Overcoming Anxiety and Fear By Special Mother in Israel E. Sopein

 Texts: Psalm 23:1–6; Philippians 4:4–7

1. Introduction

• Fear and anxiety surround us in our towns and across the nation.

• The only one who can truly deliver us from fear and anxiety is Jesus Christ.

• Psalm 23:1 — “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”

• The question is: have we surrendered our lives to Him as our Shepherd?

2. Jesus as the True Shepherd

• No other shepherd can lead us safely except Jesus.

• As our Shepherd, He does not want us to live in fear or anxiety.

• He loves us deeply — but do we love Him, or do we love ourselves more?

• Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you… thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

• God keeps His promises, but we must remain under His authority.

3. The Right Fear

• Our fear must be directed only toward God, not toward men.

• Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”

• Reverence for God removes the grip of worldly fear and anxiety.

4. Steps to Overcome Fear and Anxiety

1. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior

   • John 14:6 — “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

2. Do the Will of God - Psalm 32:8 shows He will guide us.

   • Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.”

3. Run Away from Sin - sin separates us from the Shepherd.

   • Isaiah 59:2 — “Your iniquities have separated you from your God.”

4. Have Faith in God - Job held on to faith until the end

   • Job 13:15 — “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

   • Reading and meditating on Scripture strengthens our faith (Romans 10:17).

5. Be Prayerful - we cannot overcome by ourselves; prayer connects us to God’s help

   • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 — “Pray without ceasing.”

   • Prayer connects us to God’s help in times of fear.

6. Read and Believe the Word - let Scripture guide your thoughts.

   • Joshua 1:8 — “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth… then you will make your way prosperous.”

7. Praise God in All Things - like Paul and Silas, praise brings breakthrough even in trials.

   • Acts 16:25–26 — Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns, and God opened prison doors.

5. Encouragement

• God does not want us to live in anxiety and fear.

• He knows the beginning and the end; our role is to keep faith in Him.

• Philippians 4:4–7 — “Rejoice in the Lord always… be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

• Philippians 4:8 — calls us to focus on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.

6. Conclusion

• Christ is our Shepherd, always available to take away our fears and anxieties.

• Let us love Him, trust Him, and focus only on Him.

• Remember: Christ is the only Friend who can truly remove fear and anxiety from our lives.

Happy Sunday

FROM FORSAKEN TO FAVOURED BY PROPHETESS M. BALOGUN

 Text: Isaiah 54:1–8; Romans 8:1-8,14

Introduction

Our anchor text today is Isaiah 54:1-8, where God speaks to a people who felt forgotten, abandoned, and hopeless. Yet, instead of mourning, God commands them:

“Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear...” (Isaiah 54:1)

This is a powerful message. God is speaking to someone today who feels forsaken, disappointed, rejected, or forgotten. The Lord says, "Sing!" because your season is about to change.

Being forsaken is not always the end of the story. Often, it is the pathway God uses to bring His children into a greater manifestation of His favour and purpose.

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1. There Are Two Ways a Person Can Be Forsaken

A. Forsaken Because of Sin

Sometimes people experience spiritual dryness and distance from God because of sin and disobedience. Sin separates us from fellowship with God and hinders us from enjoying His grace and mercy.

We must understand that we cannot continue in sin and expect to fully enjoy God's favour.

B. Forsaken for Divine Repositioning

At other times, God allows His children to pass through seasons that seem lonely and difficult so that He can reposition them for greater glory.

Example: Joseph

Joseph never saw the pit, slavery, or prison in his dreams. Yet these difficult seasons were necessary steps toward the palace. What looked like abandonment was actually divine preparation.

At the appointed time, God reversed Joseph's situation and elevated him to a position that only God could have given him.

Example: Daniel

Daniel also experienced a season of testing and opposition. He refused to compromise his faith despite pressure from the culture around him.

Because he remained faithful, God honoured him and brought him into favour before kings and rulers.

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2. Stay with God Through Your Trying Season

There are moments when God may seem silent and distant. It may appear as though He has forgotten you. However, God's silence does not mean God's absence.

Joseph stayed faithful. Daniel stayed faithful.

Their stories remind us that if we remain in God and trust Him to the end, He will bring us into the season He has ordained for us.

Question: What season are you in today?

If you feel forsaken, hear the word of the Lord: your season of favour is now.

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3. Break Forth into Singing

Isaiah 54 continues by saying:

“Break forth into singing...”

This instruction is specifically for believers.

God is saying:

• Do not allow your present condition to define your future.
• Praise God before the breakthrough.
• Worship God before the manifestation.
• Rejoice because His promises never fail.

Faith sings before it sees.

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4. Enlarge the Place of Your Tent

Isaiah 54:2 says:

“Enlarge the place of thy tent...”

God is announcing increase.

This is a call to:

• Prepare for expansion.
• Prepare for new opportunities.
• Prepare for greater influence.
• Prepare for divine favour.

When God is ready to bless, He first asks His people to make room for the blessing.

God is saying to someone: "I am enlarging your coast."

