This is another year! It is early enough to position yourself for financial success. As 2024 starts, the machineries to success financially and remain in success should also be formed and firmed up. There is no time to waste. So, what should be your recipes for financial success in this New Year? Let us find out.

Financial freedom is the right of every believer. However, if you have not exercised that right on money matters, there is trouble ahead. In fact, if you have not won over money, you are not likely to win over sin. The love of money is the root of evil, as it makes money to control you, and loving money is not the pathway to financial freedom but enslavement by it and perdition in the end. Rather, having control over money and making it work for you is the machination that guarantees financial freedom.

Fraud and similar vices, indebtedness, and anxiety over payment are not only caused by pressure but are a result of the love of money and enslavement by it. Money must not control you; you must be in control. If you cannot exercise control over money, you are in trouble.

How Do People Enslave Themselves Financially?

A car loan (note) for obtaining an expensive personal car is not a productive one as it does not add any financial value or bring about an increase in resources. On the contrary, car note is the kind of loan that drains the pockets and leads to anxiety and sleeplessness.  It creates avoidable financial pressure.

Living above your means is a critical financial state you are creating for yourself. Living within your means is a virtue. You do not have to go for a four or five-bedroom house if you can manage a one or two-bedroom apartment and easily pay for this. You do not need that house or mansion because you want to prove how big or comfortable you are. What is hidden from people is that you are in fact in discomfort and distress in secret and are nursing high blood pressure because of that self-inflicted wound caused by putting yourself on a tightrope financially.

The clothes you wear do not have to be expensive designers if you cannot afford it. What sense does it make to adorn expensive suits and shoes when they will dissipate your take-home and leave you in penury or debt? If your take-home cannot accommodate those wears, simply settle for good wears that are not expensive. Simply dress nicely and look good. No one would care or give you an award for wearing the most expensive designer shoes, shirts, suits, or wristwatches.

Laziness is an enemy of financial liberty. Proverbs 13:4 tells us, “The soul of the lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.” In essence, the lazy man desires the things that hardworking people have, such as a house, food, vacations, and rest of mind, but the lazy man’s desires remain unsatisfied.

What are the Recipes for Financial Success?

Jesus gave a parable of the talent in chapter 25:14-30, to teach us about how to win financially. This parable is interpreted in different ways and it indeed suits different contexts in our social and Christian life. The story teaches us about investment and growing through it. The talent you are given, you are expected to invest and use it wisely so that the outcome will be multiplied blessings for your sake and for the sake of society. Jesus makes us know that God has put resources in our hands and expects us to increase in them. He expects all of us to grow and use what we have been given as much as we can. This is probably the foundation of the principle that to whom much is given, much is expected.

Every resource you have is supposed to be multiplied. This happens not only through prayers but also through action. You win financially through strategic thinking, planning, and investment. If the resource is wasted, it is a sin and the price is here on earth- penury. If the resource is not multiplied, then the probability of living on the edge is high. If the resource is multiplied and well managed, then you have gained financial freedom.

Self-control or discipline is another measure to gain financial freedom. The scriptures make us know that self-control or discipline is a virtue that works in all areas of life, including money matters. “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:2-3, NIV). Again, we are warned that if we do not exercise self-control, we will be slaves to what controls us. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

We are not instructed to avoid good things or not to use our money for those things. Instead, we are warned to exercise discipline in order to realize our desires and maximally enjoy those good things. “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined” (Titus 1:8).

Wisdom for money management comes from God. Luke 16:11 says “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” In Proverbs 13:22, we are also told that “Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly”, while Proverbs 21:20 warns, “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get”.

Money management is an arduous task and does not require human wisdom alone. We need God. “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it”‍ (Proverbs 10:22). Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”‍ God is the giver of wisdom to get wealth and to stay in it. He is the one we seek ultimately in prayers and reading of the scriptures and other kingdom materials, to make and sustain our wealth.

Finally, yet importantly, brethren, a strategic way to keep us in financial victory is to ensure that our resources are invested in God’s kingdom or that our money mixes with the things of God. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine”. Call it an injunction or admonition; it is a kingdom principle that works. I have personally experienced this with proofs. You honor God with tithes, offerings, gifts to the church and people, and financial or material support for kingdom activities.

Again, do not borrow for anything that would not create wealth. Avoid financial pressures that could cause indebtedness, poverty, or corrupt practices. Then, be contented with what you have and try not to compare yourself or your family with others, as this could lead to undue financial problems. Work on your taste as this could be a financial booby trap and push you to monetary issues. Avoid credit cards that do not relate to landed property investment or human capacity development, as obtaining credit cards for the purpose of clothes, shoes, food, and cars would only make you eat into your future. Stay away from them.

Friends, the most important step to financial peace and prosperity is for us to have a biblical or kingdom view of money and wealth. As a believer, you cannot afford to ignore or question biblical charges or instructions about money management and wealth creation. You run with them because they work! You are a financial victor! God will help us to understand and lead us to divine wealth in Jesus’ precious name.

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

Happy New Year, God’s precious people. The One who saw us through 2023 will abide with us all through 2024. We thank Him for all the diverse miracles of the previous year. Thanksgiving shall not leave our hearts and lips in this glorious year in Jesus’ name!

Every believer needs to pray for the baptism of the spirit of gratitude. In the same vein, setting aside at least one Sunday by the church for thanksgiving is not too much. In fact, it is not enough. Our situation should not be the reason for thanking or not thanking God. The attitude of gratitude should be part of our life. Until we die, we should not stop thanking God.

The challenge of life may make you look like He has not done enough or anything for you. However, if you look around you, you will realize that those things that you consider little or normal are actually big.  As a student, how many people around you did not graduate from school? But you did. How many persons have died of that seemingly ordinary disease that you had but survived and are still alive? Do you know how many people are struggling day and night, thinking and probably slipping into depression because they cannot pay their bills? But here you are, you have settled your bills and do so as and when due.

