http://www.allsaintsfestac.org/

All Saints' Church Festac, Lagos, 41, Road, Festac Town, Lagos (2026)

14/03/2020

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
LUKE 9:18-27

In Luke 9:23, Jesus presented a clear and challenging description of the Christian life.
Being His disciple means putting aside selfish desires, taking up one’s cross every day and following Him. It is simple and yet so demanding. For the original twelve, this meant literal suffering and death. For believers today, it means understanding that we belong to Him and that we live to serve His purposes and live to affect the world positively showcasing our Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord of all in this sinful world.

IN WHAT WAYS SHOULD WE NOW AFFECT THE WORLD?
First and foremost we should preach the gospel to make known to sinners the free offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. This was Jesus commission unto us in Matthew 28:19. The world will never understand the cross and what it represents without us talking about the power that we have received because of Christ and how He died on the Cross but rose again and overcame death, hell and the grave. See Paul in Colossians 1:19-24.
The gospel is preached not only when someone stands in front of an audience but also when Christians live out our faith (especially in times of trouble) and tell others “the reason for the hope that they have” (Colossians 1:27, 1 Peter 3:15-17).
We also do this by loving one another and Him (John 17:23). The Church is the body of Christ in the world. When unbelievers witness church members serving one another and the community as a healthy, spirit-filled body, they see Jesus for themselves and are drawn to him (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12).
Being agent of grace and compassion in the world is another sphere of church’s service. Christian needs to live a generous life, advocate justice for those who cannot speak for themselves and by befriending those who are friendliness.
Finally, we can pray, by interceding for the world and other people in need of God’s intervention in their life, especially for sinners who are yet to know Jesus Christ, we can ask God for resources when it is unclear how the need will be met and also ask for the love of Christ to be vividly expressed to those who have no one to care for them.

We owe this obligation to Jesus Christ; He emphasized this in Luke 9:26 “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He returns in His glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels” (NLT).

07/03/2020

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
THE SUFFERING SERVANT
ISAIAH 53
In at least ten places, New Testament writers identify Jesus as the suffering servant. In one instance, Philip corrects an Ethiopian official who wonders if the servant refers to an ancient prophet (Acts 8:26-35). Isaiah 49-55 includes vivid scenes of the servant’s sufferings, predictions that find fulfilment in Jesus’ death on the cross.

Indeed this chapter reads almost like an eyewitness account of Jesus’ last days on earth, even though it was composed centuries before Christ’s death. The physical description, the only physical description of Jesus in the Bible is shocking. The servant “had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him” he was “like one from whom people hide their faces” (Isa. 53:2-3).
As this chapter foretells, Jesus did not open his mouth to answer his accusers at his trial. He left no descendants. He was cut off in the prime of life and, thanks to a gracious friend, was buried in a rich man’s tomb. But that was not the end; after three days he saw the light of life.

According to Isaiah, the servant dies for a very specific purpose: “He was pierced for our transgressions” (Isa. 53:5). He takes on pain for the sake of others, for our sakes. His wounds, an apparent defeat, make possible a great victory. His death seals a future triumph, a time when all that is wrong on earth will be set right.
Isaiah 53 forms an underlying foundation for much New Testament theology. For example, verse 5 of this chapter claims that the servant’s wounds heal us. The apostle Perter explains it this way: When Jesus died on the cross, his suffering and death “healed” us from our sins, enabling us to live for righteousness (1Peter 2:24)

What therefore must we do in response to the suffering servant?
1. We must accept Jesus Christ, the servant, and his sacrifice
2. We must respond to his sacrifice by sacrificially offering ourselves.
In Philippians 2:5-11, the apostle Paul says that those who receive Jesus are to imitate him by giving up their rights and take on the very nature of a servant. Essential to Jesus’ generosity was willingness to give by taking upon himself the griefs and sorrows of others.
3. We must eagerly prepare to meet Him at his second coming. (1 John 3:3)

29/02/2020

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
GOING BEYOND TOKENISM IN FASTING
MATT 4: 1-11, JAMES 1: 2-19

According to Cambridge Advance Learner’s Dictionary, tokenism could be defined as the fact of doing something only to show that you are following rules, or doing what is expected, or seen to be fair and not because you really believe it is the right thing to do. Christians are believed and expected to follow the footstep of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ as He withdrew Himself to desert for fasting and prayer for forty days and forty night before the commencement of His earthly ministry. Fasting is Biblical and it is a spiritual discipline which was encouraged by Jesus, Himself, while He was on earth. When questioned as to why the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist fasted while Jesus disciples did not. Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the Bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast” (Matthew 9: 15).

