Churches, Religiosity and Godliness. ~By: Isaac Aluko Ademoroti

Photo Credit: fiec.org.uk

In our land these days, can we truthfully say that it is solely the love of God that motivates those who start or run churches and ministries or could there be other motivating factors that we do not know of?  Is God Himself benefitting in any way from the increase in the number of these churches and ministries?

There are those who remain puzzled that despite the number of churches, Nigerians are not necessarily becoming more godly.  In our country, religiousity has simply not translated into godliness.  What then is the positive impact of the increasing number of churches and ministries?  What can we, as a society, show for this vast increase?  From this increase, can we seriously begin to enumerate the benefits that have accrued to the various institutions that define our nation?

Ordinarily, no sane, church-attending, bible-believing, Spirit-filled, hymn-singing, hand-clapping, heaven-bound, Rapture-expecting Christian would object at the thought of more churches and ministries being established.  What draws the ire of decent people is the realisation that churches and ministries are being established for the wrong reasons.

Now, let us look at the usually acceptable or right reasons why churches and ministries should proliferate.  One is to ensure that people do not have to travel far before they can find a place of worship.  This will ensure that people do not give excuses for not practically belonging to the family of God.  Another reason is the need to bring the church to the people thereby spreading the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  One other reason is the need to provide succour for weary souls that are in need of spiritual help. 

In most cases, however, it seems many of those who start churches and ministries have reasons different from the ones stated above.  It is hardly surprising then that despite the high number of churches and ministries, any positive impact on the society is almost zero.  For example, despite the rise in the number of churches and ministries, the level of violence in the society has increased, kidnapping of humans for ransom has become a thriving business and our leaders have become more daring.  Children are being burnt alive.  It is also a known fact that many church leaders are hands-in-glove with the looting politicians.  Is it any wonder that fear, apprehension and uncertainty rule the land?  Many of the pastors themselves no longer feel safe as they go about with security men who carry guns and knives.

The chances are that churches and ministries will fail to positively impact the society until they wake up to their God-given responsibility of making the Word of God the focus, the hub, the fulcrum and the Final Court of Appeal in anything they do.

Under normal circumstances, it is the duty of the Christian church to ensure that the new Christian believer is properly discipled in the things of God.  This is supposed to continue until that new believer truly internalises and practises Christian teachings of true repentance from dead works, new birth, cleansing in the blood of the Lamb, true worship, holiness, stewardship in the power of the Holy Spirit, soul winning, the oneness of the body of Christ, the necessity of being ready for the Rapture and several other things.  Sadly, these things are no longer on the agenda of many church leaders and pastors.

Nowadays, someone would most likely want to start a church because he or she wants to be independent and thus be the overall boss.  To such a person, other considerations are secondary.  Usually, his or her real reason for wanting to start a church remains unstated.  Others go into the ministry or start a church for economic reasons.  Such people believe that there is nothing wrong in using God to feather their own nests.  Also, there are those who, after a disagreement, would conclude that the next best thing to do is to start their own church.  It is sad that these people refuse to recognise the fact that the afore-stated reasons are not the right reasons for giving birth to a church which is essentially an organism and much more than a mere organisation.  The truth is that their churches can only be fashioned in their own image.  Only life can give birth to life.  The Lord Himself says in John 3 verse 6, ‘‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’’

Therefore, it would not be out of place to summarise that the main motives these days for wanting to start churches include the following: Self-aggrandizement or self-promotion, determination to prove a point, deliberately going out on the orders of the devil to pollute the body of Christ, influence seeking and finally financial gain.  Most churches have become family business empires.  None of the motives stated above can stand up to examination before God.

The all-important question is: Is it right to start a church without being led of God?  Even after one has convinced himself or herself that there is a need for establishing a church, shouldn’t one clear it with God before going ahead to start one?  The dangers of starting a church without being led of the Holy Spirit are as follows: The Almighty would probably not back actively a venture He did not initiate.  Secondly, the founder is not unaware that he or she is not responsible to anyone, not even to the Lord.  Thirdly, the challenges that would arise may lead the founder to seek power outside God.  Fourthly, the one that will be celebrated in such a church will be the leader or founder and not Jesus Christ.  Finally, the founder may be leading people to hell but still be deluding himself/herself that he/she is working for God.

A church that is established and run according to the will of God will have the following characteristics: Jesus Christ is the centre of attraction and not the leader or founder.  The Holy Spirit is in control and leads the church.  The church accepts the leadership of the Holy Spirit and follows keenly such leadership.  The Word of God, that is, the holy bible is the Final Court of Appeal on any issue in such a church.  Lastly, members of the church are being prepared for the Rapture.

Unfortunately, most people do not bother to ask the right questions before becoming members of a church because they do not realise that their lives and eternity may be at stake.  The relevant questions that people should ask are: Is this church established according to the will of God?  Is Jesus the centre of attraction in the church?  What does the church stand for?  What are the beliefs of the church?  Does the church accept the finality of the bible?  Does the church believe that her members’ lives must be transformed into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Isaac blogs at www.beulalandblog.blogspot.com

7 days to RCCG Holy Ghost Congress!

Another The Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG) Congress is upon us! It's 7 days to the 19th edition of the annual programme. This year's edition has been themed COMPLETE RESTORATION »

DATE: 5th – 10th December 2016

VENUE: Redemption Camp, KM 46, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Opinion : Pastors And The Poverty Debate : A Robust Response | By: Victor Olugbemiro

This is an address to Christians and it has been written within the confines of what is central to Christianity. Because I am speaking to Christians, let me make the following assumptions for the purpose of responses.

