long as you are both adults but generational gaps have
   consequences, just be aware.
9. Respect – Does he respect you? Or treat you as trash and you still make
   excuses for him.
10. Communication.
11. Watch out for ulterior motives – does he ask you to borrow him money? Is
    she demanding? Or giving?
12. Spend time in courtship to ask questions and know him/her, investigate your
    intended, no harm.
13. Marry someone you can respect or submit to.
14. Don’t marry a drunkard or smoker.
15. Does he/she lie.
16. Do you catch him watching pornography? And you make excuses that since
    he cannot have sex with you?
17. Does he get angry all the time?
18. Does he threaten to beat you or give you small slaps or taps on your cheek or
    butt or shoulder?
19. Is he irresponsible? Even to his family.
20. Does he fear, reverence or pray to God?
21. What is his view to life?

Don’t look out for perishables

• Fine.
• Bloke.
• Stepper.
• Tall.
• Cute.
• Power dresser.
• Handsome.

 You need to know yourself before accepting to marry someone. Does your
temperament and his work together? Are you both hot tempered?
 Be truthful to yourself.
How do I know my partner?

1. Seek God.
2. Look, do not move around with closed eyes. Watch and pray.
3. Wait on God in prayer and fasting – don’t jump to conclusion.
4. Listen.

How to receive God’s choice

1. Inner witness or still small voice (1kings 9:12- 13- Revised Standard
   Version).
2. Audible voice (1 Samuel 3:1–4, 11–14).
3. Word of knowledge (Psalms 119:105).
4. Dreams (Matthew 1:20).
5. Vision or Revelation (Acts 10:1–6).
6. Godly counsels (Proverbs 12:15).
7. Prophecy – but must not contradict scriptures. Be aware of false prophets.
   (Luke 1:70).
   What Women Want In a Man
   A. Faithfulness – to them and committed to them forever.
   B. Leadership – one who knows where he is going and would not shipwreck
   the family.
   C. Respect – Doesn’t talk down on you and commands your respect.
   D. Family man – one who is homely , not hanging out with the boys, makes
   out time for her and her children.
   E. Provider – At least little gifts e.g. meat pie, perfume, jewelry etc.

F. Communication – one you can share with; one to praise, pamper and cherish
you.
G. Sense of humor.
H. Romance – nice words and soft words.
I. Godly man.
10 Things Men Want in a Woman

1. He wants sexual fulfilment (Bed must be undefiled before marriage).
2. He wants a recreational playmate (e.g. watching soccer together).
3. He wants a beautiful wife.
4. He wants a committed homemaker.
5. He wants admiration (from you).
6. He wants a woman of moral virtue (integrity- Yes is Yes).
7. He wants someone with a sense of humor.
8. He wants intelligence not a dumb blond.
9. He wants someone he can totally trust.
10. He wants someone who is absolutely honest.
    What Mr Right is Looking For
    I. Motivation, respect, humility.
    II. Service, kindness, hospitality. One who can run the house when they are out.
    III. Tolerance, submission, godliness (meek and gentle; attitude great asset).
    IV. Competence and lack of pretense.

V. Revealing clothes and an indecent lifestyle will not attract the right type of
man — no godly man wants such woman.

Warning Signs During Courtship

1. Fear and loss of peace of mind.
2. Lack of love and affection.
3. When lust is in control; anytime he sees you, he wants to bed you.
4. If you cannot freely express your thoughts without fear of quarrel, run.
5. Never marry out of pity.
6. When your partner becomes indifferent or spiritually cold, avoiding fellowship
   and church.
7. When there is a give and take in the relationship — only you giving, calling,
   visiting.
8. When you are always quarrelling, disagreeing, provoking each other.

Possible Obstacles During Courtship

1. Parental objections should not be ignored or rationalized but prayerfully
   discuss with them to resolve their fears e.g. racial, tribe, age, cultural
   discrimination or even denomination. Never marry without parental consent,
   be patient till they agree.
2. Distance- Send text message, pictures, gifts, telephone calls.
3. Medical conditions e.g. terminal illness, cancer or diseases; HIV.
4. Past relationships — Discuss with a marriage counsellor or with your pastor
   or seek Godly counsel (Sis Mayo).

