TD – Page 3 – TREM Marks Gate

God’s Rest by Deaconess Yemi Adesanya

Deaconess Yemi Adesanya of TREM Dagenham preaches a challenging message for today’s restless generation.

Rest by Pastor Abiodun Adesanya

This is a message preached by Pastor Abiodun Adesanya at TREM Dagenham where he addresses the issue of Rest. In this inspiring message, he talks about Rest being characterized by Restoration, inclusive of Positional Restoration, Financial Restoration, and the restoration of Authority amongst other things.

This is Your Season of Liberty by Pastor Abiodun Adesanya

This is a message preached by Pastor Abiodun Adesanya at TREM Dagenham where he addresses spiritual blockades and obstacles and declares ‘enough is enough’. In an anointed delivery, he declares boldly that this is the Season of Liberty. Note: This is an impromptu amateur video shot on impulse and so excuse the footage and key in to the message.

Be Sober, Be Vigilant by Deacon Abiodun Adebisi

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Watch the Labels
Whenever we go shopping and I keep off the ‘Rebel’ brand, even my wife gives me that look that says it all, ‘Darling, aren’t you being unduly sentimental about these things?’ Nice products, no doubt, but I would not be adorned in a ‘Rebel’ outfit. The same goes for the ‘Criminal’ and ‘Animal’ labels. All very beautiful products…but there’s something about their names. The inscription (perhaps I’m “old school”) projects not just the product but also the person using it, and I would not like to be seen as a rebel, a criminal or an animal!

And I have seen more worrisome inscriptions on the streets of London. I’ve seen ‘Disturbed’, ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and ‘Kiss the Boys and Make Them Cry’ on some T-shirts and ‘Dirty Pig’ on some jumpers. My take is, if the inscription didn’t align with your thinking, you wouldn’t even buy the product, talk less adorn it with pride. What the scripture tells me is, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7).

For Christ’s sake, it’s a free world, and people are free to wear what they like! I agree. Just as they’re free to be identified as sons and daughters of God or as ‘sons of Belial’ and ‘daughters of Jezebel’ but all our choices have consequences – even our choice of food and drinks!

Perhaps we should also look at the names of some drinks. There’s a drink called ‘Hooligans’ and another called ‘Monster’. Perfectly legitimate. Freedom. Yes, people are free to identify with and be identified as hooligans and monsters, but not me.

William Shakespeare says in Romeo and Juliet: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Not so with our God. Otherwise, Jesus Christ would not have been given a name that is above every other name; it’s the name at which every knee must bow (Philippians 2:9-11). The scripture says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Jacob had his name changed to Israel (Genesis 35:10). Similarly Abram had a name change and became Abraham (Genesis 17:5). Even now, anyone named Esubiyi (‘a child of the devil’) would like a name change to Oluwabiyi (‘a child of God’) – if they believe in God, that is. So there’s much in a name – from God’s perspective and from the perspective of those of us called by his name. (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Mind your Language
Why make so much fuss about such an “innocuous” thing as a product name? If that’s how you see it, wait until you see how language is adapting to sin so much so that it is obliterating it. Very soon, the word “sin” will no longer be found in the dictionary, or at best it would be classified as “archaic”. Adultery is fast becoming an outdated word. These days, the “cool” terms are “affair” and “fling”. Do you hear the word “promiscuity” any more? All you hear these days is “one night stand”. A prostitute is now dignified with the title “call girl”, “scarlet woman”, “escort”, “working girl” or “business girl”.

And because it is now conventional for “partners” to move in and cohabit, you hardly hear the word “fornication” any more. Although God says, “flee fornication”, people do just the opposite as they tend to run towards it as if it is magnetic. Little wonder the scripture says, “…the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7).

When last did you hear the word “stealing” used? These days, people “nick”; they don’t steal. So much for the “observance” of the commandment, “Thou shalt not steal!” (Exodus 20:15). Isn’t sin now being glorified? One of the strategies of the devil is to present sin as fun. Beloved, it is not. That’s why the scripture warns us not to be ignorant of the devil’s devices (2Corinthians 2:11).

“Sodomy” and “homosexuality” are fast disappearing from the vocabulary because they are considered stigmatising, in line with global “best practices” or political correctness! The “cool” term now is “sexual orientation” as if being “straight” and being “gay” are two sides of the same coin. Anyone who says homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God is straightaway branded homophobic. Not that homosexuals are keen on the kingdom though. But believers have a duty to let them know that God loves them and wants them to repent and make heaven.

Be sober, be vigilant
The devil is very crafty. He tries to control state apparatus by exploiting people’s obsession with greed and power to install them in strategic positions to do his bidding. Often he goes about it surreptitiously; but sometimes he does it brazenly. The “harmless” brand names, the use of chip and pin, regional currencies, the gradual progression toward a world currency and the drumbeats of a new world order are examples of the surreptitious. With globalisation, it is possible to wreck the economy of “recalcitrant countries” and get them to tow the line. The world is truly under the ubiquitous eye of Big Brother as portrayed in George Orwell’s futuristic novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four.

