By Dr. David O. Oyedepo
Serving
God is a most profitable endeavour. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their
days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures (Job 36:11). Our rating in the kingdom
is a function of the quality of our stewardship.
As we already know, in this month of
July, we are dwelling on the pillar of Success, which is one of the twelve pillars
of this Commission. In this edition, we will be exploring the topic: “Engaging the Miracle Power
of Kingdom Stewardship!”
And whosoever of you will be the
chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the
Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his
life a ransom for many (Mark
10:44-45).
If you
obey and serve God, you won’t have to struggle through life. You will command breakthroughs
in all spheres of life. My life is a clear interpretation of the breakthroughs
that attend to those who care to serve God.
It is
therefore of utmost importance to understand what kingdom stewardship is all
about and what makes your stewardship acceptable. In God’s kingdom, only certified
servants become great leaders. That means, the greatest in the
kingdom are the greatest stewards (Luke 22:26-27).
What
is Kingdom Stewardship?
It is
a practical commitment to all forms of kingdom promotion endeavours. It means
being practically committed to the things of God.
It is
an engagement of your spirit, soul and body. It also means being overly excited
about the advancement of the kingdom and investing in it to prove your
commitment. That is what kingdom stewardship is all about. It is
not theoretical; it is not about saying it because others are saying it, no! It
is about being actively involved. In all
labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury
(Proverbs 14:23).
We
can look at stewardship from three perspectives:
v Spiritual Stewardship: It
is engaging in soul-winning and kingdom promotion prayers. You can raise a
prayer altar for the church in your home; when you do that, you are investing
spiritually in advancing the kingdom of God. Every spiritual investment is
recorded for returns (Hebrews 6:10).
v Physical Stewardship: This
involves taking practical steps to ensure things go well in the church. Your
little strength is being engaged in doing one thing or another in the church
and for the church.
What
do you get from physical stewardship? Your strength is renewed because you are investing your little
strength in God’s kingdom, so He multiples it back to you.
v Material and Financial Stewardship: Financial
stewardship involves putting in your finances in the building of churches as
God empowers you. You can purchase vehicles, chairs, musical equipments,
generators, decoration material and minister to the needs of others as you are
given the opportunity.
WE SERVE A “REWARDER” GOD
Recognise that stewardship is a choice, not a
gift. Every form of stewardship is highly “rewardable.” God is a “rewarder” of
them who diligently seek Him in whatever area they are involved.
...for he that cometh to God must believe that he
is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
You
don’t ever lose anything by serving God; you are investing into your destiny.
Nobody may see your seed in the ground, but when the fruit comes up, everybody
will see it.
God
has said that each one will receive his own rewards according to his own
labour. So, God is assessing your impute to determine your returns.
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man
shall receive his own reward according to his own labour (1
Corinthians 3:8).
As
long as you are engaged in kingdom stewardship, in truth and in deed, God has
vowed that your war will cease. There are many people who are not fighting any
wars; they are living as “more than conquerors.” This is because they have won
their wars by Kingdom service.
Also
note that God does not delay His rewards; He comes on time. And,
behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according
as his work shall be (Revelations
22:12). God does not use people, He raises them. He
is not looking for whom to use, but whom to bless. So, your investment entitles
you to automatic returns.
Examples
of Supernatural Breakthroughs through Stewardship
Job
Job was a businessman and God called him His servant. Job emerged the greatest
of all men in his time. Even when he was challenged, he never disconnected.
Hence, he was colourfully restored and His star rose.
Daniel
Daniel
was a die-hard servant of God. He was
unruffled, standing strong for God and turning many to Righteousness.
Paul
Paul was the chief of the Apostles. He was shining
forth as a star from the platform of stewardship. He
was under an oath to serve and he served to the outermost. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for
necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
(1 Corinthians 9:16).
What makes your Stewardship Acceptable to God?
Until
stewardship is acceptable, it is not “rewardable”. So, it is important to know
what makes your stewardship acceptable.
v Serve God Righteously: Serve
God with godliness. That is what makes service acceptable; not playing games. Therefore
we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may
serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28).
v Serve God Cheerfully: Whatever you don’t do joyfully cannot be
fruitful, because God loves a cheerful giver (Joel 1:11-12).
v Serve God willingly:
Stewardship without willingness is not acceptable. For if I do this thing willingly, I
have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is
committed unto me (1
Corinthians 9:17).
v Serve God Tirelessly:
Every reward answers at the end. If you give up
before your reward comes, you won’t get it. And let us not
be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians
6:9).
v Serve God Fearfully: All
of your investments must be from this platform. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding
have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever (Psalm 111:10).
v Serve God Diligently: Be
productive, don’t just be present. Seest thou a man diligent in his
business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men( Proverbs 22:29).
v Serve God Alone: Serving God will only be profitable when you
don’t add any other thing alongside your service to God. Because of the
pressures of life, a lot of believers seem to get distracted. ...thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him
only shalt thou serve (Luke 4:8).
