Tag: Godman Akinlabi

  • The Church in Nigeria: Silent No More!

    The Church in Nigeria: Silent No More!

    The nominal Christian population in Nigeria is approximately 80 million, traversing virtually all parts of our great country. It is widely suggested that Nigeria is home to the largest collection of black Christians in the world. When one begins to think about this sub-population as a socio-economic group, especially when juxtaposed with the Bible’s positioning of Christians as “salt & light”, the role of the church in issues of national significance becomes critical, vital, and in many respects, quite decisive.

     

    The recent peaceful #EndSARS protests are a case in point. Nigerian youths enunciated their pain and pleas, and these resonated across the country, but in the midst of all that was going on, there was no categorical statement on the matter from the leadership of the Church in Nigeria. To all intents and purposes, the Nigerian church did not do enough for the youth – no wonder there is a growing apathy towards issues of faith and spiritual fortitude amongst our youth.

     

    The Nigerian church needs to draw lessons from the #BlackLivesMatter protests across the world, and particularly in the USA, as well as the core issues surrounding the recent American elections. The American church did not handle the issues of racism properly, and appeared to be partisan in official utterances by key church leaders in both the build-up to, and in the aftermath of the elections. The church simply did not walk in love towards all, often attributing opposing standpoints to the influence of the devil. Freewill presupposes that there will be differences in personal interpretations of any situation, and the American church perhaps should have made room to listen to all, before then basing her utterances on a balanced understanding of relevant scriptures. Above all, with all sense of responsibility, church leaders should have asked themselves what Jesus would have done were He called upon to adjudicate in such delicate and potentially divisive discourses.

     

    Back to the Nigerian situation, the disconnect between the leaders and the youth is so glaring, that we cannot afford to keep papering over cracks. The average youth is actively looking for a chance for self-realization in other countries. They are looking for reasons to believe in their leaders again, to believe and hope in a future that they feature in prominently, and unfortunately the church has not done enough to mediate in this impasse between hope and illusion – between the youth and the government.

     

    This disconnect is made all the more obvious because the church is not challenging the government to pay greater attention to young Nigerians, to listen, to learn and to act in the interest of Nigeria’s future. The Nigerian church should be an active participant in shaping the conscience of our nation, and thus must demand to be listened to, as the protectors and nurturers of this and future generations.

     

    The church must rapidly transition from a position of mere rhetoric and a neutral posture in issues of national significance, to become an obvious participant in the execution of a working social mobilization strategy for our dear Nigerian youth. The objective of this social mobilization is not a revolution in a negative or destructive sense, but perhaps a better word is “re-evolution”, and I will explain.

     

    This re-evolution points to a rebirth of the Nigerian youth from the womb of divine values and character. A reconditioning and radical shift of mindset from a survivalist me-first winner-takes-all attitude, to a wholesome and inclusive disposition that allows useful ideas to thrive, while providing the opportunity for the most obscure of the least to become the best of the best, no matter the field of endeavour or circumstances of heritage.

     

    The peaceful #EndSARS protests gave us a glimpse of the readiness of the youth to embrace order, progress and social welfare. The craving of Nigerian youths for positive self-determination, measurable change and the consequent pride in a vibrant forward-moving nation, must be slaked with a peaceful, yet firm and clearly-defined strategy, executed by competent Nigerians across sectors, with the full backing of a listening responsive government. The church can be the catalyst to enable this scenario, if her leaders would simply speak up clearly, consistently, knowledgeably, prayerfully, and strategically.

     

    The government should begin to move beyond the seeming systemic persecution of peaceful #EndSARS protesters and sympathizers, to the expression of the sort of empathy that paves the path for healing and reconciliation, and then allows for collaboration in building a better nation for all. We may never know what truly transpired on that eerie Tuesday night at the Lekki Toll Gate, neither will a squabble with the international community serve any purpose besides providing a convoluted distraction, but the church must demand that the government answer the question of how to make things better for the Nigerian youth of today and the future.

     

    At this point, I would also like to challenge corporate Nigeria to get involved and also craft strategies that will change the narrative. If you consider that banks and businesses were vandalized when hoodlums took over the peaceful protests, a deeper reason for this has to be investigated. Could it be that the government isn’t the only “enemy” of the youths? Did the Central Bank and other banks in the country, unwittingly position themselves as anti-youth/anti-future by blocking the accounts of peaceful young protesters?

