koinonias

[koinonias]

IT’S THE LORD THAT BLESSES!

Sometimes when you consider how come two people put in great efforts and yet one fails and one succeeds; you can only say there is an unseen hand that calibrates the lives of people into their destiny. That is what a blessing does. A blessing is an unseen divine empowerment unto success, not efforts necessarily.

We may not really respect blessings that much but the entire world is divided into the three sons of Noah. Shem (the Semitic people or Asia), Japheth (Europe) and Ham (Africa) are the direct fruits of the blessings and curses of their father Noah.

What else could be the reason for the dominance of one over another?

What else could be the explanation for the fall and rise of these groups of people?

How come the one with everything and from whom proceed great civilizations cannot lift the head and yet the others with almost everything against them rule the world?

The nation Israel is a tiny one, literally dwelling on a desert, surrounded by very aggressive enemies and yet they have overcome every opposition to establish themselves as a global force in every field of human endeavour. They are a practical and literal prove of the working of blessings. The blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are actively working for them. The blessing says they can only be head and not the tail.

Sometimes, we are quick to ascribe the glory of any success to the intelligence and efforts of men. But what we may be missing is that even to have the strength and will to work or achieve anything is as a result of the blessings of God.

Blessings give a man an advantage in life. Blessings speed up a man's steps. Blessings cause men to do more with little. Blessings make a man escape troubles. Blessings give a man exemption over calamities. Blessings guarantee the transfer of wealth to successive generations.

However, curses operate as an unseen force that works so powerfully to destroy, blessings work directly opposite of that.

Respect blessings and curses, they work defiantly against all the odds.

[koinonias]

30TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: WHY WE GO TO CHURCH (Part 7)

Main Text: Ephesians 4:7-16

Ephesians 4:11,12 - And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

Our coming together in a church is not a mere religious act but something sanctioned by our Lord and master.(Hebrews 10:25, Genesis 49:10). Our gathering is for a purpose and one of the purpose is to EQUIP THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY. Jesus Christ has entrusted his work to us. (Matthew 28:19)

Every good work involves training. Training is very important to every work. This is why a medical doctor spends at least six years in school to go through training before they are officially inducted. Even if you get first class in a course, you would still need training when you are employed. Every good organisation does training for its workers.

As Christians church is the place where we receive training to do the work of ministry. Ministry is work and if it is work, where do we receive our training? It's in church that we receive our training. This training is to equip the saints so that we can carry out the assignments given to us by Jesus.

The Bible says, Jesus gave us some to be Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers but no one can operate properly in these five offices of ministry until they are trained. In church you are taught. It's in church that we get equipped(trained) for the work given to us by our Lord.

The church is a school for Christians. It is our training grounds. As you come to church you learn how to pray, fast, sing, preach, lead people and even to know how demons operate. The mind to do the work of ministry is also imparted to you as you follow what the Pastor preaches.

The quality of training you receive determine the quality of your service. We come to church to be equipped for the work of ministry.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

23RD JANUARY 2021

THEME: WHY WE GO TO CHURCH (Part 6)

Main Text: 1 Timothy 1:15 - This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

The core mandate of the church is to save the world because Jesus Christ, who is our Lord and master's main assignment is to save sinners and it's clear that was what He lived his entire life for. If Jesus lived His life for saving sinners then I believe we don't have any other work to do than to follow the example of our master. Jesus is a great example for us.

Also, in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave us a command and the command is to GO TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. This command is what many referred to as THE GREAT COMMISSION. Our greatest task is to send the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

In our quest to go to the ends of the earth is not possible without having resources. The fuel to send the Gospel is in our ability to gather resources, otherwise we cannot achieve the mandate given to us by Christ. Money and humanbeings are the most important resources we need in order to send the Gospel. Without money we can't do much for the Lord. The issue of money cannot be downplayed. It's very significant.

