𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐘𝐄𝐊𝐔𝐍𝐋𝐄!

 

Theme: Covenant to Shine

Preacher: Pastor Oyekunle

(APICP, Ogun Province 1)

A covenant is a powerful, binding agreement between individuals or groups. The strongest and most impactful covenant is that which exists between God and man. Those who are wise are always quick to enter into covenant with God, especially at critical seasons of life. Scripture shows us that covenant is not accidental; it is deliberate, intentional, and lifestyle-driven.

God entered into covenant with Abraham, and it provoked fruitfulness, enlargement, and generational blessing (Genesis 17:1–4). Covenant with God demands godly character; compassion, integrity, obedience, and alignment with God’s ways. When believers shine with godly character, they positively affect others. God desires His children to shine, and covenant is a divine trigger for that shining.

 What It Means to Shine?

To shine is to reflect God’s nature and character in our daily lives. It is the outward expression of an inward relationship with God. Entering and maintaining covenant with God positions believers to shine in every area of life.

Benefits of Covenant

1. Increase in Mental Capacity for Outstanding Performance

Daniel entered into a covenant not to defile himself with the king’s food and chose separation unto God (Daniel 1). As a result, he and his friends were found ten times better than their peers and remained relevant across three kingdoms.

Similarly, Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead His people. God granted him wisdom and added riches, honour, and peace (1 Kings 3). Covenant releases divine insight and excellence.

2. Marital Fruitfulness and Truthfulness

Hannah entered into a covenant with God by making a vow concerning the fruit of her womb (1 Samuel 1:11). God wiped away her reproach, gave her Samuel, and later blessed her with five additional children (1 Samuel 2:21). Covenant removes shame and establishes joy in families.

 3. Divine Health

God desires His children to prosper and be in health (3 John 2). The Israelites enjoyed divine health as they left Egypt because of God’s covenant (Exodus 15:26). Caleb testified at 85 years that he was as strong as when he was 40 (Joshua 14:10–11).

Through Christ’s sacrifice, divine health is assured for God’s children (1 Peter 2:24).

4. Material and Marital Prosperity

Isaac sowed in the land during a time of famine and reaped a hundredfold because the Lord was with him (Genesis 26:12–14). Covenant causes believers to prosper even in unfavourable seasons.

5. Removal of Negative Stigma

Naaman, though a mighty man of valour, was a leper. Through obedience to God’s instruction, his stigma was removed and he received a new beginning (2 Kings 5:1–14).

Jephthah, rejected because of his background, was later raised by God as a deliverer (Judges 11). Covenant replaces rejection with honour.

 6. God Silences Every Storm

In Mark 4, a violent storm threatened to capsize the boat. When Jesus was consulted, He rebuked the wind and there was calm. Covenant guarantees divine intervention in life’s storms.

7. Spiritual Growth and New Beginnings

God does not desire stagnation for His children. Every season brings the opportunity for change and advancement (Psalm 46:1; Joshua 1:5).

At Pentecost, Peter, once fearful—received boldness and preached with power, leading to the salvation of about 3,000 souls in one day (Acts 2:14–41). Covenant replaces confusion with clarity, weakness with strength, and fear with favour.

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐘 𝐌𝐑𝐒. 𝐓𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐎!

𝗠𝗥𝗦. 𝗧𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗚𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗬𝗢

TOPIC: LIVING AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON

‎PREACHER: MRS. TOSIN OGUNTAYO 

‎TEXT: GENESIS 13:14–15

‎The journey of Abraham teaches us that divine calling does not always translate to immediate manifestation. There was a season when Abraham’s progress appeared stalled, not because God had withdrawn His promise, but because certain distractions hindered full alignment with God’s purpose. It was only after Abraham separated himself from distractions and obeyed God’s directive to lift his eyes that a new season of fulfilment emerged.

‎Alignment precedes manifestation. A person may carry God’s promise, yet remain stagnant until they reposition themselves according to God’s plan. What we see with the eyes of faith determines what we eventually possess in reality (Genesis 13:14–15).

