ucf quarterly

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Volume 1, Issue 1�

What’s inside…�P a g e 3 �

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* Member Benefits�

* Putting God first in your marriage�

*Why Christians worry�

Relax and let go�

Victory Over Conflict�Beloved,�

Words are insufficient to express�my gratitude to God for the great privilege�of serving as the pastor of our great church.�It is my prayer that His blessings will�continually be with our church as a whole�and with you, His children, individually. It is�also my prayer that He will continue to�bless the editors of� for their�great work in producing this first-class�publication for our benefit.�

In the last edition, my letter to you�was titled� . It was�a reminder of the vision that God has given�us for 2011 – a vision of victory as we walk�in obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ.�Today, as I write to you again, I wish to�draw your attention back to the Lord’s�promise of victory but this time with�emphasis on how we can be victorious over�internal conflict.�

The Scripture tells us that God is�not the author of confusion, but of peace�

The implication is that�wherever there is conflict among the�children of God, we can be sure that Satan�is at work. Satan’s plan is to create conflict�among God’s children so that he may�divide and ultimately defeat us. If we spend�all our energy fighting one another, we will�have no strength left to fight him and he can�then defeat�us one by one. If we hope to be�victorious in 2011 as God has promised, we�must learn how to resolve conflicts�

biblically, so that they will not cause division�among us, and lead to our defeat.�

Thankfully, the Word of God�provides abundant guidance on how we as�God’s children must resolve conflicts. No�other passage of scripture addresses the�issue more clearly than� ,�where our Lord Jesus Christ himself says:�

A review of this key passage along�with other passages of scripture reveals�eight (8) biblical principles that are critical�to resolving conflicts among believers,�whether they occur in the home, in the�church, or in the course of business. If we�follow them meticulously, we will spare�ourselves countless hours of tension and�grief, and frustrate Satan’s plan to divide,�distract, and ultimately, defeat us. The�principles are as follows:�

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P a g e 7 �

*Welcome to “The University of Adversity”�

*Never criticize something you desire�

*The challenge of leadership�

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P a g e 9 �

*Your mouth is a weapon�

*Importance of medication adherence�

and�More!!�

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1.� – Expect conflict because�

Satan is at work even in the church!!�He is constantly looking for believers to�use in his devilish work and unless we�remain on guard constantly, all of us�are susceptible to his use. He once�used Peter, the disciple of our Lord, in�a bid to defeat the plan of God. If he�could use Peter, he can use anyone,�including you�

2.�Do not avoid dealing with conflicts�

when they arise. If a person offends�you, it is your responsibility to go to�them (� ). On the other�hand, if you know that you have�offended someone, it is your duty to go�to them� Either way,�it is your responsibility, and refusing to�do so is a sin, no matter the excuse;�

3.�– Pray for wisdom on how to approach�the other party� Ask�God to help you choose your words�and to give the other party the mind to�reconcile�

4.� –�Approach the other party as soon as�possible after the conflict arises. If�possible, do it on the same day. Delay�only gives Satan more time to work�and makes things worse�

5.�As much as possible, settle conflicts�between you and the other party alone�(� ). Resist the temptation�to tell everybody about the conflict. If�you must tell someone, tell it to God in�prayer first and then to the other party�next. Involving others can lead to�distortion of the story, defensiveness�on the part of the other party and�division in the church;�

6.� – If your attempt to work�

things out privately is unsuccessful,�seek out a spiritually-minded person to�help resolve the matter. The person�may be a deacon, minister or any other�

person that you trust. If the person�refuses to reconcile after you approach�them with others, tell your pastor so�that the matter may be brought before�the entire church (�

);�

7.� – Once the conflict has�

been resolved, you must forgive the�other party. Forgiveness does not�mean forgetting. It only means that you�have made a decision to stop bringing�up the issue in the course of your�future dealings with the other party.�Failure to forgive is a sin. It has�destroyed many relationships and�ruined many churches�

and�

8.� –�Have faith in God and be patient.�Follow the Word of God as outlined in�these principles and wait for God to�produce the desired result�

Note that there are eight (8)�principles. Patiently implement all of�them.�

Beloved, God has positioned us for�victory in 2011. Let us work together to�secure the promise of God in every area.�Let us remember that Satan is the enemy�and not our brothers and sisters. Whatever�strength we have, let us use it against the�enemy and not against one another. I love�you all dearly.�

Your Pastor,�

Contd..Victory over conflict...�

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Member Benefits�

In August 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi Al Fayez were killed along with their driver in a ghastly Paris auto accident. Young�rising political star Attorney John Kennedy, his wife, and sister in-law, perished in July 1999 in an unfortunate airplane accident off the�coast of Massachusetts. John John, as his friends called him was a publisher and potential presidential candidate in the USA; a prince�by virtue of being the only son of the late President John Kennedy. May their souls rest in eternal peace! They all had everything to live�for—close to billions, in any currency, fame, fortune, name it and they had it all. We also have heard of Sam Walton of the Wal-Mart fame,�a billionaire. He also left this world, many years ago. I brought up the afore unfortunate losses in order to make these points—wealth and�fortune will not guarantee or buy us eternal life; however,� Being wealthy is not bad in�itself. Wealth is good if used correctly to help the needy while concurrently committing to worshipping and serving God. See Christ’s�triumph over materialism, pride, and greed in Matthew 4:1-11. See also Genesis 5:23-24.�

What we see in this life may not be what we get after this life. The Prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 40:31-"But they that wait upon the Lord�shall renew their strengths, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."�Well, we have hope in the afore stated prophesy rendered by one of the preeminent prophets of the bible. Walking and waiting on Our�Lord require patience. God wants you and me to crawl and fall, walk and fall, be persecuted, cajoled, suffer, cry, while we are being�unfairly treated without giving up on our faith. God is patiently waiting for his own.�

(2 Tim. 4:5).� trust and obey,”�Refrain of the famous hymn written by John H. Sammis.�

His worldly parents, Mary and Joseph were apparently financially poor, unable to�afford even a hotel room or hospital bed; however, they raised him lovingly despite the circumstances under which he was born. Jesus�Christ, as many of us know, lived like an ordinary human being for 30 years. He was revealed as the 'chosen one' when he attained�30 years of age. Christ's ministry which encompassed humility, wisdom, love, patience, self denial, counseling, and crucifixion lasted�just a little over 3 years.�

God Almighty allowed Christ to suffer in order to qualify him to reign in heaven. In the same vein let us not, as parents, forget to spank�and discipline our children with love in order to qualify and prepare them for their future responsibilities.�

The following is a really practical scenario: A father, walking with his son, Ik, to the store and noticing Ik walking into the path of an oncoming�car; this loving papa would not state in a low and calm voice, 'Would you watch where you are going, my good son.' The scenario would be�auspiciously adjudicated. The loving father would run to Ik, screaming, "I told you to watch the paths you take." As soon as this loving father�gets to Ik, he would expeditiously move Ik to the safe sidewalk and noises could be heard as his hand or any other movable appendage makes�contact with Ik's bottom, etc., several times —real love in action! In the same vein, born again Christians may be punished and scolded whenever�we walk into a place that we shouldn't be in or behave in a way that we shouldn't. God's love will not allow his chosen to be devoured, but God�would prepare his own by the experiences he allows in their lives (Hebrews 12: 3-14).�

Are you ready for your membership benefits and blessings? Make my day, for 'foot soldiers’�are needed for the great battles ahead. ©!! We are all called.�

There is great hope in Our Everlasting-�Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent Lord of Lords and King of Kings because�

Romans 5:1 states: "�." God blesses His pupils.�

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What's the best thing you can do for your�marriage? Take a Caribbean cruise ? Plan a�candlelight dinner? Bring home a box of�chocolates? Wrong, Wrong, and wrong. The�best thing you can do for your marriage is�to pray for it early and often. How do you and�your spouse begin the day?�

Do you awaken early enough to enjoy a few�quiet moments together, or are you one of�those couples who sleeps until the last�possible minute, leaving no time to invest in�matters of the heart or the soul? If you and�your mate form the habit of getting up early-�--if both of you start the day by spending a�few quiet moments with each other and with�God---your marriage will be blessed. After�all, the fabric of your marriage is woven�together with the threads of habit. And no�habit is more important to your family's�spiritual health than the habit of daily prayer�and devotion to your Creator.�

“�

”.�

Luke 11:9�

Is prayer an integral part of your married life,�or is it a hit-or-miss habit? Do you and your�spouse "pray without ceasing," or is prayer�usually an afterthought? Do you regularly�pray together---praying specifically for the�health of your marriage---or do you only bow�your heads in unison during Sunday�morning services?�

The answer to these questions will determine�the quality of your prayer life and, to a�surprising extent, the spiritual strength of�your marriage.�

Some people pray just to pray, and some�people pray to know God. Your task, along�with your spouse, is to pray together, not out�of habit or obligation, but out of a sincere�desire to know your Heavenly Father.�Through constant prayers, you and your�spouse should petition God, you should�praise God, and you should seek God's�guidance for your marriage and your life.�Prayer changes things, prayer changes�people, and prayer changes marriages. So�don't limit your prayers to meals or to�

bedtime. Pray constantly about things great�and small. God is listening, and He wants to�hear from you---and your spouse---right�now. God asks that we worship Him with our�concentrated minds as well as with our wills�and emotions. A divided and scattered mind�is not effective.�

The Bible makes it clear that in marriage, as�in every other aspect of life, God should�come first. The words of Matthew 6:33�remind us that we should "�

."�And how can we honor God in this way? By�allowing His Son to reign over our hearts and�our marriages. A Christ centered marriage�is an exercise in faith, love, fidelity, trust,�understanding, forgiveness, caring, sharing,�and encouragement. It requires empathy,�tenderness, patience, and perseverance. It�is the union of two Christian adults, both of�whom are willing to compromise and , when�appropriate, to apologize. A Christ centered�marriage requires large quantities of�common sense, common courtesy, and�uncommon caring. Such a marriage is a joy�to behold, a joy to experience, and a blessing�forever. If God has the power to create and�sustain the universe, He is more than able�to sustain your marriage and your ministry,�your faith and your finances, your hope and�your health.�

"�

". Matthew�19:6�

From time to time, all of us face problem,�disappointments, heartaches, and loss.�Trouble pays periodic visits to each of us;�none of us are exempt, God stands ready�and willing to protect us. Our responsibility,�of course, is to ask for His healing touch.�When we call upon Him in heartfelt prayer,�He will answer in His own time and in�accordance with His own perfect plan. When�we encounter problems or�misunderstandings in our relationships, we�must work to heal those problems sooner�rather than later. Marital problems, like all�problems, are most easily solved when they�are new and small. That's why wise couples�do the hard work of addressing their�problems honestly, forthrightly, and quickly�even when they might prefer to downplay�their difficulties or ignore those difficulties�altogether. Ignoring problems instead of�fixing them is tempting but irresponsible.�

After all, if we won't solve our problems, who�will? Or should? Winners see an answer for�every problem; losers see a problem in every�answer.�

”. 1 Peter 4:12-13�

The frustrations of everyday living can�sometimes get the better of us, and we allow�minor disappointments to cause us major�problems. When we allow ourselves to�become overstressed, overheated,�overanxious, and just plain angry. If you�allow yourself to become angry, you are�certain to defeat at least one person:�yourself. And if you allow the minor�frustrations of everyday life to hijack your�emotions, you do harm to yourself and to�your loved ones. So today and every day,�guard yourself against the kind of angry�thinking that inevitably takes a toll on your�emotions and marriage.�

As the old saying goes, "Anger usually�improves nothing but the arch of a cat's�back." So don't allow feelings of anger or�frustration to rule your life, or for that matter,�your home----your life is too short and your�family too precious for that. Instead of losing�your temper, obey God's Word by turning�away from anger today and everyday. You'll�be glad you did, and so will your family and�friends. Get rid of the poison of built-up anger�and the acid of long-term resentment. Anger�unresolved will only bring you woe.�

“�

”.�James 1:19-�20�

Bro Tunde�Sanni�

Putting God first in your marriage�

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Text: Mathew 6:25-33�

Ref: St. Luke 12:22-32 (physician)�

Exodus 14: 10-31 (Crossing red sea)�

Luke 10: 38-42 (Martha’s story)�

Song: “The safest place in the whole wide world is in the arms of�God”�

The question is, why do Christian worry? We worry because we�lack faith. According to Webster’s dictionary, worry is defined as “to�feel or cause to feel anxious or distressed”. It is a mental strain on�ones brain. It clutters our mind. Our thought processes are cloudy.�To be worrisome is to be constantly thinking about things. A�worrywart is one who tends to worry a great deal.�

At some point in our lifetime we will worry. We worry about our�finances, families, goals, aspiration, relationships, schools, health�and a host of other things. However, constantly worrying will not�change the situation. Constant worrying is unhealthy. Instead of�worrying do the opposite and worship God. Worrying will�eventually prevent the manifestation of God glory in our lives. God�cannot work in us, or through us. Our worrying limits God. We will�be unable to fulfill God purpose. Worry immobilizes us. In other�words, it cripples us. When we worry, we put focus on our selves�(problem) and not on God (problem- solver). St. Augustine stated�“how foolish the human heart that anguishes over human ills”. In�other words, we waste our time when we worry too much.�

Worrying is a sign of unbelief. This shows that we do not trust God�to help us. We do not trust His words. I believe it is demonic. The�enemy uses worry to distract us from the purpose and plan of God.�If the enemy can keep us focused on our troubles, then he’s got�us. We will have no time to seek God. We will have no time to�experience God’s favor. We will have no time to rejoice in the�goodness of the Lord. We will want immediate gratification.�

Christ knew that we would worry regardless of the situation, that is�why He comforted His disciples regarding this matter. He knew that�we will have various needs such as physiological, security,�

, clothing, and esteem. Instead of worrying, He gave�us a mandate. He admonishes His disciples and us today to seek�His kingdom first and whatever we are in need o,f He will provide.�Paul was confident in his relationship with the Lord. He proudly�said that his God, “�

” (Philippians 4:19).�

Worrying can lead to the developmental disorder know as�“Generalized Anxiety Disorder”. G.A.D is considered to be�excessive and uncontrollable worrying continually for about six�months or more. From this we can develop Chronic Fatigue�Syndrome or (C.F.S) if we do not deal with the problem. Excessive�worrying can affect us biologically, psychologically, socially,�spiritually and environmentally.�

We become unstable in all these areas. James declared, “�

” (Vs. 5-9). Worry often leads�to panic, which leads to stress, which lead to depression.�Eventually, this worry will begin to destroy our temple. This temple�

that we ought to present to the Lord as a living sacrifice and holy�unto Him.�

God as deposited in all of us, gifts and talents [we might say�vocation, calling or our mission], but we tend to worry about this as�well. I am a suspect. If God has called you, He has already qualified�you for his service. If we are unaware of our mission in life, instead�of worrying about it, we should spend time with God by praying,�and seeking His face, instead of His hands for His revelation. Now,�when He has revealed to you your mission, the next step as we�learnt is to take immediate action. Talk is cheap. There are too�many empty words. We need to move from Gilgal, to not only�Bethel, but also El Bethel, then to Jericho then finally to Jordon. At�Jordon your mission in life will be actively working. When we get to�El-Bethel (God in the house of God), then Jericho is not far off.�Things, people, our worries, emptiness, burdens, and strongholds�will be destroyed because of the anointing.�

We see the story of Martha. This woman loved serving others, but�she lost sight of what her purpose was, and began to look and envy�her sister’s position. She was hospitable. She was good at being a�hostess, especially to Jesus and His disciples. But she was�distracted. She felt within, that her sister should help her in the�kitchen. She was annoyed because of Mary’s lack of interest�towards her. When God calls you for a specific ministry, don’t get�distracted by others lack of interest. Don’t spent quality time�worrying about others. Stay focused on your ministry. I believe�Mary saw herself as a worshipper and she just wanted to bathe in�the presence of God. Jesus’ response to Martha was not that he�did not value her, but he wanted her to know that her service was�well appreciated, I believe.�

Saul is another example of one who worried about his present�situation that it eventually cost him his life. He was a mighty warrior,�but he lost his kingdom out of disobedience. After the attack by the�Philistines in I Samuel 13, he decided to offer up burnt offering to�the Lord, something that he was not supposed to do. That was�Samuel’s responsibility. He got impatient waiting on Samuel after�the battle. Worrying can cause you to make bad decisions which�will bring negative consequences. You are to dispute your�impatience with the word of God. Don’t allow your emotions to take�over. Let the spirit of God direct you.�

In chaper 15, God rejected Saul because he disobeyed God’s�command. God gave him specific instructions regarding the�Amalekites, but he chose to do whatever he wanted. Because of�this decision, the spirit of the Lord departed from him in chapter 16.�Lets recap:�

1. Saul lost his kingdom [chap. 13]�

2. He was rejected by God [chap. 15]�

3. David did what Saul was not permitted to do: to kill goliath�[chap. 17]�

4. Israel celebrated David’s accomplishment against the�Philistine, they proclaimed that Saul only “killed thousands but�David killed ten thousands” [chap. 18].�

5. His fury and anger led to his pursuant of David many times,�to kill him.�

Why did Saul experience these emotions? One could postulate/�assume that he was worried because he was no longer in control.�This worrying overtook him.�

Why Christians Worry�

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Many of us are confronted with Adversity everyday of our lives. Adversity doesn’t care who you are or where you’re from. If you are a�

believer in Jesus Christ there is no question about it, you will go through Adversity. Adversity could be the loss of a loved one, the loss�

of a job, a divorce or a bad relationship. Adversity could be getting a phone call that your child is acting foolish in school, or maybe there�

is sickness in your body. Adversity comes in many different shapes and sizes! The good news is that the Apostle Paul records in 2�

Corinthians 4:7-10�

In other words Paul says we can press through the University of Adversity. Times may be rough right�

now, but God will never leave you nor forsake you. Your money may be funny and your change may�

be strange, but God is right by your side. Be encouraged that Adversity only comes to make you�

stronger, and God will never put more on you than what you’re able to bare.�

Rev. Oza Jones Jr. Youth Pastor UCF�

For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one�(Job 5:2).�

Often times, people get critical and envious of others instead of�seeing the good done by them; it’s an ugly spirit! Never allow it in�your life. This ugly attitude was what moved Saul to try to kill�David after David killed Goliath: “And Saul sought to smite David�even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul’s�presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall….” (1 Samuel�19:10).Saul was envious of David’s success, because of how�others praised him: “And the women answered one another as�they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David�his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). I’ve often said that the fact�that someone else is succeeding doesn’t mean you’re failing; you�measure your success by what God has called you to do. So�when you see those who are doing well, and are being praised for�their work, rejoice with them! Be genuinely excited for them.�Rather than become bitter or critical, look out for what you can�learn from them!�

People become jealous and envious only when they are�inordinately desirous of another’s advantages. If you walk in love,�

you’ll never be jealous of anyone, for you know you could never�be disadvantaged in any way!�

As members of the same body of Christ, the success of one is the�success of all; when one wins, he wins for us all! That’s because�God’s desire is for every one of us to prosper and excel! Thus,�instead of being threatened by the prosperity of others, be happy�for them, and never criticize them for it. Life is 10 percent what�you make it and 90�percent how you take�it....Irvin�Berlin,�

Welcome to “The University of Adversity”�

Never Criticize Something You Desire�

The focus of our lesson during the Spring 2011 Marriage enrichment institute was on “Parenting”. Our senior pastor shared some key�lessons with us on the topic. The major points emphasized at the seminar are highlighted below:� Parents must ensure that their�children’s faith is strong: (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) -By exemplifying their faith in God personally and by expressing their faith in God�persistently.� - Parents must ensure that their children's future is secure. (Proverbs 22:6) -By helping them to fulfil their God-given�potential through education, exposure and encouragement, by helping them fulfil their God given purpose. This is found through the�fulfillment of their potential.� - Parents must ensure that their children’s families are started. (Genesis 24: 1-4) -By being engaged in�selecting their children’s mate and by being engaged in supporting their children’s marriage.�

If you missed the spring session, clips from the seminar are available for viewing on YouTube and follow us on Facebook to determine�the date for the next Quarterly Marriage Enrichment Seminar. We thank God for our visionary pastor who labors tirelessly to make�these sessions available to us. Let us all make the best of it and may God continue to help us all....Amen!!�

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According to Wikipedia, Leadership is commonly described as the�“process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid�and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”.�True leaders do not just have a vision but they have that inner�strength and the passion to move their vision forward despite all the�obstacles that might be in their path and irrespective of�discouragements from the many naysayers they meet along the�way. A leader has passion for an idea, has an inner sense of drive,�has a total sense of commitment, and abundance of perseverance.�

The Bible is replete with powerful men and women of God who�have distinguished themselves as true leaders in their generations.�Amongst them all, Apostle Paul is truly a man after my heart. Other�than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there is none other in the�holy book that I admire more than this great man of God. In spite�of the enormous baggage he brought into his new faith and the�mountain of odds stacked against him, he perhaps did more than�anyone in the scripture to propagate the gospel of our Lord and�Savior into the innermost reaches of the world. Paul kept pressing�on against all odds, including threat of death, because he knew the�end game was already pre-determined in his favor. And as our�Pastor-Teacher at UCF (Pastor Effiom) has constantly reminded us,�the result of the main struggle of our life is already fixed. Paul had�no iota of doubt that the Lord Jesus always had his back. He knew�his salvation was real, and that consequently his heavenly reward�was a guarantee. Armed with this fore-knowledge, he was fierce in�his proclamation of his convictions in the truism of the Gospel of�Jesus Christ, the son of God and the author and finisher of his faith.�He proclaimed this from city to city and never for once wavered.�Basically we could surmise that Paul talked the talk and walked the�walk. Today, all of us at UCF and arguably all fellow Christians�outside of the Jews’ confine in the Middle East are beneficiaries of�Apostle Paul’s dexterity, his doggedness, and his perseverance as�the Lord enabled him.�

Paul understood that it is very easy to get discouraged by events�in our lives and by disappointments with fellow mortal beings that�could make us turn our focus away from the main goal of the�struggles of our lives. A cursory examination of Paul’s letters to the�Churches reveal abundant evidence of him trying to nudge other�leaders and believers on, encouraging them to keep on keeping�on, and reminding them that even though their roads are rough,�they should never give up.�

In his Valedictory letter to his spiritual son Timothy, Paul wrote in 2�Timothy 4:5-8 (NKJV):�

In the verses above, Paul used three powerful phrases to sum up�his life's accomplishments, against all odds.�

First of all, he said, "I have fought the good fight." Here, the word�“the” is very crucial. He didn’t say he had fought “a” good fight. If�he had fought a good fight, then it would mean that there are many�fights of equal significance that one needed to fight and it would�have been an account of how well he had graded himself on the�particular one he was examining, which would be like boasting. But�Paul did not say this, rather he said he has fought “the good fight,"�meaning he has fought the significant fight; the great battle that life�had presented to him and all in the service of his savior.�

Secondly, Paul said, "I have finished the race." He had defined to�us in the book of Philippians what the race was. In Philippians�Chapter 3 Paul wrote pertaining to the race: "Forgetting what is�behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the�goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in�Christ Jesus." Paul was saying that he followed the course the Lord�Jesus set out for him the day he saved him on the road to�Damascus. He had walked according to the precepts of the Lord�whether in good times or bad times, whether in happy�circumstances or in the midst of pain and suffering. Simply put, the�race is the Christian life itself, which we must live moment by�moment, just as we would run a race step by step. As our Pastor�has repeatedly said, we are all work in progress.�

Thirdly, Paul said, "I have kept the faith." Basically this is his�affirmation of being totally sold on the whole body of truth that is�embodied in the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He�was confirming that he lived a doctrinal life and refused to�compromise the truth. When other people drifted from the truth,�Paul preached the truth and when the world was against him, Paul�pressed on with the truth and paid no attention. When his life was�in danger and he could have twisted the truth a little bit to save his�head, he did not bulge. He did not preach what the people wanted�to hear, he simply kept keeping the faith and preached as led by�the spirit. Paul’s faith is one that is rooted in the truism that the Son�of God came into the world purposely to reconcile us back to the�father and this He had to do by shedding His blood and dying a�brutal death on an old rugged cross.�

At the time of the writing, Paul was in prison and knew that his�death was close at hand. He was tacitly telling Timothy not to weep�for him when his head is finally cut off, but rather to know that when�he (Paul) dies, he will die smiling since he had already given�everything to Jesus. And the only thing left to give was his life—and�that he also gladly surrenders also. He was absolutely certain that�there was a great reward awaiting him in heaven.�

Paul was letting Timothy know that he had not lost any of the good�treasures that God had entrusted to him and was encouraging�Timothy to do the same as he journeyed in his Christian faith. He�was letting Timothy know that the path of a believer is littered with�challenges, afflictions, troubles, distresses, tribulations, trials,�hardships, etc. and that in spite of it all he should keep marching�

The Challenge of Leadership (Paul’s Letter to Timothy)�

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Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and�shalt make the hills as chaff (Isaiah 41:15).�

In Joshua 1:2-3, the Lord said to Joshua: “…�.”�

Thus, by this instruction the children of Israel knew that all they had to do to take possession of the land God gave to them was to step�on it. Once they stepped on it, it became theirs.�

But in the New Testament, there’s a difference. The power isn’t in your feet, but in your mouth. Many Christians haven’t understood�this truth, so they walk in ignorance. When trying to acquire something, like a piece of property for example, you’ll find them marching�around it because the Lord said, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you.” Oh, that they�would realize that the victory is now in their mouth!Today, it’s no longer “where the soles of your feet shall tread upon” rather, it’s “you�shall have what you say!” Possession is with your mouth.�

The Old Testament folks were taught to battle that way because they functioned in the sense realm. But now in the New Testament,�we battle differently, from the realm of the spirit. In that realm, there’s no recognition of distance; you don’t need to march around a�building to get it. All you need do is use your mouth, for it has been given to you to chart your course and to do battle, which is your�fight of faith. How important the mouth is!�

Every time you release words with your mouth, you’re wielding a dangerous�weapon. The Greek word for mouth is “stoma,” which means “the front or edge of a�weapon.” With this weapon, you can cut down such enemies as poverty, failure,�cancer, diabetes, HIV and so on. When you declare: “This growth will not stay in my�body,” you’re cutting it down with your weapon. No wonder the Bible says, “For the�weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down�of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).�

When you were born again, your citizenship changed instantly!�

Your real citizenship is not the one on your international passport because having�been born again, the Bible says�

" (Ephesians 2:19) Your�REAL citizenship is in heaven.�

HOW CAN WE REFUTE WORRY IN OUR LIFE?�

God says to seek His kingdom first, in doing so, you are�guaranteed that God will meet every one of your needs. In Psalm�55:22, it is declared that we ought to “�

.”�If you walk upright before the Lord, “no good thing will he�withhold from you”. When we seek him faithfully, we will�experience shalom, His peace. He says, “�

” (Jn. 14:27).�

Instead of constantly worrying about something you�cannot change, the Lord says to “cast all your cares and�anxieties on Him because He cares for you” (1Peter 5:7). Paul�encourages us not be anxious about anything in our lives. He�says, “�

” (Phil. 4:6-8). We also see from scripture where Paul�began to encourage Timothy. Timothy, we might say was�discouraged about the condition of his city or church at the time.�He probably wanted to give up. But Paul began to remind him of�the faith that was in his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois that�it is also in him. So Paul told him, listen, “�

” (II Tim. 1:7).�

We must change our thought patterns. Scripture declares,�“let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”, “set your�minds on things above and not on things of this earth”. Believe�that if God has begun a good work within you, he will perfect you.�Set priorities, release all your fears and anxieties to God. Permit�yourself to relax. Don’t take on too much that you know that you�are not able to handle.�

Instead of worrying, start to worship. Worship is the�opposite of worry, I believe. Fear is the opposite of faith. Have�faith in God. You don’t see�how you will make it, trust�God. Faith cannot be seen. If�you can see it then it is not�faith. F.E.A.R is false�evidence appearing real. It is�a figment of your�imagination.�

Song: “no weapon formed�against me shall prosper”�

Bro Tunde Sanni.�

UCF page 9�

on and focusing his attention on the ultimate goal. In short, Paul�was letting his spiritual son know that common wisdom was that a�Christian life ought to be easy, but that in actual fact it is not easy,�and it is not supposed to be easy.�

Paul’s advice to Timothy is equally instructive to all of us in our daily�living and especially when we find ourselves in position of�leadership. Leaders need to learn to endure all circumstances, to�never give in to discouragement, to anticipate troubles and�oppositions and handle them with the wisdom of God, to realize�that in the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity to instruct, to�know that it is easier for people to find an excuse than for them to�find a reason, and finally, to realize that a lot could be�accomplished in life if we do things to the best of our abilities�without worrying about who gets the credit. God has empowered�us to use our talents, wherever we are, and to the best of our�abilities. Anything short of that is like robbing God of returns on His�precious investments. Keep on fighting, keep on running, and keep�on believing. And if I may add: “May your road be rough”. May�God bless us all.�

Adeolu Esho�

In His Service�

B� hi C. A�waife, PharmD�

— C. Everett Koop, M.D.�

Medication adherence is defined as the extent to which patients take medications as prescribed by their health care providers. The full�benefit of the effect of medications that are available is achieved only when patients follow prescribed treatment regimens reasonably�and closely.�

Lack of medication adherence is an issue that can result in devastating consequences in people with chronic diseases such as�asthma�,�high� blood pressure, and�diabetes�, as well as those with difficult-to-treat infectious diseases such as AIDS and�tuberculosis�. It is advised�that patients are aware that adherence should not be based upon how he or she feels physically. This is a common misconception�among people with high blood pressure, since hypertension often causes no symptoms.�

Patients are encouraged to get involved in monitoring their care and in medical decision making as this will enhance adherence.�Fitting�your medications into your life instead of structuring your life around your medications can be very beneficial.�Methods such as pill box,�clock alarm system, and family involvement can help improve adherence.� Health care professionals can contribute to improving�medication adherence by developing strategies such as using electronic medication monitors, performing pill counts, clinical response,�questionnaires, measurement of physiologic markers, medication diary and ascertaining rates of medication refills. It is also important�to prescribe medications with fewer side effects and reduce cost.�

In conclusion several studies continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of medication�

adherence in the treatment of illness. It is important for patients to be aware that poor�

adherence to medication might cause deterioration in mental state, frequent hospitalization,�

reduce quality of life, worsening of disease, and even death.�

As we strive to develop our spiritual life through the strengthening of our walk with Christ, may God�

continue to grant us the wisdom and grace to also take good care of our physical body especially�

through our adherence to guidance we receive from Him through all the medical expertise we are�

blessed with........Amen�

Importance of Medication Adherence�

The Challenge of Leadership contd.......�

UCF page 10�

“�”. (2 Corinthians 5:16)�

It is important to have the right attitude to God's Word and His ministers.Sometimes,people make the mistake of seeing God's ministers�from a natural standpoint.They go to church because' they want to hear " what the Preacher has to say", much in the same way Newsmen�will gather at a press conference to hear what a speaker has to say.Don't go to church to hear "what the preacher has to say",for the�Preacher is God's oracle, with the Word of God in his mouth.(1 Peter 4:11) So your attitude should be "I'm going to church to hear and�receive the Word of God".�

The man of God--your Pastor---- speaks under the anointing and inspiration of the Holy Spirit; he is sent of God to bless you. Thus, if�you went to church thinking you're listening to a man's ideas,then you'll never hear God's voice.That explains why two people may go�for a church service and one person says "Wow! God spoke to me!" But the other person wonders to himself at what point during the�service God spoke.�

Don't ever forget that Preachers didn't send themselves to do the work of the ministry; they're God's instruments or vessels for passing�His message across to the world.The Bible says,"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our�sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament;not�of the letter,but of the spirit:for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life" (2 Corinthians�3:5-6)�

So when next you're in church,and the man of God is preaching and teaching,don't�say,"I just want to hear what this man has to say........" No say, "I want to hear what�God has in store for me in this message." That's the way to position yourself to receive�the blessings of the Word of God into your spirit and be transformed.�

Bro.MITCHEL CHUKS-OKONTA.�

Dear Brethrens,�

The weeds that sometimes grow up the side of trees cling to them during the fiercest storms. Although the wind beats upon them, the�tendrils hold tightly to the tree’s bark. If the weed is on the side opposite the wind, the tree is its protection; if it’s on the exposed side,�the wind presses the weed more closely to it.�

As Christians, we are sometimes sheltered by God, while other times He allows us to be exposed so we will be pressed more closely�to Him. After years of faithfulness, some Christians suddenly find themselves greatly tested and in deep distress—seemingly without�reason. They are subjected to terrific battles with doubts, fears, and unbelief. Doesn’t God care how much they suffer? Of course He�does. But He has a special purpose in withholding immediate relief.�

When God spoke to Satan about Job, He described him as “blameless and upright,” one who “holds fast to his integrity” Job 1:18;�2:3. God knew He could trust Job to cling to Him no matter what. Job’s persevering faith in the midst of overwhelming trials would�refute Satan’s argument that he served God only because God blessed him. Can God boast of us the way he did for Job? If God�allows our so cherished child, job, wife, husband, wealth, or friend to be no more, can we still cling onto God?�

The destructions we saw in Japan in a twinkle, few weeks ago should remind us that nothing can stand except faith in God. 2�Corinthians 4:18. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is�eternal.�

The Lord may have a similar purpose in your trial. Remember Job’s example. Hold fast to God.�

Sincerely,�

Hope Ekwueme.�

GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HIS MINISTERS�

UCF page 11�

One of the newer members of our church family Mr Femi�

Okafor. He also celebrated his 60th birthday in the month�

of March. Bro.Femi Happy Birthday and may God�

continue to grant you many many more productive�

years.....Amen�

Crystal Aburime And Pastor Effiom at her baptism.�

We thank God for all He is doing in the lives of our�

children. Crystal, our prayer is that God will continue�

to grow you in stature, and in spirit on your way to�

becoming the woman of God that He has destined�

you to be....Amen�

Aubrey And Vera Whaley & Family, welcome�

to the UCF church family!. May God grant you�

the wisdom to find your purpose in His�

church and may your entire family continue to�

grow in His word on your way to becoming all�

that He has destined you to be....Amen�

UCF page 12�

We thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the church newsletter, may the Almighty God continue to bless you and your family. We�

know that it is sometimes difficult to put whatever words God has placed in your heart on paper, so we truly appreciate all the written words that were�

sent for publication. I am certain that as you all use your talents to spread God’s word, He will do more wonderful things in your lives.�

We continue to encourage every UCF member to allow the spirit of the Lord to work in their lives, if you have the sudden urge to write some words God�

has placed in your heart, do not tarry, write it down and send it to ucfarlington.bulletin@gmail.com. It does not matter whether it is a line or a twenty-�

page bestseller, I am sure God has a reason for choosing you to write those words.�

To the children and youth ministries, we implore you to share your wonderful gifts with us because we know there are talents abound in our kids and�

youths. We welcome poems, songs, even inspirational pictures. This might be the beginning of a promising career.�

May God continue to inspire us all, as we continue the good fight to win souls for our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.�

Sis. Tope Macaulay