In the Book of Acts, the members of early church sold their properties. Some sold their lands, houses, cars, clothes and other expensive items to give it to the Apostles in furtherance of the Gospel. It was in cases like this, Ananias and Saphira died because they lied to Apostle Peter after selling their lands. It was that serious! Any truly born again person is willing to give his all for the Gospel. If you struggle to give to church it means your salvation is questionable. If you have indeed given your whole life to Christ, how much more your money? How much more your time. If you are born again you would love to serve him with all that you have.

Apostle Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 16 that, as Christian you are to send your collection(offerings) to church. Don't let anyone deceive you, offerings are part of our worship to the Lord.

It's important to note, gathering of resources is one of the many reasons why we go to church and the resources are money and humans primarily to aid the church in sending the Gospel as Jesus commanded.

Read these verses:

1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Matthew 28:18-20

Luke 6:38

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Proverbs 11:24

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

22ND JANUARY 2021

THEME: WHY WE GO TO CHURCH (Part 5)

Main Text: Hebrews 10:23-25

Hebrews 10:24 - "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works"

The scripture above is exhorting all believers to have the mind to help each other to attain maturity in Christ. Our coming to church is to help our brothers and sisters in the church to do what is good. What are the good works?

We come to church to stir up others unto good works. In other words, our going to church makes others strong in the faith. By our coming to church, others become strong Christians. You can never be a strong Christian without a stirring up from others. What it also means is that our acquaintance with certain people too can make you a weak Christian. This is why a Christian should be very careful with the kind of friends he or she associates with. Also, we receive a stirring from the good things people do in church.

You can only fast and pray until you see somebody doing it. Until you see someone reading the Bible, you may think you can't do it. The main reason why you are struggling to serve God and be committed in the things of God is that you haven't seen someone serving God wholeheartedly. Some years back, I went to church and saw a certain lady quoting scriptures and praying her heart out, I was so mesmerized. From that day I told myself that I want to be quoting scriptures and praying like her. You see, that lady stirred me up unto good works and now I can pray for hours without getting tired.

You can't be a good preacher until you see people preaching and you learn.

Another time also, I observed how people are committed in reading the scriptures daily. In Lovereign, we encourage our leaders and members to read the Word of God daily. I saw a very young boy who am far older than and he was reading five chapters of the Bible daily. I was so amazed. I couldn't believe it. Do you know what? I started doing same and now I read fifteen chapters everyday. You too can do it and share the same story.

When you come to church, testimonies of others stir you up. You begin to think you can do it. You get motivated by what others do. Never think that you can become a strong Christian by isolation. You need others to grow and that is why it's imperative for you to always be in church. (Proverbs 27:17)

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

21ST JANUARY 2021

THEME: WHY WE GO TO CHURCH (Part 4)

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 8:2 - And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

We go to church to learn. Learning is one of the many reasons why we go to church and when you decide not to go to church it either means you don't want to learn or you already know what the Pastor is going to preach. It's pride to think so. Pride would not make a man learn. When you begin to think you know something it's a sign that you don't know anything and that's what our main text says.

Throughout my four year stay in the university certain important topics were never mentioned or taught by my professors. Topics like Love, Humility, is there life after death?, where do people go when they die?, faithfulness and loyalty, demons and their operations, contentment, marriage, life decisions, obedience, relationships and so on. Look! These topics are the central theme for human existence on this earth. You can get all the degrees, all the money and all the fame but if you don't know these topics your life would be very miserable. No matter who you are and who you become if you are ignorant of these facts you can't live a good life. A whole Korean President committed suicide. If you don't know these things that's how your life would be. The church is your life.

A great singer in the world called Rihanna nearly committed suicide when her fiance, Chris Brown broke up with her. She's a millionaire but if you don't have knowledge into life, your 'world can come to an end' as some say. When you come to church, life is released to you as the Pastor preaches.

We go to church to learn the ways of life. This ways of life is only taught in church. No other entity is entitled to do say. The church of God is the only accredited institution to show you the ways of God.

Malachi 2:7 - "For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts." I thought the Bible will say the lips of your teacher, father, mother, sibling, friend, uncle, boss at work, and even yourself should keep knowledge. It never mentioned any of these people. This means none of this people should make you absent from church. My beloved, church is all that you have. You can't survive the storms of this life if you lack the knowledge the church gives.

