City Of Rest Tv

City Of Rest Tv Liberating men for celebration, preaching the word of God to the world

26/05/2026

To God be the glory

*THE  LAWS OF POWER*IntroductionThe world teaches many principles about gaining influence, authority, and power. One pop...
26/05/2026

*THE LAWS OF POWER*

Introduction
The world teaches many principles about gaining influence, authority, and power. One popular concept is “The 48 Laws of Power,” which focuses on human strategies for influence and control. However, as Christians, we must understand that true power is not manipulation, pride, or oppression. Biblical power is wisdom, humility, character, and God-given authority used for service.
Power without godliness destroys, but power under God produces blessing.

1. TRUE POWER COMES FROM GOD
Daniel 2:21
“He removeth kings, and setteth up kings…”
No position, authority, or influence exists without God allowing it.
Examples:
Joseph became powerful by God’s favor.
David became king by divine appointment.
Esther gained influence for a divine purpose.
Lesson:
Do not seek power at the expense of righteousness.

2. POWER WITHOUT CHARACTER IS DANGEROUS
Proverbs 16:32
“He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city.”
Many people desire authority but lack self-control.
Dangerous signs:
Pride
Manipulation
Jealousy
Abuse of authority
Oppression of others
Biblical Example:
King Saul lost his throne because power entered his head.
Lesson:
Character must be greater than position.

3. GODLY LEADERS USE POWER TO SERVE
Matthew 20:26
“Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.”
Jesus taught leadership through service, not intimidation.
Godly power means:
Helping people grow
Protecting others
Encouraging the weak
Leading with humility
Lesson:
The greatest leaders are servants.

4. WISDOM IS A KEY TO INFLUENCE
Proverbs 4:7
“Wisdom is the principal thing…”
Influence grows where wisdom exists.
Wisdom teaches us:
When to speak
How to handle people
How to avoid unnecessary battles
How to maintain peace
Biblical Example:
Solomon’s wisdom attracted nations.
Lesson:
Power without wisdom leads to destruction.

5. NEVER USE POWER TO DESTROY PEOPLE
Luke 22:25–26
“The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship… but ye shall not be so.”
Some people use authority to intimidate, suppress, or humiliate others.
Wrong use of power:
Controlling people unfairly
Punishing out of anger
Using fear to lead
Exploiting followers
Lesson:
God will judge every misuse of authority.

6. HUMILITY PRESERVES POWER
James 4:6
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Pride has destroyed many gifted leaders.
Biblical Examples:
Nebuchadnezzar became proud and was humbled.
Haman’s pride led to destruction.
Lesson:
Humility sustains greatness.

7. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, NOT ENEMIES
Romans 12:18
“Live peaceably with all men.”
Wise leaders avoid unnecessary conflict.
Practical wisdom:
Respect people.
Speak with kindness.
Avoid arrogance.
Learn diplomacy.
Lesson:
Good relationships increase lasting influence.

8. FEAR GOD MORE THAN HUMAN POWER
Psalm 62:11
“Power belongeth unto God.”
Earthly power is temporary, but God’s authority is eternal.
Lesson:
Never compromise your soul to gain influence.

CONCLUSION

The world may teach many laws of power, but the Kingdom of God teaches:
Humility over pride
Service over oppression
Wisdom over manipulation
Character over control
Godliness over selfish ambition
Real power is not the ability to control people; it is the ability to control yourself and honor God.

26/05/2026

Join us every Sunday

26/05/2026

What a happy Church

*AS A PASTOR, TO BE HAPPY, ALWAYS EXPECT LESS FROM PEOPLE*IntroductionOne of the greatest causes of disappointment in mi...
26/05/2026

*AS A PASTOR, TO BE HAPPY, ALWAYS EXPECT LESS FROM PEOPLE*

Introduction
One of the greatest causes of disappointment in ministry is placing too much expectation on people. Many pastors become discouraged because they expect appreciation, loyalty, support, gratitude, and understanding from everyone they help. But ministry becomes easier and more peaceful when a pastor learns to depend more on God than on human beings.
This does not mean pastors should stop loving people, but they must avoid building their happiness on human response.