The Lord spoke plainly on gratitude for His blessings in our lives. In Malachi 2:1-2, He gave an injunction about thanksgiving: “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart”.

Let us note that after the ransom of Jesus Christ, God will never curse His own, and as such does not curse. However, the strong instruction in that scripture in Malachi underpins the importance that God places on thanksgiving. He asks us to take it to heart (make it mandatory) to give Him all the glory, to thank Him, or to show gratitude for who and what we are. We must understand that while He will not curse, however, when we do not show gratitude for what He has done, it is natural for the blessings to fade away. Even in human relationships, if we do not thank our helper, he will surely not repeat his kindness toward us. In addition, if we scorn our benefactor, he can either stop being kind or withdraw his gestures.

Therefore, if any blessings turn sour, God forbids it, you are not under a curse; it is more likely that you are under ignorance. Ignorance of the word and instruction of God concerning giving Him thanks for His great works and for even being alive alone, can create a downward spiral. Your total man belongs to Him. Your heart, spirit, soul. Your mouth, ears, hands, legs, everything. They all belong to the Lord. For these things, we must be grateful.

In 1 Peter 2:9, we are made to know that we are a chosen generation and that we are of royalty:  “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”. Here, the scripture makes us understand that He brings us out of one situation or the other, and sets us on a plane, to thank Him for these things. With that mentality that He delivers and sets us apart for royal priesthood, we must set our minds to consistent thanksgiving.

In all situations, God always leaves a margin for gratitude. This is the reason some people encounter narrow escapes or come out of major disasters unscathed. That is why many of us have testimonies of His goodness and mercies to share. He is a good God, whose goodness and mercies deserve acknowledgment and gratitude.

In Luke 17:12-19, we learn of the story of the ten lepers who sought healing from Jesus. After they were delivered of the leprosy, only one of them returned to give thanks to God. In verse 16, the healed leper fell down on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Thanksgiving is a form of worship. It is a form of worship from the heart, which manifests in how we deploy our body to show it.

Again, thanksgiving is never too much. God has done so much for us, keeping us alive, saving us from negative occurrences, shielding us from shame, providing our daily bread, granting us mercies beyond human comprehension, healing our infirmities, forgiving us our sins, and so on. If He can do so much for us on a daily basis, we have no business counting the number of times we have thanked Him.

As a corollary to the above, thanksgiving is a multiplier. The story of the man who requested God to stop blessing him is a classic one. He saw that his blessings were multiple and probably too many. Nevertheless, he did not understand that there was a particular act of his that provoked multiple and ceaseless blessings. These were his consistent acts of thanksgiving. Thus, God told him that He would stop blessing the man only if he (the man) stopped thanking him. However, the man would never stop thanking God, hence his blessings kept pouring down.

The man’s story above teaches us that as we thank God truthfully and in spirit, there is a divine force that provokes His ceaseless blessings. It is a divine law. It is the sickle that brings home the harvest (Joel 3:13). To feed thousands that gathered at His feet during teachings, Jesus took the five loaves of bread and two pieces of fish, looked up into heaven, gave thanks to God, and broke the bread into pieces. He then gave it to His disciples, who in turn gave it to the crowds. Moreover, everyone ate until they were satisfied, for the food multiplied in front of their eyes! (Matthew 14:19-21). Thanksgiving carries the grace for multiplication.

Furthermore, God never rejects thanksgiving. He loves it. There is a Yoruba saying/song that praises or thanksgiving is His food. God takes thanksgiving so seriously that He even takes roll call over it, as demonstrated in Luke 17:15-16 when Jesus noticed that nine of the lepers did not come back to return the glory to God for their healing.

Finally, brethren, thanksgiving reverses adversity. Lazarus was dead for four days, but as Jesus approached the tomb and Lazarus’ sister warned that the body was already decomposing, Jesus, standing by the side of the grave, looked up to give thanks, and Lazarus came back to life!

In conclusion, thanksgiving completes the process that God has begun in us. It facilitates and completes the process of perfection. We must make it a lifestyle. When we know how to thank God, God will perfect how to raise us. Help will rise up for us. It is my earnest prayer that thanksgiving will not cease in your homes this 2024 and beyond in Jesus; precious name.

God bless you!

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

Beloved, it is another Christmas. I wish you a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for being loyal readers these past 16 weeks since this column was birthed.

I hope that the Word has blessed you in diverse ways, and my prayer is that the teachings continue to turn things around for you. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus (the epitome of light and life) today and this week, light shall find you. Light shall follow you all the way from now to the New Year, and beyond. The light from heaven shall illuminate and brighten your path unto a godly heritage in Jesus’ precious name.

God’s word is designed to be accessible to everyone, which is the reason for its simplicity. Therefore, the teaching of the word gives light so much that even the simple will have an understanding of it. Anytime the word of God goes forth, it does so with light. The opposite of the word is ignorance, which is darkness.

Your act shows what you have of the two- light or darkness. If you understand the word of God that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, and they that dwell therein (Psalm 24:1), you will understand that it is a revelation- that He has given you the right and permission to live anywhere you wish to be. Put differently, the light in that scripture is that anywhere on earth is made for you: take it and dwell in it! The word shall continue to illuminate your paths all the days of your life. Amen!

The Purpose of Christmas

In the mood of the season, and to put the season in its proper context, we shall dwell on the meaning and purpose of Christmas. The value you place on a thing determines its price tag and the amount you are willing to pay for it. What does the birth of Jesus mean to you? What value do you place on His coming? How much are you willing to pay to maximize Jesus’ coming to the world? Do you even know why Christmas is celebrated every December 25th? Let us examine the purpose of Christmas.