Sundays are not days for outings, family meeting, work, sunday specials, washings, weddings etc. No excuse is legitimate for your absence in church. Come and receive life in church.

Read these verses:

2 Timothy 3:15

1 Cor 8:1-2

John 6:45-46

Joel 2:32

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

20TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: WHY WE GO TO CHURCH (Part 3)

Main Text: Matthew 4:23 - Now Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

There are a whole lot of benefits we derive in going to church and today I want to give you one more benefit. We go to church to be HEALED. Healing is one of main reasons why we go to church. As the Word of God is been preached, healings also do take place.

Psalm 107:20 - He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.

Man is a tripartite being. What it means is that man is made up of three elements; Spirit, Soul and Body. This three make up a humanbeing and when you come to church, healing takes place in all the three elements of man. You are healed from both seen and unseen things.

One of the orientation you need as a budding Christian is that sicknesses and diseases are caused by demons. Any ill-feeling is caused by demons. No matter how scientists and doctors may explain, you have to come to believe that all forms of diseases are caused by demons. Corona virus, malaria, body pains, headaches, cancer etc are all caused by the devil and his agents. Premature death, accidents, failures, conspiracies all get canceled as the Pastor preaches. These things are all spiritual and can't be seen by your physical eyes.

However, other sicknesses you are healed of include; sorrow, broken hearts, fear, anxiety, worries, disappointments and any other infirmity you can think of.

When you come to church, peace and unending happiness are released to you. You can't be in church consistently for six months and experience some of the conditions I've mentioned above. You are free from all sort of diseases and sicknesses.

One major deliverance you get from church is that you get delivered from foolishness. You become wise when you become committed in church (2 Tim 3:15). Church is a beautiful place to be.

Jesus Christ healed all kinds of sicknesses and diseases by the preaching of the word and as you come to church and listen to the Word of God, healing also takes place. (Matt 4:23, Matt 9:35)

Any evil in your life can be healed by God's word. God's word has the power to change your story, your story is no different. You too can receive a major turn around and a mega testimony.

Today am prescribing a medicine for you and that medicine is Church. Come and have an encounter with Jesus and your life would never be the same. (Matt 11:28).

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

Read these verses:

Psalm 6:2

Psalm 41:4

Psalm 103:3

Psalm 147:3

Isaiah 61:1

Jeremiah 3:22

Jeremiah 33:6

Hosea 6:1

Malachi 4:2

Matthew 8:16

Matthew 9:12

[koinonias]

19TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: WHY WE GO TO CHURCH (Part 2)

Main Text: Psalm 133:1-3

" ....... It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing--Life forevermore." - Psalm 133:3

We go to church because church is where God commands his blessings. The church is a place where God commands his blessings of life. When we gather the Lord release blessings upon us and that blessing is LIFE. This is not something reading, prayer, giving, etc can do. Church is irreplaceable in man's ephemeral existence on earth.

No matter what, certain things can never be replaced. Do you know that nothing can replace water? During the World war, they polluted the waters in Germany and the Germans decided to replace water with alcohol but they later realised it's not working out and they started importing water in order to survive. Many people died out of thirst.

However, there are things you can replace. You can replace food, school, car, house, job, phone, clothes and so on. I'm narrating all these to help you know that certain things cannot be replaced. Church is one of the few things that cannot be replaced. There's no subtitute for church and it is a reason why we go to church.

Nothing can replace the fellowship among the saints when we gather together.

Any blessing you can think of proceeds from the church. The church is God's embassy on earth where heaven's visa is issued. If you really want to make it to heaven, church is non-negotiable. It's a must!

Life is issued to you by coming to church. Your walk with God is incomplete without church. You are prone to backsliding without the church.

As a Christian you begin to die when you separate yourself from the church. The church is where you receive your support of life. It is your source of life. Your maturity in Christ is not in isolation but rather joining yourself to the tree. - John 15:4-6

Do not be deceived, your attendance to church is as important as water to your body. Church is your life!