1. HUMAN BEINGS CAN CHANGE
Jeremiah 17:5
“Cursed be the man that trusteth in man…”
People can love you today and criticize you tomorrow. Some people you sacrifice for may later forget your efforts.
Biblical Examples:
Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to appreciate Him (Luke 17:17).
Paul was abandoned by some companions in ministry (2 Timothy 4:10).
Lesson:
Do not build your emotional stability on human loyalty.

2. EXPECT GOD’S REWARD MORE THAN MAN’S PRAISE
Colossians 3:23–24
“Ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Pastors who work only for human recognition will easily become frustrated.
Signs of unhealthy expectations:
Feeling angry when not appreciated
Becoming bitter when members leave
Refusing to help because people are ungrateful
Comparing yourself with other pastors
Lesson:
Your greatest reward comes from God, not from applause.

3. PEOPLE MAY NOT UNDERSTAND YOUR SACRIFICES
John 6:66
“From that time many of his disciples went back…”
Even Jesus experienced rejection despite His love and miracles.
Reality of ministry:
Some members may misinterpret your intentions.
Some may forget your kindness.
Some may only come when they need help.
Lesson:
Do good because God called you, not because people will always appreciate you.

4. AVOID OVERDEPENDENCE ON HUMAN APPROVAL
Galatians 1:10
“For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
A pastor who lives for public approval may compromise truth to keep everyone happy.
Dangerous effects:
Emotional exhaustion
Fear of correction
Loss of spiritual focus
Bitterness toward members
Lesson:
Seek God’s approval above people’s approval.

5. LEARN TO LOVE PEOPLE WITHOUT DEMANDING TOO MUCH
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible… live peaceably with all men.”
Pastoral ministry requires unconditional love.
Practical wisdom:
Help people sincerely.
Forgive easily.
Don’t keep records of offenses.
Accept that not everybody will repay kindness.
Lesson:
Love freely, but guard your heart wisely.

6. FIND YOUR JOY IN GOD, NOT IN PEOPLE
Habakkuk 3:17–18
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…”
People may disappoint you, but God never fails.
Ways pastors can maintain joy:
Maintain a strong prayer life.
Spend time in God’s Word.
Appreciate faithful members without idolizing them.
Rest emotionally in God’s promises.
Lesson:
A pastor whose joy comes from God cannot easily be broken by people.

7. KEEP SERVING WITH A PURE HEART
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Even if people forget your labor, heaven records every sacrifice.
Lesson:
Serve faithfully because God sees everything.

CONCLUSION

For a pastor to remain emotionally healthy and happy in ministry:
Trust God more than people.
Expect less from human beings.
Avoid bitterness and entitlement.
Serve with sincerity.
Find joy in God alone.
People may fail you, but God will never fail you.

We sincerely appreciate everyone who celebrated with us on the occasion of our 24th Wedding Anniversary. Your prayers, k...
26/05/2026

We sincerely appreciate everyone who celebrated with us on the occasion of our 24th Wedding Anniversary. Your prayers, kind words, calls, messages, gifts, and show of love made our day truly special and memorable.

We are deeply grateful to God for His faithfulness throughout these 24 years of marriage, and we are thankful to have wonderful people like you in our lives. Your support, encouragement, and goodwill mean so much to us.

May the Almighty God richly bless you, strengthen your homes, grant you joy, peace, good health, and long life. We pray that every good thing you desire shall be fulfilled in Jesus’ name.

Thank you once again for celebrating and rejoicing with us.

With love and gratitude
Apostle & Pastor Mabel Raymond Okocha & Family

*HOW PASTORS AND CHURCHES CAN REGAIN THEIR PAST GLORY*IntroductionMany churches and pastors were once spiritually vibran...
25/05/2026

*HOW PASTORS AND CHURCHES CAN REGAIN THEIR PAST GLORY*

Introduction
Many churches and pastors were once spiritually vibrant, influential, prayerful, and impactful, but over time the fire reduced. Some churches once experienced revival, miracles, unity, and growth but now struggle with spiritual dryness, division, or stagnation.
The good news is that God is able to restore lost glory.
Joel 2:25
“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…”
God specializes in restoration. No church or pastor is beyond recovery when there is genuine repentance and return to God.
Signs That Glory Has Been Lost

1. Loss of Passion for God
Revelation 2:4
“Thou hast left thy first love.”
Prayer life becomes weak
Worship becomes mechanical
Evangelism declines

2. Decline in Holiness and Righteousness
Psalm 24:3–4
When sin becomes tolerated, glory departs.

3. Reduction in Spiritual Power
1 Samuel 4:21
“The glory is departed from Israel…”
Miracles, conviction, and spiritual authority begin to disappear.