• That because you are a Christian, you Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died on the cross, was buried in a tomb and rose on the third day to take away the sin of the world after man had been condemned to die following the sin of Adam.
• Having been convinced of your sins by the Holy Spirit, have repented and accepted God’s forgiveness.
• Believe the bible to be the infallible word of God and you strive daily to live by the precepts therein. 
• Believe in the mystery of the Holy Trinity of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
• Attend a bible believing church were the word of God reigns supreme with the aim of joining other believers to build your life after the pattern of Jesus Christ.
• Have the overall hope of making heaven and being with God either through death which is inevitable for all men or at the second coming of Jesus Christ.Having laid this foundation, let me put forward the question that this write-up will attempt to answer and in answering this question, I may be focusing on pastors, but I am also addressing church members too. Because just as your pastor is supposed to be an example to you, you are supposed to be an example to unbelievers and they hold you to the same expectation of perfection as you hold your pastor to. Simply put. We are all pastors.
  
  
  “Should a man of God reek of poverty?”
  
  
  The simple answer to this question is no, but the underlying issues that prompted this question go beyond a yes or no answer. This is because a popular man of God in Nigeria trended yet again on twitter due to what some termed as an excessive display of wealth which by implication is unbecoming of a pastor. Others vehemently supported him on the basis that he is a man of God and must not be criticised because those who do so, risk God’s judgement (I Chronicles 16:22 – “Saying, Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm) and that God is not a poor God so it is only expected that he blesses his servants with exceeding riches. Both arguments are faulty
  
  
  Firstly, God is not rich, neither is he poor. God is God, and God is spirit. (John 4:24 – “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”). Poverty and wealth are human conditions based on the absence or presence of money. God cannot be classified into human social classes. However, Jesus Christ came to earth and lived as man and his life here on earth has become the perfect example for us to follow as humans.
  
  
  
  
  Secondly, the biblical standards that apply to pastors, apply to church members as well because essentially, we are all Christians but as humans, we hold them more accountable because we believe that they are chosen by God to lead other Christians. Indeed, God has given them some authority over us (Hebrews 13:17 – Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account…) but they are no longer middlemen between man and God. The curtain, screening the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament temple, which represented the barriers between man and God was torn at the crucifixion of Jesus, thereby granting every Christian direct access to God. We must obey authority as instituted by God, but what do we do when that authority is going outside of God’s expectations? We should be able to correct from the scriptures (Galatians 2:11 – “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed ;”)
  
  
  
  
  As I read various arguments, for or against extremely wealthy pastors who flaunt wealth, I couldn’t shake several questions out of my head. What is God’s view on all this? And when I say God’s view, I mean what the bible actually says, not some intellectual or motivational interpretation of the bible. If Jesus was a modern day pastor, will He own jets and live in multi-million naira mansions? Will He be fashion conscious, wearing only the most expensive fashion outfits? Will He have social media accounts where He updates His followers of His latest acquisitions? If people do so on His behalf, what will be His response? Will He employ a security outfit and have multiple bodyguards? Will He upload pictures of expensive vacations on Instagram? If He throws lavish parties, will He invite the crème of the society or the down-trodden? Will He publicise acts of kindness that He has done? If He was to preach for fifty-two Sundays in a year, how many weeks will be devoted to teaching his members how to make wealth? 
  The bible says we are in this world but not of this world. Which means what applies to unbelievers cannot and must not apply to us. So when unbelievers are wealthy and they flaunt it, no big deal. But when Christians are wealthy, we understand that there is a purpose to the wealth and we must use it accordingly.
  
  
  One thing that bothers me greatly is that members of churches whose pastors openly display great wealth vigorously defend their pastor’s wealth. The wealth then becomes a distraction because God has not called us as Christians to justify our wealth to unbelievers. God has called us to make disciples of all nations. In other words, preach the gospel. What gospel does wealth preach? Is it the gospel of salvation or the gospel of prosperity? Jesus told Peter, ‘feed my flock.’ What does a display of wealth by pastors feed the members? 
  Let me state categorically that I am not against Christians or their pastors attaining wealth. God himself desires that we prosper (3 John 1:2 – “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”) but not at the risk of our salvation (Matthew 16:26 –“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”) 
  
  
  When wealth becomes detrimental to the gospel of salvation, then something is definitely wrong somewhere. In fact, we are not supposed to pursue riches because our attention will be divided (Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”). 
  
  
  So does this now mean Christians shouldn’t get jobs and make money? No. What it means is that your life ambition shouldn’t be to make money but to please God and when you do this, he will bless you with all material things that you need (Matthew 6:31-33 – “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”)
  
  
  This last verse of scripture that I quoted is also used to justify wealth of men of God. ‘You do not know his story so don’t criticise his glory. You do not know how he suffered as a young man, preaching the gospel up and down. Now that God is rewarding him, tap into the anointing so that God will do your own.’ 
  
  
  There were extremely wealthy men in the bible (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job and Solomon) but what do we remember them for? These men loved and served God all their days and He no doubt blessed them, but what did Jesus say to the rich young man who came to Him? Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19: 21).  What that response tells me is that no one can successfully follow God without de-emphasizing worldly possessions to the point where the absence or presence  of wealth makes no difference to him or her. Your wealth should mean nothing to you compared to your love for God. If your wealth means nothing to you, will you go to great lengths to flaunt it? 
  
  
  
  
  Job was tested and God saw that poverty did not make him turn his back on God despite the fact that his fall from grace was absolute. Despite Abraham’s wealth, no reference was made to it in the New Testament, rather, we are reminded that Abraham ‘believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ (Galatians 3:6). Despite the fact that Solomon was the richest man ever liveth, we make reference to him more for his wisdom than his riches. His wisdom benefits us as Christians more than his wealth. He himself made the assertion more than once, that ‘…all is vanity and grasping for the wind.’ (Ecclesiastes 2:17). We remember Jacob (Israel) as the father of the twelve tribes that became the great nation of Israel and a symbol of our inheritance through the promise made to Abraham.
  
