What Am I Working On Improving In My Life?

Generally, we can and should desire improvements in our lives. What happens is that based upon the season of your life, the emphasis of your improvements by the Spirit of God might be very specific. However, if at any point in your life, you get to a place where you believe there is nothing else to work on or you do not seem to know what to work on, I encourage you to take a closer look at the area of sacrifice. As you prepare yourself and understand yourself in the process, know that sacrifice in every relationship is a requirement. In fact I will say it this way, “there is no relationship that does not require sacrifice; be it your relationship with God or your relationship with man”. Sacrifice on your part towards God and others is a reflection of selflessness and many other godly virtues.

It was on the foundation of sacrifice that our relationship with the Father was established in the New Testament. He demonstrated sacrifice by giving His only Son to die on the cross for our sins. At every given time, when you enjoy the benefits of the Kingdom lifestyle, always remember that it was established by sacrifice. Amen! The Father sacrificed because of you. Whom are you willing to sacrifice for?

John 3:16 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

More and more, as we answer these questions, it becomes even clearer to us that relationship is indeed spiritual and we really cannot favor a particular group of individuals over others in our manner of approach. The Kingdom approach is the standard. Amen! For your relationships to work, do not selectively sacrifice. The Father sacrificed His only Son on behalf of everyone. In every relationship, live conscious of the principle of sacrifice. Sacrifice of your time, your needs, your preferences, your opinions, your likes, your ideas, and more for the sake of the other(s).

This leads us to answer the next question. What Is In The Relationship For Me? Stay tuned!

Expectations - What Are My Expectations?

Another kingdom approach to relationship is understanding your expectations. Do have expectations? Or are the kind of person that permits any and everything that a relationship has to offer? It is very godly to have expectations and most importantly, to have a proper understanding of your expectations. Our heavenly Father has expectations when it comes to His relationship with us. Did you know that?

Psalm 14:2 (NIV)

The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
    any who seek God.

This portion of scripture expresses to us the expectation of our Father. We are told that he looks down from heaven to see if there is anyone who understands and anyone who seeks God. Why would He do that? Because He has made His purpose, standards, identity and more very clear to us. Therefore, there is an expectation of compliance. Amen.

It will be unfair for Him to look down from heaven with such expectations if He had not provided the curriculum for us to adhere to.

So too it is with us, we ought to have expectations, clearly communicate our expectations and live in expectation. I will give you an example to help you understand this truth even more. If you expect absolute honesty in your relationships, first you should be able to communicate that – give no room for assumptions. Secondly, you will relate with that person expecting that everything they say and do is true. You would not have to verify every information or action of theirs before implementing because you expect that they are dealing with you from a platform of honesty. Amen!

All these might seem easy, yet, you will be amazed at how many people live on assumptions and never successfully build lasting kingdom relationships. I will say this again, you do not have to be a victim of failed relationships. There is a way that you can see and learn, not necessarily experience the situation before learning.

In Proverbs 24:32 (NIV) we are told this “I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw”. Amen!

Purpose – What Is My Purpose?

What is your purpose? What are you living for? Jesus demonstrated this aspect in His life. When Jesus came to earth, He clearly stated that He came to earth from heaven not to do His will but the will of the one who sent Him

John 6:38 (NKJV)

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

 With such a bold declaration, it was impossible at the time for Jesus to get into a relationship with anyone and not know His purpose. He led by example. He set a relationship standard for us to emulate. Amen!

Brethren, you might say, I do not know what my purpose is, so how do I even communicate that in my relationship. I will encourage you to begin by doing the will of your heavenly Father, not your will. That is a good place to start. His word is His will for you.

Our goal is to highlight the significance of understanding yourself to an extent that you become an asset in your relationship. And the kingdom approach is this “purpose to do only the will of the Father in all relationships”. You will not go wrong. Remember you are the light of the world, so let your light shine before the people with whom you relate by you living a purpose driven life.

Values - What Are My Values?

Values are simply a person's principles or standards of behavior. In this context, what a person considers according to their judgment to be important in life from a kingdom perspective. I can say without any doubt that

i)                If you do not have values you will always encounter relationship blocks.

ii)              If you do have values and do not communicate them to the other party, you will encounter relationship blocks

iii)            If you do have values and communicate them, yet do not abide by them, you will encounter relationship blocks.

Have you set aside time to understand yourself from a kingdom perspective in order to know exactly what your values are? When we say, “your values” we assume in this context that you are a son or daughter of the kingdom and your value system should be in line with the kingdom. So, it isn’t so much about what you want or like, rather, how the King wants it to be. Amen.

I will share with you a few scriptural guiding principles to consider when shaping your values.

Gal 5:22-23 (NKJV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.

These 9 fruit of the Spirit provide us a guide through which we can shape our values.

Likewise,

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.

Values help us create healthy boundaries for our relationships. Find a way to communicate your boundaries and do so with so much love. Understand that your values will serve as an easy tool you can use to choose your companions. Amen.

