Ministry, Marriage,Money and Mentoring

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* 1st November, 2017. *Take Charge* Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. Luke 9:1 Did you know that you are superior to the devil, his cohorts and circumstances? ' As a believer, you are above the devil and have been given authority over him.  You can take charge and cause a change wherever you find yourself or in any aspect of your life, be it in your finances, career, academics and so on. From our text above you can see that you have the authority to command the devil off your life because Jesus legally gave it to you as much as He gave the disciples. There was never a place in the bible where the devil fought Jesus back, because He had all the authority in heaven and on earth. If the devil has to fight back every time you exercise your authority in Christ, he would not be fighting you but the one who sent you. It is not about you but the powe...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* 31st October, 2017. *Guard Your Heart* Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23. The heart referred to in our opening text is not the one that pumps blood; it talks about the mind. The mind of a man is as powerful as the one who possesses it. The imaginations and thoughts that run through your mind are determining factors of who and what you become.  It is therefore of utmost importance to pay good attention to them. How far you go in life is determined by how far your mind can see. The kinds of words you hear and speak have a huge impact on your mind.  Feed your mind with God’s word only as all you need for life and destiny is in it. Deliberately take charge of what enters your mind. When you surround yourself with the things of God, it becomes impossible for the enemy to find a foothold. As a child of God, the friends you hang out with also affect your heart.  Little...

Hi friend, Thank you for stopping by to read. If you are new here, you are welcome to rounded beauty (you may want to read the previous posts to catch up......and that will help, really). If you have been here before, thank you too. We’re double sure you were blessed by our posts. Now let’s get into today’s business. The last time here, we spoke about God’s intention for marriage. If God has a really great purpose He intended marriage to fulfil, then we’d better learn how to partner with Him to fulfil it. Did you know that every instruction of God to man doesn’t improve Him? The obedience of man doesn’t make God better neither does man’s disobedience make Him worse. He is God. Nothing or no one changes Him. Isn’t it amazing to know that our response to God actually affects us? This knowledge is very important as it helps us align ourselves with God’s will for us. A marriage that will work well and produce the fruit of destiny fulfilment MUST have both partners practise...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* *30th October, 2017* *Mind Spiritual Things* That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:4 The difference between the experiences of a carnal believer and a spiritual one is a function of the mind. The mind of man is to help him make choices based on available information per time. This means that the quality of your mind is proportional to the quality of the information it carries. As a child of God, it is your sole onus and not God’s to determine what stays in your mind .Let your mind be filled with the things of the Spirit by paying attention to the word of God. Paying attention to the things of the flesh makes you rebel against God. (Rebellion is when you choose to walk away from the truth of God’s word that you know). Your life is a reflection of what you pay attention to. Do not allow the wrong things people say or do around you be your focus, rathe...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* *28th October, 2017* *Maximizing The God Kind Of Life* Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12) The life of God is in your spirit, all the realities of salvation has been deposited on your spirit, however you have to consciously make an effort to live from your spirit to enjoy these realities. As a believer, living daily from your spirit is how to lay hold and maximized the God kind of life in you. Your experiences as a believer is dependent on your consciousness of the life you have in you. If you are carnally minded i.e. walking after the flesh instead of the spirit you will experience death even though you have the God kind of life. But when you are spiritually minded you experience life and peace. Focusing on the word of God and filling your mind with the knowledge of what the life of God in you is capa...

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.  Colossians 4 vs 17 Ministry is God working through man; it’s not man working apart from God neither is it God working apart from man. It is very important therefore to know that the strength and character of God seen in a man is not solely the responsibility of God but the responsibility of God and man. To this end, Paul wrote to Archippus a direct instruction which is worthy of note. That instruction is our opening scripture. Looking at the instruction, we need to break it into three: Take heed to the ministry The ministry that you have received in the Lord That you may fulfil it. Ministry doesn’t fulfil itself, it is fulfilled by man. Every man walking the path of the accomplishment of God’s assignment is expected to be responsible and accountable to God for all that He has received from Him. Apostle Paul said to Archippus to get into the assi...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* *28th October, 2017* *Maximizing The God Kind Of Life* Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12) The life of God is in your spirit, all the realities of salvation has been deposited on your spirit, however you have to consciously make an effort to live from your spirit to enjoy these realities. As a believer, living daily from your spirit is how to lay hold and maximized the God kind of life in you. Your experiences as a believer is dependent on your consciousness of the life you have in you. If you are carnally minded i.e. walking after the flesh instead of the spirit you will experience death even though you have the God kind of life. But when you are spiritually minded you experience life and peace. Focusing on the word of God and filling your mind with the knowledge of what the life of God in you is capa...

