Nuggets for transformation in the New Year

First Thanksgiving Service in Our year of Greater Glory Text: Isaiah 46:9-18; 43:18-21 

Minister: Rev. Dr. Olusola Akinkuolie 

The Holy Spirit is the great user of words in scripture. Both texts use the word ‘Remember’ in two different ways; one speaks of what to remember and the other, what not to remember. The goodness of God in the past must never be eclipsed or undermined by the travails of the moment. Never dwell on and ruminate on past events (the former things, nor the things of old). We can never recover the last or past year; but can retrieve the relics of the past and build on stronger. The new year is a fresh start and an opportunity to chart a new course for great blessings. There is nothing to do about the past year. However, there is a whole lot the new year can offer; chief of all, is an opportunity to do things better; correcting the elements that made us falter and determine not to be in repetition of them. There is a device and functionality in every believer that helps him correct the errors of the past - and this is in the person and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. It is time to place emphasis on high value living; living a life of value and impact. Not living for yourself alone. The Spirit in you is the one that gives; It is the spirt of the father who gave His son.  Place value upon your life. Many may not esteem you rightly; and even if they will, they might never do it as much you can. Do not just be alive but live. The lives you touch is what gives value to being alive. 

• Think about God’s Glory and not just self-gratification. When God’s Glory takes precedence in your life, everything else falls in place. Self is tyrannical and is a disappointing semblance of a god (a form of idolatry). When you are fixated on yourself, you delve into worshiping what satisfies you alone. The more self is gratified, the thirstier it gets and is never satiated. According to Isaiah 43:21, the purpose and essence of our existence is to know Christ and to make Him known. Nothing is more fulfilling to the human heart than knowing God and making Him known.1 Corinthians 10:31, 2 Corinthians 5:15.
• Think of Becoming rather than doing; - who you are is more important than what you do; what you do will ultimately be a product of who you are. Your ‘being’ would take care of your ‘doing’ Isaiah 1:16-19, Joshua 3:5.

Prayers 

1. Lord cause my life to experience greater glory in the name of Jesus. 

2. In this year of greater glory cause me to live a life of Impact by your Spirit. 

3. O Lord! I destroy and disappoint the devices of the enemy against my life this year 2023.