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

18TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: WHY WE GO TO CHURCH(Part 1)

MAIN TEXT: Hebrews 10:25 - "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching"

As Christians, our gathering together is one of the most significant aspects of our worship which we cannot undermine.

Today I want to share with you one reason why we go to church. We go to church because our gathering is a commandment from God. Yes! God has commanded us not absent ourselves from the gathering of the saints, as you read from our main text. It's in church that saints gather.

Don't forget, when a certain political party faithfuls, old school students associations, keep fit club, group work, spectators in a stadium and any other gathering you can think about, such gatherings are not in the name of the Lord. There's only one gathering the Lord has sanctioned for Christians and that's the church.

Our attendance to church is very paramount because if we do so, we are obeying God's command and it's a great thing.

Lastly, let's look at what the scripture says in Genesis 49:10, "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be]" - (KJV). In this account the Bible says, our gathering together or attendance to church is to God, not for our Pastor, parents or friends. Interestingly, it is not even for ourselves but to God, the Most High.

We go to church because God has commanded us to do so and if you love God you will gladly obey his commandments. - John 14:15.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

15TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: HOW TO BECOME A STRONG CHRISTIAN (Part 3)

MAIN TEXT: READ: Eph. 6:18, I Thess. 5:17

Eph 6:18 - praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--

1Thess 5:17 - pray without ceasing.

I want conclude on how to be a strong Christian by showing you practical ways you can become strong in your walk with Christ.

1. First of all, to become a Strong Christian is a DECISION. You can't become a Strong Christian without consciously deciding on it. What I mean is that become deliberate about this decision. It should be a decision. Decide that you want to be a strong Christian.

2. Feeding on the right stuff/food.

The food you eat determines your growth. If you lack necessary food nutrients what it means is that you will be malnourished. The right food is to be in a good church. A church that teaches the pure word of God. The word of God is the focus of that church.

Attending a good church and having a shepherd is very important to your growth.

3. Do something in the house of God.

Become consistent with your attendance to church and doing something for the Lord. One sign of being born again is doing something in church. You are not born again yet if you are doing nothing in church.

4. Keeping the right company.

Prov. 27:17; 13:20, I Cor. 15:33

The people you associate yourself with can either make or unmake you. Keep good company, preferably have friends in church. Your circle of friends should be from your church.

5. Godly exercises like preaching, praying.

Prayer: Eph. 6:18, I Thess. 5:17, Luke 18:1, Mark 1:35),

Fasting: (Acts 13:2; 14:23, II Cor.11:27)

6. Studying the word of God.

Prov. 24:5, Eph. 6:17, Acts 20:32, Eze. 2:2

7. Learning to walk by faith and love

For the past three days I've been sharing on HOW TO BE A STRONG CHRISTIAN and if you followed well, I mentioned that, the Christian needs strength to excel in the Christian life. We can’t help others until we become strong Christians and to be strong you need to decide deliberately and pay heed to what you feed on because what you bring out is reflection of what you have taken in.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

14TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: HOW TO BECOME A STRONG CHRISTIAN (Part 2)

MAIN TEXT: 2 Timothy 2:1

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." - 2Tim 2:1

Just as I explained in our previous devotion, the Strong in any field of endeavour always win or excels. This is why it's imperative to be a Strong Christian in order to live a victorious life. It's the strongest who will always the battle.

Today I want to share on why it's necessary to become a Strong Christian. Your strength in the Lord will ensure these but not limited to the following;

1. To enjoy the packages of salvation or the good things that accompany salvation. Heb. 6:9, Lk. 11:21-22, Matt. 12:29, Gal. 5:1;2:4

2. To be able to help the weak or others. Rom. 15:1, Gal. 6:1-2, Ac. 3:6

3. To put the enemy where he belongs. I Jn. 2:14, Eph. 6:11,13, II Cor. 2:11

4. To stand in the day of adversity. Prov. 24:10

5. It is wise thing to be strong. Prov. 24:5

6. You need strength to fulfill your ministry.

It is advisable to take note of the attached verses and read them carefully.