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5. The Promise of Everlasting Kindness

Isaiah 54:8 declares:

“With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.”

Human kindness may fail. Human favour may expire.

But God's kindness is everlasting. His mercy endures forever. Even when He allows a moment of correction or testing, His ultimate plan is restoration and favour.

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6. Walk by the Spirit

In Romans 8:14, Paul says:

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

A child of God must be led by the Spirit.

It is important to recognize that many of the challenges people face today are consequences of their own actions and decisions. Therefore:

• We must seek God's guidance.
• We must walk in obedience.
• We must resist temptation.
• We must live holy lives.

You cannot continue in sin and expect to fully enjoy God's grace and mercy. The favour of God rests upon those who surrender their lives to Him and follow His leading.

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Conclusion

The God who spoke to the barren woman in Isaiah 54 is still speaking today.

If you feel forsaken, remember:

• Joseph was forsaken but became favoured.
• Daniel was forsaken but became favoured.
• Your trial is not your destination.
• Your delay is not your denial.

God says:

• Sing.
• Break forth into singing.
• Enlarge your tent.
• Expect His mercy.

What appears to be a season of abandonment may actually be a season of divine preparation.

From forsaken to favoured, God is bringing His people into a new season of mercy, enlargement, and everlasting kindness.

Prayer: Father, every season of loneliness, disappointment, and seeming abandonment in our lives, let it be transformed into a season of favour. Help us remain faithful and led by Your Spirit. Let Your everlasting kindness and mercy speak for us, and bring us into the place You have prepared for us, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Acknowledging the Ultimate Source of Everything By Pastor G.E Oladejo

 Introduction

I welcome everyone to this first Sunday in July. We thank God for His faithfulness and mercy that have kept us alive to witness another month. As we enter the second half of the year, let us strive to know the Word of God more deeply so that we may understand and live according to His will.

Our focus today is "Acknowledging the Ultimate Source of Everything." As believers, we must recognize and continually acknowledge that God is the source of all things.

Colossians 1:16 declares:

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth..."

Everything we have and everything we are comes from God. He created all things for His glory, and He desires that we acknowledge, honor, and praise Him as the source of every blessing.

Romans 11:36 says:

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen."

Therefore, in our prayers, our work, our possessions, and our achievements, we must never forget that God is the ultimate source.

How Can We Acknowledge God as the Source of Everything?

1. Through Daily Devotion

Joshua 1:8

We acknowledge God by spending time with Him daily through prayer, Bible study, and worship. As we meditate on His Word, we gain understanding of His will and direction for our lives.

Do not compare yourself with others. God created you uniquely and wonderfully. Psalm 139:14 "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Faith grows through God's Word. Romans 10:17, 2 Timothy 3:16

Be careful of false teachings, especially those spread through social media. Let the Word of God be your standard.

2. Through Giving

Malachi 3:10

One way we acknowledge God as our source is through faithful giving, including our tithes and offerings. The blessings of God go beyond money—they include good health, protection, favor, peace, and divine provision.

We should also be committed to helping others through acts of kindness and charity. Psalm 41:1, Proverbs 28:27

A generous heart reflects gratitude to God.

3. Through Service Galatians 5:13, Philippians 2:3–4

Every gift, talent, skill, and ability we possess comes from God. If God has given you knowledge, wisdom, strength, or resources, use them to serve Him and bless others.

Do not live only for yourself. God gives us gifts not only for our benefit but also for the edification and growth of others.

Your talents are meant to glorify God and impact lives.

4. By Appreciating God's Creation Psalm 8:1

The beauty of creation reveals the greatness and glory of God. When we see the wonders around us—the heavens, the earth, nature, and life itself—we should be reminded of God's majesty and power.

Everything around us points to the greatness of our Creator.

5. By Acknowledging God's Glory in Our Lives. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Good health, food, clothing, shelter, family, and every good gift are manifestations of God's glory and goodness in our lives.

The Apostle Paul instructs us: "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

When we recognize God's hand in our daily blessings, we honor Him as the source of all good things.

6. By Acknowledging the Power of Christ in Our Lives. Galatians 2:20

Jesus Christ has redeemed us and given us new life. Through His death and resurrection, we have forgiveness, salvation, and victory.

We must continually acknowledge His power working within us and live in complete dependence upon Him.

7. By Showing Gratitude at All Times 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Gratitude is a powerful way of acknowledging God as the source of all things. A thankful heart recognizes that every blessing comes from Him.

Whether in times of abundance or challenges, we should continually give thanks to God.

Conclusion

Everything we have comes from God. Our lives, talents, resources, achievements, and blessings are all gifts from His gracious hand. Therefore, let us continually acknowledge Him through our devotion, giving, service, gratitude, and obedience.

May we never take God's blessings for granted, but always remember that:

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being the source of all things. Forgive us for the times we have taken Your blessings for granted. Help us to acknowledge You in all our ways, to honor You with our lives, our resources, and our service. Grant us grateful hearts that continually recognize Your goodness and faithfulness. Let Your Word guide us as we journey through the rest of this year. May everything we do bring glory to Your name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.