Change the mindset and change the nation Rom 12:2, Genesis 11:6b

Transcription

1 8th Oct., 2017 Change the mindset and change the nation Rom 12:2, Genesis 11:6b Every developed nation on earth was built by developed minds who had vision of what their nation should become. Such visions were the platforms that birthed the transformation of their nation with the mindset of a continuous improvement of their people, resources, systems and environment. As citizens of Nigeria, there is a divine purpose why God created us as Nigerians, rather than nationals of the world (Psalm 16:5-6). By every probability, this purpose includes to build Nigeria into a developed world class nation, with the right environment where individual and national potentials are fully maximized. To achieve this, we need to believe that this vision of a new Nigeria is realizable. Today's outline seeks to challenge us of the need to renew our minds to match up with the picture of a developed and prosperous Nigeria. 1. The new Nigeria is a nation where no person is limited by race, tribe, gender, religion or political inclination; a top destination for educational, medical and recreational tourism; a technological and business hub for Africa; a truly free, secure and egalitarian society with reliable and state of the art infrastructure, constant supply of basic utilities like water, power, fuels, etc, and a land full of viable opportunities for all citizens to develop and deploy their talents and creativity for their own fulfilment and the good of all. What are the factors holding us back from dreaming and making effort to achieve the dream of a developed and prosperous Nigeria? Discuss. 2. As Christians, God is counting on us to deliver a new Nigeria, a nation of righteousness, technological excellence, economic prosperity, social harmony and political stability. The following are some tips to help us in fulfilling our roles in realizing the vision of a new Nigeria. a. Believe that Nigeria can become the reality of that dream of a preferred future, for we have the capacity. Nehemiah 2:3-5, 6:15-16, Prov 23:7 b. Rise above the tendencies for ethnic and religious discrimination and pursue peace, love and unity with faith in God. Col. 3:10-11, Psalm 133:1-3 c. Shun corruption and all misconduct Prov 14:34 d. Find your talent, develop skills and apply your creativity. Eph. 4: e. Build a personal culture of excellence; continuously improving your mind and the quality of goods and services you offer. 1 Peter 2:9, 2Peter 2:5-8 According to Rom 12:2, we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Developed nations were once underdeveloped but as people of such nations kept renewing and developing their minds, and taking appropriate action, such developed nations emerged. God has actually populated every nation with people to positively influence the course of development. Every person has a role to play. It all begins with your thinking and imagination as a citizen of your nation. As you align your mind with the vision of a great and developed Nigeria, God will equip you with the wisdom, abilities and opportunities to contribute your bit and stimulate others to make this dream a reality. We shall succeed in Jesus Name. God bless Nigeria.

2 8th Oct., 2017 We are one Psalms 133 :1-3 Introduction: Nigeria is a blessed nation but we are not enjoying the blessing because we are not united as one. Kiddies Talk Back As a child of God, these are what to do to create unity: 1. Showing love to everyone whatever their tribe 2. Do not look down on anyone because they are not Christians. They are God's creations. 3. Be a good example always. 4. Forgive always whenever you're wronged 5. Be ready to help and pray for others 6. Let the Holy Spirit fill you up. As a child of God, you must help in bringing unity wherever you find yourself in the country. Memory verse: PS 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.(amp version) Find these words in the puzzle: Nigeria, tribe, unity, nation, blessing.

3 8th Oct., 2017 A New Nation in our Generation Rom.12:2, Acts.13:36 One capacity we have as God's children is the ability to SEE the inherent potential of a person or thing i.e we see things not the way they are but the way they could be. If we act on this, then we will get the same results that God did in Genesis 1.To become a transformed nation of our dreams, we have to "see" it first by having a vision and working towards establishing it. In today's outline, our focus is on the need for us to have a picture of a desirable future for Nigeria. (1) In your own words, what do you understand by VISION? Share your own vision. (2) To change your life and your nation, you must be a person of vision. Individually, it is expected that we have a vision so that we can fulfill our potentials. Below are few things having a vision will do for you. (a) Vision will transform you. (b) Vision will give you direction. (c) Vision will tell you where you will end up in life. (d) Vision will determine your friends and association. (e) Your vision must dominate your mind. We have the capacity to dream big for a developed Nigeria. So, we need to start working on that vision from now, seeing the pictures in our minds. In due course and in our lifetime, the transformation will come to pass. Nigeria will succeed!

4 9th - 13th Oct., 2017 Mindset for Global Impact in the Market Place Rom 12:2 Everyone, the world over, seeks a better place, better position, better financial status etc. (Heb 11:16) but we never arrive at these destinations by accident. Vision is the prerequisite for attaining a better destination in any area of human endeavour. Whether as an entrepreneur, an employee or a nation, vision (a divinely inspired picture of the future that propels and directs our action in the present) is what we need if we must become that professional, that business or nation that will compete in the global market place. We need to be able to see our businesses, our careers with the eyes of God's possibilities. We must see ourselves as possessing what it takes to develop the capacity to become that professional and business that can attract global attention and patronage. However, to get to a place where you have not been you must become the person you were previously not. We cannot solve our problems with the same kind of thinking that created those problems in the first place. We therefore need to begin to think differently and see things differently in order to produce different results. Our businesses and careers must be yielded to God so he can influence humanity through it (Rom 8:19). Today, our discussion will focus on how important vision is to the impact our businesses and careers can have in the market place. Questions 1 Our beliefs to a large extent determines what we become in the future (Prov 23:7). Share your thoughts about this. Question 2 Vision defines our destination and our destination conditions our outlook to life and conduct in the present. Below are some ways that vision helps to transform our lives, careers and businesses into the type that is globally sought-after. 1. Vision causes us to discipline ourselves (Prov 29:18) 2. Vision determines the association we keep (1Cor 15:33, Ps 1:1) 3. Vision guides us in how we use our time and resources 4. Vision gives us a sense of direction and a means of measuring our progress 5. Vision determines the kind of information we consume, the books we read etc 6. Vision propels us not to settle for less on the way to our destination 7. Vision births in us a desire to keep improving until we attain what the vision defines Our career and business can become whatever it is God has shown us or put in our hearts. God's product and idea has the capacity to impact the whole of humanity no matter how small the beginning may look (1John 5:4, Job 8:7). The greatest person that lived was born in a manger. This reality should make us think globally with respect to our businesses, our careers and whatever it is that we do. It is not where we start from or what obstacles we come across that defines how far we go but God on our side. As we pursue God's vision for our businesses and careers, we will succeed in Jesus name.

5 8th Oct., 2017