  
  For those who say that wealth attracts people to Christ, it shows that God is not poor and He has the power to prosper you. I am categorically telling you that you have believed a lie from the pit of hell, copyrighted by Satan and distributed to churches. When God is convincing a man of his sin, that man is not thinking of wealth, but of how unworthy he is of God’s love. Isaiah 53 from verses 2-3 says ‘…And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our face from Him; He was despised and we did not esteem Him. 
  It is the Holy Spirit alone that can convince a man of his sin. Not even the most anointed man of God can do that on his own. Paul says ‘For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God… that no flesh should glory in His presence. …And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (I Corinthians 1: 21, 29; 2:4-5). 
  
  
  If God had to rely on wealth to attract unbelievers, then every pastor and Christian will be rich, and those who are already rich need not come to Christ.
  For those who say you need to be rich before you can have access to rich people and so preach the gospel to them, that is another patented lie from Hell Inc. marketed by foolish Christians. Paul stood before Caesar, the most powerful ruler in the world at the time, and declared the gospel fearlessly. Though he did so under circumstances that we pray against in churches today. 
  
  
  The truth is that who we are in Christ does not fit into popular culture. The message we carry is not popular either, because it entails self-denial and a disregard to what the world holds dear. But the message we carry is powerful in itself (Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit…”) to do what wealth, oration, packaging and feel-good approaches cannot do. It is the power of Christ and the mercy and grace of God, bringing salvation to those condemned to die. It is the hope of future glory with Christ. Nothing can substitute it. Let us not get carried away, let us not lose focus. Let us continue to disregard the things of this world, and constantly look at Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. And He will keep us, body, soul and spirit, till the day of His return, Amen. 
• 
  

How To Enhance Your Spirituality Life | By : Tony Ogunlowo

In presenting this I’ll use the term ‘spirituality’ rather than the word ‘religious’. Religious to me (- I might be wrong!) limits one to believing in and reverence for a God. Spirituality, however, takes it a step further broadening one’s perspectives on God, religions (- and there’s many of them) and Mans spiritual connection with the Universe.

The first step in enhancing your spirituality is to minimize distractions; a clear-thinking head devoid of any worries or commitments. Most of the time these commitments are of a worldly nature; things we’re obsessed with, mostly material things, which take up our time.

“It’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”.

A rich man, pastor, or Man of God, worried about the running costs of his private jet or the welfare of his vast business empire hardly has time to concentrate, fully, on serving God, let alone help others find the path. He would like to think he’s Gods chosen one but when materialism crawls into the picture it clouds our thoughts and sometimes takes over.

How many of us can walk away from it all? Giving up the mansions, cars, clothes and ostentatious lifestyle to follow our faith – very few if not none.

Like a millstone around our necks, materialism – which is the bane of our very existence – weighs us down. Without a doubt there are other things we do that impedes our spiritual development such as bed-hopping, gluttony, envy, pride amongst other things but materialism takes centre stage. Eliminate or control this and everything else will fall like dominoes.

It’s difficult to walk away from it all. But others have done it.

Countless people have turned to the priesthood vowing to live lives of chastity and poverty. Monks, Nuns and Holy Men have walked away from a world of materialism to devote their entire lives to the worship of God. But not everybody can follow in their footsteps giving up everything. Our purposes in life differ and while some are committed to a spiritual life others have to live in the real world where there is a certain social etiquette to follow; being seen to be successful, happy and prosperous. But we can enhance our spirituality by decreasing our vain dependency on materialism.

A simple life is what is called for, limiting ourselves to only the things we need, the basics, and not what we don’t need.

‘Keeping up with the Joneses’. You want to be seen to be better than your neighbour – bigger house, flashier car, more wealth and more success. In doing so our focus in life shifts from trying to be more spiritual to being more materialistic. ‘Give unto Caesar what is Caesars’. You can’t worship two Gods.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t strive for success, I’m saying there should be a balance. There is nothing wrong in being wealthy and successful. But at what point do you draw a line? Do you let it take over your life and let it dominate you or do you dominate it? Do you decide what you have is your good fortune and live a frugal life, giving away the excess or do you clamour for more?

The minute you start clamouring for more and more of what you really don’t need you begin to lose your spirituality and the path to Godliness will move further and further away from you.

You only need so much. Excess brings on worries and worries cloud your thinking.

Try and think less of the material things you don’t have and clamour to obtain – the things that aren’t necessities in life – in doing so your mind becomes clearer and more receptible to the spiritual side of your life. You can’t pray or meditate effectively if you’re thinking, all the time, about acquiring the latest fashion accessories or your jaunt to Dubai or showing off your vanity to the rest of the world or how you’re going to keep up with your neighbours. Having it all – success and wealth – does not necessarily equate to contentment or happiness.

Keep your life simple, live within your means and quit the mad race of ‘keeping up with the joneses’- it’s an empty pursuit of material things you can’t take with you when your time is up – your life will become fuller, more meaningful and more spiritual.

Learn to set time aside to meditate or pray. I call it ‘me-time’. Time when you can actually switch off and be on your own – in your room, out in a park, in a desert or by a body of water or in a temple or church. Time when there can be nothing to distract or interrupt you. I know we all lead busy lives full of , perhaps, noisy kids, demanding partners, social and work engagements but you CAN find some time to be own your own. Night time is the best time to meditate and pray when it’s all peaceful and quiet. I personally like to go for long walks at night, its peaceful with less noise and distraction making it easier to meditate(WARNING – Unless you live in a part of the world where it’s safe to go out walking at night I wouldn’t recommend it. If you go walkabout in Naija in the middle of the night you’ll be robbed and killed or chopped up and used for money-making spells by ritualists!)

A long time ago there was less crime, of all sorts, in the country when people lived within their means, when there wasn’t the mad rush for instant wealth, the need to procure private planes, yachts and million dollar watches. People were more spiritual and godly because the acquisition of vain materialistic items wasn’t high on their agendas. Whatever happened to living basic lives when we just had to put a roof above our heads and feed the family? Living basics lives, then, enabled people to tune into their spiritual side a lot more than we are doing today.