The Power Of Stewardship
Kingdom Stewardship is very powerful and
it will take you to anywhere in life. If
they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their
years in pleasures (Job 36:11).
You
cannot serve God without knowing, and you cannot serve God without people
around you knowing. You cannot be a successful steward until you make yourself
of no reputation. You cannot be a successful servant except you remain small in
your own eyes. You must take upon yourself the form of a servant; that is how
leaders are made in the kingdom.
Nobody
ever outgrows stewardship. There is always something you can do to keep winning
the heart of God and changing levels continually. So, whether you are in
ministry, industry, politics or business, stewardship is the covenant platform
for supernatural breakthroughs! Grace to serve God continually and acceptably, receive it
today!
Prophetic
Blessings!
·
I
declare you, your family and all your endeavours blessed!
·
God
has ordained your early rising, and you must rise!
·
Your
struggles must end by today’s encounter!
·
This
day marks the end of all struggles in your life!
·
There
will be no more assaults in your family!
·
Every
arrow of the wicked targeting you, returns back to sender!
·
You
will not rupture your destiny through bribery and corruption!
·
Within
the next two weeks, your labour for this year must find rewards!
·
Before
they finish mocking you, you will be found on top of the world!
·
May
you never grow weary in stewardship!
·
You
will see your children’s children to their fourth generation!
·
You
will see your children reigning while you are still alive!
·
Feebleness
is rooted out of your life!
·
Cancer
is rooted out of your life!
·
From
now, you will begin to operate on Jesus’ frequency!
·
Although
nothing may seem to have worked hitherto, this month is taking you to your high
places!
·
Whatever
barrier is standing on your way, they are brought down today!
·
From today, no more molestation!
·
Receive grace for tireless engagement today!
·
The nature of a servant which makes a leader becomes your
portion!
·
From today, you will not be looking for who will serve you;
you will be looking for whom to serve!
·
By this encounter today, supernaturally, your star rises this
month!
TESTIMONIES
From
Puff-puff Seller to ICT Staff!
“I joined this Commission in March,
2013. Before I joined this great church, I was a roadside puff-puff seller.
I came into this church with so many
problems. As I began to connect with the grace of God upon this Commission, I
discovered that where I worshiped before was not my place; so, I settled
here.
There was a Government policy that
stated that we had to leave the area where we were selling. Due to that, I had
to stop my puff-puff business.
On the 3rd of July 2013, I
was employed in a company to which I did not submit my curriculum vitae (CV) or employment letter! In just three
months of joining this Commission, God has changed my story majestically!” --- Ede C, J.
Double
Portion & Next Levels Indeed!
“The Bishop preached about the
mystery of The Midst of the Year so powerfully. I believed it and was
so excited about it that I preached about it twice.
Also, I engaged in the ingathering
season of the soul-winning project.
Two weeks ago, I was told that there
were some landed properties that were to be sold at very ridiculous prices.
At first, I wanted to purchase one or
two, but later, I became sensitive in the spirit and opted for six. At the end
of the day, I was offered 12 landed properties.
I want to give glory to the God of
this Commission who has confirmed the Double
Portion and Next Levels agenda in
my life!”---Adeneye E.
Divine
Healing!
“I came to this church three weeks
ago, limping and in excruciating pain. It all started five months ago when I
started limping. I never knew what caused it. People thought I had an accident,
but that never happened.
I went to the hospital and an X-ray was
carried out. Based on the results, the doctors told me there was nothing wrong
with my bone because they didn’t detect anything. But I knew there was
something wrong because of the agony I was passing through.
A sister in this church gave me a
book titled, Rescued from Destruction,
authored by Pastor (Mrs.) Faith Oyedepo.
When I got to Chapter 11 of the book,
where prayer points were written, I used it as my prayer guideline and started
praying. I could not leave the house for two months; the pain was so intense
that I just stayed at home, crying.
Three weeks ago, I came to this
church and heard a message preached by the Bishop, titled, Understanding the Miracle Power of Impartation.
From that service, I got a mantle.
When I got home, I tied the mantle on my leg and slept with it till the next
morning. After three days, I was able to go out. Right now, I can stand comfortably
and I don’t limp anymore. I give God all
the glory!”---Adejo A.
Delivered
from Strange Affliction!
“I was afflicted on both legs; my
legs got swollen and began deteriorating, until they eventually became numb.
Several tests were conducted, but the cause could not be determined.
