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14/04/2023

Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalm 84:9-12



Matthew Henry was in great demand as a speaker in churches across England. His insights into the Scriptures challenged people in a way many had never heard before. Throughout his life, in addition to his preaching, Henry worked on what became one of the most used commentaries on the Bible in history. But he also endured great sadness and suffering. His first wife died not long after giving birth to their daughter, who then also died. Both of his children with his second wife died as infants as well. Yet rather than being angry at God, Henry remained devoted to Him. The night before his death, he told a friend, “You have been used to take notice of the sayings of dying men: this is mine—That a life spent in the service of God, and communion with him, is the most comfortable and pleasant life that any one can live in this world.”

God didn't promise things would be easy if we follow and obey Him. He told us, instead, that He would be with us no matter what. Christians who value the things of this world too highly will never be willing to make the sacrifices required or stand up to hardship and suffering without giving up. It is only when our highest values are the things of God that we live up to His calling. Even what the world regards as menial service is transformed into joy and blessing when it is done in the presence of the Lord.

Today's Growth Principle:
Following Christ is not meant to be easy, but the rewards are worth far more than any sacrifice it requires.

16/03/2023

13/03/2023

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21


Every one of us knows what it feels like to be mistreated by someone else. Maybe it was a case of our actions being misunderstood or our motives being mischaracterized. Maybe it was being cheated in a financial transaction or being slandered or falsely accused. Whether the offense is small or large, the natural tendency is for us to want to get even. We want the person who has hurt us to experience the pain we feel. We want the person who has caused us grief to know the weight of tears. Although this is a natural reaction, it is not the right reaction. Rather than getting even, we are commanded to leave vengeance in God's hands. He is more than capable of seeing to it that justice is done.

In Peter's description of the suffering of the Lord, he wrote, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). Rather than seeking justice, Jesus instead asked for forgiveness for those who were doing Him wrong. Instead of speaking the word that would have brought legions of angels to His side, He remained silent. Jesus would have been fully justified in unleashing the power of creation on those who mocked Him, beat Him, spit on Him and nailed Him to the cross. But He did not. If Jesus can trust God in such circumstances, we can do the same in the face of the far lesser insults and injuries we endure.

Today's Growth Principle:
We will never be able to forgive others unless we are willing to trust God to do what is right on our behalf.

13/03/2023

Hi everyone!

Good morning.
You are welcome to today's message (Monday) the 13th of March, 2023 and titled!

WHY DO WE QUARREL, FIGHT AND KILL EACH OTHER?

Here is the conversation.
Today, when you look around us what do we notice? We hear lots of shouts, harsh words, quarrels, fightings, agonies and several other unwholesome behaviours.

What could inform ALL of these unfortunate circumstances you may ask?

Here is the scriptural answer!

Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth.

Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.
1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬7 GNT

Conclusion
Hear me!
God is LOVE. He created us to live together regardless of our tribes or traditions.

The Bible has thought us to love each other and give to the less privileged.

If you live and walk in love you will discover that you will be fulfilled with JOY, TRUTH and HAPPINESS. Amen.

LET US PRAY

Heavenly Father, I am troubled deep inside for all the wrong and sinful things i have done.

Please have Mercy on me and forgive me for all of my sins.

Have pity on me and please do not turn Your back on me. I desperately need you.

Be with me, comfort and protect me and help me get through all these that i caused.

I am guilty and i confess. I live and walk in LOVE today and forever in the mighty name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen!

24/02/2023

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
Isaiah 49:1-3


God has a purpose and a plan for each of our lives, and He has things He wants us to accomplish for His kingdom. Paul wrote, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). In order to fulfill our mission, however, we must be prepared for God's use. Soldiers even in a time of war are not sent directly into battle, but rather go through training at boot camp. In the same way, we should not expect to immediately or automatically have everything we need for God's work. We need to grow in grace as He prepares and polishes us for His service.

We don't need to be worried about whether what we are doing is public and will be known by others. Instead, we need to trust God to use us in His time in whatever way He chooses. F. B. Meyer wrote, “Fit yourself for God’s service; be faithful. He will presently appoint thee. In some unlikely quarter, in a shepherd’s hut, or in an artisan’s cottage, God has His prepared and appointed instrument. As yet the shaft is hidden in His quiver, in the shadow of His hand; but at the precise moment at which it will tell with the greatest effect, it will be produced and launched on the air.” Preparing arrows and polishing the shafts took a great deal of time in Bible days. It was not something done quickly, but once the arrow was prepared, it would fly straight to the target.

Today's Growth Principle:
We must never rebel against the timing or the process by which God prepares us for His service

10/01/2023

ELPAN TEACHING SERIES FOR JAN/FEB 2023

1. THE POWER OF PREPARATION
2. THE POWER OF PRINCIPLES
3. THE POWER OF CHOICES
4. THE POWER OF LIVING RIGHT.
5. THE POWER BEHIND DOING GOOD (ACTS 10:38).
6. THE POWER OF DETERMINATION/PURPOSE.
7. THE POWER OF APPRECIATION