‎What do you see concerning your destiny? God’s promises are certain, but they may not always manifest speedily. Delays often create room for preparation, growth, and spiritual maturity. God remains ready to fulfil His word, but our posture and perception must align with His will.

‎

‎Steps to Reposition and Enjoy the Gains of a New Season

‎1. Identify and Release the Weights

‎Weights are not necessarily sinful, but they slow progress. Emotional trauma, unresolved pain, disappointments, and wounds from life experiences can hinder spiritual momentum. Healing is essential for progress. A believer must allow God to heal the heart in order to run the race of destiny unhindered.

‎2. Decongest Your Inner Space‎

‎Repositioning begins internally. Guard your heart diligently, renew your mind, and intentionally disconnect from distractions. Discipline, focus, courage, punctuality, and intentional living are vital tools for growth. When the inner space is aligned, outward progress follows.

‎3. Discern the Season and Align Accordingly

‎Every season comes with its own demands. God may be doing a new thing, but only those who are spiritually perceptive will recognise and align with it. Let go of past limitations and embrace what God is presently unfolding.

‎Living ahead of a new season requires vision, obedience, and deliberate alignment with God’s purpose. As believers, we are called to lift our eyes, reposition our hearts, and walk boldly into God’s promises. The land of promise is available, what remains is our readiness to possess it.

#𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐌𝐈 𝐎𝐁𝐀!

𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐦𝐢 𝐎𝐛𝐚

TOPIC: LIVING IN THE SPIRIT

PREACHER: PASTOR ADEYEMI OBA

TEXT: JOHN 4:23-24

INTRODUCTION

Brethren, one of the reasons you're not getting your life right is because you're living like the first Adam. Living as the first Adam will limit your salvation experience and your journey with God. The first Adam was a living soul, but the last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. It is wiser to live by the pattern of the last Adam, who has life in Himself and also gives life to others. (Isaiah 9:6)

MESSAGE

The Holy Spirit is the administrator of this present dispensation. Without understanding and yielding to Him, a believer will struggle to enjoy the fullness of the Christian life. The prayer life of a Christian must not be carried out in the flesh. When prayer is flesh-driven, it becomes routine and powerless. Your understanding of the Holy Spirit enables you to truly live. Life in the Spirit is sustained by relationship, not effort.

The Holy Spirit is not a thing; He is a living being and the third person of the Trinity.

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

1. The Holy Spirit is a living Spirit. He has a personality. He has emotions. He can be grieved and He can be blasphemed. Matthew 12:31 makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is not a force but a Person.

2. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. John 14:16 shows us that He is just and truthful. Walking in truth, even in the marketplace, strengthens your Christian walk. Integrity is not optional for a Spirit-led life. He doesn't joke with truth; when you lie, you make the Holy Spirit angry. You can feel His presence, whether within, in, or around you, and nothing is hidden from Him. (Rom 8:1, Rom 7)

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT?

To walk in the Spirit means that your life, decisions, actions, and responses are directed and coordinated by the Holy Spirit. The day you know how to connect with the Holy Spirit, you will no longer fear, and you will enjoy everything in Christ. (John 14:6, John 16:10) He is the true connection to worship the Father.

Living in the Spirit means being directed by God. The day you start to connect with the Holy Spirit, nothing will catch you by surprise. Let everything come against you; as long as you are being directed by the Holy Spirit, they will fall for your sake.

Whether you are trusting God for a job, a life partner, or direction in any area, you must allow God to lead you from the beginning. Do not make decisions independently and then expect God to repair the outcome later. God is not an emergency option. He is a guide.

A common phrase among young people today is “I am following my heart.” Scripture warns us that the heart of man is desperately wicked. If the heart is unreliable, then decisions based solely on it will eventually lead to regret.

Living in the Spirit means ensuring that all your ways are submitted to God. Prayer can never be too much. We are instructed to pray at all times, not just to speak, but to receive guidance and direction.

I pray the Lord will not be done with you in Jesus' name.

