..urges Nigerians to give God a space
By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church (Miracle Cathedral), Ado-Ekiti, Rev. Dr. Olukayode Ayinde, has said that the new year 2023 is a year full new things and many opportunities for those who are ready to key into the various promises of God.
Speaking at the event organized to marked the first Sunday and thanksgiving service for the year 2023 at the Church auditorium of First Baptist Church, Okeyinmi in Ado-Ekiti, Rev. Ayinde admonished Nigerians to shun mundane pursuits, but give their Maker a space and live a life that pleases God, stressing that only this would guarantee them everlasting joy and longevity as Nigerians.
The church leader used the occasion to offer prayers that God should release upon every Nigerians the power to start well and finish well. He also prayed for peaceful coexistence in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
Ayinde, who noted that there shall be new win and fresh discovery in Nigeria as the Nation set to sing a new songs in every aspect of our lives, God Almighty will surprise this country in our individual lives.
According to him: ”It is dangerous for anyone to build his or her life around human knowledge, wealth or material things, God doesn’t run His agenda based on Man’s calendar. He does it for His people when He likes and feel doing so”.
Drawing inspiration from the Book of Revelation 21 verse 5 under a theme: New Things, with a topic: “Thanking God In Anticipation Of New Things” – Ezekiel 47:12 and Psalm 114, the man of God emphasized that, “God is ready to turn things around for us in this Nation.
“He is ready to do a new things in our lives, but Nigerians including our political leaders need to turn back to Him and do His will first as we gradually approaching the general elections come next month 2023.”
Dr Ayinde, charged the congregation to be contented with whatever God has given them and never to compete with anyone. He observed that the current economic crisis is a global phenomenon and everyone must learn how to deal with it has God is helping us to scaled through so many hurdles as a country.
“Things will get worst, the economic problem is global so take your heart away from material things and choose God first while other things will follow and we’ll all be joyful. Your focus must be how powerful awesome and great our God is. Whenever we call on Him will answer us as a Nation and He will come to our rescue”.
He said: ”As long as you keep comparing your life with others, you will continue to have challenges. Your joy must not be built on money or material things, but on God who rules in the affairs of men and the entire universe. Don’t allow anything to tamper with your relationship with your God”.
Rev. Ayinde, who observed that though the economic depression is a global scenario, used the occasion to show appreciation to God and as well deeply thanked the Church workers and all other members for their various supports at ensuring that the ministry that God has placed in his hands is progressing.
He disclosed that the purpose of being alive to witness the first Sunday of the year 2023 is mainly to appreciate God for his protection over Nigerians and for the successes recorded so far.
The religious leader said the new year is loaded with new opportunities and will definitely usher in all the good things everyone desires through the grace of God.
Rev. Ayinde stated that the present situation calls for sober reflection as the people have continued to contend with myriads of challenges which ordinarily are man made and surmountable. He decried a situation whereby prices of stable foods are becoming sky-rocketed while basics needs are not easily attainable.
“This celebration of new calls for sober reflection when consirdering happenings and the state of ours nation. There are are a lot of challenges around, but yet our God is keeping us. “The only way to confront and overcome this current economic depression is for Nigerians to embrace and give God a chance in ruling the affairs of their lives,” he stated.