In the secular world, Christmas is just another Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. In the Encyclopedia Britannica, the English term “Christmas” is the “mass on Christ’s birth date”. The origin of the word “Christmas” is recent. The earlier term “Yule” may have derived from the Germanic or Anglo-Saxon terms that referred to the feast of the winter solstice.

However, Christmas is more than this ordinary understanding of it. Christmas means the recognition and celebration of the significance of human salvation or redemption. Christmas is not another birthday of a human being, during which food and drinks are plenteous for entertainment. It is not just that time for buying or exchanging gifts or sharing food and gifts. It is a special time to celebrate our Savior.

In the book of Luke, chapter 2, the birth of Jesus is described as an extraordinary one, first with an immaculate conception, humanly inexplicable. Then the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus were shrouded in mysteries that could only be divinely explained. Then the stars led the wise men to His birthplace, where they went to venerate Him and fulfill old prophecies. One mystery followed the other, with symbolisms of the arrival of an unusual child. On that day, a king was born and He would be the Savior of the world.

The significance of Christmas lies in the understanding that God sent His son into the world as part of His plan to bring salvation to people everywhere. Christians also think about the ‘incarnation’ – meaning ‘in the flesh’ – when God became man in the form of the baby Jesus. However, what is most significant is that Jesus came to save humanity. He wanted to lead us away from eternal damnation and to everlasting life. That is the reason for His birth, many strange acts within 33 short years, death and resurrection.

Jesus used Himself as a sacrifice to avert the curse of the law. This curse affects anyone who has not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. It was the ultimate sacrifice in the history of humankind.

Christmas is about how He came to give us love, hope, and joy. For God is love and this love made Him to give His only begotten son, Jesus, to deliver whosoever believes in Him. This greatest gift is to rekindle the hope of restoring everlasting life, the way it was before the fall of man. Hope inspires joy. Therefore, Christmas symbolizes the three cardinal objectives of our Savior for our lives- love, hope, and joy. These three fruits are expected to be shared among men. Christmas is thus a season to share the love, hope, and joy that our Lord Jesus epitomizes and gave to us.

Christmas is a time of gift-giving and receiving. What are the gifts to be shared? In addition to love, hope, and joy, are kindness, peace, and goodness. In appreciation of what Christ has done for us, we give in return to fellow humans. Another gift to be shared during this period is spreading the word of redemption and working toward winning souls for Christ. You must not allow physical giving to overshadow the gift of salvation, which is what the birth of Jesus symbolizes. Salvation is the best gift. Thus, surrender yourself to Him, accepting Him as your Lord and Savior, and commit to live this new life for the rest of your life. It does not end there; you should go further by bringing others over to Him too.

Furthermore, Christmas represents the celebration of the victory of our deliverance from the bondage of the devil. Satan had man locked down in sin, guilt, and condemnation. However, Jesus came and unwrapped man of this bondage. Having been delivered from this darkness and translating us to the Kingdom of God, the season of Christmas thus becomes an opportunity for us to celebrate this deliverance from devilish bondage.

Against the foregoing backgrounds, let us conclude, therefore, that Christmas is not only a time to celebrate Jesus, but is also a time for sober reflection. It is a time to reflect on God’s infinite goodness and kindness to us, the sacrifices of Jesus, and our salvation and translation to eternal life. It is a time to check our lifestyles, take stock, and see if we have been in alignment with things we dropped from our lives.

Friend, the ultimate show of gratitude for Jesus’ birth and sacrifices during this Yuletide is to do soul searching and rededicate your life to Christ if you have reneged, or give your life to Him if you are not born again yet. It is another opportunity to surrender everything to Him and stay with Him for the rest of your life. God bless you in Jesus’ name.

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

Purpose is everything. The purpose of God for us is to dwell in unity and peace. If man ever encounters any disunity or chaos, it is because he caused it for himself. God wants order and to make this happen, He wants us to live in unity.

He created just one language for unity among men. God used one language, Hebrew to reveal Himself. In the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Greek was used.

The untoward intent of man was the reason He scattered them by creating different tongues or languages. As the people planned to build a tower to reach the heavens, God made them not understand one another anymore by the different languages they began to speak. This was because the intention to build the Tower of Babel was not a good one. This is how we have multiple languages in the world today.

He designed unity for a purpose

We must note, however, that the Lord has purposed man to live together, co-existing in agreement to accomplish great things together. However, the many languages God created have become a thing of beauty. First, is diversity in terms of languages. Nonetheless, He understands all our languages. Whenever we pray to Him in our native languages, He understands.

But man became overambitious and God modified the agenda, without destroying the purpose:

“Now the whole earth had one language and one]speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and] bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the LORD said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. Therefore its name is called]Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth” (Genesis 11: 1-9).

God’s purpose is to have men live in one accord with understanding of one another through one language. But the purpose of man was to unite and stand against God. The purpose was not right and God confused them. By scattering them all over the earth, it was in fulfillment of another purpose, which is to multiply and replenish the earth. This is also in fulfillment of yet another purpose- that the message of God can go far and wide and that the gospel of Jesus Christ in the future can reach the ends of the earth.

Let us not misunderstand something- God wants His people to live in unity. The purpose of creation is for there to be harmony. Even when the people were scattered across the earth, He still made them live together in one identity and used the coming of Jesus to seal that message of unity, love, and peace.

Unity forces God’s blessings upon homes, assemblies and societies

The blessings of God rest only where there is unity. In a community, a church, an assembly, or a home where there is no unity, the blessings of God will either be absent or not multiply. Spouses and families must stay united to enjoy the blessings of God or have His blessings multiply in their homes. God’s glory resides in homes where there is unity.

The message of unity in homes and households is underscored in this scripture: “How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had surrendered them?” (Deuteronomy 32:30). Unity between two or more will force victories or triumphs and upscale divine glory. In the same vein, unity in diversity in w world that now has more ethnicities or races than before will forge peace and progress.