4. Division and Conflict
Mark 3:25
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

5. Worldliness Enters the Church
Romans 12:2
The church begins to imitate the world instead of influencing it.

How Pastors and Churches Can Regain Their Past Glory

1. Return to God in Genuine Repentance
Revelation 2:5
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent…”
Restoration begins with repentance.
The church must repent from:
Prayerlessness
Sin
Pride
Bitterness
Spiritual laziness
Lesson:
There can be no restoration without repentance.

2. Restore the Prayer Altar
Acts 6:4
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer…”
Every revival in history began with prayer.
A church regains glory when:
Prayer meetings revive
Leaders pray again
Members seek God sincerely
Lesson:
A praying church is a powerful church.

3. Return to the Word of God
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word…”
Churches lose glory when:
Entertainment replaces truth
Motivation replaces sound doctrine
The Bible is neglected
The Word restores direction, conviction, and power.

4. Restore Holiness and Righteous Living
Hebrews 12:14
“Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.”
God’s glory cannot remain where sin is celebrated.
Pastors and members must:
Live uprightly
Avoid compromise
Pursue purity

5. Rebuild Unity in the Church
Psalm 133:1–3
“How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Division quenches revival.
The church must overcome:
Gossip
Competition
Tribalism
Leadership conflicts
Lesson:
Unity attracts God’s presence.

6. Restore Evangelism and Soul Winning
Mark 16:15
A church focused only on itself gradually loses spiritual fire.
Soul winning brings:
Revival
Compassion
Growth
Fresh passion

7. Depend on the Holy Spirit Again
Zechariah 4:6
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit…”
Programs alone cannot restore glory.
The church must welcome:
The guidance of the Holy Spirit
Spiritual gifts
Divine direction

8. Raise Faithful and Committed Workers
Exodus 18:21
Weak leadership weakens the church.
The church must raise:
Prayerful workers
Faithful ministers
Servant leaders

9. Recover the Heart of Worship
John 4:23–24
True worship brings God’s presence.
Worship should not merely entertain people but glorify God.

10. Maintain Humility
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people… shall humble themselves…”

Pride causes downfall, but humility attracts restoration.
Biblical Examples of Restoration

1. Nehemiah Rebuilt Jerusalem
Nehemiah 2:17–18
Broken walls were restored through prayer, unity, and determination.

2. Samson Regained Strength
Judges 16:28–30
Though he fell, he cried to God for restoration.

3. Peter Was Restored
John 21:15–17
After denying Jesus, Peter became a powerful Apostle

*WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GLORY RETURNS*

1. Revival Breaks Out
Habakkuk 3:2
2. Souls Are Saved
3. Miracles and Testimonies Increase
4. Joy and Unity Return
5. The Church Becomes Influential Again
Isaiah 60:1
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come…”

CONCLUSION

God has not abandoned His church. No matter how far a ministry has declined, restoration is possible through repentance, prayer, holiness, unity, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Haggai 2:9
“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former…”
Your latter glory shall be greater than the former glory in Jesus’ name.

25/05/2026

City of Rest Children's Day Celebration

*THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN INSECURE LEADER*IntroductionAn insecure leader is a leader who is threatened by the success, ...
25/05/2026

*THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN INSECURE LEADER*

Introduction
An insecure leader is a leader who is threatened by the success, growth, gift, or progress of others. Instead of building people, insecure leaders compete with them. Leadership insecurity destroys relationships, weakens organizations, hinders church growth, and creates unnecessary conflicts.
King Saul is one of the clearest biblical examples of insecurity in leadership. When David began to succeed, Saul became afraid and jealous.
1 Samuel 18:9
“And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.”
A secure leader raises others, but an insecure leader suppresses others.
Characteristics of an Insecure Leader

1. Jealousy of Others’ Success
1 Samuel 18:7–9
“Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
An insecure leader:
Feels threatened when others excel
Becomes unhappy at another person’s progress
Wants all attention and praise
Instead of celebrating people, they compete with them.
Lesson:
Jealousy is a sign of insecurity.