Bishop gave the divine instruction
that I should leave the country for further examinations and treatment. He also
prayed for me saying, ‘God prove that you sent me to this your son.’
When I travelled for the
examinations, the consultants argued among themselves about ever seeing such a
case before; so, they were not sure what treatment to administer. Only one of
them decided to attend to me.
The situation looked hopeless, but, I
kept remembering the Word of God to me through His servant, ‘God prove that you
sent me to this your son.’
I came back from that trip with my
testimony. God has made me whole. I can wear shoes now. God has delivered me
from that strange affliction. I give Him all the glory! ---Peter O.
Supernatural
Turnaround!
“I was born into a Muslim family. On
January 1, 2002, while I was observing my morning prayers as a Muslim, the Lord
spoke to me, ‘You have a message in my house’, God showed me this beautiful
edifice— Faith tabernacle. He also showed me the buses painted with an
immaculate white colour, with the inscription in red, ‘Canaan Land’. After that
encounter, a voice within me said, ‘What will a Muslim like you do in the
church?’
I struggled with that message, but I
eventually came to this church. When I got here, the Bishop said, ‘You heard
God the same way you are hearing me now and God brought you here to change your
story.’ Ever since, my life has changed.
Three months after I joined this
church, I was promoted to my next rank after 11 years of stagnation. I also met
my wife the next month.
In 2012, the Bishop said, ‘I will be
here to celebrate your rising.’ That word hit me to the extent that I had to
pay my Shiloh sacrifice before the date I had earlier planned to.
A week later, God duplicated my
fellowship and granted me favour to travel out of the country in November 23,
2012. While I was going, I went with all the mysteries that the Bishop has
delivered to us. I also took the sand of this land. To the glory of God, I
became the plateau commander 1!
After missing an ordination as a
pastor in this church because of my work, God restored me and made me an
international minister. Also, God made me the associate pastor to the senior
pastor of a church and made me a member of the church council in that church.
Furthermore, before I returned to
Nigeria, after the completion of my peace-keeping assignment, I was awarded
various certificates: one from the United Nations, another from the contingent
I went to, yet another from a course I attended and the last one as a pastor. I
also returned with a medal for peace service.
I thank the Lord for fulfilling His
Word and the word of His servant, Bishop David Oyedepo, in my life! ---Paul U, O.
Divine
Healing!
“On March 31st, I noticed
that I was feeling tired and I started sleeping heavily, to the point that any
time anyone knocked at my door, I wouldn’t know. My room-mates started
complaining. It started getting out of hand. Everywhere I found myself, I felt
like sleeping.
A doctor told me it was either I had
mental stress or the food I was eating was not compatible with my system; so, I
had to cut down on meals.
Also, three years ago, I started
having pains in my stomach. It usually occurred once a week. I saw a doctor who
told me it might be ovulation pain and advised me to do a scan. But, I refused.
During the 21 days of Covenant Medication,
whereby we took the anointing oil for 21 days, God visited me!
I took the anointing oil the first
night and the next day, I noticed I was strong and I did not feel sleepy during
the day. Since that day, my body returned back to normal and I didn’t have
stomach pains anymore.
For three years, I suffered menstrual
pain and backache during my period. During the Covenant Day of Restoration, I
told God to deliver me from menstrual pain. That same day, I had my period
without pain or backache. I give God all the glory!” ---Abosede M, L.
Deliverance
from Cultism and Divine Healing!
“I was formerly a cultist; a very bad
one at that. When I came to Lagos after my NYSC, a brother ministered to me and
I came to this church and gave my life to Christ.
Before I graduated from the higher
institution, I suffered from a disease: my eyes, hands, legs and every other
part of my body would swell on their own.
During the Feet Washing, I said to
God, ‘If you are the God I have given my life to and you are my Lord and
personal Saviour, and if truly You are the one I engaged in soul-winning for, prove yourself
to me.’
During the prayers, the Bishop said,
‘Pray yourself out!’ I prayed with all my might and told God that I would never
return the same.
After the prayer, I discovered that
my trouser was shaking, I felt so uncomfortable, I didn’t understand what was
happening.
After the feet-washing, I noticed
that my swollen body had immediately started reducing.
I thank God for divine healing!” ---Victor C.
Delivered
From Accident!
“Some weeks ago, I was called for an
examination, which I earlier registered for. Before I left home for the
examination, I picked up my mantle and tied it on my neck.
On my way to the park, I prayed that
God would grant me divine favour. Before we got to Lokoja, we were attacked by
robbers. They shot at us, but I thank God the bullet did not hit our car.
I went for the examination and God
granted me success. On my way back, my mother asked me stop at Abuja to see my
elder sister.