The legalisation of homosexuality and demonisation of the people on the Lord’s side who oppose the practice is a brazen act. That’s why homosexuality is spreading worldwide like wildfire and the saints are being persecuted. The few countries which say No to the practice may be strangulated economically, financially or even militarily. Homosexuality may well become a state religion, but does that make it right? The state may rewrite the bible to expunge the “offensive” doctrines or ban it outright, but does that make the word of God in Matthew 24:35 that “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” of no effect or invalidate Revelation 22:18-19?

I remember coming across a Facebook post to the effect that slavery, the holocaust and segregation were all legal, so the state should not be used as a metric for ethics. How so true! Let’s remember, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1Corinthians 6:12).

Truly, the end time is here. It’s as if the devil is on the rampage, not sparing the church of God. There is aggressive recruitment of famous and beautiful celebrities, including ex-gospel singers, to sell their souls to the devil in order to lure youths into darkness (2 Corinthians 11:13-14; Matthew 24:24). The devil’s ministers have also infiltrated the house of God, parading themselves as agents of light, teaching heresy which is swallowed hook, line and sinker by the gullible as these ministers play on their ignorance. However, ignorance is no defence before God because He has made the truth available unto us that we may not perish (Hosea 4:6; John 8:32).

Believers are required to be vigilant. The scripture says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1Peter 5:8). This write-up has attempted to highlight some of his devices so that we will not be caught napping. We should always read between the lines and be sensitive in the spirit. We must present our bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1), avoid “corrupt communication” and speak only that which edifies (Ephesians 4:29).

One thing we must know. The devil is not likely to appear with a husky voice wearing a mascara face with horns on his head any more. He now wears Prada. He is eloquent and soft-spoken and can easily sway crowds to his side. But his mission remains the same: “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). That’s why we need to put on the whole armour of God as highlighted in Ephesians 6:10-18. In spite of all that is going on all around us, we have responsibility to shine and beam the light of God to a dark world so that the world may see our good works and glorify Our Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15).

The “roaring lion” may be on the prowl, but the Lion of the tribe of Judah is more than able to keep the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3; John 10:27-30). We shall not fall prey in Jesus’ name.

Deacon Abiodun Adebisi
Deacon Abiodun Adebisi, a National Officer with The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) writes from the United Kingdom.

Secret Formula For Solving Problems

“Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward” – Job 5:7

Problems are natural, they are part of the package that becomes available to us as human beings from birth! Trouble is a birth package! One of the most important things you will need to learn if you want to make progress in life is how to solve problems. Problems are the exams of life, no tests, no triumphs, no examinations no promotions!

This is why you need to truly understand the content of this article. If you can master how to solve problems, you have mastered 50% of all you need to learn to get your life where you want it to be.

Let me warm you into this with a story – Once upon a time, a father tried so hard to read for his exams, but he was constantly distracted by his 5 year old son. The little boy had not had enough of his dad’s time and he was demanding for it. Asking him questions, enquiring about what he was reading, doing all it takes to be there.

The father, not wanting to destroy his son’s hope and enthusiasm decided to give him some work to do. He reached out for a magazine, found a page with the picture of the world, tore it up in pieces and gave it to the excited young boy to put together again. In his mind, if the he could get his son working on a problem that tough, he would get up to an hour to read, and the boy out of boredom would fall asleep. To his utter shock and amazement, the boy was back with the world completely and correctly re-arranged, in less than 4 minutes! How he did it, is how you will solve every problem you have as well!

The father quizzed you little boy, “How on earth did you get that done so fast?” The boy smiled at his father, and revealed the secret. He explained to this dad that he saw that at the back of the world map were fragments of the face of a man, and that by putting the man’s face back together, the world came back together. The boy by re-arranging the man, he re-arranged the world.

What are the lessons this 5 year old boy can teach us?

1. How you see the Problem is the Problem! Now that statement may sound simple to you, it’s not! I say this with all sense of emphasis that whatever problem you face is really a problem because of the way you see it! All problems are perceived as they are, based on the lens through which we analyse them. The boy saw a human face which he could arrange; the father saw a world map which the son could never arrange. You need to change how you see your problems, look through the lens of universal eternal principles, and your position will be authentic.

2. Don’t look for the world, look for the man! Your problem is not anybody else, your problem is you! Our problems with ourselves manifest in relating with others, but the root problems are with us! To fix the world, fix you! By focusing on our circle of influence, we expand our influence. Trust me, the problem is not how you see it, the problem is also not the other person, if you change, your energy will change, if your energy changes, the world and people around you will change!