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

Philippians 4:21–23
Vs 21 – Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people, all who belong to Jesus
Christ. The brothers who are with me send you, their greetings.
Vs 22 – And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings too, especially those in
Caesar’s household (he probably converted some people in Caesar’s house while
awaiting trial).
Vs 23 – May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

• Vs 21 emphasizes greetings to each of God’s holy people and who belong to
  Jesus Christ.
• Vs 22 emphasizes greetings again from God’s people, especially those in
  Caesar’s household (meaning) Paul probably was preaching Christ even while
  awaiting trial at the palace and was getting more converts, thereby they become
  brothers and sisters in Christ, so they send their greetings also.

 One thing is clear that whether you are a Christian in Port Harcourt or Zamfara
or Lagos, we are all related in Christ Jesus.

• Cultural, educational or economic differences doesn’t matter.
• Vs 23 – Emphasized the need for us to have the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
   For me, grace is the ability to do something you ordinarily would find difficult
  to do or achieve. We need God’s grace to do a lot of things and stop doing some
  things as well.

So, the topic for today says the fellowship of the saints – This takes me to 2 key
words

What is Fellowship?
Fellowship is defined as a friendly association, especially with people who share
one’s interest i.e.

• Share your interest of loving God (Church).
• Share your interest of alcohol (club, lounge).
• Share your interest of tobacco.
• Share your interest of women.
• Share your interest of men.
• Share your interest of drugs (bar, beach).
• Share your interest of work (professional Association).
• Share your interest in a particular sport.
  So, you gather together to talk and share an interest. In our case our faith.

What is Saint?
A saint can be defined as a person acknowledged as holy or virtuous and regarded
in Christian faith as being in Heaven after death i.e. Mother Theresa.
A saint can also be defined as a virtuous, kind or patient person. A holy person
with exceptional character, almost like an angel. i.e. Never doing wrong or
conscious of doing wrong, having high moral standards.

• Don’t tell lies.
• Not hostile.
• Don’t cheat.
• Not quarrelsome.
• Not a drunkard.
• Not jealous.
• Not a womanizer or manizer.
• Not envious of people.
• Very forgiving.
• Not involved in lustful pleasures.
• Doesn’t seek to get even with people.
• Not greedy.
• Not selfish, etc.
  What does it mean when you say the Fellowship of the Saints?
  If we look through the life of Apostle Paul and other disciples, we will see a lot of
  fellowshipping, the gathering together of like-minded people.
  Question: Why gather together, why fellowship?
  1) Teaching the word of God, certainly after salvation, they need to be taught the
  word so they can grow in the knowledge of God. (We see Jesus did this even in
  his time — Philippians 2:1–11.
  2) Praying together for deliverance (Acts 12:1–12).
  3) Praying for the sick to receive healing — Acts 28:8, James 5:14–16.
  4) Sharing provision for the needy — Acts 2:42–47.
  5) Sharing testimonies of what God has done and this lifts others’ faith and they
  can believe God too for same or more — Philippians 1:12–14
   Sister in choir’s testimony on Sunday.
  6) Commendation; Paul commended Timothy in Philippians 2:20–22 and
  Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25–30.
  7) Encouragement — Philippians 1:28–30 (Don’t be intimidated by your enemies).
  8) Admonition — Philippians 1:27 (Live in a manner worthy as citizens of
  heaven).
  9) To praise God — i.e. Brother Shola’s program RCCG 72 hours of praise, in
  church, at home.
   Acts 16:25–26 (Paul & Silas prayed and praised at midnight and the prison
  doors opened.)
• From that singular activity, many things happened:
  i) The unbelieving will believe there is a God.
  ii) They will be willing to give their lives to God.
  iii) Impossibilities which had been will become possible.

iv) Prayers of the saints were answered.
v) Faith of the saints will increase because God answered their prayers.
The fellowship of the saints is so that we gather together and move mountains for
ourselves.

• One person is facing a challenge, we gather and pray together until the
  challenge is over.
  Challenge can be —
   Financial
   Marital
   Spiritual
   Career
   In-laws
   Children
   Health
• Share testimonies to lift up the faith of another and provoke them to believe
  God too.
• Share provision to the needy amongst us. That is why it is important to be
  truthful as a child of God. Many people have been deceived in the church and
  are not willing to help “supposed saints”.
• The question now is — Are we truly “saints”?
  I hope we remember some qualities of a saint as stated when we started this
  teaching.
• If someone is not sure about what the scripture says about an issue, we sit
  down and look into the scriptures together, what does the Bible say about first
  fruit, tithes, divorce, etc., not the pastor’s perspective on the issues.