God wants spouses and families to live in one accord. At the creation of man and woman, unity for them in marriage was not given as hope; it was a command! “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

He wants unity in the church. Ephesians 4:3-6 says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all”

The purpose of God is unity within those different nations He created after the destruction of the plan for Babel: “God delights in unity among his people who have “the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

God wants nations, ethnicities, and races to unite and work in unity: “Bring to me all the people who are mine, whom I made for my glory, whom I formed and made. Bring out the people who have eyes but don’t see and those who have ears but don’t hear. All the nations gather together, and all the people come together” (Isaiah 43:9).

Friends, the ultimate purpose of God is for His will for us to be done, and He makes it clear that this is possible only when we work in one accord. Whether from the family level to the global level or from the church to communities, unity is the message, and this, from our teaching today, can be understood as the catalyst for God’s blessings in our lives.

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

In this season of celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ to redeem humankind, there is no better topic than that to usher us into the realm of becoming like Jesus Himself. As children of God, becoming Christ-like should be our primary aspiration. To do so, we must set our eyes on things above, and not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:1-14 aptly captures the essence of this teaching:

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection”.

To be like Christ requires all the foregoing. It must be a resolve of every child of God. This is possible if we recall what the scriptures say in 2 Corinthians 5:17-18: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation”. To make becoming Christ-like possible and a lifestyle, a major step is to be born again.

What is Character? How is it perceived in Christendom?

Your character is you. What we see in you is the total summation of your character. What you exhibit in real-time and in real life is the definition of your character. If you are not always punctual for meetings, classes, or church services, it may as well have revealed who you are.

Character is the will to make choices. For a Christian, character is the will to do what is right as defined by God, and not by you. When you see things from the lens of God, regardless of the cost to you, then you have the character of God. Character in Christian terms does not have a flip side- it is always good. It is either you have a character or you do not. When you show evil or do anything that is not scriptural, it means you do not have character. Therefore, character is a good or godly attitude demonstrated at all times, a thing that is inside of you but which manifests in your day-to-day behavior.

Does your character represent Christ? After church service, what character do you exhibit? When no human eyes are on you, what do you do? Who are you in secret?

There are standards of God that are quite high, but which you, as a Christian must align with, to be on the same page with Jesus. The standards seem tough, but we must apply them in our lives. Whenever we exhibit a poor attitude, we misrepresent the kingdom of God. But whenever we do right, we announce to the world the godly heritage that we have. Christians must exhibit godly character to project who Jesus is. Therefore, we have a calling to show who our Jesus is, and this can be gleaned only from only our attitude, acts, and behavior.

What are the Examples of Christ-like Character?

The mercy of God culminated in His ultimate gift of Christ, for our redemption and eternal life (John 3:16).  Built in interminable and enormous love, His mercies are renewed every day and are without repentance. The mercies of God make His grace abundantly available to us. Without His mercies, we would not be who, what, where, and how we are today. His mercies rescue us from destruction, take us through the storms of life, and place us in places far above principalities and powers. The mercies of God maketh rich and add no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22). The mercies of God gifted us Jesus, who is the embodiment of mercies. As a child of God, we must imbibe this nature of our Father and show mercy to our fellow human beings, Christians or not. Mercy includes kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, When you show Christ-like mercy to unbelievers, or when you act in mercy before them, you are likely to endear Christ to them and win them to Him.

Humility is a Christ-like character. Wherever He went on earth, Jesus humbled Himself. In the Old Testament, pride is condemned in the strongest of terms: “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 18). The scriptures are consistent about pride and humility because God despises pride and arrogance. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Several other scriptures (Psalms 10:4, Job 9:13, I Peter 5:5, Proverbs 14:3, II Timothy 2:25) reiterate this inimitable disposition of God to pride and humility. What more do you need as a Christian to dispose of pride and arrogance, which are abhorred by your Father in Heaven, and cultivate instead, the nature of humility?

Brethren, in light of the above, if anyone ever tells you or complains that you are proud or arrogant, then you have work to do immediately. This is because such attributes are not of God. Showing arrogance or seeking veneration from everyone around you, including your peers, juniors, spouses, or children, does not show a Christ-like nature. Like Jesus, who never showed arrogance to those around people and welcomed everyone with open arms and meekness, you are supposed to be humble toward people around you.

Giving is a godly character. David gave the biggest tabernacle to God in his time. Solomon gave to God mightily, following his father’s footsteps. God gave His only begotten son, Jesus. Jesus gave His life on the cross, bore all our sins, and put Himself on the line to save humanity.

Let us note that whatever nature you exhibit around- your children in particular- they will imbibe it and replicate the same. If you do not show godly character as enunciated above, they will not only replicate but also multiply it. That was why Solomon copied his father and gave so much more to humanity. God gave His son and His son gave His life. Giving is Christ-like; it should be a lifestyle among Christians and a heritage we must hand over to our children.

Other features of a Christ-like character are longsuffering- being tolerant and patient with people, even when they are provocative in behavior; contentment- being satisfied with what you have and not having a competitive mindset with others, which could breed jealousy or greed or both; discretion- choosing to do things wisely when it matters; self-control; sincerity-honesty; and joyfulness.

Benefits of Christ-like Character?

First, leading a godly life will glorify God. God’s name will be glorified by the Christ-like behavior and acts you put up. Everyone will celebrate your God when you show those attributes of Jesus.

Second, it will lead you to a peaceful life. Have you noticed that the life of those without Christ-like character often ends up in chaos? These could be critical relationships, financial crises, health issues, criminal acts or cases, societal isolation, or an outright fall from grace. These shall not be your portions in Jesus’ precious name! Engage in godly ways and you shall be free indeed.

Third, your Christ-like life will attract people to Christ. Your act is light that will shine and attract people. Honesty, transparency, kindness, meekness, love, joyfulness, understanding, and so forth are godly lights that shine and attract people to us. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Fourth, shame will be far away from you. Any act that you cannot exhibit openly or you are hiding from people is likely a shameful one (Proverbs 13:34) God does not operate or expect you to operate this way. When you engage in acts that Jesus would do, you can never be wrong or put to shame.