You can’t worship two gods. To enhance your spirituality sacrifice is required – not that much – just a little more of your time, a clear un-committed head and a strict control of materialism and distractions in your life.

The Higher Calling of God | by Tony Ogunlowo

With all the corruption of our modern world around us it’s very difficult to maintain an ascetic and frugal lifestyle if one is to be religious let alone submit to the Higher Calling of God becoming a lightworker.

We live in very dark times – countless wars rage around the world and the threat of terrorist attacks are ever so present – not to talk of everyday crimes such as murders, rapes, robberies and countless other misdemeanours we commit against each other. There are people who live in poverty and squalor, people who are in pain, both mentally and physically and people who have lots of worldly problems. All need help.

Everywhere we go, everywhere we turn there is something to tempt us off the path least trodden, forcing us to sin and do things we shouldn’t.

To become a light worker, aligning oneself with (the) Godliness requires abstinence, empathy, forgiveness of our fellow human beings, unreservedly, and a pure conscience which others might interpret to mean heart or soul.

The Higher Calling is not as many of our religious leaders would like to describe it. They – pastors, preachers, priests and other religious leaders have received a calling to minister, but the Higher Calling goes a step further.

Many people, mostly pastors, bishops, prophets and self-proclaimed messiahs, will claim, publicly, that they have received the Higher Calling of God.

If only that were true.

A person who receives the Higher Calling is rarely seen or known. They live a reclusive, ascetic, selfless lifestyle that is devoted to prayer, abstinence, meditation and spiritual defence and preservation of this realm we call Earth. The welfare of this planet and its billions of inhabitants, irregardless of their race and religion, becomes their sole responsibility as they fight, almost daily, forces of darkness that continue to plague our very existence.

A lightworker or one who has received the Higher Calling may not necessarily be a Christian. The one may be a Muslim or of any of the other faiths practiced in the world. The goal will remain the same – total submission to the will of God and the defeat of evil at all costs. It is not for the faint-hearted. It’s selfless quest for which there is no reward or recognition, there will be innumerable sacrifices and its most likely the individual will lead an embattled life ; pummelled periodically by forces of darkness alerted to their presence.

Ever since Lucifer and his legion were expelled from Heaven he’s been waging war against Mankind – corrupting our minds, encouraging us to sin and bringing about chaos and disaster. Those who have received the Higher Calling take it upon themselves to become lightworkers to provide a buffer against the evil; a little like a multitude of little helpers that help out on the earth plane. They align themselves with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost and walk in the light and in the path of righteousness, as much as they can. As it’s a spiritual journey of enlightenment for them they will encounter insurmountable obstacles along the way. Dark forces aware of who they really are will lay traps along their paths to prevent them from fulfilling their objective of helping to save lives and souls. All these traps, obstacles and problems must be overcome for the greater glory of God and Mankind.

In an empathic kind of way they become spiritual ‘sponges’ that absorb the evil out of our midst. To give an example of how they might work imagine being in a room full of darkness with many others. It’s claustrophobic, you’re bumping into one another and it’s scary. With no way out and every one panicking a light is switched on, flooding the room with brilliant white light.

But who produced the light that illuminated the room?

It was the silent, invisible one amongst us who’s received the Higher calling to help others whenever they can.

There are people out there who believe they are spiritually ready and are entitled to receive the Higher Calling. Unfortunately no one is automatically entitled to receive it. It doesn’t work like that. Since it’s a divine gift which requires the total submission to the will of God very few are chosen; those who possess it are ‘born-to-be’ and one cannot just ‘grow-up-wanting-to-be’. Numbers are restricted and just like Gideon’s army of old there’s a new bunch of spiritual warriors in town, who have received the Higher Calling of God, to fight  the evil in this world, of their own accord and on their own. And just like our discrete military special forces of today they will be no one to sing their praises or hand out medals.

RCCG 2016 fasting & prayers: Prayer Points for 11th January – 29th February

PRAYER POINTS FOR 50 DAYS OF FASTING AND PRAYER

11th JANUARY -29th FEBRUARY 2016

THEME: YEAR OF HIS FULLNESS (PSALM 16:11)

DAY 1, MONDAY 11TH JANUARY, 2016

THANKSGIVING – 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18, PSALM 100, PSALM 103

Father, I thank you for keeping me, my family and all that pertain to me. Psalm 34:1-6

Thank you O’ Lord for bringing me into this year. Job 33:18

Thank God for keeping you and all yours this year. Psalm 16:5-6

Thank God for His mercies on your life and family. Lamentations 3:22

Thank God because all will be well with you and all yours in 2016. Isaiah 3:10

Thank God for what He is going to do in your life this year. Isaiah 43:19

Thank God for your glorious future. Psalm 67:5-7

DAY 2, TUESDAY 12TH JANUARY, 2016

CONSECRATION – JOEL 2:15-17, ROMANS 12:1-2

Father, consecrate me spirit, soul and body as a living sacrifice in Jesus name.

Father, I receive supernatural purging and cleansing from every dead works by the blood of Jesus.

Father, pour upon individual and your church spirit of thanksgiving. Psalm 100

Father, sanctify and purify me from the filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit. Malachi 3:3, Matthew 3:12

DAY 3, WEDNESDAY 13TH JANUARY, 2016

FRESH OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND REVIVAL

Joel 2:28, Acts 2:1-2.1. Father, pour out Your Spirit upon RCCG and the body of Christ.

2. Father, refresh every thirsty soul.
3. Father, give me new depths of intimacy with the person of the Holy Spirit.
4. Father, anoint us as a church with fresh oil as we step into the New Year.
5. Father, let there be a sudden visitation of the Holy Spirit that will cause revival to break forth in RCCG
6. 
   

