Can you guess the response?

Child replies… Mom! My hands are very small and if I take the sweets I can only take few..but now you see when uncle gave with his big hands….how many more sweets I got!

*** Moral of the Story ***

When we take we may get little but when God gives… HE gives us more beyond our expectations…. more than what we can hold.

Author ~ Unknown

“Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit;  sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.”  Reade, Charles

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved”   Bryan, William Jennings

 ”If you can’t see His way past the tears, trust His heart.”
— Charles H. Spurgeon

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.”
— Charles H. Spurgeon

 ”Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.”
— Charles H. Spurgeon

What tests are you going through right now?  Do you have unachieved goals, dreams or visions?    Do you feel like you have failed?  Are you looking to God for a miracle?

No one’s life is a chain of unbroken victories.  Some of the most successful people in history have failed.  But this did not make them in themselves failures. “Failure is simply the fuel for greater determination and success in the future”. (Joyce Meyer).  

Have you ever faced a situation where you wanted to give up? Learning how to handle these challenging times is one of the most important life skills we can develop.  The only difference between successful people and those less profitable is discovering how to turn difficult situations into a positive experience to become a stepping stone towards future success.

We all go through trials and tribulations; consider Moses, Joseph, Daniel, David, Hannah and of course Jesus. One thing which is common is that God did not come through when they expected him to but He always came through at the right time. Refuse to give up. (God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you.  Never forget that.  (Message 1 cor 1:9)

Face life and its challenges head on; your test can become your testimony and your mess your life’s message. It is possible to move from victim to victor; from being overcome to being an over-comer. Trust in God and declare that this year you will be successful!

Minister Jay Odunaike

Matthew 6:9-13:

9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
 11 Give us this day our daily bread.
 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
 13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
 For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(See also Luke 11:2-4)

If we consider that halfway through the instruction Jesus says, “give us today….” we see a clear indication that this format of (or way to approach) prayer is to be done on a daily basis.  It is also obvious that He is suggesting that it is done early in the day because it would make little sense to request “today’s” provisions late in the day or at night when the day is finished.  I say this because many of were taught this model prayer as part of a liturgy or our bedtime prayer routine.

When you Pray…
From Jesus’ teaching on how to pray in what is commonly called “The Lord’s Prayer” we can learn that a lifestyle of prayer comes out of a lifestyle of worship.  We can also discover that we can ‘pray to the point’ just like Jesus did – and we know that all of His prayers were heard and answered by God (see John 11:41-42).  We too can have most if not all of our prayers answered too if we follow Jesus’ instructions.  There should be no strain or struggle to pray but joy and confidence.

If we compare Matthew’s text with that of Luke’s (11:2-4) we see that the disciples requested that Jesus teach them to pray “as” John taught his disciples to pray.  Jesus does not do quite as they ask but repeats the same instruction on prayer that He taught them at the beginning of His ministry approximately two years earlier.  You will note that in the fourth stage of the prayer (verse 11 in Matthew’s account) Jesus says, “Give us this day…” thus indicating that this is a daily prayer carried out before the day’s activities really begin.

DILIGENCE means speed, haste (as manifested in earnestness), zeal; work, labour; effort, occupation; to make haste, to do the utmost; quick, skilful; do something early.  The picture is one of engaging in something early in the morning because people who are diligent about something often deny themselves of relevant personal privileges – in this instance, extra sleep, which is a sacrifice for most people.

‘FATHER IN HEAVEN’ – A DIVINE RELATIONSHIP

We are God’s children by virtue of Jesus’ sacrificial death on our behalf.  This sacrifice redeemed us from bondage to sin and its penalty by Jesus Christ’s blood and death (1 Corinthians 6:20 & 7:23).

We therefore open our prayer by giving thanks to God for this divine relationship because of the power of:

•  The shed blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:6-28)
•  The Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)
•  The Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18)
•  The Word of God (1 John 2:3-5)
•  The promise of life abundantly(John 10:10) 

 And more….

HALLOW: (Gr) Hagiazo; to make holy, boast, shine, grand, praiseworthy, set apart for religious purpose or use.

When declaring that the Lord’s Name to be hallowed there is a twofold application we should consider.  The first is to praise and worship God’s Name because of God’s worthiness as well as an ‘act of faith’ in anticipation of answer to our prayer.  The second is to declare and make one’s own life to be “a praise in the earth” (Isaiah 62:7; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; 2 Peter 1:2-4).  Praying regularly helps us keep our thoughts, words, actions, work, study, Christian service, daily lives, etc., a conscious offering of praise to God.  This creates such an awareness of our inner self that it makes faith and holiness even more attainable than just ‘head knowledge’ or a fleeting illusion.  It empowers us for taking control of ourselves and managing our desires, emotions, habits and lives.

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done”- SUBMISSION

Note - A kingdom is not a kingdom unless a monarch rules it.