    A further case for consideration is the telling (and desperate) response of citizens to the discovery of CACOVID palliatives warehouses across the country. That response was not helped by ensuing reports of misappropriation or hoarding by the very people entrusted to ensure adequate effective distribution of the said palliatives. There are too many unflattering statistics of infant mortality and poverty, for instance, or negative projections of impending famine in Nigeria, for the church to stay in a neutral gear and try to keep up regularly scheduled services only.

     

    The Nigerian Church must prepare Nigerian youths for personal and communal leadership, for governance and strategic sectoral empowerment, as well as for fervent and effectual participation in our electoral process. The Church must speak up and be the unrelenting voice for the weak, disenfranchised, overlooked and the downtrodden. This should be non-negotiable for 2021.

    Article by Godman Akinlabi

     

  • A Conqueror’s Mind

    “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

    Conquerors are capable of coming out of struggles, problems, life’s twists and turns, highs and lows and keep moving! While it could be hard at the time to endure; not being soaked in the word of God could challenge your perception of who He is. Has a situation left you desperate and making you question God’s love for you? Don’t listen or yield to that voice or feeling. It is the enemy’s trick to make you feel excluded and unloved. The Bible says that you are MORE than a conqueror through Jesus Christ. Which means, if you have ever endured some of life’s blows alone, you can walk through it easily with Jesus involved!

    You are precious to God. Though it may not always be easy to see especially during trying times, God has already promised never to leave you! Get rid of that victim mindset today and remember your name is in God’s inheritance list for His plans and blessings! You are valuable to God; don’t you ever forget that!

    Have a wonderful day!

    Confession: This is my confidence – I am a child of the Most-High God and more than conqueror through Jesus, therefore in all things, I win!

  • Walk In, the Door is Open!

    Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. Ephesians 2:18. (NLT).

    There was a reason the veil of the temple tore into two the moment Jesus took His last breath. It was the start of a new era for a timeless access to God. However, you may have access to God, but if you don’t fully accept the gift of salvation, you can limit this access. You can also limit your access when you deal with God through your physical senses only.

    Even when you struggle with sin, temptation, and intense opposition from the camp of the enemy, God is still watching and waiting for you to come to Him, not run from Him. The door is open for you today, just walk in. You don’t serve a dictator God.

    Enjoy access today!

    Confession: Lord, it’s me your child… Thank you for leaving the door open for me!

  • What are We?

    Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (KJV)

    Have you ever wondered who you are to someone you like so much to the extent that you ask them, “What are we?”.  Well, you never have to do that with God because Jesus already defined your relationship with Him. The moment He sacrificed himself in your place, you became one with God. He entered a relationship that cannot be broken by anything on the earth, under the earth or around it! You were given unhindered access and uninterrupted fellowship with God- who is interested in the tiniest details of your life. Yes! Every detail from your hair to your toe nails interests Him.

    So why would you take your issues to someone who has no solution to them? Wouldn’t you rather use this beautiful and defined relationship you have with God? Wouldn’t you let Him give you a warm hug when you feel down and lift up your spirit? Spend time with Him, secure your heart in His hands and bask in His love! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Confession: Daddy, I know You chose me first to love and adore but I just want to say, without a doubt in my heart, I choose You too – now and forever!

  • You are Loved of God

    The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father” Romans 8:15 (NIV).

    If you were to measure the width, the depth or the height of God’s love, you will keep measuring – His love for you is endless! He even demonstrated it by sending Jesus to die in your place. Have you ever wondered why He had to go the length of sacrificing Jesus for you? – Because you were and still are that precious to Him! He looked at you and saw a co-heir of His kingdom. If you have ever questioned His love for you, or if He accepts you, or sees you – know this today, He accepts you the way He made you and will never relate with you based on your wrongdoings.

    Even in the dark or tumultuous times, you are on His mind and in His sight. Every emotion you feel, He feels it too.  He knows that there are some days you will feel lonely and overwhelmed, that’s why He already promised that He will be with you whenever you pass through those times.  If He watches over birds who have no hands, or a job, or career path or planned destiny- imagine what He spends His time doing – looking out for you! Draw strength from knowing this – you are accepted in the loving heart of your Father! Have a fruitful day!