  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.   2  The same was in the beginning with God.  (John 1 vs 1-2) Whatever begins with God begins with a word from Him. This is a principal key to understanding how God works. Ministry doesn’t begin with a desire from man it all begins with God. Beloved man and woman of God, are you sent by God? The answer to that question is in what the Lord said to you. If what you are doing did not begin with a word from God, then He didn’t send you. You are not on an assignment for God; you are on a personal adventure. Ministry doesn’t begin with offence, yet so many started their God-given assignments because they took offence at someone or something. Also, ministry doesn’t begin with gifts of the Spirit; it begins with the word and in that word are all the gifts you will ever need. Let’s take Jeremiah as an example. ‘ Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, ...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* *27th October, 2017* *Praying in Tongues* _Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.(Romans 8:26-27)_ When you pray in tongues you are praying out the perfect will of God. The bible makes us understand that he that prays in an unknown tongue speaks to God in a coded language, that is, it is a mystery to everyone but God. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 talks about how that we have received the Spirit of God to know the things that are freely given to us of God. By praying in tongues, we enter into the realm of knowledge, this is because we are speaking words given to us by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us in Prayer by giving to u...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* *26th October, 2017* *Mind Your Imagination* For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2nd cor 10:3-5, Our above text says to cast down imaginations and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. This means there are thoughts and imaginations that are against the knowledge of God. They are anti-new life images and thoughts. Here Paul shows the primary tool that the devil uses against believers-thoughts and imaginations and this is because the state of our minds determines the expression of our spirit. Believers are to mind their minds so as to express the realities of the divine life. Ephesians 6:16 says the way to...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* 25th October, 2017. *Faith Answers To All* For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1st John 5: 4 There is an almighty formula to every question of life and every situation that comes your way, It is faith. Faith brings to manifestation our right in Christ and brings out the expression of our realities in Him. According to Ephesians 6:16 we know that we can quench all fiery darts of the wicked with our shield of faith, this tells us that faith answers to ALL things and not just SOME things. Our faith resists the devil and conquers the world. Faith is more than just believing, it is acting on God’s word. Faith begins where the will of God is known; this means you cannot use your faith to get what is not in line with God’s will for you. For instance , you cannot get someone else’s wife by faith, that is covetousness and is not in line with God’s word. ...

Do you want to learn how to start a real estate business ? Do you want to start your own real estate investment company?? Then this post is for you. Real estate is a very lucrative industry but you need to understand its intricacies; so that you won’t have your fingers burnt.  The first step to starting a real estate business is to know where to invest. To do this, you need to consider your own desires and the profitability of the possible investment. Are you going to invest in acquiring raw land, residential or commercial properties? Do Your Research: Before purchasing or investing in properties, research must be done to determine their current and potential profitability including that of their location, weaknesses, and others. It is important to inspect the features of the property and the location in the present but it is also vital to know what can be expected in the future. Write out your business plan and get funding: Write out a business plan for it. Y...