Whilst we know that God created heaven and earth and all that exists and whilst we also know that God is the Supreme Being of the universe, it is not correct to assume that everything is subject to His rule (Hebrews 2:8).  To clarify this we need to understand that to be subject to a ruler or to be a ruler’s subject means to be under the rule of that ruler or government.  However, to be submitted to that ruler means to be voluntarily yielded to that ruler’s will or authority.

If we look at life and the world, world affairs, the family, society, politics, political and spiritual leaders, essential services, medicine, caring professions and agencies, education, the Church and current affairs (the list goes on), we would immediately see areas where God’s rule is required.  As we list these categories, people and subjects and begin to pray over them, it becomes easy to spend the entirety of a prayer time just on this part of the prayer.

A secondary aspect of this prayer is with regard to ourselves and the things we are responsible for or have control over.  In this aspect we can make declarations and decrees.  A useful way of approaching this to make declarations along these lines:

“Lord, I declare that today, You will be glorified – not only through my life but by my life and because of my life.  You will be glorified by my words and the things I do.  You will be glorified by how I act and react.  You will be glorified wherever I go.  Where You are glorified, Your kingdom come and Your reign be established there. As You are acknowledged by me, through me and because of me, Your kingdom come and Your will be done”.

(See Matthew 5:13-16)

We can pray in this way over and for each of our family members, friends, loved-ones, colleagues and workmates, neighbours, brothers and sisters (church and siblings), those the Lord “lays on our hearts”, leaders, politicians, royalty, our so-called enemies and on and on and on (1 Timothy 2:1).

Combined with the above is also the place of ‘spiritual warfare’.  According to Scripture, the devil and his minions (negative forces) are at work to destroy, oppose and rebel against all that is God’s kingdom or that represents God’s kingdom.  Note: the devil does not have a kingdom because the devil was never made a lord over one.  The devil is a usurper of authority and an imitator of God.  Jesus gave the Church authority over all the ability and leadership of the devil (Matthew 16:16-19; Luke 10:17-20).

Praying Jesus’ way is a lot easier than we may have thought.  If it feels good and is effective we will enjoy it and therefore engage in prayer with a more positive approach and with greater energy.

Further Readings:

1 John 3:8
1 John 4:4
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Ephesians 1:15-23

If you cannot express yourself well on each of your beliefs, work and study until you can. If you don’t, other people may miss out on the blessings that come from knowing the truth. Strive to re-express a truth of God to yourself clearly and understandably, and God will use that same explanation when you share it with someone else. But you must be willing to go through God’s winepress where the grapes are crushed. You must struggle, experiment, and rehearse your words to express God’s truth clearly. Then the time will come when that very expression will become God’s wine of strength to someone else. But if you are not diligent and say, “I’m not going to study and struggle to express this truth in my own words; I’ll just borrow my words from someone else,” then the words will be of no value to you or to others. Try to state to yourself what you believe to be the absolute truth of God, and you will be allowing God the opportunity to pass it on through you to someone else.

Always make it a practice to stir your own mind thoroughly to think through what you have easily believed. Your position is not really yours until you make it yours through suffering and study. The author or speaker from whom you learn the most is not the one who teaches you something you didn’t know before, but the one who helps you take a truth with which you have quietly struggled, give it expression, and speak it clearly and boldly.

(An Extract from Oswald Chambers’ book  My Utmost for His Highest)

Reflection 

Last year saw the biggest meltdown in the economy, with many of the major players in the financial arena such as the largest banks in the world at the brink of collapse and having to be bailed out by the Government.  Although many people saw the recession as something that would never hit their households, no one escaped the challenges, stresses and pressures of 2009, with job losses and a disproportionate rise in debts, mortgage arrears etc.  Despite these challenges we stood on the promises of God by faith and have continued to stand defiantly against every fiery dart as we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God and are called according to His purpose..”   