DAY 4, THURSDAY 14TH JANUARY, 2016

PRAYERS FOR OUR GENERAL OVERSEER AND MOTHER-IN-ISRAELFather, empower and anoint Daddy and Mummy G.O. afresh on a daily basis.

Father, by your mercy silence every evil plan against the ministry of Daddy G. O. and Mummy G.O. Psalm. 143:12

Father, fortify the strength of Daddy and Mummy G. O. Isaiah 41:13-14

Father, divinely protect Daddy G. O.’s and family Psalm 125:2

Father, contend with those contending with Daddy G.O. and his family. Isaiah 49:24-26

Father, give Daddy G.O. and family divine health. Psalm 128:3

Father, let your special hand of favour rest on Daddy and Mummy G.O. for the rest of their lives. Psalm 27:1

Father, help Daddy and Mummy G.O. to finish well and finish strong. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Father, empower Daddy and Mummy G.O. to break more new grounds this year.

DAY 5, FRIDAY 15TH JANUARY, 2016

PRAYERS FOR THE CHAIRMAN, PROVINCIAL PASTORS, ZONAL PASTORS, AREA PASTORS AND PARISH PASTORS

Zechariah. 3:1-4, Isaiah 55:10-11, Numbers 23:19

Father, let your hand rest upon our leaders to operate in divine wisdom.

Father, continually fill our Pastors with the spirit of God and that they will not be distracted.

Father, by your grace and wisdom distinguish our Pastors as a pacesetter and to lead us in your will.

Father, divinely protect them and their family. Cover them with the blood.

Lord, we pray our Pastors will hear You clearly through the Holy Spirit not emotions.

Father, remove every obstacle or objection from their path. John 12:37

DAY 6, SATURDAY 16TH JANUARY, 2016

PRAYER FOR MINISTERS, WORKERS AND ALL THE MEMBERS OF RCCG

Father, increase our resources emotionally, spiritually, financially, intellectually and relationally. Ephesians 3:20

Father, we declare full expression of Your presence in all areas of our life. Zechariah. 2:5

Father, increase our capacity. Enlarge the coast of ministers, workers and members of RCCG.

Ask God to increase our ABILITY – power to make things happen for Your Kingdom. 2 Samuel 22:34-36

Father, we declare divine protection all our ministers, workers and member of RCCG. Psalm 91:10-11

DAY 7, SUNDAY 17TH JANUARY, 2016

PRAYER FOR GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1 CORINTHIANS 12:7-11, 2TIMOTHY 1:6, 1ST CORINTHIANS 2:41. Lord, let there be visible demonstrations of your power in my life and our services.

2. Lord, stir up every spiritual gift in my life that has become dormant or inactive.
3. Father, stir up every spiritual gift in the church that has been hidden or ignored.
4. Father, let there be divine investment of spiritual gifts and uncommon abilities in RCCG.
5. 
   

DAY 8, MONDAY 18TH JANUARY, 2016

MANIFESTATION OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

GAL 5:22-23, ISAIAH 37:31; ISAIAH 32:15

1. Father, I decree that I am deeply rooted in your love and bear upward fruit.

2. Father, I decree that I am only the fruits of righteousness are made manifest in my life.
3. Father, empower me to win souls to the Kingdom of God daily.
4. 
   

DAY 9, TUESDAY 19TH JANUARY, 2016

NUMERICAL GROWTH

MICAH 4:1-2, 1 TIM 1:18, PS 2:8, EZEKIEL 36:10, 11, 30, 37

1. Father, give your church burden for lost souls.

2. Father, uncover every veil hindering people to receive the glorious light of the gospel.
3. Father, we call forth those who are appointed to be the sons and daughters of the RCCG.
4. 
   

DAY 10, WEDNESDAY 20TH JANUARY, 2016

PRAY FOR HARVEST OF SOULS

Father, let there be massive inflow of souls in all our parishes. Isaiah 2:2-3

Father, increase the influence of RCCG in the community that God has called her to. Isaiah 2:2-3

Father, show me divine opportunities to win souls to His Kingdom

DAY 11, THURSDAY 21ST JANUARY, 2016

REVIVAL IN THE LAND 1 TIM 1:18, 2 CHRON. 7:14, HOSEA 14:7, ZECHARIAH 10:1

1. Father, pour out your mercy on us as a church.

2. Father, purge me of every form of disobedience and self-centeredness.
3. Father, give me the grace to make the sacrifices required for the revival to break forth in our land.
4. Lord, we break down the satanic strongholds that control the minds and hearts of people in the land.
5. Father, we release the spirit of prayer upon our land.
6. 
   

DAY 12, FRIDAY 22ND JANUARY, 2016

REVIVAL AND RESTORATION – EZEKIEL 37:1-14, MATT 16:18

Father, build your church into strong army, to take territories for you.

Father, let there be restoration of lost hopes & dreams this year. 2 Samuel 9:7

Lord, I decree upon my life the anointing to overtake and recover lost glory. Joel 2:25-27, 1Samuel 30:8, 19

Father, make every dry land a spring of water for me and your church. Isaiah 35:7

Father, revive every dead situations in my life.Ezekiel 37

Father, release spirit of grace and supplication upon RCCG to be a house of prayer and manifestation of your power.

DAY 13, SATURDAY 23RD JANUARY, 2016

THE CHURCH – ACTS 2:42 – 47

Father, give your church grace (Leaders & Members) to be steadfast and faithful in their role in the land. Acts 6:4, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Galatians 6:9

Father, let there be f oneness and unity in your church. Colossians 4:2, Philippians 2:2, 5, Matthew 16:18

Father, build your church. We come against every agenda of the enemy against your church.

Father, let your church have a personal encounter with you.

Father, strenghten the faith of each member of RCCG to do the work of ministry. 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Jude 1:20.