CONCLUSION

If there is anything you have to do this year, don't lose your connection with God, unlike Saul. Whatever you do, tell it to God and be patient. If you desire to make right decisions, you must pray and listen. Many believers know how to pray, but few know how to listen. Prayer is communication, and true communication requires listening more than speaking. This is where meditation comes in. Stillness before God sharpens discernment.

PRAYER

God, help me to trust You. Help me not to be wise in my own sight.

 #𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒     

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒏𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐘!!

 

𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒚𝒐 𝑶𝒍𝒖𝒈𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂 (𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑷)

‎Preacher: Pastor Adebayo Olugbenga (PICP)

‎Title: The Power and Purpose of Testimony

Testimony is the conscious act of declaring the mighty works of God in our lives. It is not a report of what we heard others say, nor a rehearsal of borrowed experiences, but a sincere proclamation of what the Almighty God has personally done for us and has carried us through successfully. Just as a thoughtful child is a grateful child, so it is fitting that believers ascribe glory, honour, and thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness.

Testimony flows from a heart of gratitude and acknowledges God as the source of every victory, preservation, and breakthrough.

In Acts 22:1–21, Apostle Paul recounts his personal encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, an experience earlier recorded in Acts 9. While on a mission to persecute believers, Paul encountered the risen Christ, and his life was radically transformed. After this divine encounter, Paul did not keep silent; he testified boldly of what the Lord had done for him. This teaches us that testimony is a response to divine intervention and a declaration of God’s redemptive power.

Similarly, Psalm 40:1–3 reveals David’s testimony: “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit… and He hath put a new song in my mouth.” Testimony births praise, strengthen faith, and causes others to trust in the Lord. When God places a new song in our mouths, it is meant to be sung, shared, and celebrated among the brethren.

Even our Lord Jesus Christ affirmed the importance of testimony. In John 15:27, He declared that His disciples would bear witness of Him. Therefore, testimony is not optional, it is a divine assignment.

What does Testimony Represents?

Testimony is both spiritual evidence and a prophetic declaration. It signifies:

(a) Proof of God’s divine dealings, past victories and future assurances.

(b) Confirmation of God’s covenant faithfulness.

(c) An affirmation that God has approved our requests and positioned us as overcomers.

(d) Evidence that we are still standing firmly with God.

(e) Confirmation that the plans of the enemy have failed concerning our lives.

(f) A declaration that God has been glorified in our journey (Genesis 21:1–3).

In Genesis 21:1–3, Abraham’s long-awaited promise became a testimony. Though time seemed delayed, God’s word came to pass. Likewise, even if the year appears to be running out, our lives are not running out. God remains intentional about our destinies, and we are all works in progress under His divine agenda.

Testimony as Celebration and Praise

In Exodus 15, after crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites responded with songs, dancing, and rejoicing. This teaches us that testimony should lead to celebration. Praise should not be occasional; rather, we must learn to turn our days into continual thanksgiving unto God (John 9:1–26).

Testimony strengthens faith, glorifies God, and encourages fellow believers.

Keys to Living a Life of Testimony

To continually experience testimonies, believers must:

(a) Maintain a genuine relationship with God (Daniel 11:32b).

(b) Live a committed and consecrated life, making restitution and walking in purity (1 Samuel 1:11).

(c) Exercise unwavering faith in God, for faith is essential to pleasing Him (Mark 11:22; Hebrews 11:6).

Your testimony is unique, powerful, and divinely ordained. Do not be ashamed to declare it. When you testify, you glorify God, silence the enemy, and strengthen the faith of others.

#𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝑰𝒏2025𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐎. 𝐂𝐘𝐑𝐔𝐒 𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐊𝐀𝐍!!

Topic: Living and Doing It Right 

Preacher: Bro. Cyrus Olamilekan

Text: Ephesians 5:15; Genesis 2:7–8

The Christian life is not only about living, but about living rightly. Scripture admonishes us to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” (Eph. 5:15). To every child of God, there is an Eden, a place of divine provision, purpose, and abundance. However, remaining and flourishing in that Eden requires intentional obedience, discernment, and right living.