2. Fear of Losing Position
John 11:47–48
The Pharisees feared losing influence because of Jesus.
An insecure leader:
Protects position more than purpose
Sees gifted people as rivals
Refuses to empower others
Lesson:
A true leader develops successors, not competitors.

3. Refusal to Mentor Others
2 Timothy 2:2
Secure leaders train others, but insecure leaders hide knowledge.
They may:
Refuse to delegate responsibilities
Avoid raising future leaders
Keep people dependent on them
Lesson:
A leader who refuses to mentor others is afraid of replacement.

4. Excessive Need for Praise and Recognition
Matthew 6:1–2
Insecure leaders constantly seek validation.
They:
Want their name mentioned everywhere
Become angry when not appreciated
Desire public attention continually
Lesson:
Leadership is about service, not self-glory.

5. They Criticize and Pull Others Down
Numbers 12:1–2
Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of hidden insecurity.
An insecure leader:
Talks down on rising people
Spreads negative comments
Uses criticism to weaken others
Lesson:
People who attack others unnecessarily often feel threatened internally.

6. They Are Controlling
3 John 1:9–10
Diotrephes loved preeminence and controlled others.
An insecure leader:
Wants to control every decision
Does not trust team members
Becomes uncomfortable when others lead
Lesson:
Control is often rooted in fear.

7. Difficulty Celebrating Others
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice…”
An insecure leader struggles to genuinely celebrate:
Promotions
Successes
Achievements
Growth of others
Instead of joy, they feel bitterness.
Lesson:
Secure leaders are happy when others rise.

8. They Compare Themselves with Others
2 Corinthians 10:12
Comparison creates insecurity.
An insecure leader constantly asks:
“Why is he growing faster?”
“Why do people like her more?”
“Why is their ministry bigger?”
Lesson:
Comparison destroys peace and focus.

9. They Resist Correction
Proverbs 12:15
Insecure leaders often hate correction because they fear appearing weak.
They:
Reject advice
Become defensive
Attack those who correct them
Lesson:
A teachable leader becomes stronger.

10. They Use Fear to Lead
Exodus 1:8–14
Pharaoh oppressed Israel because he feared their growth.
An insecure leader may:
Intimidate followers
Threaten workers
Create an atmosphere of fear
Lesson:
Fear-based leadership damages people.

Effects of Insecurity in Leadership

1. Division and Conflict
James 3:16
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion…”
2. Stagnation in Ministry or Organization
Talented people leave environments where they are constantly suppressed.
3. Loss of Trust and Respect
People eventually recognize insecure leadership attitudes.
4. Emotional and Spiritual Damage
Followers become discouraged and afraid to grow.

How Leaders Can Overcome Insecurity

1. Build Your Identity in God
Galatians 1:10
2. Understand That Leadership Is Service
Mark 10:43–45
3. Celebrate the Success of Others
Romans 12:15
4. Develop Confidence Through Prayer and Growth
Philippians 4:13
5. Raise and Mentor Future Leaders
Moses trained Joshua
Elijah trained Elisha
Jesus trained the disciples
6. Avoid Comparison
John 21:21–22
Jesus told Peter not to compare himself with John.

Example of a Secure Leader
John the Baptist
John 3:30
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John celebrated the rise of Jesus instead of competing with Him.
A secure leader is fulfilled seeing others succeed.

CONCLUSION

Leadership insecurity is dangerous because it destroys relationships, hinders growth, and creates unhealthy environments. God calls leaders to serve, empower, encourage, and raise others.
A great leader is not afraid of another person’s success.
Proverbs 11:25
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
Prayer Points
Father, remove every spirit of jealousy and insecurity from my life.
Lord, help me to celebrate the success of others.
Father, give me the grace to raise and mentor people.
Every fear of replacement in my life, disappear in Jesus’ name.
Lord, make me a secure and humble leader.
Father, help Your church to produce healthy and godly leaders.

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29b Orhionmwonbor Street Off St Saviour Road, Along 100feet By Tipper Garage Junction
Benin City

Telephone

+2349074646472

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