DAY 14, SUNDAY 24TH JANUARY, 2016

THE COMMUNITY – ACTS 2: 46, 47

Father, grant us wisdom and strategy to minister/ be relevant to the community. Matt 5:16, Col 1:9-11

Lord, grant them receptive heart. Psalm 95:7-8, Acts 19:19-20

Father, grant us mighty signs and wonders.

Father, grant us power of the Spirit of God to preach the gospel in United Kingdom.

DAY 15, MONDAY 25TH JANUARY, 2016

THE NATION – JEREMIAH 29:7

Father, let your peace reign in UK.

Lord, let the storms of terror be removed. Psalm 91:4 –7, Mark 4:37 -39

Father, let the leaders surround and subject themselves to Godly counsel. Proverbs 19:21, I Timothy 2:1-2, Proverbs 14:34

Father, grant us boldness to declare and uphold the message of righteousness.

DAY 16, TUESDAY 26TH JANUARY, 2016

CHILDREN

Lord, let our children receive life and they shall be saved. 2 Timothy 3:15, Titus 1: 9

Father, may our children never be victims of someone else’s mistake.

Lord, our children’s destinies will not be destroyed or disrupted by accident or incident.

Father, our children’s lives will not be terminated as a result of someone’s error. 2Samuel 4:4, 2 Peter 3:17

Pray for growth and increase in wisdom, stature and favour with God and man in the lives of our children. Luke 2: 52, 2 Peter 3: 18, 92:12

DAY 17, WEDNESDAY 27TH JANUARY, 2016

HEALING & HEALTH – ISAIAH 53:5

Father, illuminate my eye with the revelation of Christ’s finished work. Isaiah 53:4-5, 1st Peter 2:24

Lord, cast out every spirit of infirmity. Mark 7:25-30, Luke 13:11-13

Lord, I will enjoy perfect health and wholeness. Isaiah 58:8, Jeremiah 30:17

Father, no room in my life for sorrow, depression sickness and pain. Isaiah 53:4

Father, I declare that every sickness in my body is destroyed in Jesus name. 1 John 3:8.

DAY 18, THURSDAY 28TH JANUARY, 2016

SINGLE PERSONS

Father, release of your blessings upon the lives of our singles. Matthew 6: 33, Ex 23:25, Colossians 3: 23-24

Father, let our singles be preferred above their mates.

Father, no longer shall the singles be overlooked, desolate or rejected. Daniel 6:3, Esther 2:9, 1 Peter 2: 9

Father, let wisdom, knowledge and understanding lead them into favour in the sight of God and man. Isaiah 11: 2-3, Malachi 3:14-18

DAY 19, FRIDAY 29TH JANUARY, 2016

FINANCIAL BREAKTHROUGH AND CAREER, BUSINESS

Father, give me an excellent spirit after the order of that Daniel. Proverbs 22:29, Proverbs 10:4, Daniel 6:3-4

Father, favour me and the work of my hands beyond my imagination. Psalms 5:12, Luke 2:52

Lord, give me talents and business ventures that will make room for me. Proverb18:16,Genesis 26:22

DAY 20, SATURDAY 30TH JANUARY, 2016

LEADERS

Lord, preserve and protect our leaders from the schemes and craftiness of men. Psalm 31:20

Father, strengthen our leaders as they face the challenges that come with responsibilities of leadership. Ephesians 3:16

Lord, give our leaders wisdom, knowledge and understanding for leadership. 1Samuel 2:35 & 1Chronicles 12:32

Father, release uncommon strategies and creative solutions to our leaders. Proverbs 8:12, Daniel 5:11-14

Lord, anoint our leaders with fresh oil. Psalm 92:10, Psalm 89:20

Lord, raise a hedge of protection around all Pastors, ordained ministers, leaders and their family.

Father, preserve leaders health and let them fulfil your counsel and mandate. Psalm 89:22-29, Psalm 91:9-16

DAY 21, SUNDAY 31ST JANUARY, 2016

PROTECTIONFather, protect me, my family and Church form tragedies and calamities. Philippians 1:6

Lord, hide me in the hollow of your hand. Isaiah 51:16, Psalm 17:8

Father, keep me from evil and protect me. I come against sickness and disease. Psalm 91

Lord take away sickness from the midst of us in RCCG. Exodus 23:25

DAY 22, MONDAY 1ST FEBRUARY, 2016

DIRECTIONFather, give me grace to complete the project/assignment/ministry you committed into my hands. Acts 20:24.

Father, grant me divine speed this year 2016. Habakkuk 3:19

Father, grant me divine wisdom and clear direction. Isaiah 30:21

DAY 23, TUESDAY 2ND FEBRUARY, 2016Lord, remove every reproach from my life and family. 1 Samuel 1:6-7

Father, give me testimony that will make my enemies praise the Lord that I serve. Psalm 126

Father, this year, give me a pleasant surprise.

DAY 24, WEDNESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY, 2016

Father, do a new thing in my life, family and destiny. Isaiah 43:19

Lord, bring to fulfilment your plans for my life. Joshua 21:45

Father, help me not to hinder your work in my life. Psalm 81:13, Mark 11:22-24

Father, have your way in my life, family, work, career and destiny. Hebrews 10:9a

Lord, fulfil your good purpose in me in Jesus name. Jeremiah 29:10

Lord, fulfil your good purpose in UK, let souls be saved and revival. Psalm 85:6, Hosea 6:1-3, Habakkuk 3:2

Lord, fulfil your plan in my life, family and nation. Psalm 126:1-6

DAY 25, THURSDAY 4TH FEBRUARY, 2016

Father, make 2016 my year of fulfilment in Jesus name. Habakkuk 2:3, Jeremiah 30:8

Father, fulfil all my dreams and expectations. Genesis 15:13-14, Exodus 12:41

Lord, let 2016 be my year of divine and supernatural progress. Isaiah 43:19, Psalm 66:12, Acts 19:11

Father, let this be my season and year of exceptional favour. Psalm 102:13

Father, support me divinely in Jesus name. Psalm 54:4

Father, sustain me and all mine. Isaiah 41:10, 14

DAY 26, FRIDAY 5TH FEBRUARY, 2016

Lord, let only the God fearing rule our nations. Proverb. 1:7, Psalm 33:12

Father, let there be stability in all nations. Proverb. 28:2, Proverb. 11:11

Father, we reject loss of lives and property in 2016 in Jesus name. Joel 2:25-26

Lord, avert natural disasters this year in Jesus name. Psalm 91

DAY 27, SATURDAY 6TH FEBRUARY, 2016

Lord, make me faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2

Father, let this be my year of unlimited lifting, establishment, prosperity and divine announcement.

