The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Awujoola assumes as Lagos East Baptist Conference President

    Awujoola assumes as Lagos East Baptist Conference President

    Our Reporter

     

    DR. Matthew Awujoola has assumed leadership of the Lagos East Baptist Conference, one of the three Lagos State Baptist Conferences, on May 1.

    He took over from Dr. Emmanuel Awotunde, who has been in the saddle since September 2010.

    An author, he is spiritually gifted in teaching, exhortation and leadership.

    A trained teacher, Awujoola who was born in Mushin, Lagos State, hails from Ilero in Kajola local government area of Oyo State and gave his life to Christ in 1986.

    He obtained a National Certificate of Education from the Lagos State College of Education, Oto-Ijanikin in 1996.

    He later trained at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso where he bagged a Bachelor of Theology and Master of Art in Theological Studies in 2002 and 2011 respectively.

    Read Also: COVID-19: Lagos projects 120,000 cases by July

    He is an alumnus of Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Topo, Badagry.

    The new President obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree from the African International University, Nairobi, Kenya in 2018.

    Awujoola has served as Bible study coordinator of the Baptist Student Fellowship, Lagos State College of Education, Oto-Ijanikin; student pastor, First Baptist Church, Atapa, via Iresa Adu, Oyo State between 1999 and 2002; church pastor, Ajara Baptist Church, Ajara, Lagos State; chairman Pastors Fellowship of Itesiwaju Baptist Association, financial secretary and vice chairman of the Lagos East Baptist Conference Pastors’ Fellowship.

    Until his appointment, he was the church pastor of Ire Akari Baptist Church, Isolo where he has been serving since August 2010 and moderator, Itesiwaju Baptist Association, one of the associations in the Lagos East Baptist Conference.

  • Pastor T.B. Joshua reveals source of funds for his ministry

    Pastor T.B. Joshua reveals source of funds for his ministry

    By Adebisi Onanuga

    Pastor Temitope Joshua of Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN) on Monday revealed his position regarding tithes and other offerings through his popular Christian television channel, Emmanuel TV.

    A broadcast of Emmanuel TV of Sunday May 3, 2020 was aired on ‘youtube’ on Monday in which a viewer had sought to know how the cleric raises funds as he is never heard preaching on the subject of tithes and offerings.

    Although Pastor Joshua was not physically present during the broadcast, one of his ministers responded on his behalf, to the question posed by the viewer.

    He said people who have conscience willingly give for the work of God without being prompted.

    According to him: “Wrong people have to be reminded many times before they can give because it is not from their heart”, clarifying that wrong people referred to “dubious” or “corrupt” individuals “who got their money, their things from the wrong source.”

    The cleric described giving offerings as “scriptural” but emphasized that people should give as “God prompts their conscience”.

    “There may not be many but people of conscience are giving, I mean, the right people are giving genuinely, for the salvation of their souls and their giving is blessed by God,” he conceded.

    Read Also: Lockdown deadlier than Coronavirus, says T.B Joshua

    He remarked that some people would give in order “to be seen, to be heard and to be praised here”, adding that if they later hit hard times, they would often write letters to the church reminding them of the money they had previously given.

    He said such people are misguided and often felt their offerings were a form of “bargaining with God to get what they want” or a way of manipulating Him “to give approval to their selfish motives.”

    The cleric stressed: “Giving is like serving. Both should be done with joy, without being reminded, because you don’t need to be reminded to do that which gives you joy” adding that believers should ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in giving, receiving and asking.

    “The force behind the money given determines the kind of money it is,” Joshua thoughtfully explained, adding, “when we inherit stolen wealth, we would live under a stolen future, thereby mortgaging our future. Remember, what comes from God goes to Him.”

    The cleric stated he was “very careful” when it comes to receiving offerings from congregants, saying “If I receive something from you, the source and the manner you give will determine whether it’s a blessing or a curse that I receive from you.”

    Relating to a question on the current situation leading to shut down churches worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic, Joshua explained that such a period “demands conscience”.