Genesis 2:8–10 reveals that Eden was a place of life, nourishment, and direction, sustained by four rivers symbolizing sufficiency and fruitfulness. Likewise, God has ordained a place of rest, joy, and fulfillment for His children.

Jeremiah 30:18–19 affirms restoration, thanksgiving, and multiplication as hallmarks of God’s dwelling among His people. However, access to and continuity in this Eden demands that we live rightly before God.

The church is God’s ordained platform for worship, revelation, and transformation (Eph. 3:10). It is from the church that God receives glory, prophecies are declared, and destinies are shaped (1 Tim. 3:15).

Approaching the church casually or absent-mindedly deprives believers of spiritual depth. True worship requires discernment, reverence, and engagement of both heart and spirit (John 4:23–24).

Thanksgiving is not optional; it is a spiritual key. Scripture commands us to “enter His gates with thanksgiving” (Ps. 100:4). Thanksgiving acknowledges God’s sovereignty and attracts divine presence.

Jeremiah 30:19 shows that thanksgiving precedes multiplication and joy. A grateful believer positions himself for increase, peace, and divine remembrance.

God desires to establish His people spiritually, emotionally, and materially (Ps. 90:17). Establishment comes through consistency in worship, obedience, and faith.

When believers align their lives rightly before God, He roots them firmly, making them immovable and fruitful (Col. 2:6–7).

Multiplication is not limited to material increase but includes growth in grace, influence, impact, and spiritual fruit (Gen. 1:28; Acts 6:7).

God multiplies those who commit themselves wholly to Him, who worship sincerely and walk uprightly. Right living attracts divine enlargement.

God is glorified when His people live rightly and bear fruit (Matt. 5:16; John 15:8). A life that reflects God’s character becomes a testimony to His power and grace.

The church, therefore, must be a place where God is not only praised but honored through righteous living.

Jeremiah 30:12–16 reveals that God Himself rises in defense of His people. When we live rightly, God takes responsibility for our battles (Exod. 14:14).

God’s dealings with enemies are often proportional to our obedience. Right living silences opposition and attracts divine intervention (Rom. 12:19).

Both Abraham and Adam made mistakes, yet God still testified of them because they aligned back to divine purpose (Gen. 18:19; Rom. 4:3).

This teaches us that perfection is not the requirement, alignment is. God honors those who return to doing it right.

As we approach a new year, this message is a clarion call to examine our approach to God and His church. Doing it right requires intentional thanksgiving, sincere worship, commitment to growth, and righteous living.

We are carriers of grace, called to live rightly on the earth. It is worthy to spend and be spent for God (2 Cor. 12:15), knowing that obedience secures our Eden and glorifies His name.

Let us therefore do it right, so that God may be glorified and our lives fully established.

#𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

 

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐇 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐌𝐈 𝐎𝐁𝐀!

 

𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐦𝐢 𝐎𝐛𝐚

THE CHRONICLES OF JONAH

Preacher: Pastor Adeyemi Oba

Text: Jonah 1:1–3

Introduction: Who Is Jonah?

Jonah is often remembered in Scripture as a reluctant prophet, an unwilling messenger who ran from God’s assignment. To many believers, he appears as an “extra voice,” a disobedient prophet who tried to escape divine responsibility. Yet, when we look beyond the surface, Jonah’s story reveals something far deeper and more instructive. Jonah was, in truth, a great man of God, an evangelist whose ministry produced one of the most remarkable revivals recorded in the Bible.

In the city of Nineveh, Jonah preached a simple but powerful message, and the results were extraordinary. Kings, nobles, and common people alike turned to God. Even the king of Nineveh humbled himself, issuing a national decree of fasting and repentance. God heard their cries and showed mercy. Few prophets in Scripture can boast of such a massive harvest of souls. Jonah, like Jesus and Philip, was used mightily to draw multitudes back to God.