Lord, let there be healing and deliverance from long standing problems. Luke 13:10-13, Mark 5:1-15

DAY 28, SUNDAY 7TH FEBRUARY, 2016.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Lord, help me to fast and pray like never before in 2016. Daniel 9:3, Matthew 4:1-2

Father, let my sacrifice of fasting and prayer be greatly rewarded. Hebrews 6:10

Lord, let 2016 be my year of new beginnings of greatness and glory in Jesus name. Isaiah 43:19, Isaiah 62:2

Father, make me a light to all around me, use me to win souls into your kingdom. Matthew 5:14, Isaiah 42:6, 49:6

DAY 29, MONDAY 8TH FEBRUARY, 2016

PROVISION

Father, let kings stand at attention and princes bow low to me. Isaiah 49:7

Father, let kings and queens serve me, let them take care of all my needs. Isaiah 49:23

Lord, multiple every blessing in my hands.

DAY 30, TUESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY, 2016

JOY

Father, cause me to sing songs of everlasting joy. Isaiah 35:10

Lord, let sorrow, sighing and mourning flee far away from me. Isaiah 35:10

Father, from now, let me know only the joy of The Lord continually.

Father, let me enjoy joy unspeakable joy and fill my life with your glory throughout 2016.

DAY 31, WEDNESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY, 2016

Father, deliver every prey from the hand of the mighty in Jesus name, Isaiah 49:24-26

Lord, put to shame every evil strongman. Luke 11:21-22

Lord, deliver every lawful captive and the prey of the terrible in Jesus name. Isaiah 49: 24-25a

Father, fight with those who fight with me and save my children in Jesus name. Isaiah 49:25b

Father, feed my enemies with their own flesh; let them drink their own blood like sweet wine in Jesus name. Isaiah 49:26a

Father, let all the world know that you are my Saviour and Redeemer. Isaiah 49:26b

DAY 32, THURSDAY 11TH FEBRUARY, 2016

OPEN THE FLOODGATE OF HEAVENFather, please release the flood of righteousness. Psalm 51

Father, release the flood of your Power, Victory, and peace to our entire nation.

Father, help me to obey your word.

Father, help me to obey your voice.

Father, let the nations of the earth be blessed through me, Zechariah. 10:1

Father, in a special way, do something new in our lives.

DAY 33, FRIDAY 12TH FEBRUARY, 2016

PEACE

Father, please give me peace like a river in every facet life. Isaiah 66:12

Father, let your peace rule in all area of my life

Father, still every storm in my life, Mark 4:39

DAY 34, SATURDAY 13TH FEBRUARY, 2016

DIVINE DIRECTION AND STRATEGYIsaiah 48:17, John 10:4-5, Isaiah 30:21, Psalm 37:23

1. Father, I declare that my ears will hear the voice of God clearly.

2. Father, I download heavenly strategies to establish dominion in my life.
3. Lord, order every step of RCCG members.
4. Father, I move from glory to glory to fulfil God’s purpose for my life.

DAY 35, SUNDAY 14TH FEBRUARY, 2016

SUPERNATURAL ABUNDANCE

Father, open our eyes to the principle of abundant life and fruitfulness. Proverb. 3:5 – 10

Lord, anoint your people to multiply greatly in 2016.

According to your word, Lord Jesus, make your church exceedingly fruitful in 2016. Genesis 12:1 – 3, Genesis 26:12 – 13, Genesis 30:43, Genesis 28:3 – 4

Father, bless us in 2016 ‘O LORD, send the arrow of barrenness back to the sender. Genesis 27:27 – 29, Genesis 12:3

DAY 36, MONDAY 15TH FEBRUARY, 2016

Father, let your glory fall on RCCG, make us solution of the issues in UK.

Lord, release your strength and resources for every member.

Father, uproot the spirit of fear that stops us from moving forward. Colossian 2:15

Declare that whoever occupies the place God has given you be removed and ask that God will unseat them and restore your territory to you. Esther 2:1- 4

5. Holy Spirit reveal the areas I need to work on and fill me with wisdom and knowledge.

6. Lord, awaken every sleeping giant in the mighty name of Jesus.

DAY 37, TUESDAY 16TH FEBRUARY, 2016

FINANCES

Father, make us more fruitful in year 2016. John 15:2

Declare a divine change of status in every area of your life. Genesis 32:28

Declare to God that you will not let Him go unless He blesses you. Genesis 32:26

Pray against financial death and bankruptcy, for financial promotion in the life of members of RCCG in 2016. Psalm.1:3

DAY 38, WEDNESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY, 2016

RCCG UK CENTRAL OFFICE / BIBLE COLLEGE / SOD / SCHOOL OF PRAYER /SCHOOL OF MISSIONS / SCHOOL OF DRAMA

1. Thank God for strength, grace and daily provision – Nehemiah 8:10
   2. Pray that that Lord almighty shall give them fresh unction to carry on the work – I John 2:20.
   3. Pray that the beauty of The Lord shall rest upon them and their families – Psalm 90:17.
   4. Pray for more excellent spirit and pray against every evil plans their work – Daniel 6:3; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
2. 
   