How to Build a Christ-like Character

The first thing to do is to imitate or model Christ. “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1). You have to be intentional about this. Your goal must be to study and carefully follow Christ’s footsteps in order to be like Him. You must consciously nurture all those Christ-like features or potentials, which you have in you.

Furthermore, you must have self-control. Self-control must be exercised in your emotions (anger, lustfulness, greed), and all other slothful acts. Jesus demonstrated the mist restraint at all times and He came to teach us the way to life. That attitude of self-control has to be cultivated.

In addition, you must be meek. Jesus preached meekness at all times and said the meek alone would inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). The fullness of the earth is therefore your inheritance if you are meek or tolerant and forgiving. By implication, while you consciously grow your godly nature by being meek, you also have a huge reward ahead for exhibiting meekness.

Obedience is a virtue. It has to be exhibited in the spiritual and physical realms. Obedience to God and in the community of men is required to develop a Christ-like character. Jesus even taught us to give unto Caesar what belongs to him (Mark 12:17). Loyalty is also a virtue. Our loyalty to God is sin qua non. A lack of loyalty could cost people dearly. Judas lost eternity owing to disloyalty. Lucifer lost his place in eternity because of disloyalty. Jesus is the embodiment of loyalty and today, He reigns forever!

Renewal of mind is another way to build a Christ-like character. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-3). Everything about you starts with your mind. It comes with a thought. To develop godly character, it starts with your mind, before it becomes an intention or a quest. Start today!

Friend, a Christ-like nature is founded on a redemptive life. Godly life and all the blessings that come with it are the exclusive preserve of the redeemed. I urge you strongly to give your life to Christ and begin to reign forever in Him. Until next week when we discuss another important topic that will ennoble our godly life and Christian faith, it is my prayer that you witness a rebirth, carry the pure nature of Jesus Christ, and reap all the rewards therein. Amen!

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

As a child of God or a believer, soul winning is our primary duty. As we are saved, the next step is to go and tell the world about Jesus. The essence is to taste the experience of new birth and see the light that we have seen. It is wisdom to win souls as that is the harvest of believers.

That primary duty- buying back the souls of men- has been neglected nowadays. How many souls have you won to Christ this year 2023? How many persons have you witnessed Jesus to this year?

Many of us do not want to lose that job or lose that customer. Therefore, we avoid telling others about Jesus or becoming born again. However, soul winning is the most important duty of a born-again Christian and believer.

Soul winning- what is it?

This is the practice of leading lost souls back to Jesus. Soul winning is the process is showing Jesus to lives that are lost to return them to light.

Who carries out soul winning?

Christians no longer know this duty and leave the job of witnessing Christ or winning souls to their pastor. God will not ask your church what it does about soul winning; He will ask you what you did about it. Witnessing and leading lost sheep to Christ is your responsibility. Christianity is a personal thing and requires only our personal responsibility. Moreover, for sure, it is a faith that requires our responsibility.

Christians are not doing enough to lead souls to Christ. They shift the responsibility of acting too “civilized’ to talk about Christ where it matters. However, Islam does not shy away from that responsibility. Muslims are forceful and dedicated pushing the boundaries of their faith and winning people to their faith. As a Christian, you must gear up to win the souls for Christ. This will keep the church away from emptiness.

Why must we win souls?

It is your duty. Your primary responsibility is to win souls for Christ. As a child of God, that is your duty and the assignment is not negotiable. You c

The scriptures in Proverbs 11.30 state, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that winneth souls is wise”. Soul winning is the fruit of righteousness. In other words, it is the harvest of the believers and a demonstration of wisdom. In addition, it makes us even wiser. The more harvest of souls you have, the more the reward of it is divine wisdom.

It is a responsibility to save souls that are on the path of perdition. If you have been saved from a destructive path and see someone else taking the same path of destruction, the onus rests on you to rescue that fellow from the destructive path. In God’s kingdom, you are not permitted to look away or feign ignorance and allow the person to head toward doom. It will be a disservice to waste that soul when you can save him by telling him about Christ or winning his soul for Him.

Soul winning is the heartbeat of God. You want to touch God’s heart, go and win souls. Winning souls touches God’s heart more than your money. Prayer is good. Service is good. But saving lives is the most important thing in His sight. God does not want anyone to perish. That is why He sent His only begotten son (John 3:16).

Saving lives through soul winning is a way to enter into a partnership with God. He wants us saved and when you perform that duty of saving lives, you are in partnership with Him. You are gathering people unto eternal life, and this moves God. Winning souls thus make you a kingdom partner with Him. Can I tell you this? Being in partnership with God is the most important partnership any human being can have. No one collaborates with Him and loses (John 4.36-38). You are a winner!

There are millions out there yearning for redemption but there is no guide to lead them to Christ. This is why you must do that service. Witness to them and guide them to redemption. Romans 10:13-15: “for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” As can be gleaned from the foregoing scripture, they have not heard the gospel of Christ or the message of redemption, but in truth, they deserve it. This is a call like one of our fathers in the faith, Bishop David Oyedepo often says about his mandate: “The harvest is now overripe. Rush it and preserve it from decadence”.  God expects us to do the job of preserving His people from destruction and needs us to execute that assignment.

God commanded soul winning. As Jesus sets to depart on completion of His mission on earth, He instructed us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This commission is not voluntary but mandatory for all believing Christians.

Soul winning is a sign of your love for God and man. If you love God, you will love men/women or all God’s human creatures and the way to show love for God is to salvage His people. You are expected to ensure that all men are saved, which is the show of that love (John 21:17).

To receive answers to your prayers, you should become a soul winner. This is because Christ said that if you bear fruit that remains, you will receive whatever you ask of the Father in His name (John 15:16).

