START Your Day
- Apostle Michael Orokpo

*If The Faith And Kingdom Of God Must Advance, You And I Will Make It Happen*

DON'T GO AWAY!

MANY ARE NOT READY TO STUDY THE WORD BUT CAN WAKE UP VERY EARLY TO CHAT OR WATCH CNN

EVERY GIFT OF GOD NOT SERVICED WILL DIE A NATURAL DEATH

- Bishop David Oyedepo

Bishop Oyedepo has charged all believers to beware of distractions that prevent them from their spiritual disciplines. While admonishing the congregation during the second service of the Special Easter Celebration Service at Faith Tabernacle Canaanland, he said "Some will take the Bible and in two minutes, they have slept. Church Gist. When they are watching TV, they can stay awake for two hours without blinking. Two solid hours with junk, no lesson. He is awake. But let us pray, he is dozing off in one minute. "let us chat", he is excited even early in the morning. They are traps of the devil."

He further said "You may not like my approach but I know what I am doing, I bought my last newspaper in 1993. They talk about me a lot, that's good. They are for people to read. I can't be reading what you are saying about me, I know me more than you know me. I have one TV in my house and office and it has never seen power. Church Gist. You can't mistakenly turn it on, it was never connected. Whether it is still working or not, nobody knows. Warranty has gone. Can I leave my house and go and be watching in the office? No! But you know how many of you do that. The business is dying and you are in front of CNN. They say "don't go away" and you are there. What are you looking for? To take time out and seek the way forward, you don't have. I said to you before, those who make news don't watch news. They are busy making news for watchers to keep watching. I see you enlisted among newsmakers. Every gift of God that is unserviced will die a natural death."

HOW THE APOSTLES DIED.

1. Matthew
Suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, Killed by a sword wound.

2. Mark
Died in Alexandria, Egypt , after being dragged by Horses through the streets until he was dead.

3. Luke
Was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous Preaching to the lost.

4. John
Faced martyrdom when he was boiled in huge Basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution In Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered From death.
John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison Island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos . The apostle John was later freed and returned to serve As Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey . He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully

5. Peter
He was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross.
According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die In the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

6. James
The leader of the church in Jerusalem , was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his
enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club.
* This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.

7. James the Son of Zebedee,
was a fisherman by trade when Jesus Called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was beheaded at Jerusalem. The Roman officer who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer Walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and Knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.

8. Bartholomew
Also known as Nathaniel Was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed for our Lord in present day Turkey. Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia where he was flayed to death by a whip.

9. Andrew
Was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: 'I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it.' He continued to preach to his tormentors For two days until he expired.

10. Thomas
Was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the Sub-continent.

11. Jude
Was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

12. Matthias
The apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

13. Paul
Was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write his many
epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire. These letters, which taught many of the foundational Doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.

THEGOSOEL THAT TOOK THE BLOOD OF THE APOSTLES IS THE ONE TAKING YOUR PASTORS TO THE BANK, AND BECOMING THE RICHEST IN FORBS LIST

THIS SHOULD TELL U THAT THEY ARE PREACHERS OF ANOTHWR GOSPEL,

ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT, U WILL UNDERSTAND BETTER

Your faith is the womb that births impossible things - what are you pregnant with?"

Your faith is the womb that births impossible things - what are you pregnant with?"

Your faith is the womb that births impossible things - what are you pregnant with?"

Your faith is the womb that births impossible things - what are you pregnant with?"

VISION

INTRODUCTION

Vision is the revelation of God’s purpose and plan for a person, a people, a generation, or even an entire nation. It is not ambition. It is not wishful thinking. It is not mere goal-setting. Vision is divine direction birthed by divine encounter. According to Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NKJV): “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” This reveals a key truth: NO TRUE VISION SPEAKS AT THE BEGINNING; IT ONLY SPEAKS AT THE END.

WHAT IS VISION?

Vision is the spiritual insight into God’s intended outcome for a life. It is not self-initiated but God-initiated. It is the mental and spiritual picture of your future that propels you with energy, courage, and resilience. Vision is what gives life direction, focus, and purpose. Without it, people live by reaction instead of intention. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

True vision is born out of divine fellowship. It is not created in the boardroom but received in the secret place. Vision is not what you want to do for God, but what God wants to do through you. It is the blueprint of heaven deposited in your spirit, commanding your alignment and action.

KEY FACTS ABOUT VISION

1. TRUE VISION SPEAKS AT THE END, NOT AT THE BEGINNING

When vision first arrives, it often looks ordinary, confusing, or even unrealistic. It rarely comes with applause or clarity. In fact, it often invites criticism, mockery, and rejection. Just like Joseph’s dreams, vision is usually ridiculed before it is respected. In the beginning, it may appear dormant or unachievable. But in the end, it speaks loudly and clearly. Vision is validated by manifestation, not excitement.