On the way to Abuja, the driver of
the vehicle I boarded stopped at a filling station to refuel. The driver
delayed us in that filling station, attending to personal things.
I thank God because that delay worked
together for our good, because when we eventually left, we saw a terrible
accident that had just occurred, which might have affected us had we been on
that road five minutes earlier.
I give all the glory to the God of
this Commission!” ---Ken B.
Healed of
Asthma and Cough!
“I joined this Commission on April 29,
2012, at the Ile Ife parish in Osun State.
According to my mother and a doctor,
I had severe cough and asthma while growing up. I was given a local drug to
treat it, called ‘imaku’: which means, don’t die.
Last year, after I joined this
Commission at Ife, I returned to Lagos in June. During one of the services, the
Bishop said, ‘If you stay connected here for three months and nothing happens
to you, walk away.’
I thought within me, ‘Why would
somebody say something like this?’ So, I rededicated my life to Christ and
decided I would not miss any Communion service, prayer meeting, Winner’s Satellite Fellowship (WSF) or
any other programme. I was determined to
stay committed.
To the Glory of God, by the end of
June, 2012, the asthma and couch had disappeared forever!
Also, I read the book, The Miracle
Meal, authored by Bishop David Oyedepo. I was able to take delivery of my
divine health in that book. Since I read that book, I have never needed to take
paracetamol or a panadol.
By July 29, 2013, it would be 15
months since I have stayed on, committed. The God of this Commission is indeed
faithful. I give God all the glory!”
---Okubulie
A.
1st
Class Degree & Deliverance from Accident!
“I got admitted into Covenant
University (CU) to study Economics and I believed God that He would enable me
graduate with a first class degree. In my 3rd and 4th
year at CU, I had challenges in maintaining my cumulative grade point average
(CGPA).
I thank God that against all odds, I
graduated with a 1st class degree.
For my National Youth Service Corps
(NYSC), I really wanted to serve in Lagos; I prayed that I would be posted to a
multinational company in Lagos. God did it and I was posted to Lagos to work in
a multinational company!
During my service year, I had an
accident on an expressway— I fell from a motor-bike. I thank God for saving me
because someone I knew died on that same spot the accident occurred.
I also thank God that after my NYSC,
I got job offers and I am now left to choose which company I would want to work
for. Thank God because I know He is taking me to a greater place.” ---Hawa A.
Rescued from
Death!
“I have a non-governmental
organisation (NGO); I ran an empowerment programme in the East some time back.
On my way back from the East, I got
into an argument with the driver of the vehicle I boarded. He was chanting all
kinds of incantations. I told him to stop, and he accused me of being afraid. I
said to him, ‘I’m a rugged Winner. Have you heard of Winners’ Chapel? Do you
know the God of Bishop David Oyedepo?’ I was mad in the spirit.
I told him if he didn’t give his life to
Christ, he would be crushed; and if he wanted to die, I would not die with him.
When we got to Ijebu Ode, at about
03.00 p.m., the vehicle’s brake failed, with a long vehicle coming behind us. I
was shouting, ‘The God of my father, Bishop Oyedepo, the spirit of just men
made perfect!’ After that, it was as though God took us on eagle’s wings.
To the glory of God, everyone in the
vehicle survived the accident, although many were wounded. When we came out of
the bus, the passengers started giving their lives to Christ. They said they
wanted to know the God I served. To God be all the glory!
I also thank God for the privilege to
be alive—today is my birthday! ”
--- Amaka O.
Change of
Levels!
“For almost five years after I
graduated from school, I believed God for a job, but it wasn’t forth coming. I
schooled abroad and I got my masters degree from a very prestigious school in
Lagos.
In 2011, after my family and I
returned to this Commission, the Bishop said in one of the services that nobody
who sought God for three days would return without an encounter; those words
really hit me.
That week, I locked myself up and
fasted and prayed for three days. I said, ‘God show yourself.’ On the third
day, the Holy Spirit moved me to make a demo card with a piece of paper, which
I did. I had earlier mentioned the particular company that I wanted to work
with to God in prayer.
In less than a week after my time out
with God, I got a phone call from the same company. Without any application, I
was called and God perfected everything about the job in Shiloh 2011; thereafter,
I resumed.
During this year of Double Portion, I believed God for a
change of Level, despite the fact that in that company, I got the award for Best
Staff of the Year 2012. I was doing well, but I still believed that if God said
it’s possible for me to still change levels, why not?
Last week Sunday, the Bishop repeated
the three-day covenant and I decided to dive into it again.
Shortly after, I was called by
another company for an interview. To the Glory of God, I got a job offer with a
salary three times more than what I currently earn in my present job!
I also thank God for adding another year to my
life today!”---Eniola O.
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