    “If you give something from your heart, it will bless you that gives it and also bless the person or ministry that receives it,” the cleric concluded in the interactive program by citing Apostle Paul’s admonishment in 2 Corinthians to give as “each one proposes in his heart, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver”, he added.

  • COVID -19 has started disappering- Fufeyin

    COVID -19 has started disappering- Fufeyin

     John Ofikhenua, Abuja 

    Founder and Head Prophet of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry Jeremiah Fufeyin has declared the journey to freedom from the coronavirus pandemic has started.

    He stated the virus is disappearing globally exactly as he earlier prophesied.

    In a statement on Sunday by the church, he recalled he had insisted that the virus would disappear from country to country as it came.

    In a sermon and prophesies released earlier in March, Fufeyin specifically stated that from  end of March till 28th April 2020, the virus would be seen to be gradually disappearing from one nation to another the same way it came as a result of his prayers of mercy and that of believers from around the world.

    He said between that day and a month and one week later the virus would be seen to be disappearing from the face of the earth in the same manner it started from one country to another while economies would gradually open up.

    The cleric linked the current easing of lockdown across continents and indeed Africa to the vision he had received from God, raising the hope of freedom for people across the world.

    The statement  recalled that in Germany, South Africa, Nigeria, China, U.S, Kenya and most countries of the world, governments have announced easing of lockdown as well as a number of cure for the pandemic, which had ravaged the world since late last year.

    Read Also: Kyari’s death will of God- Fufeyin

    The 49 year old cleric noted the viral disease would start to go down gradually with nations recording victories and easing their preventive measures.

    In the case of Nigeria,  the statement said “Note that this prophecy came a full week before Nigerians were addressed by the Presidency, and over a week before lockdown measures were enacted in Nigeria.”

    Drawing up a timeline of victories recorded across world, the church noted on April 21, 2020, Swiss authorities announced plans to ease lockdown measures after recording positive success in managing the pandemic.

    The statement reads in part :  “On April 21, 2020, a West African country, Mauritiana, was declared COVID-19 free after recording 6 recoveries and one death.

    “April 21,2020, Italy, one of the worst hit countries, recorded its lowest number of deaths, since March 19, 2020, and a fall in active cases.

    “On April 22, 2020, activities resumed in Hamburg- Germany after a long term lockdown. Return to school had also been announced, and trade is back in full swing.

    “There was jubilation on the streets of Dubai as authorities eased almost 2 months lockdown measures, after recording zero COVID- 19 cases in some areas.

    “Madagascar launched Africa’s first preventive treatment, and effective cure for the COVID-19 disease, “COVID ORGANICS”, and even made it compulsory for school children returning to schools.  “On April 27, 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the imminent easing of strict lockdown restrictions in most states in Nigeria,”

     

  • COVID-19: Redefining the order of worship

    COVID-19: Redefining the order of worship

    When in March, cities in Nigeria joined the rest of the world in enforcing the #StayAtHome order, the reality of the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic hit home. Although a necessary action, many didn’t envisage how much their routines would greatly change until they could no longer gather for events and activities, especially religious activities. Church gatherings had no option than to move online, a move which was previously considered not spiritual enough. Still, many desired more Christian programming especially from their local assemblies of worship during this unprecedented time.

    It was, therefore, a foot in the right direction for video entertainment company, MultiChoice, when it announced the launch of a special channel for customers on its DStv and GOtv platforms early April. The channel aptly tagged ‘Hallelujah’ was designed to give church goers an immersive ‘church at home’ experience featuring praise and worship sessions, sermons, choir ministrations, prayers and other wholesome family programming from well-known churches in Nigeria.

    Perhaps one of the unique selling points of this channel is that it gave these churches the opportunity to broadcast into the homes of millions of Nigerians its most recent ministrations and in some cases, live sermons such as was seen with the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins’ sermon  during the celebration of Divine Mercy Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral. This is a win-win for all parties involved. A roll call of the churches currently being broadcast for free* include RCCG City of David, Daystar Christian Centre, House on the Rock, Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC), The Elevation Church, Diplomats’ Assembly, Kornerstone, Salvation Ministries and more.

