There’s so much going on on social networking sites, and in the media in general. Trust me, it feels like an entirely different world in itself, with tales that are either within rational expectation, too good to be true, or ridiculously void of common sense. We hear about very successful relationships and marriages, lasting from over a few weeks to decades, and of course, some that barely made it past the first date. Sometimes you can’t but wonder what the whole buzz is about. Well, let me give you a preview: Some can’t do without media attention (it’s contagious); some are just dramatic in nature; some rely on people to think for them, either by posting comments of praise or criticism; some are just addicted to breaking things – hearts, vows, promises and so on.
If you’ve been in a relationship before, you’d agree with me that there are some you wish never started, and others you wish never ended. Once in a while, I try to read a few blogs with captivating captions and i just feel some of the contents are unreal. One of such is a post i read recently about a dude who was going out with a lady, and at the same time promising another person marriage. That’s not all. He had a girlfriend who was providing shelter for him under her roof. After spending so much on this dude, and on the marriage, little did this lady know that she was signing up to become a ‘possession’ rather than a ‘partner’. Personal possessions are not always handled with care or respect, you know? A guy that would tell you “Now that you are my wife, you have to transfer all your properties to my name or make me a signatory to your account(s)” is up to no good. Dude, get a life!
This doesn’t mean ladies have the right to make certain demands too,simply because they now bear his last name and the title ‘wife’. Anyway, i don’t care if that story is true or not, but I don’t expect a responsible man to beat up a woman who refuses to make him a signatory to her account, or condone his quest to render her bankrupt. Scratch that, i don’t expect a responsible man to beat up a woman, however justified he feels his reasons are. Dude, have you lost your mind?Forgive me. I digress a lot.Like I stated earlier, if you’ve ever been in a relationship, there’s at least one person you wish you never made up your mind to date, and maybe one you wish never walked away. Speaking of the former, okay, you have certain regrets about your Ex and the time you spent thinking you were the power supply to his heart, not knowing that you were just one of many back up options? I sympathize with you, but don’t rid yourself of the fact that you can still be happy with someone who will make you his One and Only.
Some of you spend a ridiculous amount of time on social networking sites like twitter and facebook. It’s not a bad thing, not unless you tweet 200times a day, and 97.8% of your tweets are about how miserable you feel, how you’ll never trust guys again, how useless and uncaring you feel your Ex was, how lucky you are to have walked away from the relationship (though it’s a lie), or how he took advantage of your vulnerability. Like seriously?? And you expect that ‘tall, dark, six-packed and handsome’ dude on your timeline to ask you out? Hell no! Not every dude wants to be a potential Trending Topic on twitter, when the chips are down. Have you seen how they shred tweeps apart on that platform? Scary. A lot of dudes would rather not be with a lady who is quick to make her private life public every time she logs into the cyber world. I know some of you do it to gain attention, and you want people to share your grief and all that. STOP IT! It’s not cool.
Speaking of those who wish that dude never walked away, have you stopped to think about why things didn’t work out? Have you stopped to think about what YOU might have done wrong? About what you said and the gravity? Have you even learnt from the experience? I don’t think so. Instead you’ve become a stern believer of the doctrine that all guys are after the same thing – the insatiable desire to go all fleshy on you. Or, in your words “They just want to hit and run.” I think it’s high time you shoved that mentality down the drain. Come to think of it…maybe that’s your major problem….you think ‘for’ the guy, and so your every action is an attempt to resist the fear of what you believe he wants, and you never give him a benefit of the doubt. Here’s one secret: ‘Some guys want to be trusted as individuals’. I bet you didn’t know that.
During every healing process, there are reflections of the good times and the bad times you enjoyed, but unfortunately, a lot of people focus less on the good and allow the bad cloud their judgment. My honest advice: I don’t know how long it takes to heal (maybe it’s dependent on how deep the cut is/was), or how long you should stay single before hopping into another relationship. Sincerely, i don’t care, but one thing you must know is that scars from fresh wounds can still be bruised. You really need to give yourself time to heal, and even more time to think before you say ‘yes’ to the next request.Here are some things I feel you should think about: Don’t focus on how NOT to get things wrong in the next, but let your focus be on how to get things right.
After sufficient healing time, don’t force it, and don’t place yourself under pressure to jump into another one. If the previous one started out nice and sweet, there’s a high probability that the next will start off nicer and sweeter, but that’s not a guarantee that it will last longer. Come to terms with the fact that guys also deserve some special treatment, once in a while. I mean, we like it when you deliver pizza and ice cream to our doorsteps, or even invite us for a movie. It’s not an abomination for you to be the catalyst to a great time out.
In the words of Lady T’Mill “When developing a relationship, be willing to put as much into it, if not more than what you want out. Keep things fair”
Lest I forget, if you are one of those ladies who like to say “I’m hanging out with my b*****s, tonight” or “My friends are h**s, you’ve just gotta love ‘em” and you get mad when guys make those words your nickname, it’s a strong indication that you are oblivious of the gravity of your problem. You may not see anything wrong with it, especially if it’s part of your vocabs among your friends, but that’s really disgusting to hear. Respect yourselves, and maybe guys will stop disrespecting you.
PS: I’m not a relationship doctor….I’m just a guy who has a couple of ideas about how a few guys think.
meit
Monday, June 11, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
SKETCH IT; THEN MOLD IT!
When HE was tired of hearing me describe what I wanted, with additional features every other day, HE got fed up and said to me “Okay, I’ll give you all you need to bring that mental picture into life. Mold it and I’ll breathe life into it, but first, you have to sketch it.”
He gave me a pen, an eraser, a sheet of paper, clay and a bucket of water. “Finally, I had the power to create, right in my hands.” I thought to myself. YEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!!
I set to work, gathering materials for the perfect masterpiece ever created in the mind of man. Everything I ever thought about…all that I wished for…All my expectations – Good attitude, decent character, great potentials, flawless skin tone, wonderful facial features, untarnished eloquence, 100% truthful, average height, sound diet, and very long natural hair with an obvious halo, I put down on a white sheet of paper. It looked so good, but I felt something was still missing (actually, a lot), so I picked up the eraser and wiped off half of the sketch, and continued drawing. I tried to add the subject's choices into the sketch, but i ended up with my partial wishes. Hours went by, and I still wasn’t satisfied. Days, weeks, months, years passed by, and I hadn’t even started molding. Out of frustration, I used what was left of the eraser to wipe off the whole sketch, tore the sheet of paper, broke the pencil, scattered the clay all over the tiled floor, and threw the bucket of water out the window.
I went back to Him with tears rolling down my eyes. “I tried…I’m sorry…I thought I had the perfect picture in my head…I thought I knew it all” I said to him. “But I’m sure if you give me two more pencils, 3 erasers, a fresh sheet of paper, and more time, I can come up with the image in my….” “Shut up!!!” He interrupted. “You’ve spent almost a decade sketching. When are you going to start molding?” He asked, with a straight face.
“Be patient, son!” He continued. “Circumstances will alter your sketch; feelings will war against your intentions, and selfish expectations will break your wall of reasoning. What you thought was impeccable might just be a mirage…What you thought was perfect may not even exist. Trust me to bring the best your way. Be patient, son!” He concluded.
I woke up, picked a pen and a sheet of paper…and wrote “IT AIN’T OVER. I KNOW WHAT I WANT. I’M GONNA SKETCH IT, THEN MOLD IT!”
If you keep forcing him/her to fit into the sketch on your paper or to adapt to your selfish desires, you will end up creating a ‘puppet’ that will eventually malfunction, when ‘it’ can take no more.
If we all had the power to create who we would love to be with, the fun and adventure that comes with discovering our uniqueness will be buried in our quest to ‘paint the future’. What a boring life it would be!
He’s not perfect, but He could be better than the picture you have in your head. She’s not all that you expected, but she certainly could be the one you need to cure you from the illusion that there’s a perfect person out there.
You can sketch it, but molding it would be almost impossible.
Work. Pray. Be grateful
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Living Outside a Secure Terrain - L.O.S.T
There’s a feeling of loneliness…a feeling of abandonment (even though you try to bury it under a smile) when you go through stuff and those you used to think love you more than enough to take a bullet for you, suddenly walk away leaving you to your fate. Suddenly they become too busy to even pick your calls or reply your texts. At that point, you feel taking your own life would be justified, after all, who cares? Well, I’m sure you don’t expect me to say, “Yep, get a very strong rope, wrap around your neck, tie it to a pole, and jump off a high rise”? Maybe you’ve never found yourself in such a situation, but you’ve had someone approach you, saying “I have absolutely nothing else to live for. All I have is gone.” All you have might be gone, but you’re still living.