Jonah knew God intimately. In Jonah chapter 3, we see that his problem was not ignorance but knowledge. He understood God as gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy. Ironically, this deep knowledge of God’s mercy was what caused Jonah to run. He feared that God would forgive Nineveh, a city he believed deserved judgment. Jonah fled, not because he doubted God, but because he knew Him too well. This reveals a powerful lesson: knowing God does not automatically mean obeying God. One can hear God clearly and still choose resistance over submission.

Jonah’s conflict was not rooted in doubt or ignorance. On the contrary, Jonah knew God intimately. In Jonah chapter 4, he openly confessed that he fled because he knew God to be gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and full of compassion. Jonah feared that Nineveh would repent and that God would forgive them and that is exactly what happened.

This teaches us a sobering truth: knowledge of God does not always translate into obedience to God. One can know God’s character, understand His ways, and still struggle to submit to His will. Jonah loved God, but his personal judgment conflicted with God’s mercy.

THE MISTAKES OF JONAH

1. Jonah Was Moving, but Not in the Right Direction

Jonah did not remain idle, he moved. However, movement does not always equal progress. God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah chose Tarshish. When God gives direction and we deliberately choose another path, life may still appear productive, but it is spiritually regressive. Jonah gained speed in the wrong direction. This reveals a dangerous truth: the enemy does not stop you from moving; he only ensures you move away from God’s purpose.

2. Jonah Departed from the Presence of God

The greatest mistake Jonah made was leaving the presence of the Lord. Scripture records that Jonah “fled from the presence of the Lord.” Once a person disconnects from God’s presence, confusion and trouble begin to pursue them. This pattern is seen in the life of Cain, who also went out from God’s presence and immediately encountered destruction. God’s presence is not just a place of worship; it is a place of instruction, protection, and clarity. Outside it, even gifted people become vulnerable.

3. Jonah Went Downward Spiritually and Physically

The Bible repeatedly uses the word down in Jonah’s journey. He went down to Joppa, down into the ship, and down into the lowest part of the vessel. Each step downward represented spiritual decline. Disobedience always leads downward before it leads outward. Jonah’s physical descent mirrored his spiritual collapse.

Eventually, Jonah fell into a deep sleep, a sleep that symbolized spiritual numbness. While the ship was in crisis, Jonah was unconscious. Disobedience dulls spiritual sensitivity and creates false peace in the midst of danger.

4. Jonah Paid the Price to Run from God

Jonah paid his own fare to board the ship. Disobedience is never free, it always costs something. When we reject God’s will, we often fund our own escape with time, energy, peace, and destiny. Jonah invested resources to go farther away from God, not knowing that obedience would have cost him nothing but trust.

5. Jonah Had to Hit Rock Bottom Before He Prayed

Jonah was eventually thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish. In that dark place, surrounded by decay and isolation, Jonah finally prayed. Jonah 2:1 says, “Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly.” Sometimes God allows us to reach the end of ourselves so we can rediscover Him. The fish was not Jonah’s punishment, it was his preservation. God did not abandon Jonah; He confined him for correction.

You may be walking and sinking at the same time, active but empty, busy but broken. But the God who restored Jonah is still restoring today. When Jonah repented, God spoke again. The same call that Jonah fled from was reissued. This reveals that failure does not cancel God’s purpose; repentance reactivates it. Jesus declared in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Love for God is proven through obedience, not intentions. Jonah loved God, but obedience was his struggle. True spirituality is not measured by how much we know about God, but by how willing we are to follow Him, even when His will challenges our personal feelings.

The Chronicles of Jonah teach us that God’s call is persistent, His mercy is limitless, and His plans are unchanging. Disobedience may delay destiny, but obedience restores alignment. God does not give up on those who return to Him.

 #𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒     

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒏𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐃𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐘 𝐒𝐈𝐒. 𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐖𝐀𝐉𝐈 𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐘𝐄

 

𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 23𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐯.2025

𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: 𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Text: Revelation 2:5

The “first love” refers to an early stage of a relationship. It represents the zeal and love we had for God when we first encountered Him. When we look at the Scripture, the church in Ephesus was a set of people who were genuinely saved, Spirit‑filled, and committed to the work of God, but despite all of this, they lost their first love. And Jesus was calling their attention to this here. This warning serves as a wake‑up call for us to re‑examine our spiritual lives and prioritize our relationship with God.

Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the Kingdom of God…

Life can be funny at times; most times we find ourselves losing sight of what is truly important. We get entangled in our daily routines, our work, relationships, and ambitions, leaving our spiritual lives to wither away. Like the Gen Z of nowadays are fond of doing this…

When we wake up in the morning, the first thing we do is take our phones to check if we have messages or calls, maybe respond to a few messages before we remember to have our quiet time, and even skip that and set off for the day. God is telling us that what we think does not matter, matters to Him. God wants to communicate with us, dialogue, and have a father‑to‑child relationship with us.

The question is: Have you forsaken your first love?

Losing our first love does not mean we have lost our salvation, but it is about losing the passion and the joy that come from walking closely with God.

I want to digress a bit: we are talking about not forsaking your first love, maybe you are here and you have not even accepted this unconditional love (Jesus) into your life; this is your time. God said I should tell you that your life matters to Him. He wants you to retrace your steps back to Him.

Are you one of those who committed sin because you have seen it as part of your daily activities? You derive joy in it, but God is telling you today that what you count or see as nothing matters to Him

God is looking for worshippers who will constantly commune and fellowship with Him, not those who will come to His presence to lift up clean hands because of what they need from Him.

God is looking for those who will stand in gap for lost souls, bringing them into light and truth.

HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE LOST MY FIRST LOVE

- When our obedience to God becomes a mere routine, when convenience and personal gain overshadow obedience to God, we make excuses for our actions. We get busy; our priorities shift and our love for God grows cold.

- The work of the flesh – when selfish desires dominate our lives, we do the things of the flesh rather than the truth of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22‑24).

DANGERS OF LOSING OUR FIRST LOVE

1. Unfruitfulness – John 15:4.

2. Discouragement and substitution.

Do you know that God may give you a vision, give you the plans and ways to carry them out, but due to fear, lack of focus or faith, you fail to carry them out? Don’t be shocked seeing another person fulfilling that purpose, not because God does not love you, but because His work must continue. The good news is that He does not want that for you, which is why He is bringing this word to us at this time.

It is my prayer that you and I will not be abandoned vessels.

Failing to fulfill God’s purpose – One of the purposes of God is that His Kingdom be established and expanded. How do we do that? By preaching His Word (Acts 1:8). God is looking for believers who will break ground for Him in every sector they find themselves in. He wants us to fulfill this purpose and not miss out on the blessings that await us.

HOW DO I REDISCOVER MY FIRST LOVE

1. Repentance - Turn away from sin and go back to God.

2. Prayer – Seek God with all your heart and ask Him to restore your passion for Him.

3. Return to your first love – Serve God with all your heart, with love and zeal; prioritize your relationship with God. Make God your utmost priority.

Do not allow distractions to cause you to forsake your first love.

Illustration: There was this weekend my nephew was playing with a sack bag; he dipped his leg inside the bag and was running around with it. Then I remembered the sack race from secondary school days—most of us will remember that race. The sack on its own is an obstacle in running the race. In the course of running the race, many fell. Some were ashamed to continue because they thought winning was no longer possible, while others were not ashamed to move forward because they had a focus: the focus of winning the race. A leading runner does not look back until he/she reaches the finish line.

One of the reasons why some carriers of great potential fail to achieve certain things in life is because they lack focus. Distraction hinders a man from being great. You cannot afford to forsake your first love (Jesus) because your generation is waiting for your manifestation.

Don’t be a quitter; run the race, fixing your gaze on Jesus. He awaits you to finish the race so that He can reward you.

It is time to arise from your slumber, give priority to your life by fixing your gaze on Jesus. And if you are yet to give your life to Jesus, this is the time. Pray that God should have mercy on you, confess Him as your personal Lord and Savior, and He is ever ready to receive you.

Prayer: Father, give us the grace to prioritize You and Your love above all in Jesus name (Amen).

#𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

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#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