    Comments from users of popular social media sites such as Twitter indicate that the channel creation was well received with some even requesting when their local assembly will be added to the line-up. Consequently, the number of churches broadcasting has increased over the past weeks; Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral*, David Christian Centre* and House of Grace* are among the ministries recently scheduled on the channel.

    The Chief Customer Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr Martin Mabutho in a statement said the company was staying in tune with its customers’ new realities following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to the expansion of its religious content programming to cater to the different denominational groups and keep customers connected to their faith during these challenging times. The Hallelujah channel (DStv 198 and GOtv 29) comes at no extra access fee and is available on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Confam, Family, Yanga and Access as well as on GOtv Max, Jolli and Plus packages.

    The worldwide march to end the pandemic may still be a long way to go. The World Health Organization continues to work to provide the critical strategies, solutions and supplies that countries will need in the coming weeks and months. For Nigerians, President Buhari approved a phased and gradual easing of the lockdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states effective Monday, May 4 and a national curfew from 8pm to 6 am. He also stated that there will be no social and religious gatherings and a “mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene.”

    As Nigerians continue to grapple with the uncertainties of these times and adjust to new ways of living, one thing is certain – the auditoriums of Nigeria’s churches and mega churches will remain closed. In the meantime, the Hallelujah channel on DStv and GOtv will continue to provide the much-needed succour to Christians across the country, giving them an immersive ‘church at home’ experience.

  • Jesus: The great physician!

    Jesus: The great physician!

    Dr. David Oyedepo

    Welcome to May! I believe we must have had some definite encounters with diverse success keys all through the month of April, 2020. I also believe that God must have listed many of us among the highflyers of His Kingdom through diverse encounters. My prayer is that the impact of these encounters will be for a lifetime, in the name of Jesus (Amen)! This week, we shall focus on: Jesus: The Great Physician!

    From Scriptures, we discover that our health is an important part of God’s redemptive plan for the saints. Exodus 15:26 says, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee. However, in order to fulfil the above in the lives of the redeemed, God sent Jesus to save the world and pay for the healing of the redeemed. Thus, Jesus introduced Himself as the Great Physician in Matthew 9:10-13. He is the Great Physician who was prophesied about in Isaiah 53:4-5. Matthew 8:17 says concerning Him, …Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Many have accepted Jesus as their Saviour but very few have accepted Him as their Healer. We must understand that He is not only the Saviour of our souls; He is also the Saviour of our bodies. Jesus already took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. Not that He is coming to take, No! So, it is a matter of past tense; something that has been concluded.

    Also, we understand that Jesus never referred any case because He was never stranded handling any situation. He was absolutely and perfectly in charge when it came to getting the health of people restored. For it is written, All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (John 1:3-5).

    He declared in John 10:10, …I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. For three and half years, Jesus demonstrated the reality of His ministry as the Great Physician. Acts 10:38 sums it up, How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

    Let’s look at some records of His healing ministry in person.

    • And He Healed Them All…!

    When the sick came to Jesus, He healed them all! He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has not changed; He will never change. If He healed them all yesterday, He will heal them all today and tomorrow. The Bible records, And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all (Luke 6:17-19; see also Matthew 8:16).

    • As Many as Touched Him…

    And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole (Matthew 14:34-36). What was responsible for this? The virtue, which flowed from the anointed of God to the clothes He wore and as many as touched Him received their healing. There was a woman who first tapped into this mystery of impartation of virtue (Matthew 9:20-22).

    • The Power of the Lord was Present…

    And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them (Luke 5:17). God’s Word carries the Spirit of God and the Spirit of God is the power of God. Thus, when He spoke the Word; the power of God was released and it took care of the people’s sicknesses and diseases.

    • The Deaf Hear! The Dumb Speak!