Are you ready to start investing your money? Here are a few things you need to consider before you take that leap. Get out of debt first. You should check where you are financially. It does not make sense to invest money when you have a lot of debt and no savings on hand for emergencies. Clear up your debts and free up more of your cash for investing. Plan for your investment: You should determine what you are planning on doing with the money that you are investing. If you are planning on using it for a house or to pay for your child’s tuition, your investment choices will be different than if you are planning on using it in the next ten years. Choose an investment option that works for you. Do not invest more than you are willing to lose: It may sound obvious, but this is something seen all too often. Do not give up your entire life savings, it is not worth it. Diversify your money so you are spreading out your risk across a variety of investments.  Inve...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* 24th October, 2017. *Your Identity I* So that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old state of things has passed away; a new state of things has come into existence. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Weymouth’s Bible Translation It is surprising that people would go the extra mile to buy new clothes for every occasion, some would even go ahead to borrow in order to fulfill their so called societal obligations because they believe that by doing so they can gain a good identity. Some people would lie about the names of their villages or country,  some would even deny being related to their parents just to keep up with societal class. They exchange who they truly are for who people want them to be.  Beloved, it does not matter who you are before you became saved, your background is never a ground for your prosperity in the kingdom of God. You are qualified for every good thing in life by the finished works of Christ. Child...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* *23rd October, 2017* *Financial Wisdom* There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:20 Everyone desires to be something great in life; some however think it comes by trying to make money at all cost no matter the consequences. This is not so beloved. Yes, it is the will of God that you prosper and in fact God delights in the prosperity of His children. Understanding the interest of God in your prosperity makes you know that He would guide you in terms of your finances. You can receive financial wisdom from God concerning handling what He has committed into your hands.  Saving is one financial wisdom of wealth management and it is scriptural. It might even come as an instruction for you to save more. Joseph operating by the Spirit of God saved 20% of  Egypt’s income, which helped during famine.  Our Opening text clearly shows the difference betwee...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* *22nd October, 2017* *Be Accountable in Spending* And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that Land; and he began to be in want. Luke 15:14 KJV Spending rightly can never be over emphasized; this is because wrong spending has bad consequences. The man in our opening text lacked one vital virtue of spending rightly. This virtue is accountability. Many people do not realize that as children of God, we are first accountable to God for all He has given to us. It is not demeaning or derogatory to be accountable to someone in your life. In fact, it helps you become better. The prodigal son left the confines of accountability and went to a strange land where he can spend without, control, without questioning and the result was penury. It is a blessing to have someone who cares enough to make sure you do not over spend, it is essential you find a trust worthy person, preferably who is better at spending than you are to ...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* *16th October, 2017* *Most Holy Faith* But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Jude 1:20 Our text is talking about a much faster and sure way of strengthening your faith. It talked about ‘most holy faith’. What is the ‘holy faith’?  It is simply the God-kind of faith, one rooted in the revelation of God’s word. The devil flees at the sight of this faith and impossibilities melt. Praying in tongues affects your faith, it strengthens it. As a believer you can build yourself on the God-Kind of faith (holy), and one way to give strength to that faith is by constantly praying in tongues. Praying in tongues shifts your gaze from the magnitude of your problem to the ever magnificent God, because you are talking to God directly in a coded language too deep for human comprehension. This edifies your spirit, soul and body, you become a hot-ball for the devil. This is the secret of li...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* *20th October, 2017* *The Power That Causes A Change* _But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.(Acts 1:8)_ God didn’t send Jesus to come to the world to die for the forgiveness of your sin and then leave you to struggle on your own. No! He didn’t send Him just to secure heaven for you and then leave you to live miserably on earth. Jesus came to make certain a glorious life for you on this earth. The ‘power’ mentioned in our opening text literally means ability to cause a change. That means as a believer when you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, you receive the very ability to cause a change in any situation or circumstance of your life according to the word of God. Is there any situation or challenge staring you in the face such that you desire a change? The...

Have you ever climbed to the top of a ladder only to realize that it was leaning against the wrong building?  Have you ever put your money somewhere or on something and realized you missed it? Believers sometimes miss it when they’re managing their money.  We know better.  We know what we ought to do, but we don’t always do it. This is because we sometimes do things that are detrimental to our finances. The number one road you can take that will lead you to a ditch financially is to make a financial decision without considering God. 'How is this possible?', you might ask.  Well it is far too easy for some to pack their walk with God into a box that they only open on Sundays. It's easy to think that things like praying and studying the word of God are 'Christian' things, but spending money is not.  This is far from the truth. Your number one question when it comes to your money should be 'God, what would you have me do?'.  If indeed He is Lord over yo...