The fellowship of the saints is to move us forward and not to tear us apart, that is
why the Bible says in Hebrews 10:25 not to forsake the assembling of ourselves
together.
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his
friend.
This issue of fellowshipping of the saints is so true, I can testify. There are times in
my life that I don’t even feel like going to church, but I just drag myself to church.
Before long, I begin to warm up and then “catch fire” myself and begin to flow and
enjoy God’s presence.
We are like firewood sticks put together to cook, lots of fire when many, but as you
remove sticks, fire begins to go out. That’s what happens to the one who doesn’t
fellowship with his brothers and sisters. The Lord help us in Jesus name.

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

1 Peter 5:10 – NLT (Read)
Today we are going to look at different areas of our lives that we might be looking
unto :-
i) God for settlement.
ii) People who He settled.
iii) How He settled them.
iv) What they did to earn his settlement.
We will be looking at different lives so that our faith in God will rise up and be
well positioned to believe God for our own settlement as well.
We are in the last day of February, don’t miss this opportunity for God to settle
you.
Some Areas of Life that man needs settlement:
1) Marriage: Genesis 2:18–23
(a) God settled Adam with Eve, though he had all animals to play with, he wasn’t
quite satisfied until Eve was brought to him.

• Is there any looking unto God for marriage? The Lord will satisfy and settle you
  in Jesus’ name.
  b) Ruth – Ruth 3:1–5; 4:1–8,13
  Ruth was married to Naomi’s son, lost him and became single again. Then Naomi
  taught Ruth how to get a husband after returning with her to her village and she
  eventually married Boaz.
• Is any looking unto God for a husband? Whether single or widowed, the Lord
  who provided for Ruth will provide for you in Jesus’ name.
  c) Isaac – Genesis 24: 3-4, 12-15, 48-51
  The Lord settled Isaac with Rebekah by giving Abraham’s servant favor to find
  him a wife among his people. He prayed and the Lord answered him precisely.
• The Lord will answer your prayers concerning marriage today in Jesus’ name.

2) Fruit of the womb:
The Lord settled so many women with the fruit of the womb. In fact, all women
who came to Him. The only one He did not attend to was Michal, the daughter of
King Saul, wife of David (for obvious reasons).

• I don’t recall that it was written in the Bible she came to God to plead her
  case.

Those whom God settled.
(a) Sarah: Genesis 17:15–16; 18:1–10; 21:1–3
God settled Sarah as promised. The book of Habakkuk 2:3 says: Though it tarries,
wait for it; it will surely come to pass.

• Are you like Sarah, age is far gone, yet the promise of God looks like, will it
  still happen? Don’t bother yourself, it will still happen, you will still carry that
  child. Hospitality will open the door that has been closed for long.

(b) Hannah: 1 Samuel 1:7–8, 9–10, 19–20
Are people taunting you and calling you names because you have not brought forth
children? It is your time for settlement.

• The Lord who settled Hannah will settle you in Jesus’ name.

(c) Shunamite Woman: 2 Kings 4:8–17
Hospitality opens the door that was closed to the Shunamite woman. The Lord
settled her by way of doing good.

• I pray for anyone looking unto God for the fruit of the womb, the Lord who
  answered the Shunamite woman will answer and settle u speedily.

3) Anointing for God’s work:
Are you a man or woman of God doing God’s work and you desire God’s power to
carry out His duty? or you are just one who loves God and want people to see the
demonstration of the power of God that he is able to do all things?

• The Lord will settle you with His anointing in Jesus’ name.
  Examples of those God settled with His anointing:

(a) Elijah: 1 Kings 17:1, 10–16, 17–24, 18:1, 12, 36–39, 41, 43-44, 45-46; 2
Kings 1:2–15 (special anointing). The anointing of God upon Elijah was powerful.
God settled him with so much anointing;
– He blocked rain from falling.
– He caused famine in the land, yet God met his needs.
– He caused fire to fall on his sacrifice and captains.
– He caused rain to fall again, unlocked the heavens.
– He outran a chariot – what manner of anointing.

(b) Elisha: 2 Kings 2:19–22, 23–24; 4:1–7, 8–17; Vs 20–21, 25–26, 32–36;
2 Kings 5:1–14.
The Lord settled Elisha with so much anointing to do exploit for him.

• He purified the water and unproductive land of Jericho.
• He cursed the group of boys mocking him and 2 bears came out of the woods to
  tear 42 of them in pieces.
• He solved the problem of the widow by way of provision supernaturally to
  solve her problem.
• He spoke a child into the life of the barren woman.
• He brought back to life, the dead son of the Shunammite woman.
• He restored the leprous skin of Naaman by spoken word.
• He didn’t have to see or touch Naaman, yet he received his healing (Power of
  the anointing of God).
   Are you here today and you are believing God for such anointing – receive it in
  Jesus’ name Amen.