Jesus was indicating that fasting would become a necessity when, the bridegroom (Jesus) was taken away. While Jesus, who was God manifested in human form, was still on earth, His followers enjoyed a close fellowship and friendship with Him. Jesus bestowed power and authority on them to the extent that they had limited power to preach, heal the sick, and cast out devils. Similarly, when Jesus sent them out to minister to the populace, He instructed them to take few provisions. “Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’ ‘Nothing,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” (Luke 22: 35-36).

Jesus was teaching that after His departure, the entire dynamic would change and the disciples would need a different type of preparation and provision. Fasting was to be a vital part of this new preparation. The new covenant is based on the truth that we have received everything in Christ, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1: 3).

Nevertheless, we cooperate with the spirit in the working out of our salvation with much prayer, meditation, and the study of God’s word. In addition to all these spiritual practices, Christians should also employ the humbling discipline of fasting.

Fasting must be done with an attitude of seriousness and sincerity. When we fast, we willingly deprive the body of nourishment and the pleasurable taste of food. The body requires food for sustenance; therefore our hearts and minds must be totally focused and directed towards God so that he may be the full of our strength during our period of fasting.
Fasting also must be done in attitude of humility. It is not necessary for others to know we are fasting; it is directed towards God. “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matt 6: 17-18).

Inaddition to our attitudes towards God and our stance before man, our motives must also be correct. We should fast in order to further the building up of God’s kingdom by seeking ministers to others. The prophet Isaiah received from the Lord the acceptable motives for our fasts: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to lose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”(Isaiah 58: 6-7).

Fasting can be individual or corporate and may last for varying lengths of time-one day, three days, seven days, twenty one days, forty days. We should prayerfully seek the Lord about the length of our fast. Fasting should have an object in mind; we should have a clear of the need and purpose. One of the most pressing reasons for Christian fasting may be revival --- “will you not revive us again…”(Psalm 85: 6)

Among all things, fasting brings us into a closer union with God. While our bodies are being deprived for the purpose of drawing near to God, He has promised in return to draw near to us. This is a spiritual certainty. As we decrease, the spirit increases. As individuals we are strengthened and renewed. “…Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4: 16).
While this verse applies to our eternal destiny, the principle applies to our daily sojourn; as we humble and deprive our bodies through fasting, our spiritual man is made stronger and our senses more acute. This principle served the apostles well during the early church days. Their decisions were made through fasting and prayer; God gave them instructions and directions. “While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. ‘So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off’ (Acts 13: 2-3).

Wicked kings, destined for destruction, received mercy from humbling themselves and fasting (1 Kings 21: 29). The entire city of Nineveh, including animals, fasted upon hearing the pronouncement of judgment from the prophet Jonah – and God spared them (Jonah 3: 10). Jesus received divine preparation for his earthly ministry while fasting and enduring temptation (Matt 4: 1-11). Moses waited upon God forty days and received the divine revelation of God’s commandments.
While we await the return of the bridegroom, our Lord Jesus Christ, fasting exemplifies our attitude of spiritual hunger – the promise is that we will be satisfied. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6)

08/02/2020

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
CHRISTIAN’S TRUE NATURE
1CORINTHIANS 4:7-13

