[Ukemeobong Michael]

Thank you @purposefaith for this intriguing discussion. I think the pandemic brought innovation to the forefront as every aspect of the usual life was impacted by the unprecedented changes in the world. Even the church had to learn new ways of winning souls and fellowship which have also opened new doors. We also see in the bible about the sons of Issachar who understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do so they had command of their brethren. Innovation means staying current and bringing the future into today. As believers we have the advantage but we need to actively put this innovation to work. In my job we have devised new ways of seeing patients while limiting physical contact which has proven quite effective. Now we have access to educative materials at a click of a button. All these fulfil prophecy as in Daniel 12:4, that knowledge shall increase. We should take advantage of these God-given knowledge to preach the gospel in ways that everyone can relate. That’s what God has called us to do in Kingdom concept.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

I love this. Just thinking about it that no one alive now saw Jesus when he died and rose again from the death. But the Holy Spirit saw everything, making Him a true witness to testify that these things are true. He reveals this truth to our heart when we believe and confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. This is why the natural man cannot understand it because they have not received this testimony yet. But we have this testimony and so can boldly declare that Jesus is Lord!Amen

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Really blessed by this God-inspired article. Thanks@phil4krist. Leadership inspires confidence and brings order in chaos. I love the prophetic leader because it is a leadership that is current. Like the children of Issachar who understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do , they had command of their contemporaries. It also reminds me of Elisha who was a prophetic informant to the King and helped his King to win battles because he had prophetic knowledge of the enemies camp.This is where I love to function because it makes the difference between me and the non believer. It makes me rely more on God’s power, inspiring a consecrated life to stay tuned to what heaven is doing. I believe the world needs more of this from us and we will show it forth for the expansion of God’s kingdom. Glory to God!

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Learning to do nothing is one of the most difficult part of working with God. I can imagine when Jesus delayed to come when he was told that Lazarus is sick then later he died, how did Mary and Martha feel. But it turned out to greater glory. Sometimes we are pressured by people to do something to show the power of God. However, God’s power is for his glory not ours and we need to use it according to specification, no to impress people.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

True words. The more we listen and yield to the leading the easier it becomes and the more leading we get. A dear Pastor says that if we follow when it is convenient, that is called co-operation, but when we follow even when its difficult, it is called obedience.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

I really love this topic. It is a very important exhortation especially in our day when we hear believers or Pastors give testimonies for personal gain, to show how powerful their faith is or make it look more remarkable. Like Jesus said in Matt 6, when we do things for people to see, then we lose God’s reward. One of the ways I avoid this is by honestly appraising what I want to say, being sincere in my heart to say the true story and not the embellished version which is quite tempting. This way I am honest not only in the sight of men but much more in the sight of God.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Thanks you @purposefaith for the exhortation. Its quite instructive as well. The scriptures that readily came to mind were Hebrews 10:25 MSG “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching” and 2Cor 13:5 says, ” Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…”

It was easier to meet believers in my home country but when I came to the UK, I realized that I was in a new environment where Christian fellowship was not like I was used to. Some of my contemporaries saw this as an opportunity to be “free from prying Christian eyes”, I almost did too but I was trained to know that to be a danger sign, because when you are out of fellowship with other believers, you run the risk of growing cold in your love and faith. I quickly found myself a family of believers which boosted my faith.

The world is full of so much distraction that without holding each other accountable in love, we will risk failing in our faith. Our Pastors, and family of believers hold us accountable, not to count our wrongs but to uphold us because a three fold cord cannot be broken. Which is why this platform provides a forum for us to encourage ourselves and grow especially in these distracting times. Don’t think it liberty to be away from believers, its actually a trap. Lets get together to warm ourselves from the fire we all bring. Watching Christian TV alone is not enough, you need that connection which is what we provide here in Kingdom Concept. The world will get worse and we need each other the more.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Thank you Pst Phil for the thought provoking post. I often get a lot of these thoughts especially in the place of prayer or sometimes in my daily musing. I think the challenge is that we are expecting something very big or may be that sounds “spiritual”. But God could give you an idea how to improve an aspect of your job or department and that could lead to a breakthrough or quality improvement that will make you stand out.