    And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak (Mark 7:32-37). Jesus never sympathised with any man, He healed them all. The four gospels are full of various accounts of the ministry of Jesus as the Great Physician fulfilling His claim that He came, …that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

    In conclusion, before you can have access to the manifold power of the Great Physician, you must be born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, get my books: Keys to Divine Health, The Healing Balm, The Miracle Meal, All you Need to have all your Needs Met and Fulfilling Your Days. I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.

  • Latter Day Saints Church gives $40,000 PPEs to Lagos

    Latter Day Saints Church gives $40,000 PPEs to Lagos

    Omolara Akintoye

    The humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints, has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other medical gears worth $40,000 to the Lagos State government.

    The handing over of the equipment was done by Church team to officials at the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation Warehouse, Lekki, Lagos, the equipments include hand sanitizers, liquid wash, safety goggles, surgical gowns and masks, shoe covers, hand gloves, face masks, stethoscopes, toilet rolls, buckets, among others

    Making the presentation, Head, Latter Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ, West Africa, Area 70, Elder Christian Chigbundu pointed out that the Church’s kind gesture was in appreciation of Lagos State govt. and the entire medical team who are working tirelessly in ensuring that the Coronavirus pandemic is contained

    Adding that the “Church in the past have contributed so much through her charity organization in ensuring that we assist the govt. and that of the society and we will continue to do so”, he said.

    Chigbundu therefore enjoined Nigerians to observe rules outlined to stay safe from COVID-19, while having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

    “We should have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. With him, all things are possible. So I believe strongly there is need for prayer as well as faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Though, it does not end there, we need to also work while obeying the government on laid down rules and tips in the fight of COVID-19. For example, social distancing, regular hand washing, staying at home during the lockdown is of paramount important to be able to win this war,” he said.

    On why the church engaged in humanitarian service, Elder Chigbundu said: “Doing things in the Lord’s way has always been our standard. The Church is structured and has its own way of reaching the indigents. In other words, the Church still has food items that would be distributed on a later date. This is to ensure that it gets to the right people at the right time.”

    The church’s Regional Manager, Nigeria, Mr. Charles A. Adebayo, said the items were worth about $40,000.

    “The donation is made by the humanitarian arm of LDS Charity, which was established 1985 during the Ethiopia famine and since then, stuffs like this have been going on across the world. Before the advent of COVID-19, the church has been impacting on the grassroots through other means. For example, renovating schools, refurbishing hospitals building boreholes, providing medical equipment, eye glasses, resuscitation of infants and so on. It has always been our core duty and we will continue with it even after COVID-19.”

    Receiving the equipment on behalf of Lagos State government, Mr. Jide Razak, who is in charge of the warehouse commended Latter Day Saints Church for their kind gesture adding that the fight against the pandemic is not a thing that government can fight alone.

  • COVID-19 lockdown: RCCG moves youths event online

    COVID-19 lockdown: RCCG moves youths event online

    By Ambrose Nnaji

     

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has announced the ninth edition of its Lagos Young Adults and Youth Affairs (LYAYA) seminiar tagged Lagos Shift will now hold online.

    It was slated for May 3 by 1pm with the theme “Rise 2 Shine”.

    The church said the event, which will be streamed live on all LagosShift social media platforms, is open to all youths.

    According to the organisers, the forum is expected to provide insights into how youths, in particular, could remain optimistic and in fact rise above the debilitating impact of COVID-19 and still shine in this era of global uncertainty.

    The Lagos SHỊFT is an initiative aimed at youths’ motivation, talent discovery, and nurturing with the expectation that talented youth would have a better future through the use of their natural talents.

    Lagos SHỊFT 2020 would also give an opportunity to young Nigerians who have viable business ideas that could solve a social problem to pitch such ideas, outstanding concepts would be selected by certified judges and a winner se

    Entries for this Business Innovation Challenge, which started on the 27th of April, is expected to close on Sunday, 10th May.

    The organisers disclosed the entrres would be in form of 60 seconds video submitted via @LagosShift on Instagram.

    They also revealed the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Interswitch, an Africa Focused Integrated Payment Processing Company,  Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, would be leading the presentation and lecture as the guest speaker.