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone;  I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18 Before God created man, He had a lot of things on His mind and in His plan for him. The bible makes us to understand that God is Love; He doesn’t just love, He is Love personified. It is worthy of note that whatever a being does flows fundamentally from its nature. The love that God demonstrates is from and of His love nature; He’s a love being. In His love, He intended that man should rule and dominate like Him. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth Genesis 1:26  After God made man, He commanded him to take charge of every other thing that He had made. God later said that the man He had made needed a help meet, me...

CONFESSION OF FAITH TOWARDS MARITAL Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for your love to me. Thank you for you have blessed me with spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ. I thank you because one of your great blessings to me is a wonderful spouse. Lord your word says you made man male and female. I thank you for my own MALE. In the name of Jesus, I declare that my man locates me speedily. He finds me, his wife; he attracted to me by the force of God’s favour that is upon me. My husband, wherever you are on the planet earth, I say come forth, in Jesus name. In Jesus name, when you see me you recognize me just as Adam did even without a prior introduction. In name of Jesus, angels begin to arrange people, exerts resources and all things to my favour martially. I am of God, therefore I say that I refuse to be stranded martially. The Lord shines His light on my heart to perceive my spouse correctly when I see him. Father, you said none shall lack her mate. I s...

The operation of ministry today in many circles is wrong because people have no good understanding of what ministry is all about. Good news, the ROUNDED BEAUTY crew is here to provide light on that. The best way to see ministry is to look at the Lord Jesus. ‘Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren , that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.’ (Hebrews 2 vs 17). The major reason for ministry is service. Actually the word ministry means service. Anyone, whose real intent is not to serve, cannot be a minister of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our service is both to the Lord and to men and the reason for the service is the reconciliation of men. In actual sense, ministry places you between men and God. Now let’s break it down: The Ministry Of Reconciliation Jesus came to reconcile man unto God, Hebrews 2:17 says that. When a man receives reconcili...

THE MINISTER AND THE MINISTRY Ministry is an out flow from the life of a minister, thus the ministry is determined by the quality, lifestyle and training of the Minister. There should be no separation between the minister and the ministry. What Makes a Minister? The call of a Minister:   Specificity, geography, demands and structure of ministry differs. “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.”   (1Corinthians 7 vs 20) The Heart of a Minister: Sincerity:  A minister needs to be sincere with God, man and himself. Divine resources are attached to instruction (i.e. staying in your ministry). Most times a minister is tempted to go outside the boundary of his calling. The question of who, where, what, when must be answered with sincerity. “Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;”(Romans 12 vs 7) Brokenness and Yieldedness: This involves following instruction, the willingness to service God, readiness...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* 18th October, 2017. *Using The Name Of Jesus* “And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18 Note that in the early church, the main opposition and persecution was done against the name of Jesus and not the person of the disciples. For example, the teachers of law and the leaders of the Jewish people had no problem with apostle Paul even though he was very religious until he started to teach in the name of Jesus. On a particular account the disciples healed a man and the whole town worshipped them but the moment they shifted the attention of the people to Christ they were attacked. The devil is not bothered by you as long as you don't use the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus is in the center of our Christian faith. Our Lord Jesus told the eleven apostles before He was taken up into heaven that there are some signs peculiar to believers by which they would be recognized...

*Illumination Devotional* *Pastor Jide Ojo* 18th October, 2017. *Using The Name Of Jesus* “And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18 Note that in the early church, the main opposition and persecution was done against the name of Jesus and not the person of the disciples. For example, the teachers of law and the leaders of the Jewish people had no problem with apostle Paul even though he was very religious until he started to teach in the name of Jesus. On a particular account the disciples healed a man and the whole town worshipped them but the moment they shifted the attention of the people to Christ they were attacked. The devil is not bothered by you as long as you don't use the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus is in the center of our Christian faith. Our Lord Jesus told the eleven apostles before He was taken up into heaven that there are some signs peculiar to believers by which they would be recognized...