I have learnt that when you feel frustrated about something, its a sign that you can do something to improve it. Like Daniel, we can turn our frustrations to creativity. While working in the Emergency department during my training, I felt frustrated with a part of the system and I set out to raise a survey which showed that about 80% of the staff were frustrated with it too. This led to a robust discussion to change the system. This made me have favour with the Clinical Director there.

The challenge I also experience is that feeling of indifference or just not believing that the little idea can bring about a big change. Sometimes we listen to discouraging voices or feeling that the idea is too big to accomplish. I believe when we prayerfully consider the thoughts that God places in our hearts, discuss with like-minded progressive believers , and take that bold first step to do them, God can use them to do exceeding abundantly, above all we ever asked or imagined.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Thanks Nia for the educative post and for clearing a common misconception about the fruit of the Spirit. Its good to know we don’t have to try to acquire each one, then it would defeat the purpose of grace and turn it into a set of rules like the law. When we understand that it is about the results expected from our having received the Holy Spirit, then we can yield ourselves more to the loving relationship. Lovely to think of it. Just like saying the characteristics of a human being is that one is able to talk, walk or act in certain ways, thats same with this.But we have our part to play which is exposing ourselves to the right nutrients from the word of God so these qualities can find easy expression in our daily lives.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

I really love this. To think of it, this happens often even subconsciously. Especially in the western world where the mention of God is like an unusual thing. I’m learning to intentionally use terms like “thank God” or “By God’s grace” instead of saying “thank goodness” or “all things being equal”. Because subtly God is being removed from our language of communication. When you do this, some people are surprised and you subtly plant the seed that you acknowledge the sovereignty of God. Our small communication may be the door to deeper discussion about God and His kingdom. This is what we do here in Kingdom concepts and Kingdom channel is another strategy to disseminate the seed of God’s word in our airspace.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Inspiring comments. Consistency is key. Part of this is setting targets that are achievable and growing from. Don’t set a two- hour target if you only have very limited time in the morning due to work or even family commitments. You can set special days for longer devotion. Also don’t stay too long on a 10-minute target when you know you can do better. You need to stretch yourself spiritually if you want to grow. This is part of godly exercise, strengthening your spiritual muscles.<div>

Does time matter? yes and no. Yes because when you are trying to grow it important to stretch yourself else you’ll not be motivated to go higher and you cannot measure your growth. Also as we go deeper we find that the longer time you spend with God, the more you discover and experience the power of his presence. It becomes easier to do it without thinking. Moses spent 40days and 40 nights and came out with his face glowing. Don’t underplay the effect of longer time in God’s presence. Jesus asked his disciples to spend 1 hour with him, so he had a time frame in mind. You may start with few minutes like I did but aim to grow from there. Conversely, No because God does not function in time and space and just needs your availability and consistency. Also the Holy Spirit can help our infirmities and does not want us fixated or guilty because we did not meet a certain time target. Its not a tick box exercise and definitely not a bragging right, but an active process of growth through relationship.

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[Ukemeobong Michael]

Thats so true. God wants us to be solution providers and proof producers not just professing Christians in the marketplace. This is the way we expand the influence of His kingdom.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Very explicit scripture. Thanks Pst Phil for sharing. We have to look and keep on looking at God’s picture against all distractions.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

thanks @purposefaith for the insight into another aspect of this. i think things a definitely a bit different when you start a family. little wonder Paul stated this in 1 corinthians 7 that the married person will have many distractions. These are valid challenges which I also struggle with because its no longer about what you want but you have others to take care of and carry along in any decision you make. Like you said, it not about a set of tick boxes but about a heart that is committed to intimacy. God knows our areas of struggle and sometime ago when I felt guilty for missing a prayer time, this became a ripple effect hindering me further from praying even at another time. The Holy spirit then spoke to my heart that I should leave the guilt and take advantage of the next opportunity. Its not a set of rigid codes but a loving relationship.

However, we need to set the targets for our own development because no athlete that wants to improve goes in without a measurable plan. God wants us to exercise ourselves in godliness. Setting a goal helps us know how much we have improved. But we must not make this become a hindrance or law to us and not a point of competition with others or boasting.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Thanks Philip for this. Thats true. The word piety has been lost. Growing up we heard the term Pious man a lot but it seems to be a forgotten or archaic term. I think setting a practical target and growing from there helps.