Do not forget that there are many goodies that accompany salvation but you cannot enjoy them until you become a strong Christian. So now the question is, how do I become a Strong Christian? I will talk about that in my next devotion.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

13TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: HOW TO BECOME A STRONG CHRISTIAN (Part 1)

MAIN TEXT: Ephesians 6:10

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." - Ephesians 6:10

In every aspect of life, the strong always excels. You need strength to be successful, (Ecc. 9:11). The strongest will always win the battle. The strongest in academics will eventually emerge as the best student. The strongest in business will be the most successful business man. We as Christians also need to be strong to have a victorious Christian walk and therefore the scriptures rightly admonishes us to be strong, (I Cor. 16:13). There are many goodies that accompany salvation but you cannot enjoy them until you become a Strong Christian. The question however is who is a Strong Christian? How can one become a strong Christian and why is it necessary? I'll share on all these in my subsequent writings but today I want to throw light on who a Strong Christian is.

First and foremost, a Strong Christian is one who is more like Christ. A strong Christian is the one living the normal Christian life – the life of Christ, (Gal. 2:20).

Other significant features of a Strong Christian includes but not limited to these;

1. A Strong Christian doesn't speak evil about the Church and Pastors. He is afraid to make sarcastic comments about churches and the things done in church.

2. He attends church always and present for all church meetings.(Sundays, Midweeks)

One key element Pastors use to judge members who are serious with the Lord is their attendance to midweek and or prayer meetings.

3. He works in church with his skills and talents.("not shabo"). Rom 12:5-8, Matt 25:16-21.

4. A Strong Christian gives tithes and offerings. Heb 7:6-9

5. He gives his resources for the ministry. Acts 4:34-37

The resources could his money, time, knowledge, skills/talents, energy etc.

6. He continues the teaching of his Pastor(Shepherd). Acts 2:42

He listens to messages and write notes from the Pastor's teachings and share with others.

7. Strong Christian doesn't divide or sow discord among church members. 1Cor 11:18, Rom 16:17

8. A strong Christian doesn't struggle to read the Bible, prays in tongues, attend church, go on evangelism etc.

You need to be strong in order to excel in your Christian walk and ministry. All the characteristics of the strong Christian I mentioned above are things you can learn to do them in order to be a strong Christian.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

12TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: ISOLATION

MAIN TEXT: 2 Corinthians 2:11

"...... lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." - 2 Cor 2:11

The above scripture implies that the devil's master plan against you thrives on your ignorance thus you ought to know his schemes. Today I want to tell you one of the rudimental ploys of Satan called ISOLATION. Yeah!

One of the ways through which the devil destroy God's people is by isolating the person. Anyone who isolates himself is predispose to snares and deceptions of this world. One of the deception is to think that you don't need anyone and you are self sufficient. We need one another, even satan needs people(agents). Isolation is demonic!

I was telling one of my sheep last weekend that, one major sign that you are a "good sheep" is that you are always found in the sheepfold. You are always present when the sheep gather. It's rare to see a sheep walking alone when they are in a fold. Sheep hate isolation.

However, other people think that when they isolate themselves it shows how matured they have become. It's not so!

It rather means you are backsliding.

Sheep are not independent. Your strength as a believer is in the closeness to your family. A church member who always absent himself from meetings is not a strong in the Lord. They are rather not loyal, such people can't be trusted with anything.

Anytime you absent yourself from the church meetings it means the devil is upto something in your life. He's so close to you. Beloved, RUN FOR YOUR LIFE. - 1 Peter 5:8. Don't become the next victim of the devil's devices.

Sometimes situations may make it difficult to be in the meetings in person but that is not an excuse. When you don't hear from your Shepherd while you are away(eg. vacation, travel, holidays etc), you should know the devil is so close and he's ready to strike you. You can get close by asking what went on in church, request for the sermons, send your offerings and tithes. Do everything possible to get involved and close.

Don't cut connections with the church, that's your actual source of life. Some people they cut all connections when they are away from the church and it's dangerous.

You are not a sheep yet if your attendance to church is like ellipsis. Fight to be an abiding sheep. I don't remember missing church for over a decade, you too can share this testimony.