How do you win souls?

Through witnessing. Sharing the news of His good deeds and how He has saved and blessed you. You can witness by door-to-door evangelism, through sharing personal experiences.

Using all communication devices and means at your disposal to share the good news with people everywhere you go. You are to use those phones, laptops, the internet, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and much more to win souls to Christ and grow His church or kingdom on earth. Leverage technology to share the gospel.

When you go to witness, keep it simple. Avoid those personal complicated stories or the use of ominous words. Present the good news of Jesus’ salvation gospel and leave it at that. Offer Jesus to them and pray or intercede fervently for souls that are lost. Avoid argument; just let them know Jesus came to save them because He loves them.

Friends, Jesus is the only one that can save souls from perdition. Ours is to have compassion for lost souls and work with Him to win them back to God’s kingdom. We are to intercede for lost souls. As you go out there to witness, may you return rejoicing in Jesus’ precious name. May this December be the best for you as join Christ in this special season of His to redeem those lives

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

There is nowhere mercy cannot reach. No matter how far or deep any individual has gone in sin, in the occult, or in evil, mercy is never inaccessible. The mercy of God never discriminates. The landscape of the mercy of God is immeasurable.

Ephesians 3:14-19: “For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith- that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God”.

The scripture above is instructive and shows us how infinitesimally merciful God can be. There is a depth to the mercy of God. No one can dig to the depth of it, or see the end of it. The mercy of the Lord is always available. If you are deeply in sin, all you require is to turn back to the right course, and God will forgive you. If anyone be in Christ, all things are new, and it is as if you never committed any sins before (2 Corinthians 5:17).

But what is mercy?

Mercy is the unlimited love of God. God shows compassion toward us. He does not pity us. Pity flows from arrogance, which is not in God’s character. Compassion is from a good heart, from someone who genuinely wants to help. This is where God’s mercy originates. His mercy finds us even in that position of sin. The death of Christ is a demonstration of the power of God’s mercy. Mercy is the ‘compassionate’, a kindly forbearance that is shown by an entity that is in a position of authority to apportion punishment over a vulnerable one. Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. Rather than punish us for our horrible sins or ways, He sends Jesus out of kindness and love to redeem us.

What is the character of mercy?

Mercy is given without expectation to return the favor. Mercy is freely given. If mercy is offered because you have an expectation, then that is a transaction. God does not work that way. His mercy (kindness) and grace are without repentance. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29).

Mercy rescues from hopelessness- it can restore hope and bring you back to life. Mercy found one of the two condemned criminals crucified along with Jesus. “But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong. Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:40-43). Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved.”

The power in the word of Jesus is mercy. In John 5:8, we understand that Jesus showed mercy to the man at the Pool of Bethesda, changing his story of reproach of many years to everlasting joy. “Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked”.

Where the power of mercy is at work, protocols can be broken. The mercy of God can make ordinary, those rigid human routines, rigid procedures, and protocols, and can even leverage the protocols to favor you.

Indeed, the mercy of God is the most powerful force on earth. It can change anything (1 Peter 1:3). The resurrection of Jesus is a force of mercy that changed everything about humanity and creation.

Mercy will rescue you and move you forward in life. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

The mercy of God brings divine health to the sick and helpless. The story of the healing in Bethesda demonstrates how the mercy of God brings help to the helpless.

Now, how can you lay hold on God’s mercy?

Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”. The primary way to obtain mercy is for you to be merciful. Your mercy should be extended everywhere- mercy should not have boundaries social or geographical location. Your mercy should be beyond your immediate family, church, or neighborhood. You must show mercy everywhere and to whoever requires it in order to obtain mercy.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15). Jesus has not mentioned any specific social, ethnic, or racial group here, nor has he mentioned any demographics. But He says, “men” (all human beings).

Again, we are instructed to be a blessing to the needy around us. Psalm 41:1: “Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble, the Lord delivers him”. In Proverbs 14:21, the message is clearer: “Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor”.

Friends, the message is clear. Only those who offer mercy shall obtain mercy. Moreover, to enjoy the overflow of God’s mercy, we have to be born again. This is because it is only when we are in Christ that all things become new, and all our sins are forgiven by the mercy of God. The grace to be merciful shall rest upon you in Jesus’ precious name!

In Genesis 26:1-16, we learn about supernatural progress. There was famine in the land and Isaac went to Abimelech, the king of the Philistines. But God instructed Isaac not to go down to Egypt but to live in the land where He would show him, promising to bless him in that land as long as he stayed to God’s instruction. Isaac encountered supernatural blessings beyond human imagination. “Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold because the Lord blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him” (Genesis 26: 12-14).

God wants for you more than natural progress. He wants you to enjoy supernatural progress. This is the kind of progress that can be earned by your efforts. For every progress made, He wants you to acknowledge Him, which means such progress will be enormous.

This kind of progress is available. To access it, your efforts are required. In the case of Isaac, he did something- he sowed in the land and he reaped abundantly. In Genesis 8:22, we are told in specific terms that seedtime and harvest shall never cease as long as God keeps the earth in existence. Seedtime is inevitable in the journey of supernatural progress, and it has to be in accordance with God’s law. Harvest will come in line with His promise. Isaac honored that principle. For him, his efforts included obedience to the voice of God, following the law of sowing, and reaping in abundance for all that.

How can you enjoy supernatural progress?

God is not a partial God. He does not prosper anyone because He loves them more than the others. He has given us His principles in Genesis 8:22 and blesses only those who follow that law. He sees and monitors the heart and how this heart follows His instructions, principles, and laws. God blesses only those who honor His word by their acts. Therefore, a cardinal requirement to access supernatural progress is by keeping to the instructions and staying with the will of God. The reason Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob prospered was that they adhered to divine instructions. They did not just obey, but they strictly did.