There’s a feeling of rejection…an ardent feeling of guilt resident in your heart because of one thing you did yesterday or the day before, or an addiction you can’t seem to have control over. Each time you engage yourself in that act, you feel like the filthiest or the most irresponsible person ever. It might not be morally disturbing to the ears, because of the kind of world we live in…but somehow you feel you’re doing something wrong. This guilt has built a fence around you, with spikes along its edges. It has caged you in, debarring you from sharing your ordeal with anyone for a shot at liberation. Every night you lock yourself indoors, weeping and magnifying the pain inside. Does this feeling sound any familiar? Look around you. You might just be far from Home.
Early this year, if someone walked up to me to say, “I see you wandering down the forbidden road” I would have sworn by my own grave that it wouldn’t happen, even if all hell broke loose! That response would probably lie between pride, confidence, or ignorance of how vulnerable and helpless I can be without God’s guidance. I don’t know where I would be without Him. On a second thought, I know – I’d be lost in sin…too far to make my way back without bruises and torn limbs, that’s if I ever make it back.
The devil knew how difficult and practically impossible it was to lay hold of Job, whilst God’s hedge surrounded him and everything he owned. There are some things we shouldn’t even wish for. There are some people we shouldn’t even wish to be like, cos we have no idea of what they lost to gain what they have; we have no idea of what they consciously sacrificed to get to where they are.
Staying within the hedge God has created around us is vital to our survival. Outside God’s camp, there’s no guarantee that you’ll return unharmed, so why take the risk?
It’s not safe out there. The TIME is nigh. We have to be vigilant. God’s hands extend to the ends of the earth, but we can still wander away from under his covering.
Even though God permitted the devil to do everything he wanted to all that Job had, the loss still affected Job. The devil is still prowling like a roaring lion, seeking for whom to devour. A metre away from God’s camp and you’ll become a potential prey. Our protection is in the Lord.
Everything above may not be applicable to you. Glory to God. But you might have noticed that some people are missing from camp. Help them navigate their way back. We ARE our Brothers' keeper.
Three of Seven prayers: Lord, I sometimes wander away from your presence, advertently or inadvertently. It could be fun outside the camp, you know? But I’ve come to realize that no form of pleasure outside your presence is worth the risk of getting lost in the world. We want to be where you are…dwelling in your presence and surrounded by your glory. Lord, protect us and our families. May we not be carried away by the pleasures of the world, that we forget who we are and who we belong to. Amen.
Work. Pray. be Thankful
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
WHEN YOU DON'T HEAR A VOICE
"The soul that can speak through the eyes can also kiss with a gaze" - Gustavo Adolfo Becquer.
I'm not sure what really caught my attention in that quote, but whatever it was, I guess I kinda heard a voice that said 'I speak even when I'm silent'
I remember growing up...If you're discerning enough, you'll know that the look yo mama gave you yesterday that said "Get ur feet off the sofa" has a different meaning, today, like "How many times do I have to tell you to do the dishes after every meal?" Or "Do u realize that you are embarrassing me in front of our guest? Go to ur room, NOW" Oh my! Don't even try to picture the eye-contact and the look on that face. (I think I exaggerated a lil too much Lol) You just have to act like you heard a voice that instructed you to move, especially when you are convinced that what you're doing ain't right.
There's this feeling of relief/disappointment, when we don't hear God's audible voice at the time we really need Him to speak back to us. God doesn't always speak to us with an audible voice. If we have the mind of Christ (like we claim to) and the holy spirit to guide us, then we probably are more in line with His will than we think.
The fact that things might not be working out the way we'd love them to doesn't mean there's something we're not doing right. Well, you know urself better than I do.
Evaluating your life based on people's expectations from you can be detrimental to fulfilling God's actual plan for you. Be careful who you give access into the affairs of your life.
I've heard people say "God always speaks. We're the ones not hearing Him" Well, yes He does speak, but not always via the medium we expect; Not always with a still small voice or a voice that causes the earth to tremble.
Maybe the response you require is 'wotchu thinking, son? Don't do it!!" But instead, there's a conviction within that analyzes every possible outcome of your proposed action, and suddenly your mind is filled with unrest until to take a step. You'd actually be extremely foolish not to back off, simply because you didn't hear a voice.
We get to a certain stage in life, where we are the weighing scale of our actions; a stage where we actually know good from evil, but we still feel very adventurous, and decid to pick evil, hoping we'll have enough time to get a second shot.
Thank God for grace, but grace alone will not save us, so I guess it's time we started living right.
Two of Seven Prayers: Lord, we are not denying that we are ignorant of what is good and what is evil. Our flesh sometimes gets the better of us, and tend to cripple our ability to respond to the leading of ur spirit. Cast us not away from your presence, Lord, as we retrace our steps, and align ourselves back to the paths you originally created for us. Order our steps, daily, even when we don't Hear you speak. Amen
Work. Pray. Be Thankful!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
A CHILD'S TOUCH
I haven't written in a while....I mean, i've been writing, but i haven't posted stuff in a while, cos i never get to finish registering my thoughts at once, for the past 7 months (It always gets to a point where it doesn't make thorough sense).
I'm sure some of you feel that way, from time to time. i may be wrong. It's sometimes very easy to get distracted from what you used to do with so much passion and conviction, and at times, it could be very difficult to unlock yourself from those shackles of distractions that have entangled you and wrapped a thick dark clothing around your face, to mess up your vision.
Have you ever felt so far away from Home, even though you never wandered away for more than a mile? Have you ever felt like you've slept for so long, even though you never shut your eyes for a second? Have you ever felt tolerated, even though there are more than enough people around you to hold hands with and have fun? Well, that defines how I feel sometimes. (No questions. lol).
Last night, i went to bed feeling a lil cold (not literally), but somehow i hit the 'snooze' button...eventually. I woke up this morning, my feelings lacking adequate definition. i knew I had to push myself to lighten up...I knew i had to give God nothing less than my best at the service, even though my relationship with him has been a bit..... I got dressed and hit the road. I kept replaying the song we learnt at the tuesday rehearsal "One Thing Remains" by Jesus Culture (This song has blessed me). The words that resounded in my head were "Even in the obvious face of defeat, believe" Okay. What next? What exactly was I supposed to believe in/on? I sought for clarity...
After selecting and rehearsing the songs for the day, i sat down to have a quick chat with a friend, and she said to me "God will never withhold any good thing from you" Huh??? Like, seriously?? As if that wasn't enough, the preacher spoke for over 45mins, making references to God's unfailing love. I learnt that God doesn't love us MORE for what we've done or what we do, neither does He love us LESS for what we've not done, or are yet to do. He just loves us. Period. He loves us in our strong moments, in our weakness, mess, inadequacies, shortcomings, and in any other situation we seem to have put ourselves in (or find/found ourselves in). The preacher's testimony of how he overcame betrayal and distrust with intentional and purposeful Love - the kinda love that was processed in heaven - knocked me off balance. That singular display of love attracted a word that quenched 14yrs of thirst. His testimony blew my mind. With tears almost rolling down, I gave in "I believe. Take the Wheel" At that point, I felt His love again.
May we not miss what God wants to do in our lives, all in the name of a Let's-be-realistic mindset. His timing may not align with your urgent and I-need-it-now-or-never needs, but He remains faithful. I don't think he will ever be sorry for not being on time, like we expect Him to. Jesus heard of Lazarus's ill health, but delayed for two days. Jesus did not only delay to make martha and her sister feel any different, he was about to teach the disciples, you and I, a new level of 'believing'. The Message bible puts it this way "Then Jesus became explicit: "Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn't there. You're about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let's go to him." John 11:14-15. He wasn't doing it for the spotlight, like some of us do today. Even martha didn't fully understand (I wouldn't have either). She believed that if Jesus asked the Father, her brother would be raised up, but in the resurrection, at the endtime "Master, if you'd been here, my brother wouldn't have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you." John 11:21-22. "I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time." she said. Sometimes He responds sooner than we expect, and other times he takes His time. He is God. He is never late. My prayer for us is that we'll always be ready, with our faith intact, no matter how long it takes for Him to respond.
God's love is as gentle as a Child's touch. It's purposeful. It's harmless. As i played the bass lines to the song, this morning, i recalled carrying a baby a few weeks back (Well, i love babies hehehe). As i held this Child close, she stared at me. Noisy room, loads of distractions, yet she kept her eyes locked on me. I wish i could understand why she couldn't get her eyes off me..It was a mystery. Even when people carried her, she kept turning her head until she could no longer see me in sight. Once again, i carried her, and I felt the attention again. i leaned closer and she stretched her hands to touch my face...Wow! What a feeling it was!!! I was just unnecessarily happy. A group of people watched me carry this child round the hall, and were actually convinced she was mine. lol (i wish!). Others asked what i did to the child to capture her attention.