Declare your Sundays to and for God. Nothing should replace church in your life. Why is it that it's only Sundays you get busy? Nobody is too busy for important things. We make time for important things. Whatever that keeps you away from the sheepfold(church) is not from God.

Don't forget, it's in your lone moments(ISOLATION) that the devil will fill your mind with evil thoughts.

ISOLATION is a weapon for the devil, know it and defeat him.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

11TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: YOUR FEARS DO NOT EXIST; IT'S ALL ILLUSION

MAIN TEXT: Hebrews 13:6

"So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" - Hebrews 13:6

One of the deadliest weapon the devil is using in this dispensation is FEAR. The devil has succeeded in making people afraid and miserable including believers but for the little experience I have had in life, I can say that OUR FEARS DO NOT EXIST. FEAR IS AN ILLUSION which many people have succumbed to.

The devil would always try to intimidate you by putting fear in you. Most people suffer from the fear of the unknown. This fear operates mostly by " what If " and "in case" statements and usually ends with negative comments. For instance, what if I fail?, in case you die, and so on.

Fear is not a mood, it's a spirit and that's why Prophet Job said what I feared has come upon me. - Job 3:25. Yes! The devil will always bring what you fear to you. Though your situations might be challenging but do not fear. It can never be worse with a believer. Believe God, He will turn your scars into stars.

I used to perch a friend in one of the halls in University of Ghana when I was in my first year and my greatest fear was to be caught by porters when entering the hall but I was never "caught" and even the Porters who I was afraid of became my friends. I wasn't even interrogated once. My fears were simply non existent.

I'm sure by now you are counting your fears, I wonder if there's something like that. I thought I had one about UG Porters, maybe you are scared if you'll pass that course, graduate, pay your fees, marry, pass that interview, to be sacked, get well etc, am telling you that such your fears do not exist. Confront your scares now, by the time you get there those fears would've vanished.

Shyness is an element of fear. It's not of God. Don't be afraid, be bold as a lion. If you don't terrorise fear, fear will terrorise you. Fear is highly demonic. The very thing for which you are killing yourself, others are going through same or even greater one but have kept his/her cool. Don't be afraid, just relax!

If you have the peace of God you will never be afraid no matter the situation. YOU NEED THE PEACE OF GOD.

FEARS DO NOT EXIST, It's just an illusion. Receive freedom in Jesus name.

Biblical References: 2 Tim 1:7, Heb 13:6, 1 John 4:18, Rev 2:10.

[koinonias]

10TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: HAPPINESS (Part 2)

MAIN TEXT: Proverb 17:22

"A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." - Proverbs 17:22

What people do not know is that happiness is a choice. You decide to be happy or sad. The choice is yours.

Why do people take medicine? To cure their sickness. From the scripture above being happy is not just a state of humanbeing but a medicine. Sorrow or unhappiness is a form of sickness. Being sad isn't a way to relief of pain. Worrying doesn't solve any problem but rather brings sicknesses we are not aware of.

By deciding to live a happy life you escape a lot of problem. Do you know that amazingly people spend millions to fight cancer but if you can make a little effort to fight depression and anxiety you will escape this deadly sickness. You wouldn't have a need for antidepressant drugs if you can decide to be happy. Antidepressant drug is not the antidote to depression.

Anyone who is not happy is very sick. You can choose to be happy, why the decision to be sad.

Don't entertain people who are always sad around you. Create the awareness that you detest that mood.

One day I told one lady in my church that when you are sad don't call me or come close to me. Unhappiness is contagious and Communicable disease. Those in a relationship or marriage should make it an effort to teach their love ones to be happy. It will be the beginning of good things.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

9TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: HAPPINESS (Part 1)

MAIN TEXT: 1 JOHN 1:4

1 John 1:4 - "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full."

Happiness is not something we postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.

One of the greatest blessings in my church, Lovereign Bible Church is that we tell people to be happy no matter what. There will be no time in your life where everything will be well, trust me. The day something is gained, something is also lost. You must get used to that kind of life. Happiness should therefore be a state of the mind and not what you achieve.

