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Time to change our focus

By Pastor Lazarus Muoka
09 October 2022   |   4:05 am
The world is not our permanent abode, rather it is a market place where people come to buy their necessities and return home. It is, indeed, a misplaced priority for anyone to depend solely on the things of this world because all the things in it are perishable.

1 Corinthians 15:19: “If in this life only, we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”
The world is not our permanent abode, rather it is a market place where people come to buy their necessities and return home. It is, indeed, a misplaced priority for anyone to depend solely on the things of this world because all the things in it are perishable. Man is on earth to attain perfection and retire to heaven, the abode of the saints. As such, he is to be focused on God and put more efforts on the things, which are eternal.

According to God’s plan, the final abode of man is heaven. However, whosoever fails to meet God’s standard of perfection will find him/herself in hell. Hell is not God’s destined place for any man, but whosoever chooses to go there is doing so on his/her own — it is a personal choice. It is, therefore, expedient for everyone to change his or her focus and concentrate on the things of God that will lead one to heaven after death. It is on this premise that the Bible in Matthew 6:33 says: “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Although, we have to take care of our bodies with good food, it is key to note that the most important thing in life is to seek for God’s Kingdom. It is after this that the things of the world will be added to keep body and soul together.

The expression, the “Kingdom God” refers to the rule in heaven; that is God’s rule in heaven over the earth. However, the Kingdom of Heaven is similar to this in many respects and is often used synonymously; although with emphasis on divine government. In contrast to the Universal Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven includes only men on earth, excluding the angels and other creatures. The Kingdom of God is universal and everlasting. God rules over everything and it includes Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of God is also used to designate the sphere of salvation entered into with the new birth. One can presently enter the Kingdom of God by being born again. We seek for the kingdom first because it is of God and lasts forever.

Cross section of testifiers at August 2022 crusade organised by the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival<br />Ministries in Asaba, Delta State

In the lead scripture, Apostle Paul emphasised on the need to look beyond this earth and think of life hereafter. If our focus is only on this earth, we are to be pitied because we are not seeing beyond our noses. Prior to Jesus Christ’s departure to heaven, He told His disciples He was going to prepare a place for everyone that believes in Him and that He will return to take them to where He will stay in heaven. We, the disciples of Jesus Christ, are in expectation of His second coming. Our focus should always be beyond the earth and the things of this earth. No matter our possessions on earth, our mind must be tuned to heaven. This is why Mark 8:35-37 says: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37: Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Earthly wealth will lead us nowhere because it will perish here on earth, but the soul goes into everlasting life either in heaven or in hell depending on the rewards of the person. There is nothing more precious than our life, which is what the soul represents. When we focus on the things of God, we are then preparing our souls for everlasting life in heaven. God did not plan hell for any man. It is, therefore, necessary for everyone to see heaven as a must-attend for all, rather than an option.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God, came to the earth purposely to reconcile man with God. With this act, He wants man to be focused on God. When we focus on God other things will be added to us. 1Timothy 6:6-7 says: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out of it.”

We should be satisfied with whatever we have, while focusing on God and rendering wholehearted services to Him. While serving God, one is investing in heaven where his/her soul will eventually go to at the end of his/her life on earth. The preaching of the gospel aims at bringing lost souls to Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ directed believers to be occupied till He comes back. It is important to urge as many as have not repented to do so now that the grace is available. The things of this world will perish, while the soul will remain alive either in heaven or in hell. For the souls to go to heaven, we need repentance. We should, therefore, not misuse the opportunity of the grace the death of Jesus Christ has provided for us. This is why the Bible warns us severally in 1Corinthians 7:29-31: “But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30: And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not. 31: And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.”

It is important to note that less attention should be paid at this time to the things of the world because no one knows when rapture will take place or the time death will come. Time is extremely short! It will be an abuse of opportunity or the grace our Lord Jesus Christ has offered if we fail to make heaven at the end of our earthly life. If your attention has been only on how to make wealth without considering where your soul will be spent hereafter, then you need to change your focus. God is calling you, because your soul is important to Him. If you answer this call by repenting and focusing on the things of God, you will surely make heaven at the end of this life.

Testimony Of The Lord’s Doing
Just One Touch, She Became Chosen With Her Family

Psalm 30:5b says: “Weeping may endure through the night, but joy cometh in the morning,” and Isa12:3, “Therefore, with joy shall thou draw water from the wells of salvation.”

That was the case of Sister Zuwairah Dudge who was dejected and almost frustrated in life. She was hopeless and full of sorrow, until she came in contact with the God of Chosen that her life changed for good. She testifies:

Another testimony session at one of the recent Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries’ crusades in Lagos

My name is Sister Zuwairah Dudge. I am from Kastina State. I thank God for being a member of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries. Before I came to this church, I was so depressed and confused that I had to sell my phone worth N40, 000 for N25,000 at Ikeja. But something happened when I walked into one of the shops at Ikeja. In that shop, I saw a man who asked me questions that I could not immediately answer because I was crying. The man counselled me and said: “If I tell you to go somewhere will you go?” I said yes! Then, he showed me the live service on Chosen TV and even gave me the transport fare to go there. He also described how I will get to the headquarters church in Ijesha, Lagos.

When I got to the church, service was going on and the ushers directed me to a seat very close to the pulpit. As the general overseer mounted the pulpit, my case was the first he mentioned. He declared peace and restoration in my marriage and I claimed it. As the service was over, I went home with Joy. I later went to see the man that directed me to the church to thank him.

Brethren, that day, I was surprised that my husband who left my children and I for seven months suddenly called me that evening and was apologising. In fact, that day was the day my children and I became members of this ministry. I can say with boldness that my marriage has been restored and God’s peace is reigning in our home. Praise the Lord!

I return all glory to God for all He has done and may His name be glorified forever in Jesus’ name.

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