    He would share practical tips on rising above the storms and aftermath of COVID-19 in career, businesses, finances, and other spheres of life.

    Speaking about Lagos Shift 9.0, Mitchell said: “This lecture will be a chance for people to learn digitally, broaden their intellectual insight and network, also get entertained, be empowered, and showcase their talents amidst the outbreak of the pandemic.

    “This is the era of globalization, and people need to be authorities in their fields digitally.”

    Participants will be able to ask questions live and get responses easily through any of the online channels. Since inception in the year 2012, SHỊFT he said had grown and is now also staged in South Africa, Dubai, Istanbul, and Kenya.

    According to him, SHỊFT is taking Nigeria by storm as the event now holds in Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Abeokuta, Enugu, Asaba, Warri, Bayelsa, and Taraba; drawing millions of youths each year.

    It has conducted 8 editions, with the 9th edition as the first exclusively online version which is set to host more than 10,000 (ten thousand) participants, he added.

  • Abina charges women to be change agents

    Abina charges women to be change agents

    Adejo David

    General Overseer of the Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor Dr Elijah Abina, has charged Christian women to be change agents.

    He spoke at the annual Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) Ministers Wives and Women Leaders conference (MEWWOLEC) at Ibadan Oyo state with women and ministers’ wives of GOFAMINT.

    More than 3,000 women participated in the event with the theme “The transformed life,” which held in February.

    Abina described a transformed life “a life that has become changed in appearance, character, habits and behaviours from what it used to be after a genuine encounter with the Lord Jesus.

    “When one is truly transformed, the world will know it, neighbours and friends will all know it. People around will see, and will testify that he or she is a transformed person”. ​

    He added: “God, who called us to live as transformed people, has made adequate provision for all we need is godliness. The grace to live and enjoy the transformed life is available for us in our daily living”.​ ​

    READ ALSO: UPDATED: Court refuses to revoke Maina’s bail, review conditions

    The women coordinator of MEWWOLEC, Deaconess Modupe Oluwayemi, said that transformed life is a finished work of Jesus Christ.

    Wife of the General Secretary and executive member of GOFAMINT MEWOLLEC, Deaconess Kemi Omowumi, said: “It takes a transformed person to be able to develop the mind of Christ.

    “If one doesn’t have a relationship with Christ, you can’t serve His mind”.

    Omowumi, who spoke on a topic “Mind of Christ” at the conference, said: “Transformation is the genesis of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, you need to be transformed.

    “If you are not transformed, you cannot be conformed to the mind of Christ. Pursuit of the mind of Christ entails the mind of humility and obedience.”

    The seminars and lectures delivered were shared among other members of different churches in attendance.

    The women leaders and ministers’ wives were taught to truly seek to pattern their lives​after Jesus renewing their minds and exhibit a genuine love to all and a sundry hence will definitely change the world for good.

  • The rule of Sahur

    The rule of Sahur

    Femi Abbas

     

    SAHUR is an Arabic word meaning ‘awaking the night’. Its root verb is ‘Sahira’ which means to keep a night vigil. Connotatively, Sahur as related to Ramadan is, statutorily, an obligatory Sunnah (Sunnatul-Muakkadah) introduced by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is one of the major components of Ramadan fasting which, unlike Tarawih, cannot and must not be treated as a matter of choice. The essence of Sahur during Ramadan is not just to wake up for eating and drinking but also, to observe Nawafil and recite the Qur’an for the purpose of Ibadah and thorough understanding. (Nawafil is the plural of Nafilah).

    Sahur is an indication of the high level of discipline injected into true Muslims during the month of Ramadan. Within the period of Sahur, Muslims are allowed to engage in all legitimate activities including spiritual and social exercises that are generally permissible in Islam. Sahur may commence from the midnight and end before Dawn (Fajr). During that period, eating and drinking legitimate substances are permissible in moderation.