Never put boundaries or limitation to your joy or happiness in this life.

My big problem is this and i want you to take note of, why will you postpone your happiness to something you are not too certain you will get. Some say if i get first class degree, a beloved, wife, scholarship, car, house, money, job then i will be happy. That was not the life Christ introduced to us.

Nothing in this life you get makes you happy, ironically it brings burden. Marriage don't bring happiness, you send happiness into marriage. Job don't bring happiness even if it does it is short-lived and you decide to be happy at your work place.

The day i will never forget is when i had admission to university of Ghana, that excitement didn't last for a week. Pastor said it takes decision to be happy for the rest of your life. Ask those who are successful and they will attest to the fact that what I'm saying is true. My Pastor once said that managing success is more difficult than getting it.

One of your daily resolution is to be happy through out your day.

The day you get sad you are the cause of it, no matter how you explain yourself. Decide to be happy.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

8TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: THE NEED FOR A SHEPHERD (Part 8)

MAIN TEXT: JOHN 10:11

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

According to the Word of God, all of us are sheep. The Bible likens human beings to a sheep, thus we are to live our lives like sheep. Sheep are wonderful animals. They are calm and gentle, always yielding to the directions of the Shepherd. Sheep are not troublesome.

It's important for one to have a Shepherd because a Shepherd gives his or her life to the sheep. All the animals in our world are not safe, to the point that some of them have gone into extinction because they have no Shepherds. Since Jesus' time sheep have existed and that is why the Bible makes reference to them. I believe the reason why we still see sheep around in our time is because they have Shepherds, who care about them.

Sheep still exist because their Shepherds give their lives for them. Sheep are always calm and gentle because they know their Shepherds are always there for them to the point that the Shepherds can exchange their lives for them. Sheep do not worry about anything. Isn't it amazing?

One amazing thing about sheep is that they do not go and search for food but they are always full. The Shepherd always look for food for them. Sheep actually do not lack anything they need for their survival. They are highly protected from any of form of harm. If you can learn from the sheep and become a sheep, there are a lot of freebies you would enjoy. Freebies like unadulterated word of God, fervent prayers, godly counsels, love etc which will help you to grow in Christ.

Having a Shepherd is a secret to unending happiness and victories in life. Decide to have a Shepherd today. Deciding is to have a close relationship with him or her. Call your Shepherd and let him know how important he is to you and that would be a beginning of your blessings.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!

[koinonias]

6TH JANUARY 2021

THEME: THE NEED FOR A SHEPHERD (Part 7)

MAIN TEXT: MATTHEW 9:36

Matt 9:36 - "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."

Jesus, our main example gave us the significance of having a Shepherd. To have a Shepherd is great blessing but most believers are not aware of this reality. People think it's a mere coincidence to have a Pastor in your life. It's a great blessing!

The Bible says, when the Jesus was once preaching and saw the multitude he was moved with compassion for them. Jesus felt pity for them. - (Matt 9:36)

Other Bible translations says, Jesus had pity on them when he realized they have no Shepherd. Jesus became troubled because they have no Shepherd. If having a Shepherd is not important, Jesus wouldn't have been troubled. Jesus becomes worried if you do not have a Shepherd. It's a pitiable pity not to have a Shepherd.

Weariness is one of the things you wouldn't experience if you have a Shepherd. You would lose interest in any important thing in your life. You become troubled all the time but if you have a Shepherd you would experience all these frustrations in life. Frustrations become far away from you just by having a Shepherd. I'm not the one saying it, but the very word of God.

Also, another trouble that follows those who do not have a Shepherd is scattering as stated in our scripture above. There is no proper direction in your life. By having a Pastor in your life he would help direct your life, teach you the Dos' and the Donts'. Those who have no Shepherds/Pastors wouldn't see any increase or progress in their lives because there is always scattering.

I want to encourage you to take your Shepherds very serious and obey their instructions and commands, it's for your gain. Do not forget, Jesus pitied those without Shepherds. This mean the relevance of Shepherd in your life.

God bless you.

Keep Shining!