We have no reason to be proud; all we have or are or do that is good is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be absurd or inconsistent, if proud of the gift of God. St Paul sets forth his own circumstance, verse 9. Allusion is made to the cruel spectacle in the Roman game, where men were forced to cut one another to pieces, to divert the people, and where the victor did not escape with his life, though he should destroy his adversary, but was only kept for another combat and must be killed at last. The thought that many eye are upon believers, when struggling with difficulties or temptations, should encourage constancy and patience. “We are weak, but you are strong”, all Christians are not alike. The apostles enter into particulars of their sufferings. And how glorious the charity and devotion that carried them through all this hardship they suffered in men, as the dirt of the world, that was to be swept away; nay, as the off scouring of all things, the dross of all things. And everyone who would be faithful in Christ Jesus must be prepared for poverty and contempt. Whatever the Disciples of Christ suffered from men, they must follow the example and fulfil the will and precept of their lord. They must be content with him and for him, to be despised, and ill-used. St Paul was, then to have the good opinion and favor of the world. Though cast off by the world as vile, yet we may be precious to God, gather up with his own hand, and place upon his throne.
The passage that we took our test is one that St Paul’s is very straight forward and direct with the Corinthians church. He does not pull any punches and certainly does not fall into the category of being religiously correct.
He uses the real words that describe the real church in terms that aren’t too flowery or glowing:
• A spectacle of the world
• Fools of Christ’s sake
• Filth of the world
• Off scouring of all things
He is describing what can be understood as nature of a true servant of the Lord. That nature comes when one is willing to suffer shame for the cause of Jesus Christ. That is increasingly becoming a very foreign concept for anyone who is a Christian that wants to appear different from the world.
Jesus described the hireling who fled when the wolves came and attacked but he said the good shepherd was one who stayed and fulfilled his responsibilities. His calling it is hard for a hireling to suffer shame and persecution in this world.
• Romans 8:17-if we suffer with him we will be glorified with him.
• Galatians 5:11- suffering is attached to the offence of the cross
• Philipians 1:29-we not only believe in the Lord but we suffer for his sake
• 1 Thessalonians 3:4-we will suffer tribulation
• 1 Timothy 4:10-we suffer reproach because we trust a living God
• 2 Timothy 2:12-if we suffer with him, we will reign with him.
Throughout biblical history and church history, men of God and Christians in general have suffered the shame of the world that ultimately led to their persecution and in some cases their death.
• Jeremiah-tossed in the sewer, imprisoned beaten and exiled to Egypt
• Daniel-put in lion’s den
• John the Baptist-he was beheaded at a drunken party
• Jesus Christ-a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief, crucified in the prime of his life
• Ignatius-fed to the lions
• Polycarp-burned at stake
• Justin Martyr-literally was named because of his death at the hands of persecutors and revilers
• John Huss-burned at stake
• Williams Tyndale-hung and then burnt
• Church of Nigeria (Anglican communion)-abandoned and left alone by the western world church and her friends in different parts of the world because of her uncompromising stand on self-same marriage(gay marriage)
• Leah Shaibu-kidnapped and kept in the den or camp of Boko Haram insurgents because of her uncompromising faith to deny Christ and accept Islam.
• Rev. Indimin, the CAN chairman of Chikun local government area of Adamawa state-he was kidnapped and beheaded because of his faith in Christ by the Boko Haram insurgents.
• The Christians in Nigeria-they are being kidnapped and terrorized by the Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and Fulani herdsmen in order to make Christianity go into extinction in Nigeria
Beloved, every true Christian is expected to see persecution as a way of life as Jesus himself says in me you have peace, but in the world you have tribulation, be of a good cheer I have overcome the world(John16:33)

18/01/2020

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
THE CALL TO TRUE DISCIPLESHIP
John 2:7-11
Discipleship is an integral part of the growth of the Christian today. It is the process of leading others by example to follow Jesus Christ true obedience to God’s word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship is absolutely necessary since Jesus himself commanded His followers in the Bible to go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them, teaching them to obey all of His command(Matt 28: 19-20)

Just as the son grows up to reflect the values and characteristics of his parent, so the disciples should reflect the life of Christ as he follows the example of the person discipling him. That is why the Apostle Paul could say with confidence in 1 Cor. 2: 1 “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.

The passage where we had the Gospel reading a while ago tells us about the first miracle of Christ when he turned water into wine at a wedding in Canan of Galilee.
Marriage during the time of Jesus begins with Betrothal up to a year before the marriage celebration. The man and the woman enter into a binding agreement to marry, more binding than our “engagement” in the west. The man gives the bride’s father a bridal gift, a form of compensation to the father (some of which becomes a dowry the father gives to the daughter at the marriage to help, provide economic stability to the marriage bond)

The couple doesn’t live together or consummate the marriage at their betrothal, though they are considered husband and wife and the bond cannot be broke without divorce.
A marriage in this culture is a celebration the groom and his friends go to the bride’s home and then es**rt the bride in a festive procession to the groom’s home, where a grand celebration takes place. There is probably an exchange of vows and some kind of religious ceremony, though none of these details survive from the first century A.D. The groom gives his bride gifts. After the marriage feast, the bride and groom enter the nuptial chamber and the marriage is consummated.

However,Jesus has been in Judea. Now the scene shifts from Judea in the south to the north in Galilee, the region in which Jesus grew up. Jesus at a wedding in Cana, with his disciples and his mother, it is a “big deal,” with many guests and festivities planned to last for days celebrating the new couple.
John selects this incident, not found in the other Gospels, to begin to reveal who Jesus is.

