MONTHLY NEWSLETTER With Rev. Dr. C. A. ONITIRI (JULY 2025 EDITION)

THEME: “GOD’S THOUGHTS, GOD’S WAYS – HIS WISDOM AND PERFECT PLAN.”

SCRIPTURE FOR THE MONTH: ISAIAH 55V8-9.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (KJV)

INTRODUCTION:

Beloved in Christ,
Welcome to July 2025! As we begin the second half of the year, many may be reflecting on dreams delayed, prayers unanswered, and goals not yet achieved. Some may wonder: “Why hasn’t God moved the way I expected?”

Isaiah 55:8–9 is a powerful reminder that God is not limited by our thoughts, calendars, or expectations. His ways are higher, His thoughts deeper, and His plans more perfect than anything we can imagine. While human understanding is finite, God’s wisdom is infinite and always in alignment with His perfect will for our lives.

MESSAGE EXPOSITION:

Isaiah 55:8-9 reveals a profound truth: God is not obligated to operate within the logic or emotions of man. He is not confined to human strategies, shortcuts, or assumptions. Instead:
His Thoughts Are Divine: God’s plans are driven by eternal foresight and not momentary convenience.
His Ways Are Sovereign: What may appear like delay, denial, or difficulty may actually be divine redirection.

His Wisdom is Unsearchable: No one can fully grasp the depth of His purpose — but we can trust His heart even when we don’t understand His hand.

God is always working behind the scenes. What we consider a setback may be a setup for something greater. His plans are not to frustrate us but to form us, prepare us, and bless us beyond what we can envision.

EXAMPLES FROM SCRIPTURES:

1. ABRAHAM (Genesis 12–22):
   God promised Abraham a child, yet made him wait 25 years. Why? Because God was building faith, patience, and generational purpose. His plan was greater than just Isaac — it was about birthing a nation.
2. RUTH (Ruth 1–4):
   Ruth’s journey from Moab to Bethlehem looked like tragedy — widowhood, poverty, and uncertainty. Yet, God’s plan positioned her for redemption through Boaz, and she became the great-grandmother of King David.
3. LAZARUS (John 11):
   When Jesus delayed going to Lazarus, it seemed like neglect. But Jesus said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:4). The delay was divine — to reveal resurrection power.
4. PAUL (Acts 16:6-10):
   Paul planned to preach in Asia, but the Holy Spirit redirected him to Macedonia. This divine interruption led to a major expansion of the Gospel in Europe. God’s plan was global.

LESSONS TO LEARN:

God is never late — His timing is perfect.
“In His time, He makes all things beautiful” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
When God’s ways are not understood, His character must be trusted

“Faith is trusting even when it doesn’t make sense” (Hebrews 11:1).
God’s wisdom surpasses our best plans.

We may chart our course, but He directs the steps (Proverbs 16:9).
We must yield to divine process.
Just as clay submits to the potter, we must surrender to God’s shaping (Jeremiah 18:1–6).

CROSS REFERENCES:

Romans 11:33 (KJV):
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Psalm 18:30:
“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried…”

CONCLUSION:

In this month of July, let us walk confidently knowing that God’s thoughts towards us are good, and His ways are perfect. What may not make sense now will soon reveal God’s greater glory. Do not rush the process, do not fear the unknown, and do not lose heart. God is working out His perfect plan — far above our imagination, and beyond our expectations. Let us stay in faith, obedience, and rest in the wisdom of His divine plan. July is the month to surrender fully and trust deeply in His higher ways

Shalom!