Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…” (Jer.6:16 KJV)
No man living or dead has impacted and imparted my life the way Dr. David Oyedepo has done. He’s my God-sent prophet and pastor. I’ve read almost every book he’s authored, if not all. I listen to his messages almost daily for some years now. No man has built my faith in God’s Word like he did and still do. And my very revered mentor, Dr. Mike Murdock said that the person that builds your faith is the most important person in your life.
In this season, as I celebrate the unusual manifold grace upon my father and the delivery of the liberation mandate to him 38 years ago, I reflected on some of the life’s lessons I learned from him. Last week, I shared about seven of those lessons and in this treatise, I’ll share seven more among many lessons.
1. Vision Not Pursued Is Vision Lost!
No matter how loud, audacious or even dramatic a vision is, it will not become a reality if no action is taken in the pursuit of its delivery. Every vision speaks when the visionary runs with it. Vision not pursued or executed will be executed on the stake of inaction.
The Wise man said, “ Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” (Prov.14:4) Doing nothing is not an option in the school of success.
2. God Rewards Individuals And Not Groups!
God calls us as individuals and rewards us according to our individual works. He gives to everyone, and not groups, according to his or her stewardship. In the Kingdom, there’s individual responsibility and not collective responsibility. God said that He called Abraham alone and blessed him. (Is.51:2) Hiding under a group in the church or your marriage or relationships without intentional and committed stewardship will attract no rewards.
3. A Leader Must Lead From The Front!
I have observed God’s Servant and he’s a leader that leads from the front. He leads and shows the way for others to follow. He is always ahead of his followers in responding to instructions from God.
4. Soul Winning is Every Believer’s Responsibility!
Soul winning is not a pastime for believers but a passion and vocation that must be pursued with all vigor. Partnership with God to rescue the lost must be embraced by all believers and not left to those in the fivefold ministry. Just like Apostle Paul, it must be our avowed responsibility.
5. Practice Advance Forgiveness!
Nothing hinders the delivery of our faith like unforgiveness. I learned from my father to forgive even before the offence is committed. By giving forgiveness before you’re offended creates no room for the devil to hinder you from enjoying the most of God.
6. Nothing Creates A Future Like Spiritual Labor!
It’s consistent, persistent and insistent spiritual labor that gives birth to a glorious future. There’s no future in the Kingdom for the spiritual indolent. Paul writing to his son Timothy said, “Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.” (1 Tim.4:8 MSG)
7. You Cannot Be Ashamed Of What Is Gainful!
Some believers are ashamed of identifying with the gospel within their social circles. Some are ashamed to take the mockeries from scorners. Paul said, “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;…” (Roms.1:16)
When we understand the limitless and most profound gains of the gospel, we’ll be most proud to proclaim, publish and personalize it.
Therefore, I enjoin you to espouse and embrace these teachings of this great man of faith just as I have. God instructs us to be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Heb.6:12)
Remain ever beautified,
✝️Tochukwu Kemakolam
Prime Minister