Believers’ Travails!
✝️ 🦅👑🍇👑🦅
Welcome to Tuesday, the *_22nd day of OCTOBER 2024._* This is God’s Month of Perfect Liberty, and Nigeria’s Independence Day starts the month! Receive your *GOOD NEWS* as we gradually conclude this *Fruitful Month!*
❤ *_Your life and living will receive God’s excellent spirit, transforming your travails into triumph; you will become a beloved candidate that attracts great, destined fulfilment as you keep singing Jesus’ Name. From now on, God will ease your trials and manifest your glory through His mercy and favours – in Jesus’ Name._*
Amen.
💕
Our *THEME:*
💕 *_“BELIEVERS’ TRAVAILS!”_* 💕
💕 Our *BIBLE PASSAGE:*
II Corinthians 5:12-21.
[12] *_For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but allow you to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart._*
[13] *_For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you._*
[14] *_For the love of Christ compels us because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;_*
[15] *_and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again._*
[16] *_Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, we know Him as such no longer._*
[17] *_Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new._*
[18] *_Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,_*
[19] *_God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them and has committed the word of reconciliation to us._*
[20] *_Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you, on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God._*
[21] *_For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him._*
💕 Our *TEXT:*
*_” For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed to us.”_* — Romans 8:18 (ESV) 💕
*_“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, he has become renewed.”_* — 2 Corinthians 5:17. 💕
🦅 And, Our *Hymn: _“How Sweet The Name of Jesus Sounds” by John Newton_* 💕
1: HOW sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
2: It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary rest.
3: Dear name! the Rock on which I build,
My Shield and hiding-place,
My never-failing treasury filled
With boundless stores of grace!
4: Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.
5: Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold, my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.
6: Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath;
And may the music of Thy name
Refresh my soul in death.
Songs of Response
Author: 1619 hymnals John Newton.
Published in 1619 hymnals
https://youtu.be/KmlMau0WtSE?si=USfL9r2-Zfplq7wl
Songs of Response
Author: 1619 hymnals John Newton.
Published in 1619 hymnals
🦅 *EXHORTATION!* 💕
*_SONG:_*
“Jesus, (Jesus) – Sweet Jesus, (Jesus) Oh Oh_
How I Love – Calling Your Name.
“Jesus, (Jesus) – Sweet Jesus, (Jesus) Everyday_
Everyday – Your Name is the same.
“How I Love – Calling Your Name.
Everyday_
Everyday – Your Name is the same.”
(I)
I have my unwavering faith in You, O LORD. That is why I rest in your hands – Let Your Glory in our lives never be silenced: Perform Your miracles, signs and wonders. Receive your glory as Jesus’ Name gets sweeter in my mouth. AMEN!
- (Daniel 6:3-4) O God, We thank You for your gift of the excellent Spirit and positive direction, in Jesus’ Name.
- We seek your mercy in our travails. Cause that Giant from yesterday to perish as he lurks at the corner to consume our future, in Jesus’ Name.
- (Luke 11: 20) With the finger of God, Holy Spirit, reduce to ashes every satanic arrow of frustration against my good-willed plan and aspirations, in Jesus’ Name.
- O you antagonist of my Spirit of Excellence, your disgrace is here: Receive blindness in Jesus’ Name.
- I receive the Power of the Word of Life into my Life NOW: Every attack and trouble – give way for my success to manifest – in Jesus’ Name.
- (Psalm 74:13) Awake, O arm of the Lord; reduce to ashes every conspiracy of evil workers, principalities and powers in my family, my Church, my nation and my endeavours- in the Name of Jesus.
- (Isaiah 51:9-11) Awake, O arm of the Lord and remove every sickness and ‘infant-of-days’ out of my portion… that I may serve the Lord who blesses my bread and water – in the mighty Name of Jesus. (Exodus 23:25)
AMEN.
