Pastor Mensah Otabil, General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has charged Christians who want to experience a blissful and successful year, in 2011, to lead a righteous life by seeking the face of God.
Preaching his ‘Crossover” sermon to mark the end of 2010 on Friday night, the man of God declared this year as a “year of righteousness” , stressing that “in 2011 God wants us to set him as the number one in our lives”.
“In 2011 God wants us to set Him as the number one in our lives, He wants to be the number one in your life, He wants to be the priority in your life, He wants you to seek him first… So as I sought the face of the Lord, this scripture was implanted in my spirit and the word that came to me was righteousness, that 2011 would be a year of righteousness”.
He pontificated: “God says if you seek Him first , there would be addition in your life, but if you seek [worldly]things first there would be subtraction in your life.”
Over 40,000 people, mainly Christians, from all walks of life attended the Crossover at the Accra Sports Stadium, and were doused with a cocktail of prophetic and hopeful messages. There was no a single seat which was not occupied in the 40,000 all-seater stadium with hundreds of congregation spilling over the venue.
The event, which started around 8:00pm was characterized by songs of praise, worship and most importantly incessant prayers to God Almighty which was led by the Pastor Otabil.
The Pastor reminded the congregation that they serve a living God, who irrespective of what happens in the world, His faithfulness still endures forever. He also urged them not to count themselves out of God’s flowing favour because He is still at work.
“The hymnist tells us, through all the changing scenes of life, in trials, in troubles, God still remains faithful and His faithfulness is renewed everyday, and his faithfulness is forever more. He has been our God in terms of joy and He’s been our God when the tears flowed down our cheeks.
“He was there when men kicked us and He will be there when you are lifted up to your high places. He was there when people despised you and He will be there when your glory comes, He will be there when your honour comes because those who mock at you today would stand in amazement at what God will do with your life. This is not the end of the story, this is only a chapter in your life story, God is still writing on the pages of your life, He has not finished with you yet, don’t cancel yourself out, because He is still at work with you and He will perfect that which concerns you.”
He however noted that even though it is good to celebrate and enjoy our success, we must not lose sight of setting our life right with God.
He was hopeful the God who saw his people through 2010 would take them through 2011 with his face shinning on them.
“I see good happening to you, I see favour happening to you, I see God surrounding you with his peace, with his goodness with his mercy.”
The night’s scripture was taken from Matthew 6:28-33 (NIV) “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The vigil was graced with soul touching and heart soothing songs from some of the country’s finest musicians and groups. They included Pastor Josh Laryea, Celestine Donkor, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Benard Amankwah, Soul Winners, Zamar and Prince Aggrey. There were also beautiful musical interludes from the Praise Team and New Edition, both of ICGC Christ Temple.
Vendors who sold various items ranging from food to inspirational books were also there to take care of the physical needs of the people while they enjoyed a spiritual banquet with their maker.
Story by Isaac Essel and Dorcas Mensah/Myjoyonline.com