By Charles Ezeh

Steps To A Successful Business

Having interacted with many business moguls and professionals, both personally and business-wise, I realised one key trend in business failure. It is due to the fact that some of us don’t know how to maintain CONSISTENCY.
As I was studying my bible, I got a solution to that error from Genesis 1:26 and that is what I’m sharing today.

1. Be Fruitful
God was not just referring to making babies here but to be productive. Develop a product that is unique, you don’t have to re-invent the wheel. Identify what someone has done and try to do it better. In the process of doing that, God will give you a fresh revelation on how to make the product unique.

2. Multiply
Multiply the product you produced over and over again.

3. Replenish
This means to distribute. You will become more successful in your business when you start distributing and networking with others. Days of solo runs are over, ensure you reach out to many.

4. Subdue
Control that part of the market that is yours. Am not talking about market monopoly here, rather master the market trend and offer the best competitive price.

By Charles Ezeh

Financial Lessons And Their Practical Applications

Financial Lessons And Their Practical Applications:

Make more money! This is the first law of financial intelligence. I have done this for 4 years plus.
Spend Less than you earn! This is what makes you have some reserve. You can achieve this by using daily, weekly and monthly budgeting.
Ensure what your savings are safe from you! This is done by having an Escrow account. You can take advantage of investing in a cooperative savings, fixed deposits, mutual funds, treasury bills and not a savings account. Your money should start working for you. I have done this for over 4 years.

A friend once said “I am building my business; it’s always been my dream. There are so many distractions but I am committed to it. It’s my only stream of income, but I have made up my mind to stick to this one thing!”

It is dangerous to have one stream of income! Focus, but diversify. Having a Job and letting your business having you is one and the same. The goal is to have a system that generates passive income.

First step is to be in control of your resources, are you?

By Charles Ezeh

We Forget!

Have you ever tried listening to a successful man before? I don’t know about you, but I have one observation I have made. They always make it sound so simple! Here you are racking your brain and seeing if you can get a formulae for success, you ask this old wiser man, what he did that gave him the great break, and what he tells you sounds so simple, and when you try, it doesn’t look quite as easy. Do you know why?

Now I know why! It’s because we forget! We forget about the nights of toil once the morning breaks with rejoicing, we forget about the pain once the beautiful babies are born, we forget about the struggles once we cross the line and hug our trophies, we forget!

I came to the conclusion that the best time to talk to a successful man is the night before success comes; the best time to talk to a hero is when he/she is still a wannabe. The best time my friend, to listen to me, is NOW! Because I’m still work in progress.

I remember last year, when I went all out to get the fifteen year old tape of a now successful man. Many wondered why in particular I was interested in those years. I didn’t understand it well then, but I had observed that his speeches were more forceful then than now. There was a cry in his voice then that is missing now, the pains have died, and somehow, we all forget.

Three weeks ago, I listened to an industry leader tell us about the story of his success. His opening line was, “I won’t tell you what and what made me succeed, I’ll just tell you my story and hope that you’ll find the nuggets therein”. He wasn’t trying to hoard the information, he simply had forgotten.

I’m on fire now! I’m in the midst of the heat. I hear thunder bolts, see lightening flashes, the night is dark, but the motivation is high. I’m in the nights before final arrival of dawn. Now is the time to hear me out, now is the time when the commitments are being made, now is the time when I’m bargaining hard, now is the time.

Five years down the line, except you have written them down now, you probably would also have forgotten. Let your life be instructive, write things down…start writing your own psalms, we all forget!

Share!

Charles Ezeh

Get Up!

This is not a poem.
Life is tough.
Get up.
When the enemy knocks you off your feet, get some sand in your hands and throw it in his eyes.
Then get up.
If he’s holding you down on the ground somewhere, grab him by the leg and bite him with all your strength.
Then get up.
The enemy doesn’t fight fair; well, neither do you.
Kick him in the groin.
Then get up.
You?
You are never out of the fight, and the fight is never out of you.
Get up.

Negotiate.
No matter the situation; negotiate.
When the landlord says he will throw your property on the street.
Negotiate.
When he throws your property on the street.
Negotiate; with him or with someone else.
When your bills are overdue.
Negotiate and renegotiate.
You can always negotiate.
Never close your mouth in the face of adversity.
When you are going after that contract.
Negotiate, or fight.
You are never out of the fight.
You are never out of the negotiation.
Negotiate or fight.
Then get up.

Life is tough.
Refuse to give up.
When faith seems futile, refuse to give up.
When the word hasnt manifested yet; stubbornly refuse to give up.
When depression tries to become your room mate.
Refuse it.
When life is hard to live.
Refuse to die.
When adversity comes.
Refuse to be intimidated.
When you are refused.
Refuse to be refused.
Refuse, negotiate, or fight.
And then get up.