2. VISION REQUIRES PROCESSING

Before vision speaks, it processes. The one who receives vision must be processed to match the weight of what God has revealed. Moses had the vision to deliver Israel, but spent 40 years in the wilderness being prepared. Paul encountered Jesus and then spent years in Arabia being equipped. God will never place a heavy vision on an unprocessed vessel. Between revelation and manifestation is preparation.

3. VISION THRIVES ON CHARACTER, NOT JUST CHARISMA

It is not enough to carry power gifts like prophecy, tongues, healing, or discernment. These are important but not sufficient for the fulfillment of vision. The gifts may attract attention, but it is the fruit of the Spirit that sustains destiny. According to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the attributes that preserve the vessel and stabilize the journey.

Many have received genuine visions from God but failed in character and collapsed in the process. Patience and long-suffering are especially critical because vision is a marathon, not a sprint. Without endurance, discouragement will abort destiny.

4. VISION REQUIRES TIME AND SEASONAL DISCERNMENT

Vision is time-sensitive. No matter how accurate a vision is, if you try to manifest it outside of divine timing, it will fail. The power of vision lies in alignment with God’s schedule. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Misjudging seasons leads to premature exposure and failure.

Vision must be walked out step by step, stage by stage. Just as a baby must crawl before walking, vision must mature before manifestation. Each season comes with its test. There is a season of silence, of rejection, of formation, and of visibility. You must discern them all.

5. VISION ATTRACTS ADVERSITY

Every true vision will face opposition. In fact, opposition is one of the strongest validations that your vision is divine. Satan will not fight what is not a threat. Nehemiah’s vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was opposed from every side. Jesus' mission was challenged from infancy to the cross. If your vision is truly of God, expect resistance—but also expect divine backing.

Opposition is not a sign of failure but a test of commitment. Many faint in the day of adversity because their strength is small. Visionaries must be battle-tested, able to withstand storms, delays, betrayals, and discouragement.

6. VISION REQUIRES DISCIPLINE AND FOCUS

Distraction is one of the deadliest enemies of vision. Many start strong but lose focus. Like Peter walking on water, they allow the winds of life to shift their eyes from the Master to the mess. Vision demands saying no to many good things to stay with the God-thing.

It also requires the discipline of time, resources, and relationships. Not every opportunity is a divine instruction. You must guard your heart, your circle, and your energy. Vision flourishes in environments of purity and clarity.

7. VISION REQUIRES COURAGE AND RESILIENCE

Vision will often demand that you walk alone. The early stages of vision may require loneliness, rejection, and misunderstanding. Noah built an ark with no rain in sight. Abraham walked to an unknown land. These men were sustained by vision, not applause.

If you cannot endure the loneliness of vision, you will never enjoy the reward of vision. You must believe what God told you even when no one else sees it. Hebrews 10:36 says, “You have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.”

8. VISION SEEKS TRANSFORMATION, NOT JUST ATTRACTION

A true vision will not just aim to make you popular or successful; it will aim to make others better, to improve society, and to advance God’s kingdom. Vision is bigger than self. It is redemptive. It serves others. It adds value. If your vision doesn’t stretch beyond you, it is ambition, not vision.

STAGES OF A VISION

1. REVELATION – God reveals His purpose.

2. INSTRUCTION – Specific steps are given.

3. SEPARATION – You are separated from what limits you.

4. PREPARATION – You are trained and refined.

5. OPPOSITION – You are tested and resisted.

6. MANIFESTATION – Vision begins to produce fruit.

7. MULTIPLICATION – Vision spreads and multiplies in others.

QUALITIES OF A VISIONARY

Sensitive to divine instructions

Emotionally stable and spiritually rooted

Bold in the face of opposition

Willing to endure delays and rejections

Able to discern seasons and transitions

Passionate about impact, not applause

Willing to submit to process and authority

Consistent in faith, regardless of results

CONCLUSION

Vision is not a one-time encounter—it is a lifelong journey. It is God's plan being worked out through your life in stages. Vision is fragile in the beginning but becomes powerful at the end. The end speaks, not the beginning. It is not how it looks now, but how it will be when God is done.

Don’t abort your vision because of delay. Don’t discard it because of opposition. Don’t disobey because of pressure. What God has shown you will come to pass—if you stay faithful.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV) says, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” Vision is not about speed, but about staying in sync with God. Those who wait on the Lord will not be ashamed. The vision will speak—at the end.

I'M NOT PROSPEROUS BY CHANCE, IT'S BY COVENANT AND DANGEROUS ACTS OF SACRIFICE AS PROMPTED BY THE HOLY GHOST.