2019, THE PLACE OF ABUNDANCE

2019, THE PLACE OF ABUNDANCE

Psalm 66:12 (NIV)

…but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Thank you, Father. Let’s celebrate Him Family. Make the voice of His praises heard in the land of the living. For He has been good to us. He has done great and unsearchable things for us. He has kept our souls among the living. He has not allowed our feet to be moved. We say thank you Daddy.

You have been our refuge and place of safety. You have been our God and we say thank you for being trustworthy. We have been privileged to trust in your unfailing love. You have rescued us from every trap and protected us from deadly diseases. You covered us with your feathers and sheltered us with your wings.

You have been our armor and protection. You have been our rock, our fortress, and our savior. For these, we say, thank you. Your promise of protection in our lives and over our lives have been the reason why we have not been afraid of the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies in the day; nor the dread of diseases that stalk in the darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Thousands have fallen at our sides, ten thousand lay dead around us but You Father did not allow these evils to touch us. We say thank you.

Your promises to us are sure and pure. We have been beneficiaries of fulfilled promises. We have been directed by you to be helpers and facilitators for others. We say thank you. You armed us with strength and made our way perfect. In your strength, we crushed armies; with you oh God, we scaled walls. Your commands brought joy to our hearts and made us wise. We say thank you Daddy.

In 2018, we were like trees planted by streams of water which yielded fruits in season. Our leaves did not wither and whatever we did has prospered. Many were our foes, who rose up against us, yet, you delivered us. We enjoyed restful nights because you sustained us. For these, and more, we say thank you. We waited expectantly on you this year and you came through for us. We say thank you Daddy.

You blessed us; you surrounded us with favor like a shield.

We went through all the tests – the God test, the man test, yet we made it through because You God, was with us. You refined us in the process as silver is refined. You brought us into the net and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. We say thank you, Daddy.

Father, you promised to bring us to a place of abundance and we have prayerfully identified the year 2019 as “the place of abundance”. Therefore, we embrace and welcome 2019, we stand at the door of 2019 and we call 2019 the place of abundance. We boldly and confidently step into 2019 and we declare and decree 2019;

The place of abundant praise and worship unto you

The place of abundant life

The place of abundant prosperity

The place of abundant health

The place of the abundant demonstration of good works

The place of the abundance of our giving to You, God and to men

The place of abundant favors

The place of abundant business opportunities

The place of abundant educational opportunities

The place of abundant family reunions

The place of abundant youthfulness

The place of abundant fruitfulness

The place of abundant manifestation of power in and through us

The place of abundant manifestation of power without reference

The place of abundant manifestation of Godly character and virtues

The place of abundant anointing

The place of abundant manifestation of the gifts of the spirit

The place of abundant manifestation of the fruit of the spirit

The place of abundant demonstration of Kingdom Stewardship

The place of abundant demonstration of our fruitfulness

The place of the abundant fulfillment of our God given purpose and assignments

2019 is the place of abundant testimonies

It is the place of abundant laughter

It is the place of abundant joyfulness and gladness of heart

It is the place of abundant fulfillment

It is the place of abundant restoration

It is the place where we will exercise abundant dominion

It is the place of abundant growth

It is the place of abundant victories

It is the place of abundant wealth

It is the place of abundant finances

It is the place of abundant property ownership

It is the place of abundant receptivity to Kingdom Mysteries

It is the place of abundant revelations

It is the place of abundant desires to fellowship with the King

It is the place of abundant surrender to the Kingdom Lifestyle

It is the place of abundant conception and delivery

It is the place of abundant inception

It is the place of abundant quality of life

It is the place of abundant implementations of Kingdom Assignments and Kingdom Principles

It is the place of abundant maximization of Kingdom Opportunities and Kingdom Relationships

It is the place of abundant reverence for the King

It is the place of abundant manifestation of the kingly anointing

It is the place of abundant experience of your tangible presence

It is the place of abundant fellowship in your glorious presence         

It is the place of abundant of safety

We say thank you Father. We have declared, and we have decreed. So, shall it be in the “place of abundance, 2019”. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Identity - Who Are You?

When we relate with the Lord one thing that feeds our stability and dependability on Him is the confidence we have in His promises. His promises have been tested and proven over time and so, His track record gives us peace of mind. The word of God has made sufficient provision for us to understand ourselves from the kingdom perspective. A proper understanding of ourselves is required as we relate. Meaning, it is to your benefit and the benefit of the one with whom you relate, to give proper attention to yourself, in order to build up yourself as a relational being.

It is important to be a student of yourself because it helps you define your boundaries, in terms of lifestyle, purpose, companionship, fellowship, values and more. I can guarantee you that if you do not set aside time to allow the Holy Spirit to work on you, you will encounter a series of failed relationships and hurts. The word of God is a great source to help you in the process.

Let’s continue our studies by answering some questions from a scriptural perspective about ourselves as we prepare ourselves to properly relate with others.

