THE BACKSTAGE AND THE LIMELIGHT 1
“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” - (1 Corinthians 1:25)
READ: Matthew 6:1-6
Yesterday, I mentioned that I would discuss what I learned from Matthew 10:2, so I will focus on this verse for the next few days. The verse says, "... The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;" The question is, why was Andrew listed second even though he encountered Christ first (John 1:40-41)? Normally, if I were to arrange the list of apostles by their first encounter with Jesus, I would say the first is Andrew, the second is Peter, and so on. This makes me believe that the verse lists the apostles by Jesus' intended hierarchy. However, as time went on, Andrew dropped from number two, such that he was not even among the first three apostles. Whenever Jesus wanted to go somewhere special, He would go with Peter, James, and John. What caused Andrew to be demoted?
If you read through the Bible, you will not find a single flaw about Andrew. Some of the other apostles had flaws: Peter denied Jesus thrice, and James and John wanted to call fire down from heaven to destroy an entire town that did not welcome Jesus (Luke 9:51-54). Despite this, it seemed that Andrew got demoted. However, the Lord told me that Andrew was not demoted; instead, he was promoted. The Lord told me that when Jesus informed the mother of James and John that only His Father will determine those who will sit on His right and left, He meant that the seats were already reserved. The Lord then further whispered to me that one of those seats has been reserved for Andrew.
What happens behind the scenes is usually greater than what happens in the limelight. While most people focus on the stage, the real work and benefits are usually behind the scenes. You may not know it, but the producers of successful movies, who are behind the scenes, usually earn more and are more respected than the actors in the limelight. They also don't have to deal with the distractions and pressures that come with fame.
Beloved, don't be desperate for public recognition and the approval of others. Your main focus should be on fulfilling God's will for your life in whatever capacity He has placed you. God rewards based on faithfulness and obedience, not on fame or perceived influence. I pray that God will reward you bountifully as you focus solely on pleasing Him (2 Corinthians 5:9).
KEY POINT:
God does not reward based on popularity but on faithfulness and obedience.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
John 18-19
Open Heaven Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye
@allthatuget If you do the right thing at the right time and you do the right and best thing for yourself you won't be in situation where Arsenal is right now....Arsenal put themselves in this situation tbh
The best way to start a day is with prayer. It sets a positive tone & offers guidance.
As you begin this new week, plant the seeds of prayer & watch your life flourish.
Did you start your week in prayer?
If you did not, I encourage you to do so. Will you?
#FaithAOyedepo
The testimony of Jabez ended his mother’s sorrow. The testimony of Elijah shut down the altar of Baal. I pray for you this Tuesday, that the Lord will give you a testimony that will destabilize the confidence of your enemies in Jesus name.
#Pray Almighty Father, Every storm in my life, small or big, or any storm that the enemy is planning for me, stop it even before it can start; still every storm in Jesus Name. #Amen
Declare this:
I am a child of God. The Holy Spirit lives in me and leads me on the path of purity daily. I am empowered to remain diligent, disciplined and discerning in my walk with God. I choose God's process, promises and principles in everything.
I stand on God's word, subscribe to His wisdom and submit to His will at all times. There is no room for confusion or compromise in my life. I have been set apart, set ablaze and set above by my God. I obey God's word fully. I am destined to dominate the world and declare God's glory.
#WhispersofWinners
“You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” — Psalm 65:11
WELCOME TO JUNE!
A month fresh with favour, renewed strength, and divine alignment. What didn’t work before now, will begin to flourish for you. Everything that was delayed will be released, in the name of Jesus.
You will not walk this month alone — the hand of the Lord goes ahead of you.
Speak it loud: “June, I welcome you with joy, faith, and expectation!”
#ConquerorsGlobalAssembly #BishopDavidAbioye #NewMonth #June
A NEW SONG
“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” - (Psalm 40:3)
READ: Exodus 15:1-21
A young fellow once gained admission into a university abroad and celebrated with his friends and family. However, during the celebration, one of his father's enemies said to himself, "This boy is going abroad; if he succeeds over there, he will return and buy his father a car. I will give him something to carry along that will ensure that he fails," so he diabolically inflicted the boy with a strange ailment. The boy got to his school and began to feel a terrible pain in his body. Doctors examined him thoroughly and could not diagnose what was wrong with him. After six years of living in pain, he returned to Nigeria and attended one of our programmes that was held at Ibadan Grammar School. While I was ministering, the power of God hit him, and the pain disappeared. He started shouting, "It is gone!" God gave him a new song after six years of torment, and He can do the same for everyone who cries out to Him in faith (Romans 10:11-13).
In 1994, the RCCG held a programme in Lagos tagged 'The Battle of the gods'. A man who attended the programme was suffering from four killer diseases: hypertension, diabetes, meningitis, and a heart problem. His doctors had advised him to travel abroad, and while planning to do so, he decided to come for the programme. The power of the Almighty God touched him; he was healed of all four diseases and was given a new song.
When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion...Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing... (Psalm 126:1-2)
One of the proofs that God has turned around people's captivity is that their tongues will be filled with songs of joy. New songs always accompany deliverance, salvation, and miracles. In today's Bible reading, after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and watched their enemies drown, they sang a new song to God. Moses and Miriam composed new songs, and everyone sang along to praise God for His wonderful miracles. Deborah also sang a new song after God gave them victory over Sisera and Jabin, the king of the Canaanites (Judges 5:1-31). Hannah was another person who received a new song from the Lord after she birthed Samuel (1 Samuel 2:1-10). I pray that the Lord will fill your mouth with songs of joy and laughter and give every member of your family new songs before the end of this year, in Jesus' name.
PRAYER POINT:
Lord, please fill my mouth with new songs of Your goodness and mercy, in Jesus' name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Job 25-30
I want to use my brother’s 25th birthday TODAY to raise awareness for autism 🧩🎂
Fewa Otedola is autistic and he’s one of God’s greatest gifts to our family. His joy and pure heart remind us every day that love needs no words… Happy Birthday, Fefe Boi you are deeply loved 🫶🏾
Declare this:
I will not break up with God after I get my breakthrough packages. I will not turn my back on God no matter how tough it gets. I will wait on God and walk with Him through it all.
Type this: My whole life will bring perfect praise and pure worship to God forever.