- Bishop David Oyedepo

Bishop David Oyedepo teaching during the Impartation Service of the Easter Faith Convention on Monday, 21st April narrated how he vowed his salary to God forever in December, 1987. His salary at the time was N1,386.

He said, "God's romance may be costly. He said, 'My Son, I'm pleased with you.' Oh, goose pimples all over my body. 'But what have you brought for me?' 'Lord, what do I have? Oh, my salary. I give it to you.' It was the most precious treasure of our lives then. How much was it? 1,386 Naira. I said, 'Lord, I give it to you.' That was December '87. Nobody heard it from my mouth until '96 when it had become a testimony with my own Accountant working for me. My wife asked me the following month, what about upkeep salary. I said I've laid it on the Altar so we are free to be hungry. That was the last time she asked. Church Gist. When you hear stories, check the story behind the story. We are not faking this thing here. I'm not prosperous by chance, it's by Covenant, dangerous acts of sacrifice as prompted by the Holy Ghost."

He further stated how God demanded a property from him when funds were needed for Church planting. He obeyed and God told him, 'My Son David, even if you don't want to be rich, it's too late!'

AS A BOY, I SAW CHURCHES BEING BUILT FOR 20-30 YEARS AND I VOWED TO SEE THE END OF THE ADAGE, "AS POOR AS A CHURCH RAT" - Bishop David Oyedepo

Bishop David Oyedepo teaching during the Impartation Service of the Easter Faith Convention on Monday, 21st April narrated how he promised God that he will see to the end of the denigrating phrase, "as poor as a church rat" (that was the norm back in the days) if He blesses Him.

Speaking, he said, " I saw Churches being built 20 years, 30 years, uncompleted. Lord, if you ever bless me, I want to see this proverb erased, 'as poor as Church rat' I had no bank account but I had a heart panting after God. I want to be part of building you Churches. Okay, what is in your heart? What can you define as in your heart for God as He keeps raising you".

GREAT WISDOM FOR VICTORIOUS LIVING.

1. The less you say, the more your words will matter.
Choose your words wisely. In a noisy world full of opinions, wisdom is often found in silence and thoughtful speech. Be known for words that uplift, not for words that merely fill the air.

2. Don't take everything personally.
People have their own battles and burdens. Most aren’t thinking about you as much as you think. Learn to let things go, and choose peace over unnecessary offense.

3. Focus on possibilities, not problems.
Your mindset shapes your destiny. A problem-focused life creates fear and limits, but a possibility-driven mind sees open doors in every difficulty. Be solution-oriented.

4. Your struggle is shaping you.
Pain is a part of growth. What you’re going through today might be the very thing that prepares you for what you prayed for tomorrow. Keep moving forward.

5. There’s a reason behind every connection.
Some people come to teach you, some to test you, and others to build you. And sometimes, you are sent into someone’s life for those same reasons. Learn to discern the difference.

6. Dare to try new things.
Staying in your comfort zone is easy, but greatness lives outside it. Explore, learn, and experience life beyond the familiar. Every risk carries a reward, even if it’s a lesson.

7. Emotional pain is real.
Being ignored by those you care about hurts. Acknowledge it, but don't let it control you. Build emotional resilience. Know your worth doesn't depend on anyone's attention.

8. Appreciate moments while you have them.
Today’s ordinary moments will become tomorrow’s treasured memories. Be fully present in your relationships, conversations, and experiences.

9. Gratitude shifts your focus.
When you start counting your blessings, your heart finds peace, and your eyes open to new opportunities. A grateful heart makes room for more.

10. Control your words, control your life.
Your future is shaped by what you speak. Speak life, hope, and purpose over yourself and others. Don’t let careless words ruin what discipline could have preserved.

11. Life reflects your thoughts.
Your mindset determines your outcome. If you see the world as hostile, you’ll live in fear. If you see it as filled with opportunities, you’ll find them.

12. It's not what happens to you, but how you respond.
Life is unpredictable. You can’t control everything, but you can control your attitude. A positive, faith-driven response will always position you for growth.

13. You wake up to yourself every day.
Be someone you respect when no one’s watching. Integrity and self-respect matter more than public approval.

14. Acts from the heart bring the deepest joy.
When you help, love, or serve with sincerity, the fulfillment you gain is priceless. Pursue what adds value to others.

15. Your circle shapes your destiny.
Surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and uplift you. If you walk with wise people, you’ll grow wiser. Choose relationships intentionally.

16. Knowing yourself unlocks your potential.
Self-awareness is a superpower. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. When you know who you are, you stop living for approval and start living with purpose.

Final Thought for the Youth:
You are living in a time of endless distractions and options. Wisdom is knowing what to hold on to, what to let go of, and what to reach for. Choose God, choose growth, and choose to live intentionally.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7

May God bless you, guide you, and cause you to thrive.