(c) Apostle Paul:
His conversion was miraculous, so did he do so many miraculous things in Jesus’
name.

• In Acts 13:9–12; the anointing of the Holy Ghost, no preaching before believing
  action speaks louder than voice. (Struck with blindness).
• Acts 14:8–10; crippled man healed miraculously.
• Acts 16:16–18; demon possessed fortune teller girl
• Acts 16:25–28; prison doors open as they prayed and sang to God and chains
  fell.

(4) Political Settlement Either in Government or in your Organisation:
Have you been long due for promotion but denied? This is your season of
upliftment in Jesus’ name.
Examples of people God settled politically:
(a) Joseph: Genesis 37: 5–11, 18 – 20, 28, 39:7–9,10- 16, 19–20, 22–23; Genesis
40:5–9; Gen 41:1–14, vs 37–41, 44.

• Joseph dreamed about greatness.
• His brothers sold him into slavery, killing his dreams so to say.
• Found short lived Favor with Potiphar.
• Confronted with temptation to sin against God, which could truncate his destiny
  (overcame but landed in prison for not yielding to her).
• Used his talent to help another and that was brought to the king’s knowledge and
  eventually got him elevated to the 2 position in Egypt.
   A foreigner ruling over every citizen, next to the king — it can only be God.

(b) Daniel: Daniel 1:17 — Do you know your gifts and talents?

• How prepared are you for the elevation you are seeking?
• What capacity do you possess for that assignment or job you want God to settle
  you with? Daniel 2:1–3, 10–12, 14–19, 27–29, 36, 46–49.
• Nebuchadnezzar had a dream he couldn’t remember.
• The astrologers told the king point blank the king’s dream was impossible.
• The king said to kill all sorcerers and interpreters of dreams.
• Daniel asked the king for more time to seek God.
• God revealed the secret to Daniel and he tells the king.
• The king bowed before Daniel and worshipped him.
• He appointed him to a high position and gave him gifts.
   Do you seek elevation in your place of work? May the Lord who settled Daniel
  settle us too in Jesus’ name.

(c) Mordecai: Esther 2:21-23 (What Mordecai did for the king).

• Esther 6:1–3; God took away the king’s sleep to reward Mordecai.
• Esther 6:4–9; Haman his enemy was the executor of his elevation.
• Esther 7:6–8, Haman met his doom, he was executed.
• Esther 8:1–2, Mordecai was elevated and settled.
   May we be settled for life this season in Jesus’ name.

(5) Financial Settlement:
(i) Peter: Luke 5:1–6

• Have you been toiling all night and day in your business and you haven’t made
  any headway?
• Have you done all you know to do?
• Have you yielded your boat to Jesus or you are still hanging onto it?
• What laws of wealth do you obey? Do you take all you get or release your seeds
  so it can multiply?
   God is able to settle you the same way He settled Peter in Jesus’ name.

(ii) Abraham: Genesis 12:1–3, 4 (Obedience)

• Genesis 12:16; Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts.
• Genesis 13:2; Abram was rich in many gifts.
• Genesis 20:14; Abimelech gave Abraham many gifts again and kept enriching
  him.
   May the Lord settle you financially as He did Abraham in Jesus’ name.

(iii) Isaac: Genesis 26:1–2

• Genesis 26:12-14 (God blessed him exceedingly). Why? He followed God’s
  instruction – Obedience.
   How obedient are we to God?
• Genesis 26:28–29

(iv) Jacob (Israel): Genesis 30:25–27 ;31-33

• Genesis 30:41–43 (vs 43 – Jacob became wealthy).
• Genesis 31:10 – God even gave Jacob strategy for wealth accumulation to
  settle him financially.

(6) Health:
Are you sick in your body, in your mind or spiritually sick? God is able to settle
your health conditions.
Examples of people He settled:
(a) Naaman: 2 Kings 5:1–3, 8–14

(b) Hezekiah: 2 Kings 20:1–6, vs 7 (Hezekiah recovered)
(c) Lame man at the pool of Bethsaida: John 5:1–8
(d) Blind Bartimaeus: Mark 10:46–52
(e) Madman of Gadara: Mark 5:1–8, 18–20
(f) Bleeding woman: Mark 5:25–29
(g) Jairus daughter: Mark 5:35–43

 The Lord who settled all these sick people will divinely settle you today in
Jesus’ Name.

