2009: Follow God's Leading

By Dr Lewis Akpogena

May I welcome our readers to 2009 with this message from God entitled; Follow God's leading in 2009. In 2008, it was Let God Lead you. In 2009 follow God's leading, what about it? 2008 with testimonies of successes and failures, anxiety and victories and what have you had gone by. It is not how can I make it to 2009, where do we go from here? Which way do we take to reach our destinations, attain set goals or the resolution made. In more specific, what does 2009 holds for us and how do we go through it successfully?

Praise God the anxiety of 2008 has given way to exciting 2009 but the fact that we have never been through this way before put us on an edge. “Since you have never traveled this way before, they (Levitical priest carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD your God) will guide you...stay …behind them…” (Joshua 3:1-4, NLB). If you have not been to a place before, you surely need a person (guide) who has been there. It is only God through Jesus Christ knows and lead the way in an through 2009 and guarantee safe and success in 2009.The bible says, God knows the end from the beginning. He alone knows and holds 2009. He controls, reigns ands rule sovereignly (Isa 46:10)

No institution or policies of government or programmes of political parties / politicians can guarantee a better, safe and successful 2009. Because, “All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own…” (Isa 53: 6, NLB). We need to follow God's leading, since in our selves we can't lead effectively. It is obvious we can't. All institutions of government, their policies, programmes and economic systems have not yield the desire result to free people from fears, sin, death, hunger, lack, insecurity and hates among other things. Our best effort in governance has not removed armed robbers from our midst nor reduces crimes. There is increase rather. With 2009 politicking, the situation is bad that assassination, poverty, insecurity, diseases are on the increase.

None, not even astrologizers, stargazers, palm readers or soothsayers like occult prophets and their likes can predict correctly. What 2009 holds and how to go through it successfully? Jesus Christ is the only one in history and in the record of scriptures that says emphatically that he is “the way, the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6) personified. He went on to promise to lead thus: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good and lead you along the paths you should follow … the LORD will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like well watered garden, like an overflowing spring” (Isa. 48:17, 58: 11, NLB).

Since no politician, government, political parties and institutions can guarantee us a better 2009, what does it means to follow God's leading and how do we follow God's leading in 2009? Hear what the bible says in Jeremiah 6:16-21 “so now the LORD says, “stop right where you are! Look for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, “No, that's not the road we want! I set watchmen over you who said, “Listen for the sound of the trumpet” but you replied, “No! We won't pay attention! “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations… I will bring disaster upon my people. It is the fruit of their own sin because they refuse to listen to me. They have rejected all my instructions… fall over them. Neighbors and friends will collapse together”.

The solution and way out from straying from God's way is to look for the old godly way, and walk in it” (Jer.6: 16). And what is the old godly way? The Jesus way (John 14:6) hears Jesus say it; “I am the light of the world, if you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life' (Jn.8:12). How does Jesus as light leads? “In the beginning the word already existed. He was with God, and he was God… he created everything there is… life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone. The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it… the one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world. But although the world was made through him, the world didn't recognize him when he came… but to all who believed him and accepted him he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn. This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan  this rebirth comes from God” (John 1:1  13, NLB).

You can follow God's leading by seeking for God's way which is in Jesus Christ. And this you do as the Bible says by believing and receiving Jesus Christ who is the light of life, the path way to meaningful and dignifying life without stress, evil, darkness and Satanism. How does one receive this light and life that brings fulfillment and satisfaction? Acknowledge your living life without God that is sinful and confess your need of God to lead your life (see Ps. 32). Then “the Lord says. I will guide you along the best pathway for your life…” (Ps. 32:8). Let the word of God rule your life. Live by God's word (Matt 4: 4 cp Ps 119: 105), “your words is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path”. How can the word of God bring light, direction  lead you through 2009 successfully? “As your words are taught, they give light even the simple can understanding them” (Ps. 119: 130, NLB)

Following God's leading means to go through God's way. To abide and keep to God's instruction. To be led in God's direction or way  walk in God's way. Not your way in 2009. To follow God's way in 2009 require you put apart all that occupies and engages your attention more than God (Matt 4: 19-23). It requires you “take up his cross, and follow” Jesus (Matt 16:24). That is to consecrate your life to do what God wants in your life each day. It is a commitment to do right at all times in 2009. “The way of the godly leads to life; their path does not lead to death” (Prov. 12:28), “the life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the sinner's light is snuffed out” (Prov. 13:9). The principal thing to do in following God's leading is to consecrate your life to do the will of God's word, instruction. Listening to what God has to say in everything about your life in 2009. Jesus did that. Hence, he was safe, secured and successful in life (see John 7: 19, 30).

In the midst of political and economic upheaval and the many troubles that shall be associated with 2009, it is the presence of God in Christ Jesus and level of commitment to God's word that will set you apart and make distinction out of your life in every ugly situation. Welcome to 2009. It is a year to follow God's leading. God's leading will give you light and darkness cannot stop you. You will have life that your enemies and evil cannot extinguish. With Jesus Christ in control of your life in 2009, you will soar, rise and rise to the top above all your enemies. And nothing can stop you. You must be submissive to authority and live exemplary lives. You must avoid evil. You must live by God's word and do good. Have a wonderful 2009. Have question, you may call: 08055059656. Stay blessed. ###

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