50 UNAVOIDABLE LANDMARKS AND BENCHMARKS FOR SUCCESS

These are key stages, principles, and indicators that anyone pursuing true and lasting success must encounter, embrace, or achieve. They apply across life, career, ministry, business, leadership, and personal development.

1. DISCOVERY OF PURPOSE

Success begins when you know why you are on earth. Without purpose, pursuits are aimless.

2. CLEAR VISION

A vivid mental picture of a desired future. Vision gives direction and energy to action.

3. DEEP DESIRE

You must want success passionately. This inner drive keeps you pushing despite obstacles.

4. DECISION TO SUCCEED

Success is a conscious choice. You must decide not to fail.

5. SETTING SMART GOALS

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals break vision into steps.

6. WRITING THE VISION

Documenting your vision and goals clarifies your focus and keeps you accountable.

7. BELIEF IN YOURSELF

You must believe you can succeed, even if others doubt you.

8. MENTAL TRANSFORMATION

Success requires a renewed mind—thinking like a winner and not a victim.

9. WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

Success demands learning, understanding, and applying wisdom consistently.

10. FAITH IN GOD

Trusting God as your source and sustainer adds supernatural backing to your efforts.

11. CLARITY OF IDENTITY

Know who you are, your values, strengths, weaknesses, and uniqueness.

12. SELF-DISCIPLINE

Delayed gratification, control of impulses, and consistency in habits are essential.

13. PLANNING

Success is not accidental; strategic planning prevents poor performance.

14. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

Don’t blame others or circumstances. Own your life and choices.

15. TIME MANAGEMENT

Time is a currency of success. Those who waste it, waste life.

16. PRIORITIZATION

Do first things first. Major on majors, not on minor things.

17. DAILY PRODUCTIVITY

Small, consistent progress daily beats occasional big efforts.

18. FOCUS

Avoid distractions. Concentrated effort on what matters most fuels breakthroughs.

19. HARD WORK

Success never comes to the lazy. Diligence always pays.

20. EXCELLENCE

Doing your best at all times attracts reward and recognition.

21. PERSISTENCE

Never give up when faced with obstacles. Keep pushing until results show.

22. ADAPTABILITY

The ability to adjust to change and learn new things keeps you relevant.

23. FAILURE MANAGEMENT

Learn from failures. See them as stepping-stones, not graveyards.

24. CREATIVITY

Innovative ideas and solutions differentiate you from the crowd.

25. NETWORKING

Relationships and connections often open doors talent alone cannot.

26. FINDING MENTORS

A mentor helps you avoid errors, accelerate growth, and stay accountable.

27. VALUE CREATION

To be successful, you must solve problems and meet needs for others.

28. SERVICE TO OTHERS

The more people you help, the more successful you become.

29. PERSONAL BRANDING

Your reputation and identity must be positively distinct and consistent.

30. FINANCIAL LITERACY

Managing money wisely is a critical benchmark for sustainable success.

31. SACRIFICE

Success costs something—sleep, comfort, time, or luxury. Be ready to pay.

32. CONSISTENCY

Success is not in starting, but in staying. Keep showing up.

33. INTEGRITY

Honesty and uprightness build trust and long-term influence.

34. CONFIDENCE

Boldness to step out and speak up attracts opportunities.

35. DECISIVENESS

Indecision is a killer of destiny. Make timely and firm choices.

36. GRATITUDE

A thankful heart opens more doors and attracts divine favor.

37. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Knowing how to manage your emotions and relate with others well is vital.

38. LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Influencing others, casting vision, and guiding people is crucial for scaling success.

39. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Collaborating with the right people multiplies your impact.

40. TRACKING PROGRESS

Measuring growth and adjusting your strategy ensures you stay on course.

41. STAYING HUMBLE

Pride brings downfall. Humility keeps you teachable and accessible.

42. SPIRITUAL COVERING

Stay under godly authority and covering for spiritual protection and direction.

43. OVERCOMING LIMITING BELIEFS

Break out of wrong internal narratives that sabotage progress.

44. AVOIDING COMPARISON

Run your race. Envy kills joy and focus.

45. CONTINUAL LEARNING

Never stop growing. Read, study, attend courses, and evolve.

46. COURAGE TO TAKE RISKS

Playing it safe won't take you far. Step out in faith.

47. MENTORING OTHERS

Success multiplies when you lift others as you rise.

48. LEGACY THINKING

Think beyond today. What will you be remembered for?

49. CELEBRATING MILESTONES

Celebrate little wins. It fuels motivation for bigger achievements.

50. GIVING BACK

True success blesses others. Give time, money, ideas, and help freely.