By Pastor Samuel OBAFAIYE
Reformation is closely linked to rebuilding. Building is not an easy task (Brazil as they prepare for World Cup). Even so, rebuilding is even more difficult (Japan after the Tsunami).
It takes brain storming; time; energy; money; patience; etc to build. To rebuild takes double the resources and effort. As you would need to demolish certain places and clear out debris, before erecting structure that will conform to existing ones. Very challenging!
The bible however says wherever there is a believing, there shall be a performance (Luke 1:45). Another says that if we are willing and obedient, we will enjoy the fruit of promise (Proverb 1:19).
I have a very strong conviction that 2014 will be our best year yet. I don’t know how. The Inner Witness keep whispering to me that 2014 will be an outstanding year for us in this Assembly. Of a certain though is that God told me earlier this month that in 2014 He will work for us. That gave me a glimpse of what to expect.
He said we should just be willing and available. Just like He told Judah under Jehoshaphat, “Go out against them… Ye shall not need to fight in this battle… Set yourself… Stand still and see the salvation of The Lord…
In this year 2014, we are only to ‘put our hands on the plough’ and not look back, God says, the work will be done by Himself. What we require essentially is the mind to rebuild and zealous spirit.
Nehemiah was used by God to rebuild the walls and gate of Jerusalem. I can say that it can only be by the help of God alone that such a task was undertaken and finished in 52 days! What the people brought on board was a willing and readiness of heart (Neh. 4:6).
Other versions: Commitment, enthusiasm, determination, motivation, excitement, a heart to work.
This is the last Sunday of this first month of the year 2014, God says He is about to start extraordinary things with us, but are we ready?
When Nehemiah was to go and rebuild the wall and gate, he obtained 3 Ps from the king: Permission; Protection; Provision (Neh. 2:6-9).
God says we have all it takes from Him to rebuild and be fortified. We have His permission, His protection, and His provision to prosper this year. What is left is are we ready to proceed as Nehemiah did?
Different families, clans and tribes built different segments of the wall and different gates. The walls were later joined together and job completed. As individuals and families, what will you do in the rebuilding work that God has just began with us this month? Will you help with the ‘walls’ or the ‘gates’? Or will you fold your hands?
Henry Ford, the late great industrialist (whose company was worth $188 billion in 2008) says, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Thinking together is unity. Working together is success.
Where do you come in? Which level are you operating with us?
Further still, our Lord Jesus makes us to know that in the world we live, there are only two classes of people: The Builders and The Destroyers (Mt. 12:30). The question again is, which one do you and I belong?
Most time, we always have plausible reasons why we think we are not available to build for God. Jesus used a parable to illustrate this (Luke 14:16-23).
– inspect his new field – acquisition of property.
– check out his 5 new oxen – managing business
– just married – engrossed with family life.
But none of these things will speak for us before our Maker in Heaven when we stand before Him.
What will be your excuse? Is any of these things making you unproductive or underproductive for God? Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked. He will certainly raise help from other quarters. May God not replace us.
When God wanted to create the earth, He made sure that His Spirit and His Son were present. The Spirit was hovering over the surface of the deep; Father sending out the Word; and job was well done (Gen. 1:2-3).
Again, when God wanted to make the hardest part of creation i.e. Man, the Trinity was involved (Gen. 1:26).
When God was going to rebuild what Man wanted to destroy, it was also a unified effort (Gen.11:5-7). God had to build and rebuild in unity, how much more we mortals?
I urge you today in the name of Our Lord Jesus, let us arise and rebuild Everlasting Father’s Assembly, and our God will prosper us and as well prosper His work.
How can I be involved?
1. Pray for us and the work.
2. Donate to the work. Pay your tithes.
3. Volunteer with us for the work (children, welfare, ushering, sanitation, welfare, etc).
4. Tell people about us and bring them.
Prayers
1. Almighty Father, help me to demonstrate the willingness to build with you.
2. Almighty Father, raise zealous men and women to help with the rebuilding of EFA.
3. Almighty Father, forever make me a builder and never a destroyer in Jesus name.
Delivered on January 26th 2014