DAY 39, THURSDAY 18TH FEBRUARY, 2016

CHURCH1. Father, take your RCCG to her next level of explosion.

2. Lord, contend with those contending with the servants of God in RCCG. Isaiah 49:24-26
3. Father, every enemy of revival in RCCG shall dry up from their roots.
4. Father, let the 50 days fasting be fruitful for all participants, their families, our Nations and the Church. Isaiah 58:6-12
5. Father, let there be open Heaven for showers of blessings and testimonies. Ezekiel 34:26
6. Lord, let there be great harvest of souls in 2016.

DAY 40, FRIDAY 19TH FEBRUARY, 2016

PROSPERITY AND FINANCIAL INCREASE

Deuteronomy 8:18, Psalm 35:27, Psalm 115:14, Luke 6:38

1. Father, open my eyes to see the abundance of your riches and glory.

2. Father, make me a true giver who will invest in your Kingdom.
3. Lord, I break every spirit that stops people from plugging into the covenant of prosperity through giving.
4. Father, release the power to get wealth and the wisdom of God to create multiple streams of income, Deuteronomy 8:18
5. Ask for uncommon financial miracles in your life and for RCCG
6. Command the 4 cardinal points of this nation and the earth to release every financial increase that is due and or long overdue.
7. 
   

DAY 41, SATURDAY 20TH FEBRUARY, 2016

UNITY – PSALM 133, ACTS 2:1-3, JOEL 2:7, ISAIAH 7:5-7; 8:9-10

1. Decree that the bond of unity is strengthened amongst the leadership & RCCG.

2. Father, destroy every plot and plan of the devil to cause division, confusion and contention in RCCG.
3. Lord, frustrate the schemes and strategies of hell against RCCG.
4. Father, establish clear lines of spiritual authority and divine order in every aspect of our lives and ministry.

Father, I decree that every leader and member walk in their divine calling.

DAY 42, SUNDAY 21ST FEBRUARY, 2016

MARRIAGES & FAMILIES – COLOSSIANS 3:18-21

Pray for divine love in our marriages. 1 Corinthians 7:2-3, Hosea 2:14-20

Pray that our families would be worthy ambassadors of God’s kingdom.

Father, let every trial in our marriages become testimonies James 1:17, 2 Corinthians 5:20

Father visit us with, uncommon favour, unexplainable miracles and unbelievable testimonies.

DAY 43, MONDAY 22ND FEBRUARY, 2016Father, reveal to me your agenda and plan for the next level of my life.

Father, give me the revelation of who I am in you.

Declare that the Lord will single you out and cause you to rise up amongst your peers. 2 Kings 9:2

Father, let our leaders follow your leading and anoint their eyes to see beyond the natural.

Father, release your power, might, strength and ability upon me.

DAY 44, TUESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY, 2016

PRAYER FOR SUPERNATURAL ABUNDANCE

Father, give me wisdom and understanding to operate in enlargement.

Father, I declare that I enter and break forth into enlargement. Psalm 4:1

Father, I will not let you go until you bless me and I conquer this mountain, Psalm 18:29, Genesis 32:26

Lord, activate every man you have ordained to connect you to your enlargement. Daniel 5:9-12, Genesis 41:14, Exodus 17:12

DAY 45, WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY, 2016

Father, renew your fire and passion for the work of the ministry in me.

I declare that my walk with the Lord will not be in vain, Philippians 2:16, 1 Corinthians 15:58

I declare that as I walk with the Lord, I will not fail Him.

Declare that as you receive strength and grace for the work that your strength is made perfect in Him.

DAY 46, THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY, 2016

Father, provide for me emotionally, spiritually, financially for the work you have commissioned me to do.

Father, open my eyes and reveal what is keeping you from serving you as you desire.

Lord, birth in me a mighty hunger for your presence. Jeremiah 29:13

Father, revive my personal walk with Him. Lord fill me with yourself. Jeremiah. 29:13

DAY 47, FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY, 2016

PRAYER FOR NEW BEGINNING

Lord, anoint all members of RCCG to excel, Daniel. 5:14, Deuteronomy. 28:13

Lord, anoint your church with fresh oil, Psalm 92:10

Lord, grant all members power to prosper this year in Jesus Name, Deuteronomy. 8:18

Lord, Let your church arise and shine in year 2016 in Jesus Name, Isaiah 60:1

DAY 48, SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY, 2016

ENLARGED TERRITORY

Father, let me experience enlargement over every area of your life. 1 Chronicles 4:9-11

Lord, let your hand be upon me. I declare no restrictions to preaching of the gospel. Ezra 8:21-23

Father, let your hand be upon RCCG, let signs and wonders be of daily occurrence in RCCG, 1 Corinthians 4:20, Acts 4:33, Acts 5:15-16

DAY 49, SUNDAY 28TH FEBRUARY, 2016

Father, let there be increase, expansion and growth in my work and business. 1 Chronicles 4:10

Lord, I take everything the enemy has stolen from me today. 2 Kings 6:5-7

Father, I claim all your promises, prosperity, healing, fruitfulness, etc.

Declare that RCCG will prosper, blossom and expand. Exodus 23:25-26

Lord, I command every power of curses in my life to be broken. Haggai 2:19-20

Father, let the glory of this present house (RCCG) be greater than the former. Haggai 2:9,

Declare joy, peace, restoration, testimony upon RCCG. Zechariah. 10:1

DAY 50, MONDAY 29TH FEBRUARY, 2016

Thank God for sustaining us through the 50 days of fasting and Prayer.

Thank God for answered prayers

Thank God for granting us the strength to grow through the 50 days fast. I Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 18:46-50

Glorify God for speedy answers to prayer request presented to Him.