2010 Glorious Year for Winning

We have entered into 2010 – a brand new year, with brand new opportunities and at RCM we are expecting 2010 to be a year of unprecedented victories.    Ahead of us lies the unknown and no one knows what tomorrow will bring but God has set before us opportunities that have never been available to us before.  God has prepared us over 2009 to walk into an unbelievable inheritance in 2010.  In 2 Corinthians 2 v 4 the bible says “Thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] AMP.  God has no defeat planned for us and we are destined to win.  But in order to win you have to brush yourself off and get back in the race.  Like a marathon runner at the starting point the gun goes off and the race begins.  All that is on the mind of the marathon runner is “winning”.  He has trained, adjusted his diet, and prepared himself mentally, emotionally and physically for winning.   He takes no thought for what is behind, because he knows that in looking behind he will stumble and fall.   He stays focused on what is before him.   Winners do not win by accident but win on purpose, you have to choose to win this year.  As winners this year you have to declare your future before you see it.  Regardless of the reality of where you find yourself begin to declare victory out of your mouth.  Proverbs 18 v 21 “Death and life is in the power of the tongue”. Winners are persistent, they are unrelenting, steadfast, unmovable, even if they experience setbacks, they refuse to accept defeat.  This is the mindset God wants you to have throughout 2010. Begin to set your expectations to a new level and recognise that with your expectations raised, you will see every opportunity that comes your way, you will recognise the miracles because you expect the miracles.  God has already set before you an open door of opportunity and now you need to walk through that door by faith.   This year it is about God getting the glory for the victories in your life. Having a winning attitude in 2010 Success in life is not dependent on what happens to you, but on what you make out of life.  Not where you are but who you are.  Not what you do but how you do it.  What one person will regard as a failure another will regard as a challenge and an opportunity.  What makes you or breaks you is not outside of you but inside of you.   There is one little difference between people that always makes a big difference.  That little difference is attitude.  The big difference is whether your attitude is one that is positive or negative.   Your attitude and actions reflect who you really are.  Your attitude this year can make you or break you; it will heal you or hurt you.  Your attitude will make you happy or make you miserable.  Your attitude will determine how successful you are and how far you go.  The real you will be revealed through your attitude. Dare to give yourself permission to be successful this year, you deserve to succeed and you have the ability to succeed. Dare to try, dare to make a commitment, dare to take a risk.  If you do not take a risk you will never know whether you can win and get ahead.  Dare to take up the challenge and run with purpose on your mind.  Dare to educate yourself – knowledge is power “the knowledgeable person who has the right answer is the one who impress the powerful people.  Let’s get smart this year, do our part and God will do what we cannot do.   Deuteronomy 28 v 13  Give 2010 all you have and go all out to win.  You will succeed this year as you discover new powers within you that you never knew you had.  Remember, “greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.” Negative impact on your attitude in 2010 Watch out for the fears that will try to hamper your success this year; the fear of criticism, the fear of people and the fear of sickness and disease.  The first step to victory over fear is not to fear it.  The Bible says “fear no evil because God is with you” (Psalm 23 v 4)   In 2010 make a winning decision to remain optimistic in these uncertain times.  See all challenges as opportunities, see all setbacks as temporary inconvenience and recognise there is an expiry date on all setbacks. Above all, recognise your need for God’s guidance (Joshua 1 v 8), He does not expect you to take this journey on your own, that’s why He sent the Holy Spirit to lead you.  Ask Him NOW! 

The Son of God liberated me from death to a life eternal

I am in Christ and Christ has overcome the world

Christ in me is my Hope of Glory

God satisfies me with long life

God will never leave me nor forsake me, no matter what

God is my strength and my shield, therefore my heart will confidently trust in Him the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not lack anything

God’s promises to me are not just for me but for my children’s children

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. These attributes are mine to apply in all aspects my life

No weapon formed against me will succeed

God has blessed me (through Jesus Christ) with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realm

I put trust in God’s Word which is purposeful.  When He speaks, His Word will not return to Him void but will always prosper in the thing for which He sent it

My belief in God’s Word enlarges (expands the capacity of) my heart to trust Him; my faith in Him raises my expectations of Him

God will raise up a standard against adverse situations when they come against me and my family like a flood

God is (not was) my very present help in the time of trouble, I will not be overtaken

I serve a God (of infinite knowledge and mysteries) who has given me the power of revelation and understanding through His Word and Holy Spirit.  Therefore,  I am compelled and empowered to live a life with PURPOSE, destined for SUCCESS… because…

I AM WINNER!

For further information, please contact our Administration Department on 020 8655 4155.

The Christian life has often been referred to or described as a race.  Paul said in Hebrews 12:1 …”let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us”.  I am sure most of us, if we had to compete in say a 100m sprint race, would certainly run to win. 

To win the race you have to employ a number of strategies e.g. running – long and short distances to develop speed and stamina, eating the right foods, getting sufficient rest, weight training to build up the muscles, etc.  You even have to train your mind to have a winning mentality.  As the saying goes – most battles and races are often lost or won in the first instance in the mind.  You have to know you can and believe you can win.  You have to fight against doubt, fear and a whole host of negative thoughts when preparing yourself to be a winner.  Then you might turn your attention to the other runners/competitors, by comparing yourself to them - a natural thing to do but could be futile because when that race starts you are on your own in your lane, running your own race.   You cannot be concerned with what your competitor in the next lane is doing – you have to stay focused on your race confident that you have done everything required for a successful outcome – running with sheer determination with your eyes on the prize – the finishing line – the first position!

Are you in it to win it? (Whatever ‘it’ may be).  Do you have a dream or something you are passionate about that you have wanted to pursue but were too afraid to enter the race and step on to the track, for fear of losing?  Go for it!  But before you do make sure you have done all your preparations that will put you on the track to success.  Don’t be afraid of failure.  Because you have committed it to God, be of good courage…for the Lord your God is with you.  When embarking on something new it can be frightening or daunting because it is stepping into the unknown but if you have done all that you need to do to put YOU in the best possible position to achieve (to win) then with your faith in God and in yourself, ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, BANG, Go for it!  “Throw off…”, in the words of Apostle Paul, ”… every unnecessary weight (encumbrance) [burden, load, hindrance, nuisance, impediment, mass, heaviness]“ and set yourself up to be a winner!