There's no depth in any of these, neither is there a theological explanation or revelation, but on that stage, this morning, I felt God's unconditional love...the kind of love that cannot be fully comprehended...the kind of love that says "I don't care what you've been through, I don't care what others may think of you, I don't care how many times you drove a spear into my side, I don't care if you are tagged (by people who think they know better) as unholy, filthy and unworthy to stand before me, i don't care if you just messed up the other night" The kinda love that says "I still have my eyes on you" The kinda love that never judges or holds to heart hurts and disappointments...the kinda love that forgives when we ask.
There's nothing special we've done (or are doing) to attract God's optimum attention. He loved us from the inception and creation of the earth. That love hasn't changed...it never will. Don't miss what God is about to do, and has started doing in your life.
My prayer for us is that God will touch us in a way that we have never felt before. He will turn things around to favour us. Also have it in mind that He will never withhold any good thing from YOU. If it's good for you, He'll surely bring it your way...and if it' not, He can take it away, if you give Him the chance to. The question is "Are you willing to let go, and receive what He has for you? Selah.
Though we might not fully understand why, but He loves us anyway. NEVER forget this!!!! Work Hard. Pray Harder. Thank God
Last night, i went to bed feeling a lil cold (not literally), but somehow i hit the 'snooze' button...eventually. I woke up this morning, my feelings lacking adequate definition. i knew I had to push myself to lighten up...I knew i had to give God nothing less than my best at the service, even though my relationship with him has been a bit..... I got dressed and hit the road. I kept replaying the song we learnt at the tuesday rehearsal "One Thing Remains" by Jesus Culture (This song has blessed me). The words that resounded in my head were "Even in the obvious face of defeat, believe" Okay. What next? What exactly was I supposed to believe in/on? I sought for clarity...
After selecting and rehearsing the songs for the day, i sat down to have a quick chat with a friend, and she said to me "God will never withhold any good thing from you" Huh??? Like, seriously?? As if that wasn't enough, the preacher spoke for over 45mins, making references to God's unfailing love. I learnt that God doesn't love us MORE for what we've done or what we do, neither does He love us LESS for what we've not done, or are yet to do. He just loves us. Period. He loves us in our strong moments, in our weakness, mess, inadequacies, shortcomings, and in any other situation we seem to have put ourselves in (or find/found ourselves in). The preacher's testimony of how he overcame betrayal and distrust with intentional and purposeful Love - the kinda love that was processed in heaven - knocked me off balance. That singular display of love attracted a word that quenched 14yrs of thirst. His testimony blew my mind. With tears almost rolling down, I gave in "I believe. Take the Wheel" At that point, I felt His love again.
May we not miss what God wants to do in our lives, all in the name of a Let's-be-realistic mindset. His timing may not align with your urgent and I-need-it-now-or-never needs, but He remains faithful. I don't think he will ever be sorry for not being on time, like we expect Him to. Jesus heard of Lazarus's ill health, but delayed for two days. Jesus did not only delay to make martha and her sister feel any different, he was about to teach the disciples, you and I, a new level of 'believing'. The Message bible puts it this way "Then Jesus became explicit: "Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn't there. You're about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let's go to him." John 11:14-15. He wasn't doing it for the spotlight, like some of us do today. Even martha didn't fully understand (I wouldn't have either). She believed that if Jesus asked the Father, her brother would be raised up, but in the resurrection, at the endtime "Master, if you'd been here, my brother wouldn't have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you." John 11:21-22. "I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time." she said. Sometimes He responds sooner than we expect, and other times he takes His time. He is God. He is never late. My prayer for us is that we'll always be ready, with our faith intact, no matter how long it takes for Him to respond.
God's love is as gentle as a Child's touch. It's purposeful. It's harmless. As i played the bass lines to the song, this morning, i recalled carrying a baby a few weeks back (Well, i love babies hehehe). As i held this Child close, she stared at me. Noisy room, loads of distractions, yet she kept her eyes locked on me. I wish i could understand why she couldn't get her eyes off me..It was a mystery. Even when people carried her, she kept turning her head until she could no longer see me in sight. Once again, i carried her, and I felt the attention again. i leaned closer and she stretched her hands to touch my face...Wow! What a feeling it was!!! I was just unnecessarily happy. A group of people watched me carry this child round the hall, and were actually convinced she was mine. lol (i wish!). Others asked what i did to the child to capture her attention.
There's no depth in any of these, neither is there a theological explanation or revelation, but on that stage, this morning, I felt God's unconditional love...the kind of love that cannot be fully comprehended...the kind of love that says "I don't care what you've been through, I don't care what others may think of you, I don't care how many times you drove a spear into my side, I don't care if you are tagged (by people who think they know better) as unholy, filthy and unworthy to stand before me, i don't care if you just messed up the other night" The kinda love that says "I still have my eyes on you" The kinda love that never judges or holds to heart hurts and disappointments...the kinda love that forgives when we ask.
There's nothing special we've done (or are doing) to attract God's optimum attention. He loved us from the inception and creation of the earth. That love hasn't changed...it never will. Don't miss what God is about to do, and has started doing in your life.
My prayer for us is that God will touch us in a way that we have never felt before. He will turn things around to favour us. Also have it in mind that He will never withhold any good thing from YOU. If it's good for you, He'll surely bring it your way...and if it' not, He can take it away, if you give Him the chance to. The question is "Are you willing to let go, and receive what He has for you? Selah.
Though we might not fully understand why, but He loves us anyway. NEVER forget this!!!! Work Hard. Pray Harder. Thank God
Thursday, May 19, 2011
WHEN MY HEART TICKS
Every heart beat reminds me that I’m still alive for a reason. What I do after the thought twinkles either fuels my motivation towards the goal or militates against fulfilling it. Many people say life is unfair, and one can almost not make anything good out of it. Well, the ones that believe life is full of opportunities create a platform (internet) for such people to spread their pessimistic thoughts. A lot of people have been employed via the internet; some have been fired via emails, and even social networking sites (I don’t have any proof lol). Some people have made friends over the internet; others have truncated their relationships over the internet. People have been duped/scammed over the internet; some others have become rich just by clicking on links from the comfort of their homes.
A digression: Speaking of being duped or scammed, some months back, one dude was really upset with me for not falling for his buy-6PCs-for-$500 scam (From the US including shipping!) HAHAHA!!! Is it just me or is there a way people can determine how vulnerable (they think) you are by looking at your picture?
I wish some things didn’t happen; I wish other things happened. I understand some things that happen, when they happen. I don’t even understand why some things happened, happen or didn’t happen. Truth is, I really don’t care why some things happened, happen or didn’t happen. Some answers leave you with more questions. why then should i worry my little head? I sometimes wish my wishes could actually yield results – like wishing that someone would just wake up one day and be interested in my vision, and say “Hey, tiem…I’d like to invest in your dreams. I budgeted this money for something else, but I just feel you need it more than I do” hahaha! (Ignore that).
But sincerely, right now, I’m in the library trying to figure out how to complete this coursework, but I find myself typing this post, wishing that by a stroke of luck, it makes sense to someone….wishing that as you read it, you recall the reason why you’re still alive…wishing you’ll have faith that as the sun always shines after the storm, your next move will produce results better than yesterday’s. And, yeah, I also wish this course work can finish itself.
Er…just kidding! Have a blessed life. Remember, If you come off as a sad person, don’t blame me for staying away from you. In this case, opposite don’t attract. That’s just a scientific theory. If I’m a little happy, I want to be associated with happier people. The only reason you, as a happy person, should be hanging around unhappy people should be to help them find happiness. You shouldn't leave them more depressed than you met them. Sometimes we need to shut up, and listen. Share their pain, but help them get rid of it. Also, you can't have answers to everything. Make sure there's a clear distinction between suggestions/advice and/or universally proven methods (if there's anyhing like that...okay, there isn't!).
Okay, these are just random thoughts tiptoeing into my head, so pardon me for not articulating them under ‘headings’. You don’t really mind, do you? Lol
work hard. pray harder. Thank God
PS: true and lasting happiness comes from within...Everlasting joy comes from above, ONLY - from GOD. yep! i said it!
A digression: Speaking of being duped or scammed, some months back, one dude was really upset with me for not falling for his buy-6PCs-for-$500 scam (From the US including shipping!) HAHAHA!!! Is it just me or is there a way people can determine how vulnerable (they think) you are by looking at your picture?
I wish some things didn’t happen; I wish other things happened. I understand some things that happen, when they happen. I don’t even understand why some things happened, happen or didn’t happen. Truth is, I really don’t care why some things happened, happen or didn’t happen. Some answers leave you with more questions. why then should i worry my little head? I sometimes wish my wishes could actually yield results – like wishing that someone would just wake up one day and be interested in my vision, and say “Hey, tiem…I’d like to invest in your dreams. I budgeted this money for something else, but I just feel you need it more than I do” hahaha! (Ignore that).
But sincerely, right now, I’m in the library trying to figure out how to complete this coursework, but I find myself typing this post, wishing that by a stroke of luck, it makes sense to someone….wishing that as you read it, you recall the reason why you’re still alive…wishing you’ll have faith that as the sun always shines after the storm, your next move will produce results better than yesterday’s. And, yeah, I also wish this course work can finish itself.
Er…just kidding! Have a blessed life. Remember, If you come off as a sad person, don’t blame me for staying away from you. In this case, opposite don’t attract. That’s just a scientific theory. If I’m a little happy, I want to be associated with happier people. The only reason you, as a happy person, should be hanging around unhappy people should be to help them find happiness. You shouldn't leave them more depressed than you met them. Sometimes we need to shut up, and listen. Share their pain, but help them get rid of it. Also, you can't have answers to everything. Make sure there's a clear distinction between suggestions/advice and/or universally proven methods (if there's anyhing like that...okay, there isn't!).
Okay, these are just random thoughts tiptoeing into my head, so pardon me for not articulating them under ‘headings’. You don’t really mind, do you? Lol
work hard. pray harder. Thank God
PS: true and lasting happiness comes from within...Everlasting joy comes from above, ONLY - from GOD. yep! i said it!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
GOD FILLS TILL IT SPILLS
As you might have observed, most of my writings stem out of a personal encounter or experience, and the more I share/talk about them, the more conscious I am about the relevance and effects they've had in my life, and probably will have in yours as well. None of it is actually new to you. Maybe you just shoved them aside. Let's call it a ‘reminder’ to us - God is 'speakING' to you and I.
I sincerely hope it causes a change in your life, as it has already done in mine within the last few hours.
I got a text message yesterday reminding me of a bi-weekly meeting that was scheduled to hold in the church auditorium as against the usual 'in your area' meeting. As at the time I received the text, I was still in bed, undecided about how my day was going to start, let alone anticipating a desired ending. I was just there, thinking about so many things. I mean, don't we all just have that moment in our lives where we feel like doing absolutely nothing? We let our minds go on a misguided trip without our consent, and then it brings back so much unwanted castoffs that we find it difficult to ignore, handle or even filter them. (I'm sure you know what I mean).
My day eventually kicked off around noon, but it was a slow one. It was almost time for the meeting, but I totally forgot, cos I didn't even make up my mind to attend it, in the morning. I heard a knock on my door, and as I opened it, there stood my flatmate, asking me if I was going to church for the meeting. I reluctantly answered, cos I felt i could cover much of my academic work within those few hours I'd be in church. Some of us are yet to value the importance of 'fellowship' God will not equip you for yourself alone...He doesn't give us gifts/talents/skills/abilities just because he wants them to look good on us...he gives them to us so that we can be of benefit to others (You can call it iron sharpening iron).
I got dressed, and we both went to catch the bus. I can boldly say that the meeting caused a turn-around in my life. My eyes were opened to the power of sharing your testimony - telling your story. God has done so much for some of us, but it's not worth standing on the rooftop to share, simply because he's yet to do the ones we truly desire him to do. (That's an ungrateful heart right there) I heard people testify about God's goodness in their lives, and I was scared that I might have deprived someone of the benefits of sharing my testimony...I felt guilty cos I had categorized God's blessings into slightly small, small, slightly big, big and huge. (Some people actually specify the kinda testimony you can pick up the mic to share, but trust me, anything that was done NOT by your power, is a testimony). I heard some amazing testimonies about what God did in the lives of people, that evening. Not only did the testimonies blow my mind, the faith that the testifiers had in God, enough to trust him to move in their lives, was equally dumbfounding. This stirred up something within me.
This might not be new to some of you bible scholars, researchers or mystery-thirsty individuals, but I learnt that 'testimony' in hebrew, means 'to do again', and so I came to a conclusion that, we do not only share our testimonies to glorify/thank God for his goodness, or to encourage people to trust God more, but we share them because we want God to do more - to do again. We're simply saying "Lord, you provided a job and I'm grateful, but God, it isn't going to stop there, is it? Blow my mind again...I'm expectant...this can't be your best...I believe you have something bigger for me"
God has so many promises stored up for us, but we only access a few because we already have a whole lot of junk hanging on our shoulders, and we are not willing to let them go. I can imagine God asking "if you don't empty your bowl, how will I fill it up?" The psalmist said "you prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, and my cup runneth OVER" Right there for all to see! It runs over because it wasn't meant for the cup alone - it wasn't meant to ONLY fill the cup. God's blessings CANNOT be contained - it exposes itself beyond limits.
He blesses us so we can have to give. When he gives us, he doesn't expect us to hold back, not from him, not from anyone. A songwriter said "Pressed down, shaken together, running OVER, is the favour of God" Yes! That's one thing we need to remember (luke 6:38)
When you think 'God', think 'big' Think 'beyond measures' Think 'No impossibility' Think 'Running over' Think 'more than I can/will ever contain'
Don't deprive God of the glory in that so-called little testimony of yours, don't deprive people of the benefits of that 'slightly small' testimony of yours, and the encouragement they can garner from it, Don't hold back God's blessings - don't try to contain it, it was meant to spill. It can burst within you if you try to contain it, and I'm not guaranteeing that it won't hurt you.
What was once a blessing to you can end up killing you! (Ask saul) It’s really not about us. ALWAYS give glory to whom it’s due!
Just an illustration: Speaking of offering, the bible says “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 3:10)
"Bring your tithes and offerings (I ain't preaching) into my store house, and I’ll bless you beyond what you can handle...beyond what you can contain" (paraphrased).
"You feel it when God fills you; when it spills, then the world sees it. God's blessings CANNOT be contained..." tiemTHINKS
Don't try to hide it. Let it flow. It was meant to spill! Tell your story. Share it. It will stir up something in someone else. No matter how paltry you think it may sound, It will provoke SOMEONE to trust God more...Above all, when you share it you're telling God "please, do it again, but this time around...bigger"!!!
Share the little one you have....there's more to come....
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God!
I sincerely hope it causes a change in your life, as it has already done in mine within the last few hours.
I got a text message yesterday reminding me of a bi-weekly meeting that was scheduled to hold in the church auditorium as against the usual 'in your area' meeting. As at the time I received the text, I was still in bed, undecided about how my day was going to start, let alone anticipating a desired ending. I was just there, thinking about so many things. I mean, don't we all just have that moment in our lives where we feel like doing absolutely nothing? We let our minds go on a misguided trip without our consent, and then it brings back so much unwanted castoffs that we find it difficult to ignore, handle or even filter them. (I'm sure you know what I mean).
My day eventually kicked off around noon, but it was a slow one. It was almost time for the meeting, but I totally forgot, cos I didn't even make up my mind to attend it, in the morning. I heard a knock on my door, and as I opened it, there stood my flatmate, asking me if I was going to church for the meeting. I reluctantly answered, cos I felt i could cover much of my academic work within those few hours I'd be in church. Some of us are yet to value the importance of 'fellowship' God will not equip you for yourself alone...He doesn't give us gifts/talents/skills/abilities just because he wants them to look good on us...he gives them to us so that we can be of benefit to others (You can call it iron sharpening iron).
I got dressed, and we both went to catch the bus. I can boldly say that the meeting caused a turn-around in my life. My eyes were opened to the power of sharing your testimony - telling your story. God has done so much for some of us, but it's not worth standing on the rooftop to share, simply because he's yet to do the ones we truly desire him to do. (That's an ungrateful heart right there) I heard people testify about God's goodness in their lives, and I was scared that I might have deprived someone of the benefits of sharing my testimony...I felt guilty cos I had categorized God's blessings into slightly small, small, slightly big, big and huge. (Some people actually specify the kinda testimony you can pick up the mic to share, but trust me, anything that was done NOT by your power, is a testimony). I heard some amazing testimonies about what God did in the lives of people, that evening. Not only did the testimonies blow my mind, the faith that the testifiers had in God, enough to trust him to move in their lives, was equally dumbfounding. This stirred up something within me.
This might not be new to some of you bible scholars, researchers or mystery-thirsty individuals, but I learnt that 'testimony' in hebrew, means 'to do again', and so I came to a conclusion that, we do not only share our testimonies to glorify/thank God for his goodness, or to encourage people to trust God more, but we share them because we want God to do more - to do again. We're simply saying "Lord, you provided a job and I'm grateful, but God, it isn't going to stop there, is it? Blow my mind again...I'm expectant...this can't be your best...I believe you have something bigger for me"
God has so many promises stored up for us, but we only access a few because we already have a whole lot of junk hanging on our shoulders, and we are not willing to let them go. I can imagine God asking "if you don't empty your bowl, how will I fill it up?" The psalmist said "you prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, and my cup runneth OVER" Right there for all to see! It runs over because it wasn't meant for the cup alone - it wasn't meant to ONLY fill the cup. God's blessings CANNOT be contained - it exposes itself beyond limits.
He blesses us so we can have to give. When he gives us, he doesn't expect us to hold back, not from him, not from anyone. A songwriter said "Pressed down, shaken together, running OVER, is the favour of God" Yes! That's one thing we need to remember (luke 6:38)
When you think 'God', think 'big' Think 'beyond measures' Think 'No impossibility' Think 'Running over' Think 'more than I can/will ever contain'
Don't deprive God of the glory in that so-called little testimony of yours, don't deprive people of the benefits of that 'slightly small' testimony of yours, and the encouragement they can garner from it, Don't hold back God's blessings - don't try to contain it, it was meant to spill. It can burst within you if you try to contain it, and I'm not guaranteeing that it won't hurt you.
What was once a blessing to you can end up killing you! (Ask saul) It’s really not about us. ALWAYS give glory to whom it’s due!
Just an illustration: Speaking of offering, the bible says “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 3:10)
"Bring your tithes and offerings (I ain't preaching) into my store house, and I’ll bless you beyond what you can handle...beyond what you can contain" (paraphrased).
"You feel it when God fills you; when it spills, then the world sees it. God's blessings CANNOT be contained..." tiemTHINKS
Don't try to hide it. Let it flow. It was meant to spill! Tell your story. Share it. It will stir up something in someone else. No matter how paltry you think it may sound, It will provoke SOMEONE to trust God more...Above all, when you share it you're telling God "please, do it again, but this time around...bigger"!!!
Share the little one you have....there's more to come....
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
THE TIDES DON’T DICTATE MY DIRECTION
Hmmm…I really don’t know how or where to start this post from, but I hope I end up with something meaningful at the end.
Once upon a time, I got admission in the university to study a course I wasn’t really interested in, because the whole high (secondary) school experience of the subject was nothing close to interesting…all thanks to my teacher, who made it quite unbearable. I’ll spare you the rest of that gist - I’m sure I dwelt a little on it in one of my previous posts.
Take a ride across my high school days, and then hop a little over my almost-7yrs in college (university). I got a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. I remember telling a very good friend of mine that I was going to give my certificate to my parents, and enroll for another first degree programme. She thought the idea sounded really absurd. (After spending so many years in the university) I wanted to start college all over…you know…I wanted to pursue my dreams…to do something I would be able to focus my time and energy on with all pleasure.
I started out on a quest to reverse and take another route. Words came from right and left “Why don’t you just pursue a second degree (Master’s) in a field you’ll feel more comfortable with, instead of having to start all over again.” I thought about it for a while. And so I made up my mind to move on, but because of the series of strike actions that truncated academic sessions during my days in the university back in my country, I decided to prod my plans over the seas. I applied to several institutions, but because of my background in Geography, I found it difficult to get admission in what I really wanted to study. Some other constraints set in, so I had to settle for something pretty close and related to my choice. Okay. The field of study was established. What next? The means! As God would have it, that was also settled. Praise God!!!
During this period of searching, doubting, swapping preferences, battling with pessimistic suggestions and considering so-called ‘realistic’ options, I learnt a lot. God taught me things I may never have learned within the four walls of any institution at home or abroad. I learnt to trust Him…I learnt to listen even when He wasn’t speaking. Several times I got discouraged and felt like living the next day as it came. Most times when we have our minds all made up concerning a matter, the only voice we hear is ours. Then we patch our confidence up by saying “we have the mind of Christ” and “the steps of the righteous are ordered” so we skip the part of ‘Time and chance happens to all’. Those are very true statements. Believe me. But on the race track, do you know what happens when you take-off before the whistle? Yep! You might get disqualified after several warnings. On many occasions I capitalized on the fact that God’s had no evil intentions towards me, so I could as well get on with the plans I had in mind, but God made a mess of my discretion. (I pray you don’t get to a point where people will ask you ‘where’s that God you brag about?’). Over confidence gradually became ‘well, if it’s God’s will, so be it. If not, so be it’ and ‘God’s time is the best’. Lol.
Everything finally panned out, and there was no logical explanation for it. The encounters with certain people (My ‘Jan buddy’ you know yourself), the words of encouragement and assurance (from my family and friends dear to my heart), God’s perfect timing…and loads of other unforeseen moves made it obvious that it’s really not by power nor by might. I came to realize that God wanted to take every iota of the glory to Himself. Beyond my calculative plans, beyond the time stamps I had placed on my to-do and to-achieve list (if there’s anything like that), beyond the activity, God’s plans prevailed.
Fast forward……
I had a limited time to say my goodbyes, which I eventually did with mixed feelings. First, it was “What you’ve been waiting on God for has finally come to manifestation” and the other was “So you’re going to leave the people you’ve known all your life for such a long time”. The only consolation was that my leaving for a while was for a good cause (academically), and that God would make me a useful vessel in His hands home and abroad...
I crossed mountains and seas to a distant land, thousands of miles away from the place I used to (and still) call home. The first question I asked myself when we touched ground was ‘What in God’s name are you doing here?’ the answer wasn’t forthcoming, so I just dashed along with people that looked like they were in a hurry to get somewhere. I starting wishing I made the wrong decision…I wished I could shut my eyes and wake up the next morning in my room back in Nigeria. I wished for so many things to happen in a few minutes, but that was the best I could do…wish! Reality was staring at me, boldly.
On my second night in this strange land, I went out in search of accommodation with two new friends, under the rain. I could hardly feel my hands and feet, cos It was really cold that evening – not the kinda weather I’ve been used to. It was about 5 degrees (Oh, how I miss naija’s 34-38 degrees). I was this close to getting knocked off my feet by an oncoming vehicle when my friends hollered at me. I rushed back to a safe spot as the driver hit the brakes swiftly and the tyres screeched on the wet tarred road. All other vehicles came to a complete halt. Dude gazed at me for a second and zoomed off. Blood started rushing through my veins as I thought about the incidence. Early that day, I was complaining about how everybody on this side of the world drives too fast, even on narrow roads. I gave thanks to God, but asked Him a few questions at the same time…’you didn’t bring me here to get me killed, right? This wasn’t what you had in my mind when you led me out of Africa, was it? (Sounds like what the Israelites were asking Moses after leading them out of Egypt, right?) lol. The more I think about that night and how God saved me, the more I give Him praise for His faithfulness. This note is getting too long.
Things aren’t as bad or as difficult as people paint them to be. God’s blessings are not accompanied by sorrow. If it doesn’t turn out good at the end, then we probably didn’t keep to our part of the deal with Him.
Have you asked Him for stuff lately? Has He spoken? Maybe His answer doesn't sound like what you expect, so you think He hasn't spoken. maybe He's saying 'Go ahead and gain possession of the land' What other confirmation do you need? A few more witnesses to affirm it; or you want lightning to strike a particular surface thrice or you want the clouds to sneeze at midnight as a sign that God has got everything under control. God still listens. He neither sleeps nor slumbers. He wants what’s best for you and me. But the question is 'Are we moving in the direction He wants us to move in?'
One advice I took along with me…and that I intend to keep fastened to my heart
(even more than my entry clearance) is “Remember the son of whom you are and let your confessions remain the same.” The weather will change, the temperature will rise and drop; the system may be poles apart, but never allow the tides determine your direction. People will say ‘This is the way it’s done here’ or ‘It’s a different world out here. Well, it sure is! But that doesn’t change a thing. God’s words stand. God’s commandments remain the same. It may not be easy, especially when you have to be on your toes (no longer in your comfort zone), where the challenges have thorns and the alternatives are not very friendly. But if we draw near to God He will draw near to us. He’ll always be there to strengthen and comfort us…when we need Him…when we call on Him.
I draw strength from His word, because physically I’m helpless and mentally I’m unstable.
Lord, let my navigation be determined by you…and you alone. Amen.
God help us!
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
Once upon a time, I got admission in the university to study a course I wasn’t really interested in, because the whole high (secondary) school experience of the subject was nothing close to interesting…all thanks to my teacher, who made it quite unbearable. I’ll spare you the rest of that gist - I’m sure I dwelt a little on it in one of my previous posts.
Take a ride across my high school days, and then hop a little over my almost-7yrs in college (university). I got a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. I remember telling a very good friend of mine that I was going to give my certificate to my parents, and enroll for another first degree programme. She thought the idea sounded really absurd. (After spending so many years in the university) I wanted to start college all over…you know…I wanted to pursue my dreams…to do something I would be able to focus my time and energy on with all pleasure.
I started out on a quest to reverse and take another route. Words came from right and left “Why don’t you just pursue a second degree (Master’s) in a field you’ll feel more comfortable with, instead of having to start all over again.” I thought about it for a while. And so I made up my mind to move on, but because of the series of strike actions that truncated academic sessions during my days in the university back in my country, I decided to prod my plans over the seas. I applied to several institutions, but because of my background in Geography, I found it difficult to get admission in what I really wanted to study. Some other constraints set in, so I had to settle for something pretty close and related to my choice. Okay. The field of study was established. What next? The means! As God would have it, that was also settled. Praise God!!!
During this period of searching, doubting, swapping preferences, battling with pessimistic suggestions and considering so-called ‘realistic’ options, I learnt a lot. God taught me things I may never have learned within the four walls of any institution at home or abroad. I learnt to trust Him…I learnt to listen even when He wasn’t speaking. Several times I got discouraged and felt like living the next day as it came. Most times when we have our minds all made up concerning a matter, the only voice we hear is ours. Then we patch our confidence up by saying “we have the mind of Christ” and “the steps of the righteous are ordered” so we skip the part of ‘Time and chance happens to all’. Those are very true statements. Believe me. But on the race track, do you know what happens when you take-off before the whistle? Yep! You might get disqualified after several warnings. On many occasions I capitalized on the fact that God’s had no evil intentions towards me, so I could as well get on with the plans I had in mind, but God made a mess of my discretion. (I pray you don’t get to a point where people will ask you ‘where’s that God you brag about?’). Over confidence gradually became ‘well, if it’s God’s will, so be it. If not, so be it’ and ‘God’s time is the best’. Lol.
Everything finally panned out, and there was no logical explanation for it. The encounters with certain people (My ‘Jan buddy’ you know yourself), the words of encouragement and assurance (from my family and friends dear to my heart), God’s perfect timing…and loads of other unforeseen moves made it obvious that it’s really not by power nor by might. I came to realize that God wanted to take every iota of the glory to Himself. Beyond my calculative plans, beyond the time stamps I had placed on my to-do and to-achieve list (if there’s anything like that), beyond the activity, God’s plans prevailed.
Fast forward……
I had a limited time to say my goodbyes, which I eventually did with mixed feelings. First, it was “What you’ve been waiting on God for has finally come to manifestation” and the other was “So you’re going to leave the people you’ve known all your life for such a long time”. The only consolation was that my leaving for a while was for a good cause (academically), and that God would make me a useful vessel in His hands home and abroad...
I crossed mountains and seas to a distant land, thousands of miles away from the place I used to (and still) call home. The first question I asked myself when we touched ground was ‘What in God’s name are you doing here?’ the answer wasn’t forthcoming, so I just dashed along with people that looked like they were in a hurry to get somewhere. I starting wishing I made the wrong decision…I wished I could shut my eyes and wake up the next morning in my room back in Nigeria. I wished for so many things to happen in a few minutes, but that was the best I could do…wish! Reality was staring at me, boldly.
On my second night in this strange land, I went out in search of accommodation with two new friends, under the rain. I could hardly feel my hands and feet, cos It was really cold that evening – not the kinda weather I’ve been used to. It was about 5 degrees (Oh, how I miss naija’s 34-38 degrees). I was this close to getting knocked off my feet by an oncoming vehicle when my friends hollered at me. I rushed back to a safe spot as the driver hit the brakes swiftly and the tyres screeched on the wet tarred road. All other vehicles came to a complete halt. Dude gazed at me for a second and zoomed off. Blood started rushing through my veins as I thought about the incidence. Early that day, I was complaining about how everybody on this side of the world drives too fast, even on narrow roads. I gave thanks to God, but asked Him a few questions at the same time…’you didn’t bring me here to get me killed, right? This wasn’t what you had in my mind when you led me out of Africa, was it? (Sounds like what the Israelites were asking Moses after leading them out of Egypt, right?) lol. The more I think about that night and how God saved me, the more I give Him praise for His faithfulness. This note is getting too long.
Things aren’t as bad or as difficult as people paint them to be. God’s blessings are not accompanied by sorrow. If it doesn’t turn out good at the end, then we probably didn’t keep to our part of the deal with Him.
Have you asked Him for stuff lately? Has He spoken? Maybe His answer doesn't sound like what you expect, so you think He hasn't spoken. maybe He's saying 'Go ahead and gain possession of the land' What other confirmation do you need? A few more witnesses to affirm it; or you want lightning to strike a particular surface thrice or you want the clouds to sneeze at midnight as a sign that God has got everything under control. God still listens. He neither sleeps nor slumbers. He wants what’s best for you and me. But the question is 'Are we moving in the direction He wants us to move in?'
One advice I took along with me…and that I intend to keep fastened to my heart
(even more than my entry clearance) is “Remember the son of whom you are and let your confessions remain the same.” The weather will change, the temperature will rise and drop; the system may be poles apart, but never allow the tides determine your direction. People will say ‘This is the way it’s done here’ or ‘It’s a different world out here. Well, it sure is! But that doesn’t change a thing. God’s words stand. God’s commandments remain the same. It may not be easy, especially when you have to be on your toes (no longer in your comfort zone), where the challenges have thorns and the alternatives are not very friendly. But if we draw near to God He will draw near to us. He’ll always be there to strengthen and comfort us…when we need Him…when we call on Him.
I draw strength from His word, because physically I’m helpless and mentally I’m unstable.
Lord, let my navigation be determined by you…and you alone. Amen.
God help us!
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
Friday, February 11, 2011
THE FRAGRANCE OF FAITH
Something you can choose to ignore: You don’t always have to agree to what I say or what anyone else says. And you don’t always have to fault peoples’ actions or school of thought. Just ask God for a discerning spirit, that you may be able to create a dichotomy between the truth and fallacies. Also, the fact that it’s logical doesn’t mean you should adopt it. Be conscious of what you take in. It can build you…or destroy you. “The entrance of God’s word gives light and understanding to the simple” Psalm 119:130 Selah
The FRAGRANCE OF FAITH: I wrote this title down somewhere on a piece of paper, but i didn't set my eyes on it until this afternoon. As coincidental as it might sound, I was about to take a nap when I saw the paper just beside my pillow. lol i decided to make this topic my focus for tonight.
Just this evening, when the power supply was restored, i decided to check youtube for Visa d. kline's videos, cos i remembered seeing a link on her bio on twitter. Meanwhile, If you're on twitter, please follow this great vessel of God @visadklline If you're not on twitter, you need to sign up for an account. There are a lot of Great people God is using to spread the word. People sign up on social networking sites for various reasons, but I can boldly confess my addiction to twitter because of the wonderful people I’ve been opportune to connect with. I’ll be making a few recommendations at the end of this post. You really don’t have to follow them if you don’t want to, but I assure you, it will be a worthwhile experience. God can use anybody to slip a word through to bless. No one man knows it all. You can learn from your friends, your so-called enemies and even from strangers. God bless you as you become more conscious of the truth, irrespective of the vessel. But let’s be prayerful…and wise.
I looked up the meaning of the word ‘faith’, and according to the dictionary, Faith is reliance, loyalty, or complete trust in God or someone else. The bible says “faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.” Matthew 9:2 reads “Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus SAW their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven” My emphasis is actually on ‘Jesus SAW their faith’ Now this makes me wonder ‘faith’ actually reflects in our actions. It becomes ‘alive’ when it is backed with ‘action’. My pastor once said “If we as church workers are expecting numerical growth, we have to first build a capacity in us to be able to handle them” in other words, step up your work with God. Build yourselves in the word. Spend more time studying and meditating on God’s word. Your dispositions and actions will certainly show if you’re ready for the multitude you’re expecting. “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” James 2:17.
A student whose dream is to become a doctor, is trusting God for an admission into the university to study medicine, yet he’s finding it difficult to read medical articles and materials. Gathering materials and building knowledge about the medical field seems not to be a priority now, right? That’s just great! You cannot be ‘the first and not the last’ without getting on the race track. It’s not just about positive confessions. Think about it.
I’ve been in situations where people said I couldn’t do stuff; someone recently said to me ‘This chosen career of yours can’t feed a family’ and so many other pessimistic views from people I least expected them from. Though some of these words discouraged me and even made me relent in my pursuit of what I made up my mind to do (as some point), on the other hand, I asked myself 'whose report should I believe?' As a Geography major student, I’ve always had interest in IT, music and entertainment in general. Stabbing classes for concerts, choir rehearsals and bible study meetings, I just knew that I was doing something right. God has been molding me for this moment. Hearkening to what people felt I should be doing would have ruined God’s plan for me. I’ve picked up courage and willpower in the midst of it all; I’ve gotten to know God more. I’ve come to realize that living out God’s plan for me is the best thing that can ever happen to me. So call me whatever you like, think of me as whatever crosses your mind…”His report says something entirely different. And I choose to believe His report.” We all need to consciously CHOOSE to believe His report concerning us. If He said you were made in His image and His likeness, who is man to say otherwise?
After seeing the video below, I am too certain that ‘Faith dictates everything’ God bless you, Visa Klline. The title is “FAITH DICTATES FASHION”
Say no to inferiority complex. Someone needs to holler out “I might not meet your specification, but God created me nothing less than perfect.” Someone needs to brighten up. Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
One of my favourite hymns is TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS. It’s just too inspiring. Ask God for grace to trust him more. The situation looks ugly, but you’ve got to trust Him for a way out…You’ve got to have faith in Him. I must confess, it’s not very easy to hold on when there’s not even a sign of a breakthrough in sight. Rely on faith to give you an evidence of the things you can’t see but expect to receive.
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Let your faith in God be your driving force. Let it dictate your pace. Faith is the evidence of things that are not seen. I might not be there yet, but I certain have a glimpse of where I’m going, so I’m already taking a few steps in that direction. I’m so excited about it. I can perceive it.
The fragrance of faith is so strong…it’s an evidence of supremacy over the obvious. Speak. Act. Believe
Follow these wonderful people on twitter @visadklline @thewriteperson @itskevinbond @pastorYPJ @aaronlinzy @pastorJKA @Drmikemurdock @onewordgospel @Keetwit @alconley @edeweysmith @hartramsey @lssimpact
More in my next post. God bless us all!
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
The FRAGRANCE OF FAITH: I wrote this title down somewhere on a piece of paper, but i didn't set my eyes on it until this afternoon. As coincidental as it might sound, I was about to take a nap when I saw the paper just beside my pillow. lol i decided to make this topic my focus for tonight.
Just this evening, when the power supply was restored, i decided to check youtube for Visa d. kline's videos, cos i remembered seeing a link on her bio on twitter. Meanwhile, If you're on twitter, please follow this great vessel of God @visadklline If you're not on twitter, you need to sign up for an account. There are a lot of Great people God is using to spread the word. People sign up on social networking sites for various reasons, but I can boldly confess my addiction to twitter because of the wonderful people I’ve been opportune to connect with. I’ll be making a few recommendations at the end of this post. You really don’t have to follow them if you don’t want to, but I assure you, it will be a worthwhile experience. God can use anybody to slip a word through to bless. No one man knows it all. You can learn from your friends, your so-called enemies and even from strangers. God bless you as you become more conscious of the truth, irrespective of the vessel. But let’s be prayerful…and wise.
I looked up the meaning of the word ‘faith’, and according to the dictionary, Faith is reliance, loyalty, or complete trust in God or someone else. The bible says “faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.” Matthew 9:2 reads “Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus SAW their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven” My emphasis is actually on ‘Jesus SAW their faith’ Now this makes me wonder ‘faith’ actually reflects in our actions. It becomes ‘alive’ when it is backed with ‘action’. My pastor once said “If we as church workers are expecting numerical growth, we have to first build a capacity in us to be able to handle them” in other words, step up your work with God. Build yourselves in the word. Spend more time studying and meditating on God’s word. Your dispositions and actions will certainly show if you’re ready for the multitude you’re expecting. “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” James 2:17.
A student whose dream is to become a doctor, is trusting God for an admission into the university to study medicine, yet he’s finding it difficult to read medical articles and materials. Gathering materials and building knowledge about the medical field seems not to be a priority now, right? That’s just great! You cannot be ‘the first and not the last’ without getting on the race track. It’s not just about positive confessions. Think about it.
I’ve been in situations where people said I couldn’t do stuff; someone recently said to me ‘This chosen career of yours can’t feed a family’ and so many other pessimistic views from people I least expected them from. Though some of these words discouraged me and even made me relent in my pursuit of what I made up my mind to do (as some point), on the other hand, I asked myself 'whose report should I believe?' As a Geography major student, I’ve always had interest in IT, music and entertainment in general. Stabbing classes for concerts, choir rehearsals and bible study meetings, I just knew that I was doing something right. God has been molding me for this moment. Hearkening to what people felt I should be doing would have ruined God’s plan for me. I’ve picked up courage and willpower in the midst of it all; I’ve gotten to know God more. I’ve come to realize that living out God’s plan for me is the best thing that can ever happen to me. So call me whatever you like, think of me as whatever crosses your mind…”His report says something entirely different. And I choose to believe His report.” We all need to consciously CHOOSE to believe His report concerning us. If He said you were made in His image and His likeness, who is man to say otherwise?
After seeing the video below, I am too certain that ‘Faith dictates everything’ God bless you, Visa Klline. The title is “FAITH DICTATES FASHION”
Say no to inferiority complex. Someone needs to holler out “I might not meet your specification, but God created me nothing less than perfect.” Someone needs to brighten up. Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
One of my favourite hymns is TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS. It’s just too inspiring. Ask God for grace to trust him more. The situation looks ugly, but you’ve got to trust Him for a way out…You’ve got to have faith in Him. I must confess, it’s not very easy to hold on when there’s not even a sign of a breakthrough in sight. Rely on faith to give you an evidence of the things you can’t see but expect to receive.
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Let your faith in God be your driving force. Let it dictate your pace. Faith is the evidence of things that are not seen. I might not be there yet, but I certain have a glimpse of where I’m going, so I’m already taking a few steps in that direction. I’m so excited about it. I can perceive it.
The fragrance of faith is so strong…it’s an evidence of supremacy over the obvious. Speak. Act. Believe
Follow these wonderful people on twitter @visadklline @thewriteperson @itskevinbond @pastorYPJ @aaronlinzy @pastorJKA @Drmikemurdock @onewordgospel @Keetwit @alconley @edeweysmith @hartramsey @lssimpact
More in my next post. God bless us all!
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
KEEP ME FROM FALLING
“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy” Jude 1:24
Note: Thank you for visiting my blog and reading my thoughts, as often as I post them. Most of them are personal admonitions, rebuke, corrections and instructions to me. I share them with you all, because I believe some of you might be going through the same challenges, and need the encouragement I garner from my posts. Your comments and encouragement have helped me a lot. The apostles of old foretold “In the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the spirit.” Jude 1:18-19.
They also urged us to build our most holy faith and pray in the Holy spirit. As we all continue in this journey to eternal life, may we be found faultless when Christ returns. Amen.
Lord, I want to thank you for my life, my friends, colleagues, family, and the world at large. I can’t deny the fact that you’ve been faithful to your word. You’ve kept to your part of the agreement that was signed from creation.
Even though it may not be wrong, but I’m tempted to say “we fall down but get up, for a saint is just a sinner that fell but got up.” I’m tempted to say “I’m not good enough, but you still love me” I’m not trying to brag, but I’m sure if I wasn’t good enough to be used by you, you won’t have considered me. At least, I’m not 100% useless.
There was something you saw in Saul before you chose Him as king over your chosen nation. There was also a little skill you saw in David before you used Him to defeat Goliath. I’m not sure what you saw in me, but I’m sure it was good enough for you to use. Your word said you created me and lavished me with knowledge and understanding. Thank you, Lord. I’m tired of publicly declaring my imperfection just to admit to the fact that I'm human and prone to sin. I certainly am not saying I’m perfect.
When we do succeed at something, and come out to testify of HIs goodness, we register every attempt of the devil to militate against ‘our’ skills and to make a folly of ‘our’ wisdom, then finally say “But I thank God that I finally got the Job or I’m healed.”
My question is: Must we always share our trials and challenges for several minutes and then end our testimonies with a few seconds of praise to God for breakthrough? Will it be a crime for me to stand and testify that “I found myself in situations where I could have easily compromised my faith, but the spirit of God stopped me from giving into the desires of the flesh in, and therefore I just want to thank Him”and then take a walk?
I’m not a fan of empty positive confessions, so I really think if we believe that when we fall, God is able to pick us up, then we should also believe that He is able to keep us from falling in the first place. Or do we intentionally skip that part of the scriptures? (Not judging)
Is God just a mender of broken hearts and not a sustainer of unbroken hearts? Is God just a healer and not a giver of divine health?
I really wish our prayer requests can change from “Lord, I have fallen again, please, restore me” to “Lord, I know times are hard and my environment is capable of making me fall, but please keep me from falling” or from “Lord, I just lied again, please forgive me. I know your grace is sufficient for me” to “Lord, let not the truth be far from my lips.” Or maybe your petition is “Lord, you know I was just following what that preacher told me. I didn’t know he was preaching a false doctrine, please forgive me.” when you could have easily prayed “Lord, help me to discern the truth from false messages carried around by prophets of doom.”
I’ve heard ‘Christians’ say “You’re young, so enjoy yourself now” or “Just do it this one time” Can we as Christians really stop giving the devil the opportunity of taking the glory for a minute? I mean, for every time we lie or commit any other sin, we give the devil an occasion to take some credit for productivity. But for every time we are confronted with compromising situations where we can easily tell a lie or defend one just to gain favour, and yet we don’t give in, he hits his head against the wall in bitterness, because of another failed attempt at gaining another disciple. Now this shows that the Word of God we read every day is actually effective in our lives. Moses said “Lord, if you will not go with us, don’t send us. How will we be distinguished from the rest, if your presence does not go with us?” We’d be like every other person that reads the bible like it’s a novel.
As much as it sounds unrealistic (but possible), is it not possible you and I to chase after holiness every minute? Isn’t it possible for us to be blameless? Must we always take advantage of the merciful side of God and not access his through-Christ-I-can-do-all-things side? Aren’t we tired of approaching the throne of mercy for forgiveness over things that we can discipline ourselves to get rid of; addictions that we can quit with faith in God. This is exactly why Paul said “shall we continue to sin that grace might abound? God forbid.”
How many of us can beat our chest and say “Well, you can toss me behind bars for all I care, I’m not bearing false witness against that dude” or “you can cut my stipend, I will NOT carry out your evil desires”? How many of us can stand in front of our bosses and say “Sir, I’d rather lose my job than to forge any document”? The truth is, not many of us can. As a matter of fact, we look at God’s grace as a get-out-of-jail-free card, so if we can just tell this ‘little white’ lie, we can pray to God to set us free from the clutches of the father of lies (Satan) at any point in time. From a ‘white lie’ we advance to a ‘blue’ one, then a ‘black’ one. Sooner or later, the truth becomes far from our lips.
I’ve discovered that the reason you and I fall (when we do) is because we’ve got free will; we have a choice, but we pick the wrong one.
I've done some really ugly stuff in d past, and sometimes when I think about them, the devil tries to coat me with guilt. But I thank God for another chance. I'm not about to blow it again.
After our daily morning devotion, can we just say “Lord, it is obvious that the end is nigh and all the evil things you spoke about is already in existence; people are compromising just to get by, but Lord, please do not let me fall victim of such evil in you sight. Please, show me favour, and let me see your hand in everything I do today. When people say there’s a casting down, I believe there’s a lifting up. I pray with thanksgiving”? Just like Micah Stampley wrote in His song ‘Take my life’ we can also add “Holiness is what I long for; Holiness is what I need; Holiness is what you want for me; therefore, lord, help me in my quest for holiness and righteousness.”
Finally, just say this short prayer with me:
Lord, create in me a clean heart…purify me…So I may worship you, daily. I desire to be blameless every day. Help me to resist sin, irrespective of the circumstance I find myself. Let me continually experience the joy of salvation which I experienced when you cut the shackles off my feet and delivered me from the chains of that ugly dude. I no longer want to struggle with sin. I believe, with you, it’s possible for me to stay on my feet, and not tossed around by every wave of doctrine and temptation. Therefore…please, keep me from falling! Thank you, Lord.
If we believe that ALL things are possible, this shouldn’t be an exception, right? Let’s be focused. Let’s boast in the Lord and declare that “we are not like the rest of them.”
May God help us!
“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 1:24-25
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God
Note: Thank you for visiting my blog and reading my thoughts, as often as I post them. Most of them are personal admonitions, rebuke, corrections and instructions to me. I share them with you all, because I believe some of you might be going through the same challenges, and need the encouragement I garner from my posts. Your comments and encouragement have helped me a lot. The apostles of old foretold “In the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the spirit.” Jude 1:18-19.
They also urged us to build our most holy faith and pray in the Holy spirit. As we all continue in this journey to eternal life, may we be found faultless when Christ returns. Amen.
Lord, I want to thank you for my life, my friends, colleagues, family, and the world at large. I can’t deny the fact that you’ve been faithful to your word. You’ve kept to your part of the agreement that was signed from creation.
Even though it may not be wrong, but I’m tempted to say “we fall down but get up, for a saint is just a sinner that fell but got up.” I’m tempted to say “I’m not good enough, but you still love me” I’m not trying to brag, but I’m sure if I wasn’t good enough to be used by you, you won’t have considered me. At least, I’m not 100% useless.
There was something you saw in Saul before you chose Him as king over your chosen nation. There was also a little skill you saw in David before you used Him to defeat Goliath. I’m not sure what you saw in me, but I’m sure it was good enough for you to use. Your word said you created me and lavished me with knowledge and understanding. Thank you, Lord. I’m tired of publicly declaring my imperfection just to admit to the fact that I'm human and prone to sin. I certainly am not saying I’m perfect.
When we do succeed at something, and come out to testify of HIs goodness, we register every attempt of the devil to militate against ‘our’ skills and to make a folly of ‘our’ wisdom, then finally say “But I thank God that I finally got the Job or I’m healed.”
My question is: Must we always share our trials and challenges for several minutes and then end our testimonies with a few seconds of praise to God for breakthrough? Will it be a crime for me to stand and testify that “I found myself in situations where I could have easily compromised my faith, but the spirit of God stopped me from giving into the desires of the flesh in, and therefore I just want to thank Him”and then take a walk?
I’m not a fan of empty positive confessions, so I really think if we believe that when we fall, God is able to pick us up, then we should also believe that He is able to keep us from falling in the first place. Or do we intentionally skip that part of the scriptures? (Not judging)
Is God just a mender of broken hearts and not a sustainer of unbroken hearts? Is God just a healer and not a giver of divine health?
I really wish our prayer requests can change from “Lord, I have fallen again, please, restore me” to “Lord, I know times are hard and my environment is capable of making me fall, but please keep me from falling” or from “Lord, I just lied again, please forgive me. I know your grace is sufficient for me” to “Lord, let not the truth be far from my lips.” Or maybe your petition is “Lord, you know I was just following what that preacher told me. I didn’t know he was preaching a false doctrine, please forgive me.” when you could have easily prayed “Lord, help me to discern the truth from false messages carried around by prophets of doom.”
I’ve heard ‘Christians’ say “You’re young, so enjoy yourself now” or “Just do it this one time” Can we as Christians really stop giving the devil the opportunity of taking the glory for a minute? I mean, for every time we lie or commit any other sin, we give the devil an occasion to take some credit for productivity. But for every time we are confronted with compromising situations where we can easily tell a lie or defend one just to gain favour, and yet we don’t give in, he hits his head against the wall in bitterness, because of another failed attempt at gaining another disciple. Now this shows that the Word of God we read every day is actually effective in our lives. Moses said “Lord, if you will not go with us, don’t send us. How will we be distinguished from the rest, if your presence does not go with us?” We’d be like every other person that reads the bible like it’s a novel.
As much as it sounds unrealistic (but possible), is it not possible you and I to chase after holiness every minute? Isn’t it possible for us to be blameless? Must we always take advantage of the merciful side of God and not access his through-Christ-I-can-do-all-things side? Aren’t we tired of approaching the throne of mercy for forgiveness over things that we can discipline ourselves to get rid of; addictions that we can quit with faith in God. This is exactly why Paul said “shall we continue to sin that grace might abound? God forbid.”
How many of us can beat our chest and say “Well, you can toss me behind bars for all I care, I’m not bearing false witness against that dude” or “you can cut my stipend, I will NOT carry out your evil desires”? How many of us can stand in front of our bosses and say “Sir, I’d rather lose my job than to forge any document”? The truth is, not many of us can. As a matter of fact, we look at God’s grace as a get-out-of-jail-free card, so if we can just tell this ‘little white’ lie, we can pray to God to set us free from the clutches of the father of lies (Satan) at any point in time. From a ‘white lie’ we advance to a ‘blue’ one, then a ‘black’ one. Sooner or later, the truth becomes far from our lips.
I’ve discovered that the reason you and I fall (when we do) is because we’ve got free will; we have a choice, but we pick the wrong one.
I've done some really ugly stuff in d past, and sometimes when I think about them, the devil tries to coat me with guilt. But I thank God for another chance. I'm not about to blow it again.
After our daily morning devotion, can we just say “Lord, it is obvious that the end is nigh and all the evil things you spoke about is already in existence; people are compromising just to get by, but Lord, please do not let me fall victim of such evil in you sight. Please, show me favour, and let me see your hand in everything I do today. When people say there’s a casting down, I believe there’s a lifting up. I pray with thanksgiving”? Just like Micah Stampley wrote in His song ‘Take my life’ we can also add “Holiness is what I long for; Holiness is what I need; Holiness is what you want for me; therefore, lord, help me in my quest for holiness and righteousness.”
Finally, just say this short prayer with me:
Lord, create in me a clean heart…purify me…So I may worship you, daily. I desire to be blameless every day. Help me to resist sin, irrespective of the circumstance I find myself. Let me continually experience the joy of salvation which I experienced when you cut the shackles off my feet and delivered me from the chains of that ugly dude. I no longer want to struggle with sin. I believe, with you, it’s possible for me to stay on my feet, and not tossed around by every wave of doctrine and temptation. Therefore…please, keep me from falling! Thank you, Lord.
If we believe that ALL things are possible, this shouldn’t be an exception, right? Let’s be focused. Let’s boast in the Lord and declare that “we are not like the rest of them.”
May God help us!
“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 1:24-25
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God
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