Get up!!

By Chakadizulu

Why Did You Ruin My Life Mom?

Obinna had recently gotten a job but the salary was meager.

He rented a small but neat apartment and decided to marry Oluchi who had been by his side while he was in the University.

He knew they would have to live on a tight budget but trusted that God would bless the work of his hands and cause him to prosper along the way.

Oluchi had happily taken him home to meet her mother so they could proceed with their wedding plans.

She got a rude shock when her mother blatantly refused Obinna on the grounds that Obinna is a struggling young man.

She had prayed that her daughter would marry a wealthy man with a nice big house, cars etcetera. Oluchi was therefore a disappointment for bringing someone like Obinna home to her.

Many attempts to get her mom to accept Obinna proved abortive. No one could talk to her nor reason with her.

Oluchi’s mom further ensured that she said and did things to separate her daughter and Obinna. Finally, she succeeded as Obinna and Oluchi, with heavy hearts, bade each other farewell.

Tony, Michael, Chibuzor all came one after the other to ask for Oluchi in marriage afterwards.

Her mom equally rejected them, for the same reason. They were not rich enough, therefore, not good enough for her daughter.

By now, Oluchi’s mom had made life difficult for her daughter for bringing “the wrong kind of men” home.

Therefore, for peace sake, Oluchi brings Frank, who fits the description of the wealthy son in law she prayed for home to introduce to her mom as her fiancé.

Oluchi knew that she did not really care for the man and deep down, knew he could not make her happy. However, she was tired of the cold treatments from her mother and had gotten to the point she just wanted to marry and move out of the house.

Dancing for joy, Oluchi’s mom congratulates her daughter and ended the cold shoulder she had been giving her daughter.

After the wedding, Oluchi tolerated her husband, whereas her mom enjoyed all the benefits of being an in law to a wealthy son in law.

After they had a child, things took a nose dive for Frank. He could no longer afford to stay in the nice big house, so they moved to a tiny apartment in a rickety part of town.

All the money and comfort was now gone. They could barely afford to eat. Sometimes, Oluchi had to go to her mom’s to obtain food or some money to fend for her family, especially for her little daughter.

On her way home from her mom’s one day, a car pulled up beside her. It was Obinna, her ex fiancé.

Obinna was shocked to see Oluchi so dishevelled and unkempt looking. He asked her to get in the car, asking directions to her home.

As he dropped her off, he made her confide in him and she narrated the difficulties that had befallen her within five short years.

Clearly, Oluchi had become a bitter and angry woman, filled with pain and regrets.

Obinna on the other hand had become financially comfortable, with a nice big house, nice cars and a happy and contented wife and kid.

Obinna drove off with a promise to return and when he did days afterwards: gave lots of money to Oluchi to start a business.

He brought lots of diapers, food, clothes, toys and drugs for Oluchi and Frank’s baby. He also bought food stuff in bulk for the family and even gave Oluchi money and food stuffs for her to give to her mother.

As Oluchi handed the items to her mom, she asked her mom why she ruined her life, weeping bitterly, a question her mother was too ashamed to answer.

Oluchi is now separated from her husband, raising their child alone, whereas Obinna and the other men she genuinely cared for after him have all moved on happily in matrimony.

Yvonne says: There is no denying the influence of mothers in our lives and the Bible commands us to honour and respect our parents, however, you cannot blame anyone for the outcome of your life. You have to take responsibility for your life: decisions, actions and reactions, even to parental counsel.

Oluchi’s mother’s reason for rejecting Obinna and the other men Oluchi genuinely cared for afterwards is wrong.

While I understand that no parent wants their child or children to experience lack, I frown at parents who push their child or children into matrimony for the sake of financial liberation and the power that comes with it, regardless of whether or not their child or children will be happy in the union.

Please, if you are presently doing that or intend to, Stop it. Remember that wealth can evaporate tomorrow.

As a parent, your concern should be the happiness, peace, well being and longevity of your child’s marital home.

I understand that money is important for all of these factors to fall in place but money is not and will never be a sole determinant of these.

Do not singlehandedly be the source of your child’s marital unfulfillment, frustration and failure.

Instead, pray for the prosperity and wealth of your child and his/her spouse, especially when you can see that he/she is someone going somewhere to happen.

I equally pray that God will help Oluchi (all real names withheld), heal from the pain and bitterness, forgive her mother and restore her marital life.

Her marital life may not be the best choice she made, but she is already in it.

May God’s grace reunite her and her husband and grant her inner peace and affection for her husband, as God’s grace teaches her husband to be the sort of man that she may grow to care deeply for or love someday.

May God also restore her husband’s finances.

I am certain that Oluchi’s mom will no longer interfere in their lives now.

May God help us all in Jesus name, Amen!

Until next time, I love you with the love of God! Shalom!

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