*_I command every sickness, emotional, financial or spiritual barrenness, and failure in your life, home and ministry to PERISH NOW, in Jesus’ Name._*
Our Sermon’s Title is *“Believers’ Travails”*
💕 Our *TEXT:*
*_“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed to us.”_* — Romans 8:18 (ESV) 💕
*_“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, he has become renewed.”_* — 2 Corinthians 5:17. 💕
*Hymn:*
*_“How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” by John Newton_*
Beloved, today we gather to reflect on the *travails of believers* —the challenges we face, the tribulations that test our faith, and the profound transformation our Lord grants us through Christ Jesus. We recognise that while we may endure hardships, our struggles are not in vain. Instead, they are a pathway leading us closer to His glory. *Alleluia!*
And to guide our hearts in this journey, let us resonate with the words of the hymn, *_“How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,”_* which echoes the soothing balm that His name brings to our wounds… and also dive into seven illuminating situations, making our discourse closer to understanding:
- *Human Relationships:*
In Romans 12:10, we are called to *_“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour.”_* Believers often grapple with disappointment in life’s work and environmental, physical, social, spiritual, and love relationships, yet our command is clear. Give your life to Christ first, and follow Him. Jesus honoured people without engaging in eye service. Why can’t we give honour to whom it is due? We reap the profound rewards of togetherness as we express love and kindness in all walks of life, guided by the lover of our souls. Help someone today, and as you sow seeds of love, you will witness a flourishing harvest of joy and connection.
*Reflection:* Embrace every opportunity to uplift another, for in serving others, God repays us, and we find fulfilment in living.
***
- *Success in Business and Firms:*
In Colossians 3:23-24, we are reminded, *_“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”_* As believers in the marketplace, we experience trials, competition, and moments of uncertainty. We often get challenged by competitors, customers and colleagues whose measures are corrupt and harmful: the world is turning evil and godless. *_Yet, our speech, attitude and work should reflect our faith._* When we commit our plans to God and operate with integrity and diligence, He promises to guide our paths toward success.
*_Reflection:_* God examines your work (efforts) when you pray and exercise your faith. *Engage your work as worship: That is due diligence!* —let your efforts glorify God, and watch as He opens doors. I have experienced what diligence to service, honour to constituted authority and consideration for others can do to a person’s standard of living!
***
- *The Anti-theist:*
We meet the anti-theist who wrestles with belief in a world where scepticism abounds. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Except for people to whom God has manifested Himself, some people find this declaration of Christ hard to believe! Our prayer should be for the Holy Spirit to open human hearts to this transforming truth. Instead of confrontation, believers must lead by living authentically. Your unwavering faith amidst hardship can be a testament that stirs curiosity and invites conversation about Christ’s love.
*_Reflection:_* Let Your life reflect the light of Jesus —light guides and reveals. Why would you offer yourself as a guinea pig to prove that only fools could say there is no God?
***
- *For a Person Who Had Given Up the Hope of Living:*
In times of despair, we often hear people question life’s purpose and the existence of God. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, *_“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.”_* He speaks hope into existence, where hopelessness reigns. If you feel lost, know you are cherished; it is not over until you win. Reach out—there is grace waiting, and healing will emerge. Do you believe this?
*Reflection:* Encourage those around you; you may be their beacon of hope.
***
- *Leaders of Nations and Governments:*
The burdens of leadership can be heavy, leading to strife and division. In Proverbs 11:14, we read, *_“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors, there is safety.”_* Pray for your leaders. Regardless of your political affiliation, remind them they are called to serve for the greater good, driven by humility and empathy. Do not curse or destructively criticise them. The politician you preferred could perform worse if given the mantle to lead. We are but humans. Encourage wisdom and integrity in their decision-making, for they impact countless lives.
*Reflection:* Let us commit to driving our leaders to seek counsel in Godliness – no matter their creed or faith – and guide them in righteousness.
***
- *Success in Personal Endeavours:*
Philippians 4:13 reminds us, *_“I can do everything through Him who strengthens me.”_* The pathway may be paved with unimaginable trials in personal goals, whether relational, academic, physical, social or spiritual. But let us lean into His strength instead of our own. Seek guidance, rely on prayer, believe in faithful servants of God (2 Chronicles 20: 20) and pursue excellence with the assurance that He will sustain you. It always works!
*Reflection:* Align your aspirations with God’s perfect will, and do not underestimate His power in your journey. Ignore ‘naysayers’ and the sceptics who brand everyone who believes in practical Christianity as gullible. Use your winner’s spiritually activated mind!
***
- *Personal Reconciliation with God:*
This is the first consideration, and we are deliberately appraising it as a final counsel. We often need a reminder of the healing power of reconciliation with God. 1 John 1:9 assures us, *_“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”_* No matter how far you feel you’ve strayed, know that His arms are wide open. Take a step towards Him today. Let your confession lead you to restoration.
*Reflection:* Nurture the relationship you have with God. Return to Him and rest in His hands of grace. He is our Salvation. We gain the heavens, resting in His hands!
