by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 20, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
Today, let’s talk about something important, being thankful even when life is hard. We’re going to discover how being thankful in tough times can make a big difference.
Choosing to be Thankful
The Bible says, *”Say thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you belong to Christ Jesus.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 It might seem tough, but we can choose to be thankful, no matter what’s going on in our lives.
Finding Blessings in Challenges
“We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan.”- Romans 8:28 (ERV) Even when life is hard, God is at work, making good things happen. Sometimes, we just need to look a bit closer to see the blessings in tough times.
The Example of Job: A Testament of Endurance
Job, a guy in the Bible, went through really tough times. He lost a lot, but he still said, *”I came into this world with nothing, and I will leave with nothing. The Lord gave, and now he has taken away. May his name be praised!” – Job 1:21 (ERV) Job’s story teaches us that even when life is super tough, we can still trust God and find things to be thankful for.
The Grateful Heart as a Spiritual Weapon
“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6 (ERV). Being thankful isn’t just saying thank you; it’s like having a superpower. It helps us not to worry too much. When tough times come, we can talk to God and thank Him. It’s like a secret weapon against feeling sad or scared.
Conclusion
So, let’s try to be thankful, even when things are hard. When we do that, we’re telling God we trust Him, and we’re opening ourselves up to the good things He has for us, even in tough times. Take care, and remember that God loves you! Sermon: Gratitude in Adversity
Sermon: Letting Go of Regret-Finding New Hope
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 19, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction:
Sometimes, we carry a heavy feeling called regret in our hearts. Today, let’s talk about something important: “Letting Go of Regret- Finding New Hope.” Together, we will look at how we can feel better with the help of God’s words.
Understanding Why Regret Feels Heavy
Regret is like a heavy backpack that makes it hard to move forward. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:1, “Get rid of anything that holds you back, and let’s keep going.” It’s time to let go of things that make us sad.
God Promises to Forgive Us
The Bible also says in 1 John 1:9 that “if we tell God we’re sorry, He will forgive us and make us clean again.” God’s forgiveness is like a big hug that makes us feel better and helps us leave regret behind.
Learning from Stories in the Bible
The Bible has stories about people who felt really sorry but found hope in God’s love. Think about King David, who made mistakes but found forgiveness and a fresh start (Psalm 51). These stories teach us that God can help us start again, no matter what.
Saying Sorry and Changing for the Better
To feel better, we need to say sorry to God and try to do better. Acts 3:19 says, “Turn back to God, and He will forgive your mistakes.” Saying sorry and trying to be better is like opening a door to a happier life.
Living for Today and Looking Forward
The Bible in Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Forget about what happened before and look forward to what’s coming next.” Letting go of regret helps us enjoy today and be excited about what’s coming in the future.
Conclusion
As we talk about “Letting Go of Regret: Finding New Hope,” remember what Isaiah 43:18-19 says: “Don’t think too much about the past. God is doing something new, and it’s like a fresh start.” God’s love can help us leave regret behind and look forward to happier days. Wishing you new hope and joy
Read Also: Sermon – Walking the Path of Forgiveness
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 19, 2024 | Sermon
friends, Life can sometimes be tough, and we all experience hurts. But, as friends of Jesus, we are asked to follow a special path that helps us heal from our pain. Today, let’s talk about “Walking the Path of Forgiveness: Healing Hurts” with the help of God’s words.
Understanding Forgiveness with God’s Help
In the Bible, Colossians 3:13, “Be patient and forgive others if they do something wrong. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you.” This means we should try to forgive others, just like God forgives us.
Why Not Forgiving Hurts Us
The Bible also says in Matthew 6:14-15, “If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, then God will forgive you. But if you don’t forgive, God won’t forgive you.” Holding onto bad feelings hurts us and makes it hard for God’s love to reach us.
How Forgiving Can Change Us
Forgiving is not just saying sorry; it changes how we feel inside. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other, just as God forgave you in Christ.” Forgiving helps us and others feel better.
Jesus Shows Us How to Forgive
Jesus Christ, our lovely saviour, showed us how to forgive. When people hurt Him, He said, “Father, forgive them because they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34). We can learn from Jesus and forgive even when it’s hard.
Steps to Help Us Forgive
a. Talk to God: Ask God for help through prayer.
b. Think about Feelings: Look inside and find where we need to forgive.
c. Talk to Others: Share our feelings and forgive them.
d. Set Rules: Make rules to keep us safe while forgiving others.
Conclusion
As we walk this forgiveness path, remember Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander. Instead, be kind to each other, forgiving one another, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” Let’s walk together on this path of forgiveness, healing our hurts and sharing God’s love with everyone around us.
Read Also: Sermon: Finding Purpose in Times of Adversity
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Jan 11, 2024 | 10 Days of Prayer
10 days of prayer 2024 is not just for adult, children should be part of it.
THEME: FAITH IN EVERY FOOTSTEP
Discover “Faith in Every Footstep” and let God guide little hearts, and big ones too, towards Him and His gifts. Each day the resource will bring new discoveries, thoughts to focus on, activities to enjoy and special time for prayer. Take the next step in faith!
Days of Prayer 2024 for Children
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Jan 11, 2024 | AYM, world Church
From its inception in 2013, Global Youth Day (GYD), had at its core salvation, discipleship, and mission. We are still committed to that vision and hope that all the youth and young adults who participate in this outreach will realize that Global Youth Day is not just about what they are doing, but also why they do what they do. This year we are bringing a fresh approach to make Global Youth Day a more mission-focused outreach initiative for young people.
RECOMMENDED PROJECTS FOR GLOBAL YOUTH DAY 2024
The focus for GYD in 2024 will be on the cities. Young people and their leaders are encouraged to prayerfully consider community projects that are practical, relevant, and sustainable for their cities. These are some of the projects that young people could consider: blood drive, health projects (screening etc.), cleaning campaigns, literature distribution, adopting homes (orphanages, old people, hospices etc.), providing skills training for the youth…
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