At the middle of the marriage ceremony the wine got finished, then Jesus mother requested him to proffer solution to the situation as she had probably seen him perform one miracle or the other at home. “Jesus said to the servants, fill the jars with water, so they filled them to the brim” (2:7).
To refill six jars, each of the Disciples could hold 20 to 30 gallons which would require them to make many, many trips to the town well and back, considering that their smaller water jars might hold a gallon or two. When they finish, they report back to Jesus for further instructions.
In the call to true discipleship, there must be readiness by the disciple to take instructions in obedience from the discipler. Though the instructions may not always be comfortable. It may have taken several hours for them to comply with Jesus somewhat strange request.
Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet’. They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew”. (2: 8-9)
In discipleship, a disciple takes instruction in obedience, though may be a hard one. But at the end the disciple will be happy for obediently carrying out the instruction of the master because of the good result produced, as that of Christ’s instruction to the disciples in our text (2: 7-11).
According to verse 11 this sign had two functions:
1. Reveals his glory. The teacher is more than he seems and every so often the massive Shekinah glory of God shines out.
2. Inspires faith: It’s important to observe that his disciples, the miracles inspired faith, but in his enemies they inspired only a determination to eliminate him (Mark 3: 6, Matt 12: 14).

To become a disciple means to become a lifelong learner, a student of Jesus Christ. Followers of Christ will always be disciples, and after proper discipleship, they become masters of disciples. The discipleship process begins internally, within the heart. The internal change that takes place in the heart results in the external change of one’s behavior, mindset and lifestyle.
Once the love of Christ has entered one’s heart, as a result, a person that was once angry, bitter and selfish is now joyful, peaceful and loving. A true disciple counts the cost before committing to follow Jesus Christ, since this is the greatest life decision a person could ever make (Luke 14: 27-30).

It is impossible to talk about discipleship without talking about discipline. One cannot fall in love with Jesus without falling at his feet. When you talk of a disciplined person, you might think of an Olympic athlete or academic scholar. Yet none of these compares to the discipline demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, below are the blessings of true discipleship.
1. Purpose: “For I know the plans I have for you” “declares the Lord” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future. (Jeremiah 29: 11)
2. Direction: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverb 3: 5-6).
3. Strength: I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil 4: 13).
4. Competence: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Tim 1: 7).
5. Peace: Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matt 2: 29)
6. Satisfaction: Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37: 4)
7. Power: Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do even greater works shall he do (John 14: 12)
8. Eternal life: And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ who you have sent (John 17: 3).

11/01/2020

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THE WEAPON OF PRAYER AND FASTING
Introduction
Outside of obedience to God's Word, fasting is the greatest spiritual discipline (weapon) for seeking God's intervention. Combined with prayer they together make up the most critical weapons of spiritual warfare and deliverance in our lives.
Both prayer and fasting are supernatural weapons of spiritual warfare, and when used together, they cause us to become lethal to the enemy's plans formed against us.
With every New Year comes a renewed zeal to achieve “breakthroughs” in certain or every area of our lives – we seek for breakthrough in our marriages and our businesses, we seek for victory over disappointments or failures of the past, we seek for victory over enemies and adversaries and so much more. To achieve desired results in all the cases listed above, a commitment to prayer and fasting will certainly be very helpful (Matt. 17: 21).

Scriptural basis for fasting
“And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast” – Matt. 9: 15

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away” – Acts 13: 2-3

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” – Matt. 6: 16-18

Examples of people that fasted in the bible
David – From various account in the bible, it is clear that David fasted on several occasions (Psa. 109: 24), on a particular occasion he fasted in an attempt to get God to change His mind over the child who was the product of adultery between him and Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12: 16)

Nehemiah – He deployed the weapon of fasting and prayer to intercede for Jerusalem and for God’s people residing there, when news reached him that the walls surrounding the city has broken down. He also deployed the same weapon to ask for God’s favor before the Gentile king under whom he served as cupbearer (Neh. 1: 4-11)

Esther and Mordecai – Both used prayer and fasting as weapon to find favor before the king and to overcome the evil counsel of Haman (Est. 4: 16)

Daniel – He also used prayer and fasting as weapon to intercede for the nation of Israel (Dan. 9: 3)
The disciples of John – Matt. 9: 14

Anna, the prophetess – Used prayer and fasting as a weapon of worship and a weapon of service (Luke 2: 37)

The disciples of Jesus – Acts 13: 2-3

Benefits of prayer and fasting
1. Honor God - (Mt 6:16-18, Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2, Mt 5:6)
2. Humble yourself; dethroning selfishness; pride - (2 Chron. 7:14-15)
3. It has powerful ability to starve sin, thereby leading to the death of sin in our lives. The flesh is one of the major source that provide nutrition for sin in our lives, fasting and prayer makes us die to the flesh and its desire and makes us alive to the spirit – (Rom. 8: 1-8)
3. Repentance - personal failures - (Psalm 51: Jer. 29:11-14, James 4:8-10)
4. Discernment - obtaining healing - (I Cor. 11:30, James 5:13-18, Isaiah 59:1-2)
4. Deliverance from sinful bo***ge - (Mt 17:21, Is 58:6-9: loose bands of wickedness)
5. Destroying strongholds of doubt and unbelief whereby increasing one's faith for more effective ministry - (Mark 9:29 KJV)
6. Increased confidence and effectiveness in our prayer-life - (2 Cor. 10:4)
7. Revelation - God's vision and will - (Dan 9:3, 20-21, Dan 10:2-10, 12-13)
8. Revival - personal and corporate - (Acts 1:4, 14 / 2:16-21, Joel 2:12-18)