Another major requirement is to be born again. Having a new life is a crucial criterion for supernatural progress. The scriptures tell us that old things will pass away and all things will become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Supernatural progress is one of the new things that happen to a born-again child of God.

On a journey to supernatural progress, it takes you and God to work together. His plans are for you to make progress and enjoy life abundantly. Your role is to keep His commandments. God gives His commandments and you obey them. “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today (Deuteronomy 8:11). Moreover, in Deuteronomy 8:18, we are told: “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may [a]establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day”.

Again, by strength shall no man prevail because He guards the feet of the saints (1 Samuel 2:9). God alone shows the secrets to success, blessings, progress, and life in general. He alone has the keys to divine progress. All other keys are a sham; they do not open doors to real progress. The strength or knowledge of a man is not sufficient. We have many knowledgeable people who do not make progress. Supernatural progress comes from God’s guidance and leading, which makes the difference.

Tithing gives access to supernatural progress. Struggling to give a tenth of your earnings implies that you are struggling with your relationship with God. Tithing attracts divine blessings, particularly in guiding us in recognizing God’s hand in our lives. He commanded us to tithe, and in return, promised to “open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there will not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).

In similar terms, giving is another means by which supernatural progress is made. God gives access to the supernatural when you prove that the little you have is well used and invested in the kingdom service. He wants you to manage your money with wisdom, and sow with enthusiasm. He blesses you with enthusiasm as long as you follow those principles. Except a corn of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it abides alone (John 12:24). From that little, abundance is made available.

The grace of God gives life a beautiful definition. God’s grace makes supernatural abundance available with little human understanding. Efforts are good, but the grace of God is the defining factor in supernatural progress. What is available for one is different from what is available for another not only by efforts but also by the grace of God. “But by the grace of God, I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Friends, it is the will of God for you to prosper. If a child is doing well, the father takes pride in it and has a sense of fulfillment. In the same way, God is pleased to see His children prosper. Prosperity and supernatural progress are the will of God and are available for those who follow His principles. You shall make supernatural progress in Jesus’ precious name!

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

At every point in life, some people are positioned to be your parents. You are placed under their authority per time and for a purpose. At home, our biological parents are the authority over you. At school, it is your teachers. In the church, it is your pastor. Above all these persons is God, who is the Father of all fathers.

Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you”. God wants you to honor your parents so that you may enjoy long life and abundance.  These parents are primarily your father and mother, and then any other persons that have been positioned in different areas of life to act as parents for you. These include your spiritual parents, school parents, and mentors.

How do you honor your parents?

Respecting them and submitting to their authority is the first form of honor. We are expected to accord our parents respect, addressing them properly, obeying them, heeding their counsel, and surrendering to their authority, among other expectations.

Secondly, you honor your parents when you are proud to associate with them, no matter the circumstances. They may be poor, not too elegant in dressing, not good-looking, live in shacks, and things like that. These conditions should never be inhibitions to proudly presenting, associating or identifying with them publicly. No condition is bad enough to make you treat your parents with scorn, contempt or consternation, or to make you ashamed of making your peers know or see them with you. They are your parents, who put in priceless time, energy and resources to raise and push you to the current exalted spot you may have found yourself. You cannot be too rich or too polished to proudly showcase your parents to the world. You cannot try to remove them from the narrative of your success. If you remove them from the backgrounds to your success or prosperity, it is an act of dishonor and this is like a river that distances itself from its originating point. Such a river will dry up.

Looking after them and ensuring that they are feeding well, are financially comfortable and are in a good state of health are acts of honor toward your parents, and these are recorded in your favor in heaven. These acts will increase your days on earth. These so-called aged or old-fashioned, filthy-looking people raised you against all odds. It is dishonorable to scorn them now, and condemnable to find them in the same spot and position or petty trade they plied while bringing you up. With the success you have today, you are supposed to take their old positions and be the one to care for them, raise, lift and nurse them to happiness.

Benefits of Honoring Your Parents

In Deuteronomy 5:16, we are commanded to pay attention to our parents and honor them so that our days on earth will not only be long, but that it may also be well with us. Each time we honor our parents, we are crediting our bank account of length of years and all-round blessings on earth.

A covenant practice that guarantees the covenant blessings of heaven-on-earth experience for the children of God is honoring our parents.

When you honor your parents, you attract overt parental blessings. Put differently, this means the intentional acts of parents invoking the powers from the divine covenant and showering you with blessings that can change your fortunes with immediate effect. What they cannot afford in money, they carry in potent parental blessings that God honors at all times. If your parents are still alive, you dishonor them, and things go wrong for you, there is nothing the prayer the spiritual father to whom you run showers on you that can change the doom.

Honoring your parents will lift any curse or threats over your life. The statement that “it may be well with you” is an unchangeable positive, life-changing aftermath of giving honor to your parents. so, no matter the situation, the honor given to your father and mother will force positivity such as mercy and favor toward you. As the word and promise of God never fall to the ground, the reward for your acts of honor must surely command blessings to you.

How to Trigger the Blessings of the Father

Among parental blessings, the blessings of the father are pivotal to the child’s breakthrough. Whether biological or spiritual or at other levels, God has placed special blessings in the hands of the father. In biblical times, a father’s blessing meant everything. It was not just a show of favor but it was the passing on of an inheritance and in many cases wishing that child a long and prosperous life.

“Isaac said, “Behold now, I am old and I do not know the day of my death. Now then, please take your gear, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me; and prepare a savory dish for me such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, so that my soul may bless you before I die” (Genesis 27:2–4). Isaac’s blessing was going to change the destinies of his two sons. To trigger that blessing, Esau must give him his much-desired favorite meal. Jacob through his mother beat Esau to it, as the bible teaches us, and stole Esau’s blessings. Once Esau realized that he had lost his blessings due to the treachery of his brother, he cried exceedingly to his father and desperately sought his blessings too. These two instances show how potent the father’s blessings are and how intentional you must be to seek them.