***
*_SONG:_*
“I rest in your hands –
I rest in your hands, O LORD –
I rest in your hands, O LORD!
You are my Salvation (Salvation)
I rest in your hands.”
Believers, let us walk through our travails with unwavering faith, leaning into His sweet Name, which brings healing and comfort. May we take encouragement from Romans 8:18, affirming that our present sufferings cannot compare to the glory that awaits. As we face trials, remember that Jesus is our Rock, refuge, and constant source of grace.
Let us search our lives, using this message to elevate others in love and reach out to the weary, reminding them how sweet His name truly is.
*_“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”_* (John 3:16)
The salvation of nations and governments ultimately points to the personal salvation that God offers to every individual through faith in Jesus Christ. As societies experience the Gospel’s transformative power, it can serve as a powerful testimony, drawing people to the love and redemption found in the Lord. My friend, God’s love made Him give sacrificially. Has this love made you address any other person’s problems you are positioned to solve? Or to assist a servant of God in a struggling spiritual mission? Yeah, God provides… in most cases, through believers! Think about this. Believers can boldly proclaim the *GOOD NEWS* of salvation and invite others to experience the life-changing reconciliation with God.
🦅 *_May the salvation of the Lord pour out upon our nations and governments, bringing transformation, redemption, and the establishment of His Kingdom on earth so that we may foster heaven in our thoughts, speeches and deeds._* Amen.
May the Lord’s salvation and righteousness prevail in our nations and governments, and may His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen!
I pray that our Nations will always find refuge under the shelter of God’s wings and that His truth will indeed be our shield and buckler—in Jesus’ Name.
May the Lord continue to guide and sustain us in all our ways, in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
*I now prophesy, according to the Words of God, that YOU will not become Satan’s prey as this End-Times continues to win souls for the enemy of God through humans’ growing inordinate ambitions and the desire or demand of this present world – in Jesus’ Name.*
🦅 *_At Christ Jesus’ inspired word, the great help of God will cause you to flourish, annihilating your fears and destroying the traps set for you at these perilous times, in Jesus’ mighty Name. ONLY BELIEVE!_* 🙏
GLORY BE TO GOD!
*_Alleluia!_*
🦅 *Let Us Conclude Our Prayer!* 🙏
- 💕 *_O Jesus, My Saviour: Let Your mercy find me, leading me to helpers amongst humankind and within your creation, NOW!_*
- 💕 *_In Jesus’ Name, I am divinely energised to shed into the fire the toga of “Like father like son” that keeps humans from their destined greatness, entrapping them in vanity and poverty!_*
- 💕 *_Every “Like mother like daughter” curse that beckons on me to wobble and fumble into crisis, be cremated now, perish in the abyss forever, in Jesus’ mighty Name._*
- 💕 *_Where is my glory? Manifest for my flourishing, in Jesus’ mighty Name._*
- 💕 *_Every force of darkness, hear the word of God: “It shall never happen, neither will it see the light of day!” The evil set in my foundation has perished, never to be revived again, and I have escaped the second death forever, in Jesus’ mighty Name._*
- 💕 *_Every evil force that strives with my soul’s sanity so that I can pay the debts owed through the corruption of our national and ancestral leaders, I plead the blood of Jesus against you: perish and disappear, in Jesus’ mighty Name._*
- 💕 *_Angels of mercy, thank you for building peace within and before me and my soul. The iniquity of my ancestry has perished by the power of Jesus’ mighty Name._*
*I prophesy, according to the Words of God, the worst declarations against your life are NOW divinely annulled and defeated, in Jesus’ mighty Name.*
*_Every cry of vengeance against your soul has perished – this weekend – and has vanished forever, in Jesus’ mighty Name._*
💕 *_As for me and my household – including these prayer partners reading, hearing and praying along – we shall serve the living God in sound health, good wealth and prosperity of our souls, in Jesus’ Name!_*
Let’s stand now and sing the first and last stanza of our Hymn together, *_“How Sweet The Name of Jesus Sounds,”_* affirming His presence and love in our lives:
1: HOW sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
6: Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath;
And may the music of Thy name
Refresh my soul in death.
—
Amen!
*_I love you, in Jesus’ Name!_* 💕
*God Bless You!*
🦅 *Enter To Worship… Depart To Serve!* 💕
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HAVE A VICTORIOUS AND ENRICHED LIFE, in Jesus’ Name.* 🌹
🦅👑🍇👑🦅✝️