• Every part of your body that needs replacement, the Lord will replace.
• Every part that needs healing, the Lord will heal.
• All dead parts will come alive again in Jesus’ Name.

So what do we need to do to earn God’s divine settlement?
a) Come to Jesus – John 6:37, give your life to Him.
b) Ask Him for help to change the situation, Bartimaeus shouted for help,
Hezekiah cried for help.
c) Wait on Him for the appropriate time for your change – Habakkuk 2:3
d) As you wait, be hospitable and kind to people around you, you never know who
God will use.
e) Believe Him regardless of what you are seeing.
f) Be thankful and grateful whilst still waiting on Him for your settlement.
g) Whatever He tells you to do, please do it. Be obedient, don’t rationalize it like
Naaman, if he didn’t eventually do it, he might never have received his healing.
A lot of people have missed their blessings because they were rationalizing it,
which is disobedience.

h) When you receive your settlement, testify about God’s goodness in your life.
Like most examples did, speak of God’s goodness, to spread the gospel.

Before we pray:
Call for salvation – If you are here today and you want God to settle you divinely,
don’t miss this opportunity as today is the last day of this divine settlement
program. Please come out to settle your standing with God so He can hear us when
we call upon Him in prayers.
Romans 10:9–10
Let us pray, I don’t know what you’re believing God to settle in your life, begin to
tell Him.
We have heard about many people today. If God settled them, He will settle you
too; He is not a respecter of persons.

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

Hebrews 4:12
KJV – The word of God is quick, powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and
marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
NLT – For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest
two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It
exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Key word i.e. adjectives that qualify the word:

1. Quick – when you say something is quick; what do we understand by that? –
   fast, immediate, swift, rapid response (you see how they run when a call come
   through) , high speed.
2. Powerful – what does powerful mean? Strong, mighty, tough, solid.
3. Sharp – what does sharp mean? intense, sudden, violent, unexpected, shooting,
   severe, acute, fierce, precise.
4. Alive (not dead); Alert, active, eager, enthusiastic, bubbly, ready, energetic
   Buoyant, spirited; has spirit because it is living.
5. Piercing; What does this word mean? Discerning, searching, observant,
   penetrating, sharp, intent
6. Discerner : means perceive, recognize, apprehend, discover, differentiate, judge.

 If the word of God is quick to work, powerful, sharp, piercing and discerning,
why don’t we use it for quick results, when we are sick, we go to the hospital
they give us medication to take 2 to 3(x) daily meaning morning, afternoon and
evening. Why can’t we speak the word to our situation morning, afternoon and
evening till the situation disappears.

If the word of God is all of these we have stated and agreed upon, why don’t we
get to know the word and use it in every situation of our lives. Let us personalize
the situations of life.
Matthew 17:20 – If you say to this mountain. What are you supposed to say? Your
words or God’s word, why then do we cry at situations instead of saying?

• Some of us even pray but our words, not his. Jesus answered Satan in Matthew
  4: 1-11 by God’s word.
  Even Mark 11:23 – collaborates it – read.
  Psalms 103:20 – Angels do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Question is
  who gives voice to God’s word? Answer: We do. Each time we speak God’s word,
  we give voice to His word, then when angels hear His word, they respond to
  perform it.

Therefore when angels hear you saying something like,
“Thank you Father, for no evil shall befall me nor shall any plague come near my
dwelling” (Psalm 91:10), they will come to your aid because you are giving voice
to God’s word.
When it seems like you are undergoing attack from the enemy which can be
robbers, ritualists, kidnappers, you say:-
“He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings you shall take refuge”
(Psalms 91:4).

What about barrenness? (spiritual, physical, material, financial)
(Exodus 23:26)
There are God’s words which address this situation and every situation in our lives.
 Sickness – Isaiah. 53:5, Deuteronomy. 7:15, Jeremiah. 17:14, James.
5:14–15, Exodus. 23:25, Jeremiah. 30:17
 Poverty – 3 John. 1:2, 1 Chronicles. 4:10 (Jabez), Proverbs. 10:22, Romans.
8:32, Deuteronomy. 8:18, Phil. 4:19

 Stagnancy – Deuteronomy. 1:6-8, Joel 2:25–27

Find suitable words that fit perfectly for your own situation and speak it so that
there shall be a performance; remember it is God’s Word that the angels hear that
they do, a closed mouth is a closed destiny. Search out the scriptures because it is
what you know that you will quote.

Let us be on our feet and begin to speak God’s Word into our situation.
If I don’t like your world , you can create a new one for yourself.

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo