I was watching a movie earlier today. I'm sorry, but I can't remember the title. X_X
I’ll try to tell the story as precise as possible, cos I was multitasking while watching it – babysitting, taking notes, talking and texting on the phone *Big grin*
There was this young widow (patty), who had two kids and was seriously in need of a job. She got an offer from frank - a guy she barely knew - to run an Italian restaurant (though she had no previous experience). She needed the money badly.
She did very well in starting off the business and even running the new club. Long story short, frank’s boss, the real owner of the bar n club, wanted patty to do something much more tasking and risky – transporting money made from illegal biz across the border. You know what they say “Nobody walks out on the BIG guy!” She agreed to try it once, before concluding if she was going to continue. After their meeting that day in her house, she walked up to her mother and told her to take care of her two sons. The mum obviously knew what she was getting herself into. She said “If I were you, I’d take the bullets.”
Six years later, after crossing borders with $500,000 (50 times, successfully), she became very wealthy. (Who wouldn’t want that kind of job? Just driving across borders and making some cool cash).
While throwing a party for her eldest son, on his confirmation, the son was trying to take a picture with his uncle and stole his uncle’s cufflinks in the process. He rode out on his bike in a bid to go sell it and make him some quick cash. Unfortunately for him, he discovered a dead body at the spot where he was supposed to trade the stolen item. The cops drove by and picked him up. When his mother went to bail him, she tossed him into the car and asked him “did you steal your uncle’s cuffs?” to which he replied “Do you steal?” hmmm….
Things got very ugly. Some people got arrested. Some got beat up. Some got killed. She was already neck-deep into it. Her life and the lives of her kids were already in danger. Frank wanted to kill her. The next move was to secure the lives of her kids and her mum. She made mistakes over the years, and she was trying to erase them in a jiffy.
Finally, she struck a deal with the boss, and he let her break out of the clique and also spared frank’s life. In return, frank spared hers. She was lucky, right? Making all that money, dining with drug lords and doing all sorts, yet her life was spared. Some others had to die.
This sounds like something you’ve heard before. It happens all around us. Many people do ugly stuff and don’t get caught. Some commit atrocities but are discharged and acquitted in court. Some take innocent lives and destroy properties, yet walk the streets untouched.
I’m sure we all know that everything we heap up here on earth will be left behind when all is said and done – when death comes knocking at the door? No cars, properties, spouse, kids, houses, gadgets…name it…will be taken away! What you have or had wouldn’t matter anymore. It’s how well you lived your life that will matter.
In one of my previous posts, OUR TEMPORARY HOME, remember I said “You might be complaining that the place you call your shelter is demeaning. The room is too small to contain you and your family. Your friends change their wardrobes every summer, but you can’t boast of a new pair of suit in the last 2years. Your parents can’t afford to send you to high school so you resulted to petty trading.”? Yeah. Some of us don’t have it all.
Truth be told, no matter how hard some of us start working now, there are many others that have gone light years ahead of us in terms of doing business, research, achievements, global change, scientific stuff and so on.
Life and living is not just about competition. What would you be remembered for? What will people say about you when you’re gone? Most importantly, what will God say to you? “Welcome, oh faithful servant. You didn’t take any man’s spoils; you were contented with what you had; even though you weren’t as wealthy as King Solomon, you were a man of integrity; even though you weren’t as popular as Martin Luther King, you still affected the lives of people around you; you hearkened diligently to my words.”?
Just before the end of the movie, I remembered what patty’s mum said to her six years earlier “If I were you, I’d take the bullets.” I would stay away from all the drama, and raise my kids with a clean record; I want risk walking the streets in fear because I want to make some extra cash; I’d go out in search of another job; I won’t trade my integrity for a morsel of bread. From the way the movie ended, don't you think Patty would look at her mum and say "Mama, I'm glad I didn't take the bullets. I'm glad I did a bad things to get good results"?
The narrator at the end of the movie was patty’s elder son. In his last words, before the credit rolled, he said “When the devil shows up with a truck load of promises, to walk away is harder than you think”
It’s not easy, yes, but that’s why the Holy Spirit is there to guide us. That’s why we must be prayerful. That’s why we need to strengthen our relationship with God. That’s why we need to be focused and not get carried away with things that would deny us access into eternal life.
God is there to meet us at the point of our needs…not wants. The devil places options of what we 'want' before us. “I want to get rich” there are better ways of getting rich than falsifying figures and looting public funds. “I want to be in charge” there are better ways of getting into positions of authority than taking the lives of fellow competitors. Start by gaining people’s trust in all you do, maybe you'll win their votes. “I want to have the best results in college” there are better ways of excelling academically than indulging in examination malpractices. Start by reading any and everything you can lay ur hands on - anything related to your field of study.
Bottomline: Be truthful, even if it means starving for a little longer. Quit your job if it will make you compromise your faith and cause you to do evil in the sight of God. Stay away from so-called friends who make you indulge in stuff that don’t glorify God. You’re going to lose some, and you’re going to keep some. The most important thing is that you have a Christ by your side.
Patty got lucky, you may not! She wanted to make money by all means. On the long run, there will be repercussions. “He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.” Proverbs 28:8
Maybe there are no more bullets to be taken. You already indulged yourself. You’re already in that position you got via crooked means; you’ve spent all the money you looted; you’ve taking lives and properties; you’ve even lied to obtain favour. You can still get out. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. He is a merciful God. The bible says “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. There's an opportunity to start doing things right again; To correct the wrongs that can be corrected and obtain mercy.
There’s nothing wrong with being rich and prosperous, but there’s EVERYTHING wrong with ill-gotten wealth. Jacob worked for laban for 20yrs. He didn't cheat him or steal from him, and God prospered him. "This is my situation: The heat consumed me in the day time and the cold had night, and sleep fled from my eyes" said jacob to laban. Gen 31:40
Take the bullets! It will hurt for a while. But to those who believe, God will come through for them. Amen.
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches; and lovin favour rather than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A SLING. A STONE. and MY GOD.
Many years ago, I was on my way to school with my mum and my younger ones. The dude collecting the fare was trying to get us off the bus, because he didn’t want my mum to carry my two lil sisters on her lap. My mum tried explaining to him saying “They are just lil kids, besides we’re not going to bother anyone” But the dude insisted that she must pay some extra cash, he even insulted her.
His doggedness got me really pissed that I grabbed him from behind and hit him with my frail right knee, just as he tried to force my mum outta the bus. He pushed me aside like he was trying to dust something off his shirt (C’mon! I was in high school. What did you expect? lol), but I got up and charged towards him again. People intervened immediately, faulting his actions. There I stood, feeling really cool with myself. As fragile as I was, I still had the strength to (at least) try to defend my mum… or I thought I did! Okay, let’s just say I did! *insert bbm cool smiley*.
I regard my folks so much, and I won’t appreciate anyone speaking ill of them, under any circumstance. I remember telling my friends back in school ‘If you must insult me, go nuts on me. It might not move me. But the moment you bring any of my folks into the matter, you’re in for something you won’t be able to handle’.
Kinda like reminds me of what David said when he heard Goliath bragging and threatening the armies of Israel. “And David spake unto the men that stood by him, saying, what shall be done to the man that killeth this philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised philistine, that he should defy the armies of the Living God?” 1 Sam17:26.
Maybe age was already telling on Saul, cos the bible recorded that He was dismayed and terrified along with the Israelites. A whole saul??
Let’s do a quick rewind to when Samuel wanted to anoint Saul as king. Saul was described as “a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people” 1 Sam 9:2. Oh yeah! He won battles, claimed spoils and smote armies, but God later rejected him because of disobedience. It’s amazing how God can lower a man of power and authority to a vulnerable prey. (Sorry for the diversion).
Goliath and the philistine army troubled the Israelites for 40 days – morning and evening. Goliath must have been feeling on top of the world – like a huge cat before susceptible rats. This Nine feet Nine Inches (9’ 9’’) dude (scientists would disagree with me on his exact height) brought fear upon Saul and his army. But to David, he was just like one of the bears or lions he had slain. After all, if he could save a sheep from the paw of a bear, how much more God’s army from the mercy of just one man.
David begged Saul to allow him shut Goliath’s mouth. He was upset that an ordinary man would speak ill of God’s people. He was infuriated that a mere mortal was threatening the children of the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Speaking of physical strength and dexterity on the battle ground, David couldn’t be compared to goliath. But God was with him. That made him even bigger. I’ll try not to bore you too much with that story, but David didn’t stand before Goliath with a sword or an armour. “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of the Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” 1 sam 18:45
.
An interesting part of that story was that David didn’t even ascribe the glory to himself. He didn’t boast in his bodily abilities. Just before he slew Goliath, he said “And all this assembly (both the Israelites and the philistines) shall know that the Lord saveth not with the sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give you into OUR hands.” 1 Sam 17:47. He wasn’t depending on his strength, nor his skill at swinging his sling, but He was depending on God to fight His battle. God did take the glory after it all.
Putting all these together, we have an obedient servant who trusted in the Lord as against his physical ability; An unskilled fighter standing before a well-trained soldier of war without a spear or shield but just a name – the name of the Lord; A one-man army who understood the greatness of the King of kings and the Mighty one in battle; a bear slayer who acknowledged that the battle was the Lord's and there wasn’t a slight chance of losing.
I don’t know how big that challenge is; I don’t know how long it has held you defenseless; I might not be able to tell in details how you can break that limitation or pull down that stronghold. But just like David did, put the WORD of God before you. Let God be your sword, spear and shield. Nothing/No one is greater than Him. 1 Sam 2:9 – “He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.”
All you need to do is to trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him…and He shall direct your paths. He’ll use that sling and stone in your hand to bring down any stronghold that threatens your peace. Is it sickness or lack; a tussle with your flesh? God is able to grant you victory.
Work Hard. Pray Harder. Thank God.
His doggedness got me really pissed that I grabbed him from behind and hit him with my frail right knee, just as he tried to force my mum outta the bus. He pushed me aside like he was trying to dust something off his shirt (C’mon! I was in high school. What did you expect? lol), but I got up and charged towards him again. People intervened immediately, faulting his actions. There I stood, feeling really cool with myself. As fragile as I was, I still had the strength to (at least) try to defend my mum… or I thought I did! Okay, let’s just say I did! *insert bbm cool smiley*.
I regard my folks so much, and I won’t appreciate anyone speaking ill of them, under any circumstance. I remember telling my friends back in school ‘If you must insult me, go nuts on me. It might not move me. But the moment you bring any of my folks into the matter, you’re in for something you won’t be able to handle’.
Kinda like reminds me of what David said when he heard Goliath bragging and threatening the armies of Israel. “And David spake unto the men that stood by him, saying, what shall be done to the man that killeth this philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised philistine, that he should defy the armies of the Living God?” 1 Sam17:26.
Maybe age was already telling on Saul, cos the bible recorded that He was dismayed and terrified along with the Israelites. A whole saul??
Let’s do a quick rewind to when Samuel wanted to anoint Saul as king. Saul was described as “a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people” 1 Sam 9:2. Oh yeah! He won battles, claimed spoils and smote armies, but God later rejected him because of disobedience. It’s amazing how God can lower a man of power and authority to a vulnerable prey. (Sorry for the diversion).
Goliath and the philistine army troubled the Israelites for 40 days – morning and evening. Goliath must have been feeling on top of the world – like a huge cat before susceptible rats. This Nine feet Nine Inches (9’ 9’’) dude (scientists would disagree with me on his exact height) brought fear upon Saul and his army. But to David, he was just like one of the bears or lions he had slain. After all, if he could save a sheep from the paw of a bear, how much more God’s army from the mercy of just one man.
David begged Saul to allow him shut Goliath’s mouth. He was upset that an ordinary man would speak ill of God’s people. He was infuriated that a mere mortal was threatening the children of the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Speaking of physical strength and dexterity on the battle ground, David couldn’t be compared to goliath. But God was with him. That made him even bigger. I’ll try not to bore you too much with that story, but David didn’t stand before Goliath with a sword or an armour. “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of the Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” 1 sam 18:45
.
An interesting part of that story was that David didn’t even ascribe the glory to himself. He didn’t boast in his bodily abilities. Just before he slew Goliath, he said “And all this assembly (both the Israelites and the philistines) shall know that the Lord saveth not with the sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give you into OUR hands.” 1 Sam 17:47. He wasn’t depending on his strength, nor his skill at swinging his sling, but He was depending on God to fight His battle. God did take the glory after it all.
Putting all these together, we have an obedient servant who trusted in the Lord as against his physical ability; An unskilled fighter standing before a well-trained soldier of war without a spear or shield but just a name – the name of the Lord; A one-man army who understood the greatness of the King of kings and the Mighty one in battle; a bear slayer who acknowledged that the battle was the Lord's and there wasn’t a slight chance of losing.
I don’t know how big that challenge is; I don’t know how long it has held you defenseless; I might not be able to tell in details how you can break that limitation or pull down that stronghold. But just like David did, put the WORD of God before you. Let God be your sword, spear and shield. Nothing/No one is greater than Him. 1 Sam 2:9 – “He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.”
All you need to do is to trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him…and He shall direct your paths. He’ll use that sling and stone in your hand to bring down any stronghold that threatens your peace. Is it sickness or lack; a tussle with your flesh? God is able to grant you victory.
Work Hard. Pray Harder. Thank God.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
THE TRIALS OF TRUSTING AGAIN
Trust: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
It is very difficult to put your trust in a business you’ve never experienced success in before. That’s why some people never risk taking a risk, but end up taking one anyway. The sad thing is, after an experience, some people – like me - still think ‘a next time, a fresh result’. I remember investing some money in a business a few years back. I was too convinced that it was going to yield huge profit overtime…a turnover that would be enough to cover my first tuition installment in school. I started counting my eggs before they were hatched.
Days rolled by, weeks and then months. I requested for a certain amount from my accumulated turnover (on paper, that is), cos I wanted to purchase a laptop. It was one story after the other. The dude claimed that a partner whom he disclosed security details to had made away with all the money. (Yeah! I was startled too). “You’re kidding me, right? I mean, you can’t be serious! How will I pay my fees? What am I going to tell the two other people I collected money from to boost the investment?” I felt like I saw it coming. I struggled with these questions for a while. I realized I had lost everything. I started hoping and wishing it was all a dream – from the introduction to the investment to my first deposit. Would I ever attempt it again? Will anybody’s testimony of returns from the same kind of business motivate me to try again? Well, guess what? I invested in the same business again. The result was remarkable.
What makes you trust again? Is it a feeling of assurance that there must have been a few lapses in the first attempt that can be avoided in second? In our relationships: ‘Maybe I’m not spending enough time with him; maybe I’m being too hard on him’. He fumbles, then you feel betrayed “But he said he wasn’t going to do it again. He said he wasn’t going to cheat on me again. I’d never do anything to hurt him (Thank God for your life). I decided to risk trusting him again, after his first thriving attempt at infidelity. But this time, I’m done.” but then again you start to fight with justified reasons to give him yet another chance.
Weeks down the line, you are haunted by memories of the good times you shared…those times when he got to the cinemas right on time for that movie; those times when he’d call every 10mins to make sure you got home safely after hanging out late; those times when he would visit you at the hospital, and stab his snooze time until he was sure you were fast asleep; those times when he got roses and gifts delivered to you at the office; those times when you didn’t have to question his integrity.
One of the challenges of ‘trusting again’ is not being able to forgive and forget previous wrongs. Some people would say “Aight. I forgive you, I’ll try and forget that it ever happened, but I can’t trust you anymore.” How would you be able to survive the feeling that the person you’re sharing the same room with doubts every word you utter, and goes through any length to verify the authenticity of your statements before giving in?
“My dad said he’s visiting next week?”
“Oh! really?”
“Yes”
And whilst he’s taking a shower, you sneak out of the room to call his dad to find out if he’s really visiting next week.
Little wonder Mark is too reluctant to tell Tracy about his secret ordeals with her friend. Maybe cos he knows she’s going to flare up so bad; it would be difficult to control her. And he might have to sleep on the sofa that night – that’s if he’s lucky. “Would she ever forgive and trust me again – even if I sincerely change?”
Another trial of ‘trusting again’ may be 'one too many lies'. Some of us have lied and/or have been lied to; some of us have said more than we should have; some of us have even been too silent. He’s not really who He said he was before you said ‘I do’? She changed overnight? The relationship has been built on lies?
Maybe you’re struggling with an unforgiving spirit. Maybe you have so much contempt in your heart towards someone. It’s okay to feel bad. It’s reasonable to feel disappointed because you trusted him/her with your life and all you got was a stab in the back. Some of us have been too arrogant to ask for forgiveness. Too cocky to say ‘I’m sorry’.
But sometimes it’s not just about the people that hurt us. “A crushing spirit dries up the bones” It’s about the pain we refuse to let go; it’s about the rapid ageing that takes place inside, from piling up hatred.
Someone might be saying right now “You don’t even know the half of it. I went through a lot. S/he toiled with my heart and left me depressed. I will never forgive him/her.” You’re right. I don’t know the half of it. But what I do know is that you need healing!
You must be able to forgive to trust again. Some people are sincerely repentant of their act. But the fact that you don’t want to forgive them might leave them in total misery – which is very dangerous. “Now instead, you ought to forgive him and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.” 2 Corinthians 2:7, 8. Is there someone you wish you had forgiven before s/he passed on? Or before you lost all possible contact?
There are times when you really have to let go...but not without a fight to make things work again...not without forgiving!
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men of their sins, your heavenly father will not forgive your sins.” Matt 6:14-15.
God wants to heal your soul. He wants to take away the pain and make you whole again. But you have to forgive…you have to let go!
Okay. So I've gotten you to understand the importance of forgiveness (I hope). Now unto to the more difficult part...trusting again. Sincerely, It can be difficult, but somehow it's imperative to start building it again. It can be done over a period of time. The person also has to prove that s/he can be trusted again, right? yep! It's a two-way thingy!
Until you start trusting again, you'd still be interested in scrolling thru his call logs, reading his text msgs...and even picking his calls. You'd still want to stop by his office just before he closes for the day...and also attend events with him even if it means bursting your own plans.
When we repent n ask God for forgiveness, he wipes our sins n overlooks any wrong...he trusts us to be more careful next time. A new page is opened. (TiemThinks)
I'm not perfect. You're not perfect. No one is. Be quick to forgive. Trusting again? Try!...just try! As you do so, pray for the person, knowing you could have been the one in his/her shoes.
And if you're the one that needs to regain someone's trust, you've got to make it work this time. Don't blow it again. S/he can't do it alone. Stop taking integrity for granted. Stop betraying people's trust in you. "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!"
Infidelity is not just a sin against someone who once trusted you...it's a sin against God. Stop it!!!
Remember: if you do NOT forgive, your heavenly father will NOT forgive you too!
Selah
Aight. Go ahead. Send that text message/e-mail. Make that call. Put down the weight. Let God heal your heart.
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
It is very difficult to put your trust in a business you’ve never experienced success in before. That’s why some people never risk taking a risk, but end up taking one anyway. The sad thing is, after an experience, some people – like me - still think ‘a next time, a fresh result’. I remember investing some money in a business a few years back. I was too convinced that it was going to yield huge profit overtime…a turnover that would be enough to cover my first tuition installment in school. I started counting my eggs before they were hatched.
Days rolled by, weeks and then months. I requested for a certain amount from my accumulated turnover (on paper, that is), cos I wanted to purchase a laptop. It was one story after the other. The dude claimed that a partner whom he disclosed security details to had made away with all the money. (Yeah! I was startled too). “You’re kidding me, right? I mean, you can’t be serious! How will I pay my fees? What am I going to tell the two other people I collected money from to boost the investment?” I felt like I saw it coming. I struggled with these questions for a while. I realized I had lost everything. I started hoping and wishing it was all a dream – from the introduction to the investment to my first deposit. Would I ever attempt it again? Will anybody’s testimony of returns from the same kind of business motivate me to try again? Well, guess what? I invested in the same business again. The result was remarkable.
What makes you trust again? Is it a feeling of assurance that there must have been a few lapses in the first attempt that can be avoided in second? In our relationships: ‘Maybe I’m not spending enough time with him; maybe I’m being too hard on him’. He fumbles, then you feel betrayed “But he said he wasn’t going to do it again. He said he wasn’t going to cheat on me again. I’d never do anything to hurt him (Thank God for your life). I decided to risk trusting him again, after his first thriving attempt at infidelity. But this time, I’m done.” but then again you start to fight with justified reasons to give him yet another chance.
Weeks down the line, you are haunted by memories of the good times you shared…those times when he got to the cinemas right on time for that movie; those times when he’d call every 10mins to make sure you got home safely after hanging out late; those times when he would visit you at the hospital, and stab his snooze time until he was sure you were fast asleep; those times when he got roses and gifts delivered to you at the office; those times when you didn’t have to question his integrity.
One of the challenges of ‘trusting again’ is not being able to forgive and forget previous wrongs. Some people would say “Aight. I forgive you, I’ll try and forget that it ever happened, but I can’t trust you anymore.” How would you be able to survive the feeling that the person you’re sharing the same room with doubts every word you utter, and goes through any length to verify the authenticity of your statements before giving in?
“My dad said he’s visiting next week?”
“Oh! really?”
“Yes”
And whilst he’s taking a shower, you sneak out of the room to call his dad to find out if he’s really visiting next week.
Little wonder Mark is too reluctant to tell Tracy about his secret ordeals with her friend. Maybe cos he knows she’s going to flare up so bad; it would be difficult to control her. And he might have to sleep on the sofa that night – that’s if he’s lucky. “Would she ever forgive and trust me again – even if I sincerely change?”
Another trial of ‘trusting again’ may be 'one too many lies'. Some of us have lied and/or have been lied to; some of us have said more than we should have; some of us have even been too silent. He’s not really who He said he was before you said ‘I do’? She changed overnight? The relationship has been built on lies?
Maybe you’re struggling with an unforgiving spirit. Maybe you have so much contempt in your heart towards someone. It’s okay to feel bad. It’s reasonable to feel disappointed because you trusted him/her with your life and all you got was a stab in the back. Some of us have been too arrogant to ask for forgiveness. Too cocky to say ‘I’m sorry’.
But sometimes it’s not just about the people that hurt us. “A crushing spirit dries up the bones” It’s about the pain we refuse to let go; it’s about the rapid ageing that takes place inside, from piling up hatred.
Someone might be saying right now “You don’t even know the half of it. I went through a lot. S/he toiled with my heart and left me depressed. I will never forgive him/her.” You’re right. I don’t know the half of it. But what I do know is that you need healing!
You must be able to forgive to trust again. Some people are sincerely repentant of their act. But the fact that you don’t want to forgive them might leave them in total misery – which is very dangerous. “Now instead, you ought to forgive him and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.” 2 Corinthians 2:7, 8. Is there someone you wish you had forgiven before s/he passed on? Or before you lost all possible contact?
There are times when you really have to let go...but not without a fight to make things work again...not without forgiving!
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men of their sins, your heavenly father will not forgive your sins.” Matt 6:14-15.
God wants to heal your soul. He wants to take away the pain and make you whole again. But you have to forgive…you have to let go!
Okay. So I've gotten you to understand the importance of forgiveness (I hope). Now unto to the more difficult part...trusting again. Sincerely, It can be difficult, but somehow it's imperative to start building it again. It can be done over a period of time. The person also has to prove that s/he can be trusted again, right? yep! It's a two-way thingy!
Until you start trusting again, you'd still be interested in scrolling thru his call logs, reading his text msgs...and even picking his calls. You'd still want to stop by his office just before he closes for the day...and also attend events with him even if it means bursting your own plans.
When we repent n ask God for forgiveness, he wipes our sins n overlooks any wrong...he trusts us to be more careful next time. A new page is opened. (TiemThinks)
I'm not perfect. You're not perfect. No one is. Be quick to forgive. Trusting again? Try!...just try! As you do so, pray for the person, knowing you could have been the one in his/her shoes.
And if you're the one that needs to regain someone's trust, you've got to make it work this time. Don't blow it again. S/he can't do it alone. Stop taking integrity for granted. Stop betraying people's trust in you. "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!"
Infidelity is not just a sin against someone who once trusted you...it's a sin against God. Stop it!!!
Remember: if you do NOT forgive, your heavenly father will NOT forgive you too!
Selah
Aight. Go ahead. Send that text message/e-mail. Make that call. Put down the weight. Let God heal your heart.
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
Monday, January 17, 2011
IF
British Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling, in the last stanza of his poem IF, wrote:
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
WOW!!! It’s amazing how many conditions we have to fulfill to be happy and have dominion over the earth .You can search for the rest of that wonderful piece on the internet.
The IF-clause can be used when forming a conditional sentence ‘IF I study, I will pass my exams, or I will pass my exams, IF I study’. Our parents used to/still tell us ‘If you don’t do this, I won’t give you this, or if you don’t do that, I won’t give you that’. The truth is, there is always a condition attached to whatever we want or need. Most times, the conditions are not as monumental as our actual desires, so we keep running with the whole goal-getter mentality, thinking it’s only about having a ‘BIG PICTURE’ in mind. (We’ve been deceived for too long o).
You pick up a handbill with attractive prizes drawn all over it for an ongoing promo or you see adverts of companies showcasing their products and services, telling you ‘buy one, get one free’ or ‘One-million naira up for grabs’ or ’50 laptops to be won. It’s easy and convenient’ and at the end of the commercial, or just beneath the huge ‘attractive’ items, there’s a tiny print that reads ‘terms and conditions apply’. (HahaHa) “who cares about terms and conditions, after all people have been winning”, some would say, but trust me, if many of us would only take our time to read and consider the conditions attached, only then would we be able to conclude if we are about to make a foolish decision. We ignore the conditions, and expect to win by faith? Come on!!! Aight, let me give it to you, Luck still exists!
It’s good to use the faith-talk ‘I have all things in abundance, I’m the head and not the tail, I’m above and not beneath’ They all sound very sweet to the ears, but go and read the conditions for being the best; go and read the conditions for being above. You can’t be the first by sleeping all day while men are on the field running; and you definitely cannot be above when you’re not even attempting to climb!!! Yes, it’s in the scriptures, but it’s the same scriptures that says ‘IF a man does not work, let Him not eat’. Even In school, there are prerequisite courses that must be passed before you can be guaranteed a place in the next level. Those conditions have to be met, first!
Last week was a very interesting one for me. I did a lot of scripture searching and studying; waiting on God and bullying my flesh. By bullying my flesh, I mean ‘depriving it of food until an appointed time’. While studying, I stumbled across a lot of promises o – just too much to enumerate, but I found something common to most, if not all of them - A condition. A very popular one is “blessed shalt thou be in the city, blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shalt be the food of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground…” Deut 28:3-4a. The condition for these blessings and the ones that followed in subsequent verses of that same chapter was straight-forward, and in just a few words. Verse 1 says “And it shall come to pass, IF thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord shall set thee on high above all nations of the earth.” There were numerous blessings that followed. But despite the fact that the Lord Chose them as His people, there was still a need for them to meet the requirements – ‘Hearken diligently’ and ‘observe to do all all His commandments’.
We want to reap where we have not sown; we claim the blessings yet we are not even planning to meet the conditions attached to them. I’m sorry to say this, but we can continue to shout ‘God said it, I believe it, and that settles it’ till thy kingdom come. let’s not deceive ourselves, NOTHING will be settled, until we fulfill the conditions attached to it! Go back to the books. We just like feeding on ‘fast foods’. The bible says “You shall eat the good of the land” but for you eat the good of the land, you must be “willing and obedient.” You want to have good success? You want your way to be prosperous? Read Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the word day and night, and observe to do all that is written there in.
Deut 28:45 says “All these curses will come upon you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the LORD your God and observe the commands and decrees he gave you.” (NIV). You don’t like that part, do you? It sounds negative, right? But isn’t it still God’s word? Don’t be surprised when God does/permits some things…just to take the glory, and to prove to us that we CANNOT do anything by our own power.
In our daily dealings with men, in our going out and our coming in, IF we really want to be partakers of the Blessings of God, His protection, His provision, and ultimately His kingdom, then we need to ‘Hearken diligently’ and ‘observe to do all that he has commanded’.
“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2:26
In all you do, strive to please God…not MAN!
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
WOW!!! It’s amazing how many conditions we have to fulfill to be happy and have dominion over the earth .You can search for the rest of that wonderful piece on the internet.
The IF-clause can be used when forming a conditional sentence ‘IF I study, I will pass my exams, or I will pass my exams, IF I study’. Our parents used to/still tell us ‘If you don’t do this, I won’t give you this, or if you don’t do that, I won’t give you that’. The truth is, there is always a condition attached to whatever we want or need. Most times, the conditions are not as monumental as our actual desires, so we keep running with the whole goal-getter mentality, thinking it’s only about having a ‘BIG PICTURE’ in mind. (We’ve been deceived for too long o).
You pick up a handbill with attractive prizes drawn all over it for an ongoing promo or you see adverts of companies showcasing their products and services, telling you ‘buy one, get one free’ or ‘One-million naira up for grabs’ or ’50 laptops to be won. It’s easy and convenient’ and at the end of the commercial, or just beneath the huge ‘attractive’ items, there’s a tiny print that reads ‘terms and conditions apply’. (HahaHa) “who cares about terms and conditions, after all people have been winning”, some would say, but trust me, if many of us would only take our time to read and consider the conditions attached, only then would we be able to conclude if we are about to make a foolish decision. We ignore the conditions, and expect to win by faith? Come on!!! Aight, let me give it to you, Luck still exists!
It’s good to use the faith-talk ‘I have all things in abundance, I’m the head and not the tail, I’m above and not beneath’ They all sound very sweet to the ears, but go and read the conditions for being the best; go and read the conditions for being above. You can’t be the first by sleeping all day while men are on the field running; and you definitely cannot be above when you’re not even attempting to climb!!! Yes, it’s in the scriptures, but it’s the same scriptures that says ‘IF a man does not work, let Him not eat’. Even In school, there are prerequisite courses that must be passed before you can be guaranteed a place in the next level. Those conditions have to be met, first!
Last week was a very interesting one for me. I did a lot of scripture searching and studying; waiting on God and bullying my flesh. By bullying my flesh, I mean ‘depriving it of food until an appointed time’. While studying, I stumbled across a lot of promises o – just too much to enumerate, but I found something common to most, if not all of them - A condition. A very popular one is “blessed shalt thou be in the city, blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shalt be the food of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground…” Deut 28:3-4a. The condition for these blessings and the ones that followed in subsequent verses of that same chapter was straight-forward, and in just a few words. Verse 1 says “And it shall come to pass, IF thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord shall set thee on high above all nations of the earth.” There were numerous blessings that followed. But despite the fact that the Lord Chose them as His people, there was still a need for them to meet the requirements – ‘Hearken diligently’ and ‘observe to do all all His commandments’.
We want to reap where we have not sown; we claim the blessings yet we are not even planning to meet the conditions attached to them. I’m sorry to say this, but we can continue to shout ‘God said it, I believe it, and that settles it’ till thy kingdom come. let’s not deceive ourselves, NOTHING will be settled, until we fulfill the conditions attached to it! Go back to the books. We just like feeding on ‘fast foods’. The bible says “You shall eat the good of the land” but for you eat the good of the land, you must be “willing and obedient.” You want to have good success? You want your way to be prosperous? Read Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the word day and night, and observe to do all that is written there in.
Deut 28:45 says “All these curses will come upon you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the LORD your God and observe the commands and decrees he gave you.” (NIV). You don’t like that part, do you? It sounds negative, right? But isn’t it still God’s word? Don’t be surprised when God does/permits some things…just to take the glory, and to prove to us that we CANNOT do anything by our own power.
In our daily dealings with men, in our going out and our coming in, IF we really want to be partakers of the Blessings of God, His protection, His provision, and ultimately His kingdom, then we need to ‘Hearken diligently’ and ‘observe to do all that he has commanded’.
“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2:26
In all you do, strive to please God…not MAN!
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God
Sunday, January 16, 2011
THE LITTLE THINGS WE DO
The little things we do can bring about a permanent change in the lives of those affected. I say ‘little’ because compared to the effects or results they attract, there is usually a clear cut difference in quantity and sometimes quality. Note: I’m talking about the little POSITIVE things we do. The little things with great impacts: Voluntary service, benevolence to the needy, community development services, and a host of other things we do without being compelled or placed under duress to do, but out of a sacrificial heart, and knowing that we can be of help to people we may not necessarily know personally or have a close relationship with.
Elijah met a widow in Zarephath and asked her to fetch a little water in a vessel that he may drink. As she was going to fetch it, “Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand” he added. The woman swore that she had nothing but a handful of meal in a barrel and a little oil in a cruse. But Elijah told her to go and prepare some for him, and then for her and her son. She did as she was told, and the bible records that the barrel of meal did not waste, neither did the cruse of oil fail, just as God said through Elijah. The widow’s son passed on and God raised him back to life, because Elijah prayed. That little act of obedience brought about an increase in her supplies as well as life to her son. The seeds we sow, no matter how little, have the ability to germinate and turn into a harvest. That’s why the bible says “If you sow bountifully, you will reap bountifully, but if you sow sparingly, sparingly shall you reap. There’s always a result for our actions – both the ones we carry out advertently and the ones carried out inadvertently.
An employer of labour who doesn’t take into cognizance the fact that a little token of appreciation (asides the regular stipends) to his staff can increase their productivity and motivate them to stay, will in no time lose them to one who is far-sighted.
Think about this: You have workers under you and at the end of the year you throw a surprise party, inviting them and their household to dine with you. Okay, if you can’t throw a party for them, you can at least give them something (substantial) you can afford, just to say ‘your services are very much appreciated’. You can’t always meet people’s needs or satisfy all the desires of their heart, but showing concern (action) either by using your resources or rendering your services, can/will go a long way. You might say some people don’t appreciate it, but it’s not just about them. It’s about you, too.
You are practicing a principle that always yields favourable results, if applied properly (the principle of giving cheerfully). If you do it in a bid to receive immediate results in terms of ‘thank yous’ and ‘special recognition’ then that’s your reward. Proverbs 27:14 says “He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him” If you render an act of kindness just for men to see/notice, and maybe you even get upset because no one acknowledged your good deeds, tendencies are that the blessings that should naturally accompany that good deed will elude you. So it’s not just about what we do, but the state of our heart when we do them. It’s also about WHY we do them.
There are other ‘little’ (negative) things we do that bring about permanent ruins to our relationships with people at home, in our work environments and within our peer groups. We need to stop certain things! Do not bear false witness, do not falsify figures, do not sow seeds of discord, do not plot evil against your neighbour, and do not capitalize on people’s weaknesses for your gain. “But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their conscience, ye sin against Christ” 1 Corinthians 8:12. Do well to all men, knowing that whatsoever you sow, the same shall you reap.
Some people might not be as fortunate as you are, so if you’re in the position to assist in the area of imparting knowledge, giving good judgment, adding value to a cause, rendering your professional services, and/or benevolence, do not do it grudgingly or out of necessity. Be well aware that the ultimate blessing for every good deed comes from above.
A lot of people have uttered promises without fulfilling; a lot of people have fulfilled promises made in their hearts without uttering them. I’m sure most of us have done both. “Action speaks louder than words,” they say. If you will to do something in your heart, don’t be quick to speak, especially when you do not intend to do it immediately, or you are relying on the outcome of something else to fulfill it. Just do it! The speech can come afterwards.
The younger generation is looking up to us. They learn from us, everyday. Let’s lay down good legacies. We might not be able to make right our past wrongs (I’m thinking we would if we could), but let’s try to avert any appearance of potential ones.
Let your every action be of good intentions…to all and sundry! Let your yay be yay, and your nay be nay.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work; (As it is written, he hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-9.
Work Hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
Elijah met a widow in Zarephath and asked her to fetch a little water in a vessel that he may drink. As she was going to fetch it, “Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand” he added. The woman swore that she had nothing but a handful of meal in a barrel and a little oil in a cruse. But Elijah told her to go and prepare some for him, and then for her and her son. She did as she was told, and the bible records that the barrel of meal did not waste, neither did the cruse of oil fail, just as God said through Elijah. The widow’s son passed on and God raised him back to life, because Elijah prayed. That little act of obedience brought about an increase in her supplies as well as life to her son. The seeds we sow, no matter how little, have the ability to germinate and turn into a harvest. That’s why the bible says “If you sow bountifully, you will reap bountifully, but if you sow sparingly, sparingly shall you reap. There’s always a result for our actions – both the ones we carry out advertently and the ones carried out inadvertently.
An employer of labour who doesn’t take into cognizance the fact that a little token of appreciation (asides the regular stipends) to his staff can increase their productivity and motivate them to stay, will in no time lose them to one who is far-sighted.
Think about this: You have workers under you and at the end of the year you throw a surprise party, inviting them and their household to dine with you. Okay, if you can’t throw a party for them, you can at least give them something (substantial) you can afford, just to say ‘your services are very much appreciated’. You can’t always meet people’s needs or satisfy all the desires of their heart, but showing concern (action) either by using your resources or rendering your services, can/will go a long way. You might say some people don’t appreciate it, but it’s not just about them. It’s about you, too.
You are practicing a principle that always yields favourable results, if applied properly (the principle of giving cheerfully). If you do it in a bid to receive immediate results in terms of ‘thank yous’ and ‘special recognition’ then that’s your reward. Proverbs 27:14 says “He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him” If you render an act of kindness just for men to see/notice, and maybe you even get upset because no one acknowledged your good deeds, tendencies are that the blessings that should naturally accompany that good deed will elude you. So it’s not just about what we do, but the state of our heart when we do them. It’s also about WHY we do them.
There are other ‘little’ (negative) things we do that bring about permanent ruins to our relationships with people at home, in our work environments and within our peer groups. We need to stop certain things! Do not bear false witness, do not falsify figures, do not sow seeds of discord, do not plot evil against your neighbour, and do not capitalize on people’s weaknesses for your gain. “But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their conscience, ye sin against Christ” 1 Corinthians 8:12. Do well to all men, knowing that whatsoever you sow, the same shall you reap.
Some people might not be as fortunate as you are, so if you’re in the position to assist in the area of imparting knowledge, giving good judgment, adding value to a cause, rendering your professional services, and/or benevolence, do not do it grudgingly or out of necessity. Be well aware that the ultimate blessing for every good deed comes from above.
A lot of people have uttered promises without fulfilling; a lot of people have fulfilled promises made in their hearts without uttering them. I’m sure most of us have done both. “Action speaks louder than words,” they say. If you will to do something in your heart, don’t be quick to speak, especially when you do not intend to do it immediately, or you are relying on the outcome of something else to fulfill it. Just do it! The speech can come afterwards.
The younger generation is looking up to us. They learn from us, everyday. Let’s lay down good legacies. We might not be able to make right our past wrongs (I’m thinking we would if we could), but let’s try to avert any appearance of potential ones.
Let your every action be of good intentions…to all and sundry! Let your yay be yay, and your nay be nay.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work; (As it is written, he hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-9.
Work Hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
Friday, January 14, 2011
THE LITTLE THINGS WE SAY
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Proverbs 15:1
Have you said some things you didn’t really mean to someone/people? I mean, have you used words that are unpleasant, and when you come back to your senses, it’s too late to take them back? Well, I have - several times, if I might add. I entered a bus sometime ago, and the dude collecting the fare stepped on my foot, but before he could say anything, I gazed at him with repulsion and asked him if he was blind (obviously he wasn’t). The guy looked at me and said he was sorry. I sought for ways to cover up what I said, cos his apology absolutely defeated my defense. I become cold. I thought to myself “If only I waited for a few seconds, his apology would have been uttered, and there wouldn’t be any need for unnecessary judgment in my heart.
Some of us have uttered really foul words against our children, our siblings and even our spouses. I have seen mothers beat their kids and say stuff like “ko ni da fun e” (meaning: it won’t be well with you) and I’m like “Hold on! You just said that to your child?” some even compare their kids to other kids, abusing and cursing them out in front of them. When these kids grow up and things start to go ugly, they remember what they were told many years ago, by their own parents. Some have confronted their parents about this, attaching their success or failure to the words that were showered on them. How do you tell them you didn’t really mean what you said; that u said it out of anger?
The little things we say can bring a long-term relationship, friendship, or even marriage to an end. Someone once told me “I regret knowing you! I hate you!” If you don’t mean it, why do you say it? I know it’s difficult to control yourself when you’re angry, but isn’t it possible to vent your resentment without using words you’re likely to regret using afterwards? Okay, it’s time for some confessions. I used to be very hot-tempered, but I tried to modify the way I used some words, though in my heart I mean something else. I can call someone a clown, when deep down in my heart I meant ‘fool’. But there isn’t really any difference, is there? (My mind has been renewed, so fear not). I looked up the meaning of some words in the dictionary, and I just felt it wasn’t fair to use some adjectives on people just because of one minute of folly, or because of the little mistake they make. There are better ways of correcting people, especially when you’re in a position of leadership.
How would you feel if someone told you the project you put in hours to do was all crap, and an absolute waste of time? I once worked under someone who was very meticulous and a lover of perfection. After my first meeting with him, just before I started working on the project, I tried convincing myself that I could do all I told him I could and more. But days into it, I felt like quitting. “How can someone expect you to work under this condition, with such equipment and still expect top-notch results” I asked myself. One morning he came to the office shouting and insulting everybody saying all we did was absolute nonsense. He even used certain abasing adjectives my parents wouldn’t even use on me. I tried to control myself, but just before he stepped out of the office, I summoned courage and called him back to give him a piece of my mind. “We are doing our best, considering the fact that we are using equipments that are almost obsolete. The UPS is bad… Scratch that! There is no UPS, the systems get stuck at some point, the recording was very bad, and I even put in overtime to make sure I still meet up with delivery time. So maybe you should try fixing that.”
Once again, it is very possible to express displeasure without hurting anyone with our words. The bible says in James 3:1-2 “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he SAYS, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check” (NIV). So if you desire to teach; if you desire to be a role model or a mentor to people, you must learn to consciously bridle your tongue. Like I said, it is not easy but it’s possible.
Some say things against you behind your back (Backbiters) but when they face you, their mouths are coated with sweet words. Are you a victim of backbiting, lying, or even flattery? (Yes. A flattery tongue is equally destructive). Flattery is a feature of the wicked “Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.” Psalm 5:9 (NIV)
James 1:19-20 says “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (KJV).
Let us make conscious effort to remove hurting words from our bank of vocabularies. Don’t you think it would be amazing if someone expects you to curse them out when they do something nasty to you (like you usually would), and you just smile and walk away? Trust me, that is going to be an awkward moment for the person, and I’m sure s/he will think twice before acting next time. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
Finally, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 1 Peter 3:10. Would you rather use your tongue to curse or bless?
“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” James 3:10
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Prov 18:21. Say something nice to someone, today. You never know how effective the little things we say are. They can build…and they can destroy!
Work hard; pray harder; Thank God
Have you said some things you didn’t really mean to someone/people? I mean, have you used words that are unpleasant, and when you come back to your senses, it’s too late to take them back? Well, I have - several times, if I might add. I entered a bus sometime ago, and the dude collecting the fare stepped on my foot, but before he could say anything, I gazed at him with repulsion and asked him if he was blind (obviously he wasn’t). The guy looked at me and said he was sorry. I sought for ways to cover up what I said, cos his apology absolutely defeated my defense. I become cold. I thought to myself “If only I waited for a few seconds, his apology would have been uttered, and there wouldn’t be any need for unnecessary judgment in my heart.
Some of us have uttered really foul words against our children, our siblings and even our spouses. I have seen mothers beat their kids and say stuff like “ko ni da fun e” (meaning: it won’t be well with you) and I’m like “Hold on! You just said that to your child?” some even compare their kids to other kids, abusing and cursing them out in front of them. When these kids grow up and things start to go ugly, they remember what they were told many years ago, by their own parents. Some have confronted their parents about this, attaching their success or failure to the words that were showered on them. How do you tell them you didn’t really mean what you said; that u said it out of anger?
The little things we say can bring a long-term relationship, friendship, or even marriage to an end. Someone once told me “I regret knowing you! I hate you!” If you don’t mean it, why do you say it? I know it’s difficult to control yourself when you’re angry, but isn’t it possible to vent your resentment without using words you’re likely to regret using afterwards? Okay, it’s time for some confessions. I used to be very hot-tempered, but I tried to modify the way I used some words, though in my heart I mean something else. I can call someone a clown, when deep down in my heart I meant ‘fool’. But there isn’t really any difference, is there? (My mind has been renewed, so fear not). I looked up the meaning of some words in the dictionary, and I just felt it wasn’t fair to use some adjectives on people just because of one minute of folly, or because of the little mistake they make. There are better ways of correcting people, especially when you’re in a position of leadership.
How would you feel if someone told you the project you put in hours to do was all crap, and an absolute waste of time? I once worked under someone who was very meticulous and a lover of perfection. After my first meeting with him, just before I started working on the project, I tried convincing myself that I could do all I told him I could and more. But days into it, I felt like quitting. “How can someone expect you to work under this condition, with such equipment and still expect top-notch results” I asked myself. One morning he came to the office shouting and insulting everybody saying all we did was absolute nonsense. He even used certain abasing adjectives my parents wouldn’t even use on me. I tried to control myself, but just before he stepped out of the office, I summoned courage and called him back to give him a piece of my mind. “We are doing our best, considering the fact that we are using equipments that are almost obsolete. The UPS is bad… Scratch that! There is no UPS, the systems get stuck at some point, the recording was very bad, and I even put in overtime to make sure I still meet up with delivery time. So maybe you should try fixing that.”
Once again, it is very possible to express displeasure without hurting anyone with our words. The bible says in James 3:1-2 “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he SAYS, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check” (NIV). So if you desire to teach; if you desire to be a role model or a mentor to people, you must learn to consciously bridle your tongue. Like I said, it is not easy but it’s possible.
Some say things against you behind your back (Backbiters) but when they face you, their mouths are coated with sweet words. Are you a victim of backbiting, lying, or even flattery? (Yes. A flattery tongue is equally destructive). Flattery is a feature of the wicked “Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.” Psalm 5:9 (NIV)
James 1:19-20 says “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (KJV).
Let us make conscious effort to remove hurting words from our bank of vocabularies. Don’t you think it would be amazing if someone expects you to curse them out when they do something nasty to you (like you usually would), and you just smile and walk away? Trust me, that is going to be an awkward moment for the person, and I’m sure s/he will think twice before acting next time. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
Finally, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 1 Peter 3:10. Would you rather use your tongue to curse or bless?
“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” James 3:10
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Prov 18:21. Say something nice to someone, today. You never know how effective the little things we say are. They can build…and they can destroy!
Work hard; pray harder; Thank God
Thursday, January 13, 2011
THE LOST SHEEP
I’m sure that at one point or the other in your life you must have lost something/someone very important/dear to your heart – something like a favourite pen; a notepad where you jotted down very important stuff; a close friend or maybe your favourite snickers. I remember placing one of my favourite shirts on the line to dry, only to discover that it had been stolen, cos it wasn’t where I put it. I asked my siblings and even my neighbours, but no one seemed to know where my shirt was. You know that feeling of ‘If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have dried it outside’? Yeah, we all have moments where we just wish we could reverse situations and do things right. I almost cried o! I searched for it for days. I even tried to convince myself into thinking that I didn’t dry it on the line, so I searched thru my wardrobe several times, unto no avail. I just had to live with the fact that it was gone…gone never to be returned again, by the thief. :D. *sobs*
Mark had a sheep. Everybody in his neighborhood called the sheep his brother, cos they did almost everything together. You don’t see mark, you don’t see his sheep. Mark would take his sheep to the market place, to the field with his friends, to go fetch water at the stream, and even into the shower. Mark certainly did not mind the title given to his sheep – ‘brother’.
As usual, mark took his sheep with him to the field to play soccer with his friends. This time around He didn’t bother strapping the sheep to a tree as he would typically do (after all the sheep should have gotten used to just hanging around on one spot until it was time to go home). Mark didn’t bother to check on the sheep until he was knackered and felt like taking a break. At first he smiled when he didn’t see the sheep where he left it “It should be around somewhere” He assured himself. He gazed to his left, and then to his right as he walked towards the spot where he left the sheep. The sheep was gone. It’s either it wandered off or it was stolen. Mark left his knapsack and water bottle behind as he dashed off in search of his sheep. His friends hollered at him, but there was only one thing on his mind – getting his sheep back at all cost.
Day and night mark went out in search of his sheep but to no avail. He was already lean from worrying and starvation (But it was only a sheep, you might say). Mark decided to go on a very last search. He girded himself with a catapult and some pebbles. In one hand he had his water bottle, and in the other he had a small knife. He strolled into the woods without trembling; without minding what would come his way (after all he had a catapult, pebbles and a small knife). He searched and searched for the sheep, until late. He made a fire and continued his until he exhausted. At this point, he had given up. He considered going back home, never to go out in search of the sheep. He wondered “maybe my sheep is already dead, or whoever stole it must have feasted on it.” He threw his catapult and pebbles away in exasperation as he made his out of the woods. He screamed “WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!?!?!” the trees echoed his words and few seconds later, he heard a muffled noise. Fear gripped him at first, but he still had his little knife with him so he tip-toed towards the source of the noise he heard. Pushing a few leaves aside, he saw his sheep lying beneath a tree, groaning harmlessly in pain. Immediately, he ran towards it, grabbed its injured leg and tied it up with a clean cloth.
Excitement filled marks heart again as he carried the sheep on his shoulder and dashed through the woods, caring less about the thorns piercing through his skin. He had a few cuts on his body from leaning against trees with sharp edges and even falling over hard surfaces in the woods.
Mark got home, shouting at the top of his voice “I HAVE FOUND MY LOST SHEEP!!!! COME AND REJOICE WITH ME!!!!!). Ignoring the the blood dripping from his own body, mark untied his sheep’s injured leg, cleaned it up, and gave the sheep a thorough bath. After bathing the sheep, he placed a tag over its head – the tag his dad gave him a long time ago. He prepared food for the sheep and watched it devour the food like it hadn’t eaten in days. Once again mark was happy. He went through thick and through thin to find his lost sheep, and he succeeded.
Mark woke up the following morning only to discover that his sheep has wandered off again? “After all I went through to save it????” He went to his neighbour’s to ask, but no one confessed seeing it. Mark dashed out in search of his sheep, again….
Well, I can’t promise you I’d have done the same. But how many of us would go through such pain to retrieve something we place so much value on? How many of us would risk our lives just to secure the life of another? Not many, right? But someone did for you and me.
“It's so disappointing when you lay down your life to help others & they don't appreciate it, or they hurt you. Now you know how Jesus feels.” PASTOR YPJ
The book of Luke chapter 15 verse 3-6 tells us about the parable of the lost sheep -- Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
The many stripes and pain that He bore wasn’t for the fun of it. The blood that was shed to secure your liberty and mine should not be in vain. He doesn’t have to go through the same pain to save you again. As a matter of fact, He won’t!
Someone (just like the prodigal son) needs to come back to his/her senses and return to the savior.
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” - Luke 5:7
To the ones that have been found: Don’t wander away again…I can’t guarantee your safety back home.
I once was lost, but now I’m found. Let this be your testimony too.
Work Hard. Prayer Harder. Thank God.
Mark had a sheep. Everybody in his neighborhood called the sheep his brother, cos they did almost everything together. You don’t see mark, you don’t see his sheep. Mark would take his sheep to the market place, to the field with his friends, to go fetch water at the stream, and even into the shower. Mark certainly did not mind the title given to his sheep – ‘brother’.
As usual, mark took his sheep with him to the field to play soccer with his friends. This time around He didn’t bother strapping the sheep to a tree as he would typically do (after all the sheep should have gotten used to just hanging around on one spot until it was time to go home). Mark didn’t bother to check on the sheep until he was knackered and felt like taking a break. At first he smiled when he didn’t see the sheep where he left it “It should be around somewhere” He assured himself. He gazed to his left, and then to his right as he walked towards the spot where he left the sheep. The sheep was gone. It’s either it wandered off or it was stolen. Mark left his knapsack and water bottle behind as he dashed off in search of his sheep. His friends hollered at him, but there was only one thing on his mind – getting his sheep back at all cost.
Day and night mark went out in search of his sheep but to no avail. He was already lean from worrying and starvation (But it was only a sheep, you might say). Mark decided to go on a very last search. He girded himself with a catapult and some pebbles. In one hand he had his water bottle, and in the other he had a small knife. He strolled into the woods without trembling; without minding what would come his way (after all he had a catapult, pebbles and a small knife). He searched and searched for the sheep, until late. He made a fire and continued his until he exhausted. At this point, he had given up. He considered going back home, never to go out in search of the sheep. He wondered “maybe my sheep is already dead, or whoever stole it must have feasted on it.” He threw his catapult and pebbles away in exasperation as he made his out of the woods. He screamed “WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!?!?!” the trees echoed his words and few seconds later, he heard a muffled noise. Fear gripped him at first, but he still had his little knife with him so he tip-toed towards the source of the noise he heard. Pushing a few leaves aside, he saw his sheep lying beneath a tree, groaning harmlessly in pain. Immediately, he ran towards it, grabbed its injured leg and tied it up with a clean cloth.
Excitement filled marks heart again as he carried the sheep on his shoulder and dashed through the woods, caring less about the thorns piercing through his skin. He had a few cuts on his body from leaning against trees with sharp edges and even falling over hard surfaces in the woods.
Mark got home, shouting at the top of his voice “I HAVE FOUND MY LOST SHEEP!!!! COME AND REJOICE WITH ME!!!!!). Ignoring the the blood dripping from his own body, mark untied his sheep’s injured leg, cleaned it up, and gave the sheep a thorough bath. After bathing the sheep, he placed a tag over its head – the tag his dad gave him a long time ago. He prepared food for the sheep and watched it devour the food like it hadn’t eaten in days. Once again mark was happy. He went through thick and through thin to find his lost sheep, and he succeeded.
Mark woke up the following morning only to discover that his sheep has wandered off again? “After all I went through to save it????” He went to his neighbour’s to ask, but no one confessed seeing it. Mark dashed out in search of his sheep, again….
Well, I can’t promise you I’d have done the same. But how many of us would go through such pain to retrieve something we place so much value on? How many of us would risk our lives just to secure the life of another? Not many, right? But someone did for you and me.
“It's so disappointing when you lay down your life to help others & they don't appreciate it, or they hurt you. Now you know how Jesus feels.” PASTOR YPJ
The book of Luke chapter 15 verse 3-6 tells us about the parable of the lost sheep -- Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
The many stripes and pain that He bore wasn’t for the fun of it. The blood that was shed to secure your liberty and mine should not be in vain. He doesn’t have to go through the same pain to save you again. As a matter of fact, He won’t!
Someone (just like the prodigal son) needs to come back to his/her senses and return to the savior.
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” - Luke 5:7
To the ones that have been found: Don’t wander away again…I can’t guarantee your safety back home.
I once was lost, but now I’m found. Let this be your testimony too.
Work Hard. Prayer Harder. Thank God.
Monday, January 10, 2011
NOT LIKE THE REST
Walking for a mile or two, he finally got to his destination - Renton community school. It was Karl’s first day in high school, and just like any other kid making their first appearance in a new school, he had mixed feelings. He paused outside the school premises for a while, in a bid to observe and get himself mentally prepared for what he called ‘life in a different world’.
He watched other kids get out of their lush cars, hug their parents and make their way into the premises wearing a smile. Quickly, he thought to himself “Well, they sure do look excited to be in school. After all, they have parents coming to drop them off at school, squeezing a few bucks into their hands, and even giving them personal drivers, so why on earth should they be sad?”
While he yet stared, a young lady (Britney) walked up to him, and asked if it was his first day in school. Karl replied, “Uhmm yes, and you?” “Well, this is my fourth, and I’m still trying to get acquainted with things around here. Come let me show you around”, said Britney. For a second Karl was reluctant, but a nudge from Britney was enough to loosen him up.
Britney had a great sense of humour. She was very outspoken, so it didn’t take long for her to get into a bit of trouble, even on her first day in school. Everybody fell in love with her because of her bravery. Now Karl on the other hand was a very reserved, anti-social stick-to-all-the-rules-and-regulations kinda dude. He believed so much in respecting people’s privacy and of course, staying out of trouble.
Anywayz, she took Karl around the school - from the library, to the mini-theatre, the sports complex and even to restricted areas within the premises. Karl felt a bit uncomfortable, but gradually blended into Britney’s world of adventures.
After covering every nook and cranny of the school, they sat in the fields to catch their breath. Karl abruptly stopped talking. From the look on His face Britney knew there was a problem, so she asked Karl what he was worried about. “nothing!” He said.
Karl got up, dusted his bag and dashed away. Britney quickly followed him, but he increased his tempo as he made his way to the hall way. “Hold on, Karl”, Britney screamed, but the young man didn’t even look back. Britney lost him along the hallway which was crammed with students. “Whatever”, she said, as she wandered off with some other friends.
Karl got to class shortly before the period was over. The other students dashed out of the class the moment the bell buzzed - some making their way to the school’s shuttles, and others to their cars, but he just sat there in class, gazing out the window waiting for everyone to exit the premises.
The moment Karl noticed everyone had gone home, he grabbed his bag and walked down the hallway with his chin almost touching his chest, and tears rolling down his eyes. He wasn’t looking forward to that brick house (his home), poorly-furnished and without a swimming pool. He felt cheated by nature. He wondered why some had more than enough at their disposal, while others could barely survive – drowning in penury.
There are a lot of questions begging for answers…a lot of problems craving solutions. I have some myself. Notwithstanding, I have grown beyond that. I’m pushing harder, breaking through barricades with my tiny hammer; threading paths rarely trodden; doing things I never thought I could do because ‘they’ said thinking about it alone will be a sheer waste of time. I amaze myself at times (Yeah. I said it). And I thank God who has been faithful to me.
I hope you’re not like the rest? When I say ‘the rest’ I mean those who’d love to swap races or nationalities because of benefits they feel they’ll get; or the ones who’d say “if only I can turn back the hands of time, I’ll dash back to high school so I can choose a more lucrative career path. Someone must have tried or even succeeded in deceiving you into believing that you have to change who you are, to become who you want to be. That sounds like changing the colour of your skin, or going for a plastic surgery to extend your limbs, if you ask me.
Maybe someone discouraged you from playing basketball cos you’re below 6.2ft tall. Well, the last time I checked Allen Iverson (one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in NBA history), Jameer Nelson (also an effective shooter and screen-roll player), Tim hardaway, and even Spud Webb (who registered jaw-dropping dunks), weren’t up to 6.2ft tall. They all became stars by overcoming huge impediments, both inside and outside the court.
Listen. The more people say you can’t achieve something because of your physical limitations or cultural background, the more I expect you to try to shut them up, by making an attempt anyway. (That shouldn’t be your sole aim though). You don’t owe anyone to debunk their perception about you (as long as you’re not doing the wrong thing), but you owe yourself to get rid of inferiority complex. If no one believes in you, believe in yourself. They’ll come around, soon enough. “The only limitations are the ones you want to see” – BOUQUI (Have you listened to ‘TAKE YOU AWAY’? beautiful song).
Meanwhile, the bible says “godliness with contentment is great gain” I Tim 6:6 and verse 8 says “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” -- Frederick Keonig
We are all unique in our own ways – God made us so. Discover your strength and capitalize on it. Be content with what you have. Funny, but I remember someone saying “anyone taller than me is too tall, and anyone shorter than me is too short.” <<<--- I don’t know whose quip this is. You’re perfect…just the way you are!
Now, say this “I’m not inferior to anyone!!!!!” …..
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” – Empicurus quote.
Be content with what you have. Work Hard. Pray Harder. Thank God.
He watched other kids get out of their lush cars, hug their parents and make their way into the premises wearing a smile. Quickly, he thought to himself “Well, they sure do look excited to be in school. After all, they have parents coming to drop them off at school, squeezing a few bucks into their hands, and even giving them personal drivers, so why on earth should they be sad?”
While he yet stared, a young lady (Britney) walked up to him, and asked if it was his first day in school. Karl replied, “Uhmm yes, and you?” “Well, this is my fourth, and I’m still trying to get acquainted with things around here. Come let me show you around”, said Britney. For a second Karl was reluctant, but a nudge from Britney was enough to loosen him up.
Britney had a great sense of humour. She was very outspoken, so it didn’t take long for her to get into a bit of trouble, even on her first day in school. Everybody fell in love with her because of her bravery. Now Karl on the other hand was a very reserved, anti-social stick-to-all-the-rules-and-regulations kinda dude. He believed so much in respecting people’s privacy and of course, staying out of trouble.
Anywayz, she took Karl around the school - from the library, to the mini-theatre, the sports complex and even to restricted areas within the premises. Karl felt a bit uncomfortable, but gradually blended into Britney’s world of adventures.
After covering every nook and cranny of the school, they sat in the fields to catch their breath. Karl abruptly stopped talking. From the look on His face Britney knew there was a problem, so she asked Karl what he was worried about. “nothing!” He said.
Karl got up, dusted his bag and dashed away. Britney quickly followed him, but he increased his tempo as he made his way to the hall way. “Hold on, Karl”, Britney screamed, but the young man didn’t even look back. Britney lost him along the hallway which was crammed with students. “Whatever”, she said, as she wandered off with some other friends.
Karl got to class shortly before the period was over. The other students dashed out of the class the moment the bell buzzed - some making their way to the school’s shuttles, and others to their cars, but he just sat there in class, gazing out the window waiting for everyone to exit the premises.
The moment Karl noticed everyone had gone home, he grabbed his bag and walked down the hallway with his chin almost touching his chest, and tears rolling down his eyes. He wasn’t looking forward to that brick house (his home), poorly-furnished and without a swimming pool. He felt cheated by nature. He wondered why some had more than enough at their disposal, while others could barely survive – drowning in penury.
There are a lot of questions begging for answers…a lot of problems craving solutions. I have some myself. Notwithstanding, I have grown beyond that. I’m pushing harder, breaking through barricades with my tiny hammer; threading paths rarely trodden; doing things I never thought I could do because ‘they’ said thinking about it alone will be a sheer waste of time. I amaze myself at times (Yeah. I said it). And I thank God who has been faithful to me.
I hope you’re not like the rest? When I say ‘the rest’ I mean those who’d love to swap races or nationalities because of benefits they feel they’ll get; or the ones who’d say “if only I can turn back the hands of time, I’ll dash back to high school so I can choose a more lucrative career path. Someone must have tried or even succeeded in deceiving you into believing that you have to change who you are, to become who you want to be. That sounds like changing the colour of your skin, or going for a plastic surgery to extend your limbs, if you ask me.
Maybe someone discouraged you from playing basketball cos you’re below 6.2ft tall. Well, the last time I checked Allen Iverson (one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in NBA history), Jameer Nelson (also an effective shooter and screen-roll player), Tim hardaway, and even Spud Webb (who registered jaw-dropping dunks), weren’t up to 6.2ft tall. They all became stars by overcoming huge impediments, both inside and outside the court.
Listen. The more people say you can’t achieve something because of your physical limitations or cultural background, the more I expect you to try to shut them up, by making an attempt anyway. (That shouldn’t be your sole aim though). You don’t owe anyone to debunk their perception about you (as long as you’re not doing the wrong thing), but you owe yourself to get rid of inferiority complex. If no one believes in you, believe in yourself. They’ll come around, soon enough. “The only limitations are the ones you want to see” – BOUQUI (Have you listened to ‘TAKE YOU AWAY’? beautiful song).
Meanwhile, the bible says “godliness with contentment is great gain” I Tim 6:6 and verse 8 says “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” -- Frederick Keonig
We are all unique in our own ways – God made us so. Discover your strength and capitalize on it. Be content with what you have. Funny, but I remember someone saying “anyone taller than me is too tall, and anyone shorter than me is too short.” <<<--- I don’t know whose quip this is. You’re perfect…just the way you are!
Now, say this “I’m not inferior to anyone!!!!!” …..
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” – Empicurus quote.
Be content with what you have. Work Hard. Pray Harder. Thank God.
Friday, January 7, 2011
HE GIVES ROOM FOR PRAISE
A lot of people have developed the act of ‘smiling’, irrespective of their current situation. We see them in public gatherings and cell meetings, smiling and waving their hands like all is well. They dress well, so you can’t really tell what they are going through from their appearance. This is not always the case as some make it obvious to you that all is NOT well - In their speech and in their attitude to work. There is nothing wrong with concealing your difficulties, and there’s also nothing wrong with sharing with one or two people you believe can help you through it. ‘Helping’ here doesn’t necessarily mean giving you a solution to that problem, but it could mean reminding you of how much you declared God’s faithfulness when things were on track. It could also mean slipping in a few and words of encouragement to someone to remain steadfast in God.
I was chatting with a friend yesterday, and she testified about God’s goodness towards her in 2010. She didn’t even have to explain in details before I concluded that she personally decided to hang in there! I also told her about how things haven’t been going according to my expectations, but God has been faithful. In the midst of it all, I’m still strong and getting to know Him deeper. My level of confidence in Him amazes me at times, and so, when I say “it is well” I say it out of an understanding that ‘this too shall pass’. If I can’t fix it, then the least I can do is to be patient and leave it to the one who can…God can! “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” I John 5:14,15 (NLT)
Before we ended the chat, she said something that I found very profound - “God gives room for praise”
How ecstatic are you when giving God thanks for a mighty manifestation of something you’ve been praying for? Maybe you get a letter of employment from a company you’ve always dreamed of working at, or you get a scholarship award to study somewhere you never thought you’d study, considering your financial status. I can just imagine the kind of stunts you’ll indulge in while sharing your testimony. Okay. What about when your investment suddenly crumbles without a forewarning? Or you get home only meet the remains of a place you once called your haven, and every single thing – valuable and worthless – has turned into ashes. Less me guess. You’re going to look into the skies, asking “why me? Why me? Is this what I get for all my devotion to your word and your work?”
There is a song we used to sing “…when trouble comes my way, I will praise your name” But suddenly, some purported positive-minded people (sorry if you’re a victim) turned it to “…when success comes my way, I will praise your name” This makes me wonder, Since you’ve only made it obvious that you’d praise Him when success comes your way, what would you do when trouble comes your way? Issue Him a query? Choke Him with your nagging and reminder about your ‘favours’ to Him?
If that problem hasn’t taken your life, there’s still room for praise. "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." - Psalm 150:6.
So if you still have breath in your nostrils and sickness strikes, or the pain becomes unbearable, or you have a broken heart, or you feel all hope is gone, let your praise shoot up, knowing well that Not praising Him won’t make things better. It’s not bad to praise Him when success comes your way, but it will be pure hypocrisy NOT to praise Him when trouble comes your way, because you and I shout on the roof top “Let EVERYTHING that has breath praise the Lord” Oh, my bad! I guess we remember certain scriptures ONLY when things are alright with you.
Fred Hammond, in His song ‘WHEN WE PRAISE’ said “When we praise, there should be a fire in our hearts. Hands up raise when we praise, consuming every part because WE KNOW that the God we serve will make His presence known, when we praise” We praise Him for the mighty things He has done, and the ones we expect Him to do (in faith). We call Him sweet names and speak of His wonders and what He can do, but do we really believe that there’s an insurance cover over us, In the case of unexpected trouble? Yes we do, but most times, just before we experience one. Suddenly, our tone of praise changes - we begin to praise and pray like we are obligated to do so.
Paul and Silas were accused of troubling the city, and they were thrust into the inner prison, after many stripes had being laid upon them. But the bible says “And at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.” Acts 16:25&26. Now this was a strange thing to do - Praising God in that condition. But that same God that showed up many years ago is the same God we serve, today. He brings favour our way when we praise Him irrespective of our circumstances.
It’s like asking your Dad for something, and when he says he doesn’t have it at that moment, you are like “Oh dad, that’s fine. Lemme go wash the car and fix you something to eat before you step out!” cos you remember those times when you didn’t even need to ask before He did stuff for you. He's touched to make efforts, next time. You cannot quit being His son because he couldn’t grant your request at that instance, can you? You still accord him the respect due a father. You still run errands. Going around with a frown won’t make your request granted, would it?
There is always room for praise, as long as there is still life in you. And praising God in difficult moments prompts Him to do things beyond our imagination. He sees a helpless but selfless man, when you praise Him despite your heartaches and pain.
So, I sympathize with everyone going through tough times. (I’m not having it all rosy at the moment) But this is the confidence I have in Him: He answers when I cry unto Him.
Once again, if you can’t fix it, the least you can do is to be patient with the one who can…God can!
There’s room for praise, right before you…what are you going to do?
“In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.” Psalm 120:1
God bless you, soldier!
I was chatting with a friend yesterday, and she testified about God’s goodness towards her in 2010. She didn’t even have to explain in details before I concluded that she personally decided to hang in there! I also told her about how things haven’t been going according to my expectations, but God has been faithful. In the midst of it all, I’m still strong and getting to know Him deeper. My level of confidence in Him amazes me at times, and so, when I say “it is well” I say it out of an understanding that ‘this too shall pass’. If I can’t fix it, then the least I can do is to be patient and leave it to the one who can…God can! “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” I John 5:14,15 (NLT)
Before we ended the chat, she said something that I found very profound - “God gives room for praise”
How ecstatic are you when giving God thanks for a mighty manifestation of something you’ve been praying for? Maybe you get a letter of employment from a company you’ve always dreamed of working at, or you get a scholarship award to study somewhere you never thought you’d study, considering your financial status. I can just imagine the kind of stunts you’ll indulge in while sharing your testimony. Okay. What about when your investment suddenly crumbles without a forewarning? Or you get home only meet the remains of a place you once called your haven, and every single thing – valuable and worthless – has turned into ashes. Less me guess. You’re going to look into the skies, asking “why me? Why me? Is this what I get for all my devotion to your word and your work?”
There is a song we used to sing “…when trouble comes my way, I will praise your name” But suddenly, some purported positive-minded people (sorry if you’re a victim) turned it to “…when success comes my way, I will praise your name” This makes me wonder, Since you’ve only made it obvious that you’d praise Him when success comes your way, what would you do when trouble comes your way? Issue Him a query? Choke Him with your nagging and reminder about your ‘favours’ to Him?
If that problem hasn’t taken your life, there’s still room for praise. "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." - Psalm 150:6.
So if you still have breath in your nostrils and sickness strikes, or the pain becomes unbearable, or you have a broken heart, or you feel all hope is gone, let your praise shoot up, knowing well that Not praising Him won’t make things better. It’s not bad to praise Him when success comes your way, but it will be pure hypocrisy NOT to praise Him when trouble comes your way, because you and I shout on the roof top “Let EVERYTHING that has breath praise the Lord” Oh, my bad! I guess we remember certain scriptures ONLY when things are alright with you.
Fred Hammond, in His song ‘WHEN WE PRAISE’ said “When we praise, there should be a fire in our hearts. Hands up raise when we praise, consuming every part because WE KNOW that the God we serve will make His presence known, when we praise” We praise Him for the mighty things He has done, and the ones we expect Him to do (in faith). We call Him sweet names and speak of His wonders and what He can do, but do we really believe that there’s an insurance cover over us, In the case of unexpected trouble? Yes we do, but most times, just before we experience one. Suddenly, our tone of praise changes - we begin to praise and pray like we are obligated to do so.
Paul and Silas were accused of troubling the city, and they were thrust into the inner prison, after many stripes had being laid upon them. But the bible says “And at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.” Acts 16:25&26. Now this was a strange thing to do - Praising God in that condition. But that same God that showed up many years ago is the same God we serve, today. He brings favour our way when we praise Him irrespective of our circumstances.
It’s like asking your Dad for something, and when he says he doesn’t have it at that moment, you are like “Oh dad, that’s fine. Lemme go wash the car and fix you something to eat before you step out!” cos you remember those times when you didn’t even need to ask before He did stuff for you. He's touched to make efforts, next time. You cannot quit being His son because he couldn’t grant your request at that instance, can you? You still accord him the respect due a father. You still run errands. Going around with a frown won’t make your request granted, would it?
There is always room for praise, as long as there is still life in you. And praising God in difficult moments prompts Him to do things beyond our imagination. He sees a helpless but selfless man, when you praise Him despite your heartaches and pain.
So, I sympathize with everyone going through tough times. (I’m not having it all rosy at the moment) But this is the confidence I have in Him: He answers when I cry unto Him.
Once again, if you can’t fix it, the least you can do is to be patient with the one who can…God can!
There’s room for praise, right before you…what are you going to do?
“In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.” Psalm 120:1
God bless you, soldier!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
RIGHTEOUSNESS BEGETS GREATNESS
I’m sure by now you should know that I have a very strong passion for music. As a matter of fact, that’s where I draw strength from, when reading the bible or any other Christian literature fails in an attempt to get me back on my feet. Once again, don’t get me wrong. The Bible is the book of life. But you know deep inside when you’re just reading it because you ‘need’ to read it (fulfilling all righteousness, like some of us say) and not because you ‘want’ to read it? I’m not even going to get started with the all ‘fulfilling all righteousness’ stuff, because people just use that phrase to deceive themselves. “Let’s go to Sunday school o, to fulfill all righteousness, so they won’t say we don’t regard God” or “I have to get to church before 7:15pm for prayer meeting, cos I don’t want them assuming I put my work first before God’s work.”
First and foremost, you have to Know God for yourself. Let there be a personal and cogent reason why you do the things you do, when you want to ‘fulfill all righteousness’. Micah Stampley in His song ‘HOLINESS’ says “Righteousness is what I long for; Righteousness is what I need; Righteousness is what you (God) want from me.” Did you notice the phrases ‘what I long for’, ‘what I need’ and ‘what you (God) want from me’? The Bible says “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach.” Proverbs 14:34. Some translations put it as ‘lifts a nation’ or ‘makes a nation great’ I’m sure nobody desires anything less than greatness. We all want to prosper doing even the most mundane things. And so there is a prerequisite for greatness – righteousness. You want to be great? Yearn after righteousness.
“Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.” Isaiah 26:2
The most interesting part is that God really wants us to be righteous. He knows how uneasy it is to live a godly life in a world filled with so much sin; a world where ‘wrong’ is so beautifully paraded as ‘right’ and people think they have to yield to the presets, in order to ‘make it’ in life; hence He drew His righteousness near us, such that anyone who wants it can have quick and instant access to it. “I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel” Isaiah 46:13.
I looked up the meaning of the word ‘righteousness’ in the thesaurus, and here’s what I found: Virtuos, moral, good, just, blameless, upright, honorable, honest, respectable or decent. Interesting, right? But there was just one word referred to as the direct opposite in meaning…SIN.
Soldiers, it’s not too late to start being honest or just. It’s not too late to start being upright and upholding good values. At first, they’re going to say “You really can’t do without comprising, if you must be with this fold” then maybe you shouldn’t be there, cos as a righteous man, God will not position you in a place where you will wither away, rather He’ll put you in a place where you’ll rise above your companions (through whatever circumstances that come your way). He never forgets His own. The psalmist said “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly (righteous) abandoned or their children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25 (NLT)
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Psalm 45:7 (NLT)
It’s not easy to be different, cos you’ll look like the odd one out…but DARE to be different, cos with God on your side, you really do not need an army. Ask David.
“The THOUGHTS of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord; but the WORDS of the pure are pleasant words.” Proverbs 15:26, and verse 29 reads “The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous.” Wait a minute! Mere thoughts can be an abomination? wow!!! who then can be saved except the one that is not conformed to this world, but is transformed by the renewing of His/Her mind. May God help us as we commit ourselves to doing what is right. Amen
God will grant us the grace as we say ‘NO’ to that evil act; as we say ‘NO’ to everything that doesn’t give glory to His name, and as we stand for the truth, always. Amen.
God bless you, soldiers!
First and foremost, you have to Know God for yourself. Let there be a personal and cogent reason why you do the things you do, when you want to ‘fulfill all righteousness’. Micah Stampley in His song ‘HOLINESS’ says “Righteousness is what I long for; Righteousness is what I need; Righteousness is what you (God) want from me.” Did you notice the phrases ‘what I long for’, ‘what I need’ and ‘what you (God) want from me’? The Bible says “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach.” Proverbs 14:34. Some translations put it as ‘lifts a nation’ or ‘makes a nation great’ I’m sure nobody desires anything less than greatness. We all want to prosper doing even the most mundane things. And so there is a prerequisite for greatness – righteousness. You want to be great? Yearn after righteousness.
“Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.” Isaiah 26:2
The most interesting part is that God really wants us to be righteous. He knows how uneasy it is to live a godly life in a world filled with so much sin; a world where ‘wrong’ is so beautifully paraded as ‘right’ and people think they have to yield to the presets, in order to ‘make it’ in life; hence He drew His righteousness near us, such that anyone who wants it can have quick and instant access to it. “I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel” Isaiah 46:13.
I looked up the meaning of the word ‘righteousness’ in the thesaurus, and here’s what I found: Virtuos, moral, good, just, blameless, upright, honorable, honest, respectable or decent. Interesting, right? But there was just one word referred to as the direct opposite in meaning…SIN.
Soldiers, it’s not too late to start being honest or just. It’s not too late to start being upright and upholding good values. At first, they’re going to say “You really can’t do without comprising, if you must be with this fold” then maybe you shouldn’t be there, cos as a righteous man, God will not position you in a place where you will wither away, rather He’ll put you in a place where you’ll rise above your companions (through whatever circumstances that come your way). He never forgets His own. The psalmist said “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly (righteous) abandoned or their children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25 (NLT)
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Psalm 45:7 (NLT)
It’s not easy to be different, cos you’ll look like the odd one out…but DARE to be different, cos with God on your side, you really do not need an army. Ask David.
“The THOUGHTS of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord; but the WORDS of the pure are pleasant words.” Proverbs 15:26, and verse 29 reads “The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous.” Wait a minute! Mere thoughts can be an abomination? wow!!! who then can be saved except the one that is not conformed to this world, but is transformed by the renewing of His/Her mind. May God help us as we commit ourselves to doing what is right. Amen
God will grant us the grace as we say ‘NO’ to that evil act; as we say ‘NO’ to everything that doesn’t give glory to His name, and as we stand for the truth, always. Amen.
God bless you, soldiers!
Monday, January 3, 2011
A GRATEFUL HEART
A GRATEFUL HEART
YOU ARE GOD ALONE by Marvin Sapp…(Song lyrics)
“There’s no question of your greatness, no searching of your power.
All the wonder of your glory; to you, forty years is but one hour.
Your knowledge is all encompassing, to your wisdom there is no end;
For you alone are God, you are God alone.
Your mercy is everlasting; your truth is here always.
You are He who was, and is, and is to come.
Who is he that can number your days?
You flung the sun to burn in space, and the night’s moon powers light from day;
You are God alone”
This song is on my Favourite playlist…one of my all-time best songs. If you can, please, get a copy. God’s greatness is beyond Human comprehension. To His wisdom, there is no end. God is God, irrespective of what we think, how we feel, or what we say. There is none like Him. We need Him now, more than ever. I’m going to be dwelling on a relationship with Him for a while.
Some days ago, I questioned God. “Lord, why is it that I asked for something that was NOT outside your will and when I got it (I think), it slipped away (though I might be wrong).” I didn’t wait for a response, because I felt very foolish afterwards (I’m yet to understand why some things happen). I realized that God owed/owes me no explanation (well most times). Abraham didn't Him why He wanted him to kill his only son. I chose to follow Him. I chose His WILL over mine. I chose to depend on Him in every situation – good or bad, thick or thin, rough or smooth.
We like to read the sweet portions of the scriptures, and that’s why we get knocked off guard when certain things come to try our faith in HIM. (Notice I said ‘we’?). Believers are NOT immune to challenges or defeat. Some say “But God, I serve you with all I have – time and resources, why can’t you just grant me this little favour?” or “God, I prayed and fasted oooo, but you still let them take my Job” And so? It’s no longer about what we want to offer/give to get what we want/need? Many of us have mastered the ‘act of taking.’ But do we really give Him thanks for the little He has already done? Do we show sincere gratitude?
I spent a few minutes with some kids in church, yesterday. We were talking about ‘The Attitude of Gratitude’ – the last topic they dwelled upon before 2010 came to a halt. It’s amazing how kids just ‘want this’ and ‘want that,’ and when they don’t receive, they get really pissed and unmotivated to do anything. They even forget that you granted their previous request. “Do you have a job? Can you afford to buy a house, provide meals for your siblings and even pay your school fees?” I asked a kid. I’m sure you have an idea of what his response was. “Always say thank you to your parents, even when they don’t give you what to ask for, when you really need it. After all, some kids don’t even have the luxury of making personal requests,” I concluded. Now, I’m saying this to you! Appreciate the fact that you have a father that Listens and is always willing to grant the desires of your heart, as long as they are in line with His word.
You don’t have to be thankful to God ONLY when your needs are met. If gratefulness could be measured in ounces, ours (will) most likely reduce in weight, in times of need – lack, unavailability.
Okay. You didn’t get the promotion you’ve been praying for, you haven’t moved into your own apartment, your car is still milking you dry, the bills are piling up, but there must be something you’re grateful for, in addition to life, of course. If God’s thoughts towards us are thoughts of God, I’m pretty sure He wouldn’t want anything less for us. It might take time, but He’s never late. Just make sure you’re living a godly life.
“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” Eccl 9:11.
Develop a heart of gratitude, while you pray and expect that big break. Worship Him for He is, not just for what He has done or can do.
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” Heb 12:28
Don’t reserve your gratitude for the season of abundance alone. Be grateful, always.
YOU ARE GOD ALONE by Marvin Sapp…(Song lyrics)
“There’s no question of your greatness, no searching of your power.
All the wonder of your glory; to you, forty years is but one hour.
Your knowledge is all encompassing, to your wisdom there is no end;
For you alone are God, you are God alone.
Your mercy is everlasting; your truth is here always.
You are He who was, and is, and is to come.
Who is he that can number your days?
You flung the sun to burn in space, and the night’s moon powers light from day;
You are God alone”
This song is on my Favourite playlist…one of my all-time best songs. If you can, please, get a copy. God’s greatness is beyond Human comprehension. To His wisdom, there is no end. God is God, irrespective of what we think, how we feel, or what we say. There is none like Him. We need Him now, more than ever. I’m going to be dwelling on a relationship with Him for a while.
Some days ago, I questioned God. “Lord, why is it that I asked for something that was NOT outside your will and when I got it (I think), it slipped away (though I might be wrong).” I didn’t wait for a response, because I felt very foolish afterwards (I’m yet to understand why some things happen). I realized that God owed/owes me no explanation (well most times). Abraham didn't Him why He wanted him to kill his only son. I chose to follow Him. I chose His WILL over mine. I chose to depend on Him in every situation – good or bad, thick or thin, rough or smooth.
We like to read the sweet portions of the scriptures, and that’s why we get knocked off guard when certain things come to try our faith in HIM. (Notice I said ‘we’?). Believers are NOT immune to challenges or defeat. Some say “But God, I serve you with all I have – time and resources, why can’t you just grant me this little favour?” or “God, I prayed and fasted oooo, but you still let them take my Job” And so? It’s no longer about what we want to offer/give to get what we want/need? Many of us have mastered the ‘act of taking.’ But do we really give Him thanks for the little He has already done? Do we show sincere gratitude?
I spent a few minutes with some kids in church, yesterday. We were talking about ‘The Attitude of Gratitude’ – the last topic they dwelled upon before 2010 came to a halt. It’s amazing how kids just ‘want this’ and ‘want that,’ and when they don’t receive, they get really pissed and unmotivated to do anything. They even forget that you granted their previous request. “Do you have a job? Can you afford to buy a house, provide meals for your siblings and even pay your school fees?” I asked a kid. I’m sure you have an idea of what his response was. “Always say thank you to your parents, even when they don’t give you what to ask for, when you really need it. After all, some kids don’t even have the luxury of making personal requests,” I concluded. Now, I’m saying this to you! Appreciate the fact that you have a father that Listens and is always willing to grant the desires of your heart, as long as they are in line with His word.
You don’t have to be thankful to God ONLY when your needs are met. If gratefulness could be measured in ounces, ours (will) most likely reduce in weight, in times of need – lack, unavailability.
Okay. You didn’t get the promotion you’ve been praying for, you haven’t moved into your own apartment, your car is still milking you dry, the bills are piling up, but there must be something you’re grateful for, in addition to life, of course. If God’s thoughts towards us are thoughts of God, I’m pretty sure He wouldn’t want anything less for us. It might take time, but He’s never late. Just make sure you’re living a godly life.
“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” Eccl 9:11.
Develop a heart of gratitude, while you pray and expect that big break. Worship Him for He is, not just for what He has done or can do.
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” Heb 12:28
Don’t reserve your gratitude for the season of abundance alone. Be grateful, always.
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