    Nawafil or supererogatory genuflexions may be observed severally according to the ability of the observer. Recitation of the Qur’an may also be done for as long as the concerned Muslims are able to do it. Meanwhile, for effective utilization, the Sahur period may be divided into three segments whereby one may be dedicated to the observance of Nawafil and another to the recitation of the Qur’an, while the third may be dedicated to the essential consumption of food and drinks in moderation. Whichever of these segments engages a Muslim during the Sahur must come to an end with the arrival of salatus- subhi at dawn. The observance of salatus- subhi at its right time is such an obligation that must not be interrupted by any other activity. Muslim women who may have no time for recitation of the Qur’an or observance of Nawafil because of their cooking activities during sahur will also have the reward for taking care of others in the family. In a Nutshell, Sahur is an essential component of Ramadan fasting which cannot be sacrificed for whatever reason. Ramadan Karim!

     

  • Accessing God’s secrets of success!

    Accessing God’s secrets of success!

    Dr. David Oyedepo

     

    WELCOME to the concluding part of this teaching! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. This week, we shall focus on: Accessing God’s Secrets of Success!

    In the world of success, information is the greatest asset. That’s why the end-time Church will be given such an unusual access into heavenly information for earthly manifestations. Every outstanding transformation, every resounding success is traceable to secrets. God has secrets, they are the highways to success and an insight into them guarantees outstanding success. God’s secrets are called revelations, they are heavenly information. By them He unfolds heavenly insights and mysteries to us for earthly victories. Remember, the ways of God are higher; so when we operate by His secrets, we attain higher results. The end-time Church will be given an unusual access into this heavenly information called the ways of God (Isaiah 2:3).

    Furthermore, heavenly secrets are God’s exclusive property. Until they are revealed, they don’t belong unto us. The Bible says, It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2). It is to God’s glory to conceal a matter and our honour to search them out. Our success in life is tied to our discovery of these secrets.

    How Can We Access God’s Secrets of Success?

    • By A Search: Even though access to God’s secrets is our birthright as born again children of God, we still have a job to do for these secrets to be revealed to us. For it is written, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened (Matthew 7:7-8; see also Romans 11:33). Every treasure in life is found in the deep and people explore to gain access to them. So also are the secrets of God! A conscious exploration by those in search of them is what grants access to them. It is written, Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost (Luke 15:8-9). That is what we do when something is out of place in our lives. We have so many redemptive rights in Christ; if any of them is missing in our lives; that is what to do. We light a candle and start sweeping until we find it. The Bible says, The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly (Proverbs 20:27). Thus, we must engage our spirit in a search.
    • By Prayer: In Daniel 2, a problem arose and in fury, the king wanted to destroy all the wise men in Babylon but Daniel stepped in, He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven (Daniel 2:15-19). Daniel and his three other colleagues went to God in a prayer of enquiry. Likewise, for God’s secrets to be delivered to us, we need to go to God in prayer. We are too full of petitions; that’s why we don’t have access into His secrets. We keep asking God to do things for us but never ask Him what we must do.
    • The Love of God: Love is what grants us access to the Father’s secrets. Our love for God is what determines how much of His secrets we have access to or that He reveals to us. The Bible says, But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). The love of God is what makes us God’s confidant.
    • Purity: God’s secrets are for the pure. For it is written, The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose (Psalm 25:12, 14). Job was a man that feared God and eschewed evil, so God’s secrets were with him; these secrets were what made him an outstanding man of success in his days (Job 29).
    • Meekness: To gain access into God’s secrets, we also need to live a life of total surrender to the supremacy of God’s wisdom. It is written, The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way (Psalm 25:9). Thus, it takes meekness to enjoy the secrets of God.

    In summary, God’s secrets place a man on the highways of success. They are, however, not without a price; though the price is nothing compared with what is to be gained at the end. Success is not free. There is a price tag on it. So, we should endeavour to position ourselves for an individual access into what is made available to all. However, you must be a bonafide child of God to access God’s secrets of success. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: For further reading, please get my books: Ruling your World, Exploring the Secrets of Success, Success Strategies and Success Systems. I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.