Genesis 49:26 says, “The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills”. This is instructive. If the father’s blessing is this effective, then we must not just desire to earn it, we must trigger them through meeting the specific needs of the father, and making him genuinely happy.

A spiritual father carries the heart of the Heavenly Father within him. He loves and cares for his spiritual children, through the heavenly expression of God’s love and care. The spiritual father begets his church members spiritually, provides mentorship, spiritual covering, guidance, spiritual parenting and oversight. To these ends, the spiritual father is in a significant position to act just like your father and such, deserves the honor due to a father.

Friends, let me quickly remind us that God is the Father of all, and as such, deserves the greatest honor. Give Him your heart, time, resources. Rededicate your life to him. However, he has placed your biological parents in that position to provide oversight on you on His behalf. He wants you to give your parents the entire honor as it is written in the scriptures. As you do these things, parental blessings are activated at all times, which will elevate you, build bridges and pull down strongholds in your life.

Until we explore another topic next Sunday, remain ever blessed in Jesus’ precious name!

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

Financial freedom is the right of every believer. But if you have not exercised that right on money matters, there is trouble ahead. In fact, if you have not won over money, you are not likely to win over sin. The love of money is the root of evil, as it makes money to control you, and loving money is not the pathway to financial freedom but enslavement by it and perdition in the end. Rather, having control over money and making it work for you is the machination that guarantees financial freedom.

Fraud and similar vices, indebtedness, and anxiety over payment are not only caused by pressure but are a result of the love of money and enslavement by it. Money must not control you; you must be in control. If you cannot exercise control over money, you are in trouble.

Some Examples of Financial Enslavement

A car loan (note) for obtaining an expensive personal car is not a productive one as it does not add any financial value or bring about an increase in resources. On the contrary, car note is the kind of loan that drains the pockets and leads to anxiety and sleeplessness.  It creates avoidable financial pressure.

Living above your means is a critical financial state you are creating for yourself. Living within your means is a virtue. You do not have to go for a four or five-bedroom house if you can manage a one or two-bedroom apartment and easily pay for this. You do not need that house or mansion because you want to prove how big or comfortable you are. What is hidden from people is that you are in fact in discomfort and distress in secret and are nursing high blood pressure because of that self-inflicted wound caused by putting yourself on a tightrope financially.

The clothes you wear do not have to be expensive designers if you cannot afford it. What sense does it make to adorn expensive suits and shoes when they will dissipate your take-home and leave you in penury or debt? If your take-home cannot accommodate those wears, simply settle for good wears that are not expensive. Simply dress nicely and look good. No one would care or give you an award for wearing the most expensive designer shoes, shirts, suits, or wristwatches.

Laziness is an enemy of financial liberty. Proverbs 13:4 tells us, “The soul of the lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.” In essence, the lazy man desires the things that hardworking people have, such as a house, food, vacations, and rest of mind, but the lazy man’s desires remain unsatisfied.

How do we win financially?

Jesus gave a parable of the talent in chapter 25:14-30, to teach us about how to win financially. This parable is interpreted in different ways and it indeed suits different contexts in our social and Christian life. The story teaches us about investment and growing through it. The talent you are given, you are expected to invest and use it wisely so that the outcome will be multiplied blessings for your sake and for the sake of society. Jesus makes us know that God has put resources in our hands and expects us to increase in them. He expects all of us to grow and use what we have been given as much as we can. This is probably the foundation of the principle that to whom much is given, much is expected.

Every resource you have is supposed to be multiplied. This happens not only through prayers but also through action. You win financially through strategic thinking, planning, and investment. If the resource is wasted, it is a sin and the price is here on earth- penury. If the resource is not multiplied, then the probability of living on the edge is high. If the resource is multiplied and well managed, then you have gained financial freedom.

Self-control or discipline is another measure to gain financial freedom. The scriptures make us know that self-control or discipline is a virtue that works in all areas of life, including money matters. “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:2-3, NIV). Again, we are warned that if we do not exercise self-control, we will be slaves to what controls us. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

We are not instructed to avoid good things or not to use our money for those things. Instead, we are warned to exercise discipline in order to realize our desires and maximally enjoy those good things. “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined” (Titus 1:8).

Wisdom for money management comes from God. Luke 16:11 says “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” In Proverbs 13:22, we are also told that “Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly”, while Proverbs 21:20 warns, “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get”.

Money management is an arduous task and does not require human wisdom alone. We need God. “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it”‍ (Proverbs 10:22). Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”‍ God is the giver of wisdom to get wealth and to stay in it. He is the one we seek ultimately in prayers and reading of the scriptures and other kingdom materials, to make and sustain our wealth.

Finally, yet importantly, brethren, a strategic way to keep us in financial victory is to ensure that our resources are invested in God’s kingdom or that our money mixes with the things of God. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine”. Call it an injunction or admonition; it is a kingdom principle that works. I have personally experienced this with proofs. You honor God with tithes, offerings, gifts to the church and people, and financial or material support for kingdom activities.

Again, do not borrow for anything that would not create wealth. Avoid financial pressures that could cause indebtedness, poverty, or corrupt practices. Then, be contented with what you have and try not to compare yourself or your family with others, as this could lead to undue financial problems. Work on your taste as this could be a financial booby trap and push you to monetary issues. Avoid credit cards that do not relate to landed property investment or human capacity development, as obtaining credit cards for the purpose of clothes, shoes, food, and cars would only make you eat into your future. Stay away from them.

Friends, the most important step to financial peace and prosperity is for us to have a biblical or kingdom view of money and wealth. As a believer, you cannot afford to ignore or question biblical charges or instructions about money management and wealth creation. You run with them because they work! You are a financial victor! God will help us to understand and lead us to divine wealth in Jesus’ precious name.

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.