TAKE ACTION
Dearly Beloved, I bring you greetings in the name that is above every other name, Jesus Christ the Son of the living God and our soon coming King. Thank God for seeing us through this past week, for being our shield, our buckler and for granting us victory over the works of the enemy. We give Him all the praise, glory and adoration. Today is the start of another week, and I know that this week is loaded with benefits for us (Psalms 68:19) and we shall all enjoy the benefits that God has packaged for us in Jesus’ name.
Today, I’m going to be challenging us to take a step of faith, to take action on the decisions we have made regarding 2020. We are already more than halfway into the month of January, and I know that a lot of us wrote down our goals, areas we want to change and improve in, but how many of us have started to act on it, because at the end of the day, that’s what really counts.
“I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,… And he arose, and came to his father….” (Luke 15:18,20 KJV)
We are all very familiar with the story of the prodigal son, and so many lessons have been taught from this account, but I just want to point out something I believe is very significant. The prodigal son decided within himself that he was going to go back to his father and plead with him, and then he acted on his decision. Child of God, it’s not enough to make plans, set goals and all of that without taking the required action. Like I have said and it bears repetition the promises of God will not just fall on you like a bag of cherries, there is always a God part and a part meant for you as man, and you cannot pray your own responsibility away.
For instance if you have set a goal to read your bible more, then you must set aside a time for bible study, put away all distractions, bring out your bible, note pad and other materials you may need and actually study, and be committed to it. No matter how much you pray about becoming more studious about the word of God, you still have to bring out your bible and do the studying yourself and trust the Holy Spirit to help you. This same principle applies to all areas of life. Another example is a person who wants to improve his/her health, and be more fit, then the individual must do his/her research and make the necessary changes to the diet, cut out sugar, start exercising and all. James 2:14 (MSG) states “Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it?”
Starting today, decide to take action, take a step of faith on that which you have written down and outlined to do, and I believe God for you that 2020 will indeed be remarkable for you. The God of All Grace will enable you achieve all that you set your heart on to achieve; He will even exceed all of your expectations. This year, I will hear your testimony.
Don’t forget the prayers are still on the rest of the week. It’s really been an awesome time of intercession; if you have not attended at all, make sure you do so this week. Have a tremendous week.
Maranatha!
In His Royal Service
Dr. Mike Okonkwo
The Presiding Bishop