As powerful as prayer and fasting is however, many believers unfortunately have refused to take advantage of this powerful weapon by using it in their fight against sin and the devil and all the challenges confronting them in the world today and the simple reason for this is found in the statement of Jesus in Matt. 26: 41: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”.

Conclusion
Prayer and fasting have both physical and spiritual benefits for us, but even more importantly, they are heavenly weapons that when used together cause spiritual breakthrough for us. As we begin this year’s 21 days prayer and fasting program therefore we encourage all to take advantage of this very powerful weapon to properly position themselves for great and greater exploits this year. May the weapon of prayer and fasting produce for us amazing testimonies this year in Jesus name. Amen.

16/12/2019

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
BIBLE TEACHING
PREPARATION AND PLAN FOR THE NEW YEAR
TEXT: ISA. 40: 3-5; GEN. 41: 34-36
Introduction
Preparation is the process of making something ready or making yourself ready for something. Planning is a very necessary step in preparing for anything in life.
A plan is a set of action that have been thought of and put together as a means to achieve a set goal.
As we approach the end of this year and the beginning of a New Year, it is very important that anyone who is interested in achieving success in the New Year must begin to come up with plans and preparations for the New Year.
Don’t just go into the New Year just like that, make plans and preparations, and this must include the following:
 Conduct a self-audit of this year – where were you at the beginning of the year? Where are you now? What are your regrets (if any), what are your high moments of the year and so on
 What will you like to do differently in the New Year in other to obtain a different result that is better than your result of this year? It has been said that it is only a mad man that repeats the same thing over and over again and expects a different result.
 What are your expectations or goals for the New Year? Where will you like to see yourself by the end of the first quarter, 2nd quarter, 3rd quarter and 4th quarter of next year?
 What are your plans or strategy to ensure that you achieve your goals?
 What can you identify as the likely obstacles to your goals and what plan do you have to counter them?
 What are the lifestyle adjustment that you will like to make next year that will add value to your life?
The above steps can be applied to your marriage, your family, your career, your business and your life.
The following thoughts or comments concerning preparation highlights its importance in our human existence:
 Preparation is a necessity for anyone who seek to live a purpose driven life
 Lack of preparation will surely lead to poor performance
 The one that has information and fails to prepare is no different from the person that has no information
 Lack of preparation will ensure that desired result, or desired success in anything remains elusive
 Lack of preparation makes effort ineffective and makes labor unproductive
 Proper preparation can terminate years of struggle
 Lack of preparation gives impression of a lack of competence even when competence is not lacking
 Lack of preparation makes hard work unrewarding and glorify laziness

Wrong impressions or opinion about preparation:
 Proper preparation is not evidence of lack of faith neither is it a replacement for faith
 Preparation does not justify arrogance and pride
 Proper preparation does not eliminate the God factor
 Proper preparation does not necessarily guarantee success, there are other things beyond your control that can mess up your preparation and so you need the support of men and in some cases the support of God to guarantee your success.

What does the bible say about planning and preparation?
Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house – Prov. 24: 27

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest – Prov. 6: 6-8

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish. – Luke 14: 28-30

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. – Matt. 25: 1-3

Questions for Discussion
1. If planning and preparation is that important why then do people find it difficult to plan and make preparation adequately. What is the problem with the fire brigade approach to planning and preparation?
2. Discuss the God factor and its relevance (if any) to the possibility of any plan or preparation to produce the desired results – Psalm 37: 5; Prov. 16: 3
3. Have you started making plans for the New Year?

Conclusion
In preparing for anything you can only prepare for what you know, what you understand or the things you see, you lack ability to prepare for what you do not know or see, this is one of the major limits to effective preparation and also limits the potency of the preparation. And this is the reason why the God factor must always be accommodated in every plan – James 4: 13-15. So go ahead and make your plan but commit such plans into God’s hand for approval and for necessary assistance because only by the help of God will make things turn out for you as you planned. Shalom.

All Saints' Church Festac, Lagos

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