By Pastor E.A. Adeboye Memorise: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousn...
Memorise: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Read: Romans 12:6-11
Part of the characteristics of a living thing is reproduction and growth. A Christian reproduces by winning souls and ought to grow in fellowship with and service to the Lord. This is what it means to bear fruit. The Lord is not happy with any part of His body that bears no fruit; He says such will eventually be cut off (John 15:2). But the Lord does not desire for any part of His to be cut off hence he sends this warning:
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. For I have not found thy works perfect before God. Revelation 3:2
One way you can strengthen the good things that are fast dying in your life or ministry is by evangelism. About the period I was born again, every church had an evangelistic team. I started a fellowship at University of Lagos where I was lecturing, geared towards evangelisation. Many complain today that miracles are not happening in their ministry. How will they when you do not go out? If you do not go, they will not follow. Your potentials in the miraculous can never be fully realised until Heaven is satisfied that you have obeyed the Master’s last command – Go!
Another way you can strengthen the things that are about to die is by giving. You may say you cannot play an active part in giving because of financial handicap; but you can give other things – time, intellect, voice, hands, legs, energy, your whole self, etc. Whenever we wanted to build a church in those days, the Pastor and members of the congregation jointly moulded the blocks. Some will go and cut wood from the bush, while I struggled for money to purchase the iron. There was this strong bond binding us together to achieve our common purpose. In those days, many people turned down the invitation to head a parish because they might have to pay the rent of the church from their personal purse. Yet it was fun for those who did so with their heart. We have learnt how to be a living sacrifice. When God called me into full time ministry I was not happy because while still working, after being paid my salary, I took money for fuel, gave my wife money for food, the rest went for God’s work. So I asked God, if I resigned and go into full time ministry, where would I get the money? But He said I should leave that to Him. At the time we were to buy a parcel of land at Ebute Metta (Lagos, South West Nigeria), we could not afford a land in the choice part of the area. We opted for the cheaper water logged are. Thank God the Lord has changed our story today. The Lord will positively change the story of your life. However, lay a solid foundation of service and giving. You will surely reap. What is that good thing that is about to die? Fire it with zeal, more commitment and dedication today.
ACTION POINT:
Ask God for grace to serve Him acceptably. Have you met your evangelism target for this quarter? Ensure this before the quarter ends.
Bible in one year: Matthew 5-7
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