Have you ever asked yourself “Who Am I?” It is a very simple, yet a very defining question at the same time. The question of “Who Am I? Is a question of Identity. Prior to getting into any relationship, it is imperative that you get clarity on this aspect. Although so much can be said about identity, I will like us to get a head start in the right direction.

Ruth 3:9a (NKJV)

And he said, “Who are you?” So she answered, “I am Ruth, your maidservant.

Emphasis Mine

Besides knowing your name (which is part of your identity), what else about yourself do you know? When we read the account of Jesus and His disciples from Matthew 16:13-18; Jesus inquired from His disciples who people say that He is. Then He later inquired from the disciples saying “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter responded saying, you are the Messiah, the son of the living God (verse 16). So much can be learned about the aspect of identity from a kingdom perspective.

i)                We understand that Jesus was in a relationship with His disciples and it was important to Him that they know who He is. Meaning, knowing and establishing your identity in a relationship is important.

ii)              Apart from your name, knowing that you are the son or daughter of the living God is also very important. Simon Peter said you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God (verse 16).

iii)            Identity is the present state of your being; not the past nor the future. There is a place for your past and the ambitions of your future, however, when you get into a relationship, the person relating with you begins by relating to your present. “You are the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). I am Ruth… (Ruth 3:9).

iv)            An identity independent of God is a false identity. We can only know ourselves through God and by His help because He created us. Simon Peter said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

As we ponder on these truths about relationship and more, understand that who you are is different from what you do. Do not identify yourself by what you do but rather, who God says you are. Amen.

Kingdom Approach To Relationship - 5 Criteria To Lasting Kingdom Relationships

We serve a relational God and relationship seem to be the focal point of His attention and dealings with mankind. Several scriptures illustrate how much God is interested in outstanding relationships. It was the love of relationship that caused Him to sacrifice His only begotten son, Jesus. He cherished relationship to a place where He had to implement a plan in order to redeem mankind after the fall. Relationship is also important to the Father because His dealings on earth are closely knitted with His relationship with man. For the most part, Man seems to be His contact and access into the earth.

Your desire to be in a relationship and see it succeed is a God–given desire. Sometimes, what makes relationships fail, is our inability to see that relationship is God’s intent and desire and He is the master of relationship. And that our approach and success in any and every relationship should be based on His criteria. By criteria we mean a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.

Several criteria can and should be used to determine a lasting kingdom relationship. By lasting, we are not necessarily referring only to a lifelong relationship but also to the degree of success. And this is so because, we also know that relationships are seasonal. The fact that a relationship is successful does not mean that it will always be there. We need to be very sensitive to the move of the Father in this area as well.

Relationships have the potential to succeed and do succeed when done according to God’s standards. Irrespective of how many times you have been disappointed in relationships, the truth about this God given gift to mankind is that it can succeed. Do not let your disappointment be the reason why you discredit the idea of relationship. Until you get to a place where you begin acknowledging that

1)     Relationship is God’s idea.

2)     There are God-given principles that must guide the process of relationship.

3)     Your relationship with God himself is what determines your success in any other relationship. In other words, your relationship with God precedes your relationship with man.

Relationship will remain a mystery, a no go area for you or just something that you were never meant to succeed in.

For our studies, we are looking at two characters by name Naomi and Ruth.

A little background on this story as we delve deeper. As a result of famine in Bethlehem, Judah, Elimelech took his wife and two sons to settle in Moab. While in Moab, Elimelech died; his sons, Mahlon and Chilion later married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, respectively. Ten years later, Mahlon and Chilion died and Naomi was left with a husband and children. News got to Naomi that the Lord had begun providing for His people in Bethlehem, so she decided to return to Bethlehem and at this point, she told her daughter in-laws the situation and insisted that they all part company. Orpah agreed and kissed her mother-in-law good bye while Ruth insisted on going with Naomi. Amen.

Ruth 1:16-17 (NKJV)

But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried.

1)     Destination – Always have your purpose in mind. Your purpose in mind will help you make the right choices about whom to be in relationship. Where are you going?

2)      Location – By location we mean physical, intellectual, spiritual, financial, etc. Set attainable goals in these areas to move you to the next level. Always remember that you can soar higher. What plans do you have on the ground to move you higher?

3)     Companion – Who do you plan to keep with you as you journey. It is commonly said that if you must travel far, consider travelling light. Choose your crowd. Enjoy being alone. Always remember that, although alone, you are not lonely. Amen!

4)     Fellowship – Who is God to you? Do you know Him or do you know about Him? What are your priorities when it comes to fellowship with Him? It is one thing to profess him, yet another, to make him center of your lifestyle.

5)     Sacrifice – Has everything to do with attitude, especially the aspect of selfishness. Choose not be selfish and encourage those around you not to be selfish either. It is a veil that covers like no other. Amen.

As you ask yourself these questions and evaluate yourself at the same time, do likewise for the person you plan to get into relationship with. Do so wisely. I must reiterate that these principles are universal relationship principles. It is not specific to a relationship.

Many criteria need to be considered when considering relationship. I believe these five criteria shared with you so far will get you a head start in the right direction. Amen!