    Confession: How you love me so unconditionally, I will never really comprehend. But I accept it… I accept your love and care for me God. Thank You Lord.

  • Deep Intimacy

    “As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, so my soul pants [longingly] for you, O God. My Soul (my life, my inner self) thirsts for God, for the living God. When will I come and see the face of God?” Psalms 42:1-2 (AMP)

    Your hunger for God determines the level of intimacy you will have with Him. In a situation where you just want to get to know God, your personal desires will have to be cast aside because they are distractions and will compete or even hinder building intimacy with Him. Real intimacy means longing to know someone and to spend time with them at every available opportunity.

    David was described as a man after God’s own heart because he longed to know God and be satisfied with Him alone and God deeply desires that with you. He doesn’t want a transactional relationship. He has so much to say to you and show you and wants people to see His glory upon you! Isn’t that amazing? The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God – which includes you! Tarry with your Father before you get out to start your day and enjoy God’s love!

    Confession: My heart is completely yielded to you, Father! I give you my full attention! Do you have something to share with me today? I am all ears … Let’s talk!

  • Access Granted

    We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek”Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV)

    Jesus has given you unlimited access to God. He is the designated High Priest, who became a sacrifice for wiping out our sins – totally. If the enemy has been whispering to you that you are not worthy of that access, silence his voice today! Many times, believers run from God, especially when they have made a mistake or done something they were convicted of sin for. Just because you made a mistake does not stop God from being your father. If you are a parent, will you ban your child from coming back to you just because they made a mistake?

    Take advantage of your access to God today! Go boldly before Him and say, “Daddy, I know I made a mistake, forgive me and help me do better next time. I am sorry for what I did”. After saying something in this line, move on to relating with your Father as usual. That’s a gift from Jesus to you – access – so use it. God is ever ready with open arms and listening ears and you don’t need to sacrifice anything or shed any more blood!

    Enjoy freedom and rest in God and have a wonderful day!

    Confession: I’m restored, rewarded and redeemed. I am already free from guilt and shame, therefore, I will always go before my Father in heaven boldly.

  • This is the Way, Walk in It!

    Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV)

    The ability to be set over and above your peers can happen only by the power of God… But that happens by divine direction and obedience to divine instructions. Moses was able to do extraordinary things with the rod in his hands because the power of God made the difference.

    There’s a huge difference between winning by human effort and winning by the Holy Spirit and when you engage the Holy Spirit, your ordinary actions will have extraordinary impact. Even your enemies will be at peace with you because you are obedient and your ways please God. Want to walk in the supernatural? Follow the way He tells you to.

    Have a blessed day!

    Confession: My ears are open and my spirit is willing to obey… For every path He tells me to go, I follow in Jesus name.

  • The Spice of Your Life!

    There are different gifts but the same Spirit – Corinthians 12:6 (BSB)

    Do you know that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman? He would never stomp your style but move with you at your level till you attain the highest level of life and do the will of the Father. But if you’ve been afraid of having a relationship with Him, open your heart to His companionship – your life will be less complex but more interesting.

    He spices up your life by helping you make the best choices! Communicate with Him and watch how your life will explode with splendor and uniqueness. He’s there for you, engage Him.

    Have a peaceful week ahead!

    Confession: Holy Spirit, help me to be the best version of myself.

  • He’s in Love… with You!

    Yes! A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks John 4:23 (NIV)

    Relationships can sometimes be one-sided, because one person is putting in all the work. That’s not a problem for the Holy Spirit because He already chases after you. Just imagine when you decide to chase after Him too – it’s like two lovers colliding. He longs to be your helper, to comfort you and guide you because He’s so in love with you!

    If you have ever felt that the Holy Spirit is inaccessible, complex or a spooky person, it’s time to erase that perception. A true relationship with God is one that is spiritual and intimate. You were not designed to live your life out of emergency, need and fear. Go to your Father in confidence and pour your heart out!

    Have a great  weekend!

    Confession: Holy Spirit, thank You for being my helper, my best friend and my ally… I don’t feel lost anymore because You’re in my corner! I just want to say thank You!

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