PATIENCE

I am sure we have all wondered why father Abraham will go into his wife’s maid despite the assurance from God Himself that Abraham and Sarah will be parents to a whole nation.

o   Are you righteously thinking of the Word that said “wait for the appointed time, even though it tarries….” ?

Are you sure that you did not laugh at Isaiah when he ran away from Jezebel despite his recent defeat of more than 300 prophets of baal which showed that God was with him?

o   Thinking of “touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm….” right?

 
Like me, did you also wonder why the Israelites were afraid of the giant inhabitants of Canaan despite God assuring them of victory?

o   We know of “heaven & earth can pass away but my word does not return void…” hmm?

Even I believe that I can never do as King Solomon did by eventually turning to idolatry despite his beginning with the Lord.

o   It rings in my ears that “let he who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall…”

 

My “flash-scriptures” above and several more instances and supporting scripture running through our individual minds are sins of impatience/doubt on the part of the perpetuators. But let us ask ourselves; are we not guilty of the same things in our own lives?

At one time or the other we have been promised something  by God and we had faith (at that moment) that He is more than able to do it and thanking Him in advance for it; but during that difficult and trying period of waiting, we go weary and look for alternatives. We even second-guess what we heard from God and think “maybe it was not God, Maybe I did not test the spirit sufficiently to know if it’s the Lord or maybe God meant something else”

Let’s not forget that Abraham’s “alternative” result into the Israeli/Palestine war that is plaguing Abraham’s generation till date and the Israelite’s fear of the Canaanites resulted into 40 years wandering in the wilderness where the doubting generation had to die!!!

We should be VERY careful about our decisions and its consequences when it comes to manipulating God’s promises to suit our weary minds. Even when what we currently see is not even close to what we were promised, let us not forget that “wait for the appointed time, even though it tarries….”

We are not perfect, that is why we ask for Grace to follow Him till the end. Let us hold on. His Grace is sufficient for us.

 

SHALLOM!!!

 

RABBI

We call him Rabbi, which means teacher. Do you ever wonder what God can teach you? The bible passage below shows the unlimited teaching ability of the Holy Spirit.

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days.  I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother.  I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.  They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”  And they praised God because of me. Galatians 1: 15-24

Let us not forget that he had no “blue print” to follow, no formal or informal training on the Gospel he has to preach, but fourteen (14) books of the New Testaments were written by Apostle Paul. This is not a mean feat for a man who did not follow Jesus for 3-4 years, he did not sit with any of the apostles; he was personally unknown to the churches of Judea, STILL they heard the report of his works and teachings and they praised God because of him. This can only be achieved through the Holy Spirit that is working in Apostle Paul.

After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit turned the fearful disciples into fearless preachers. In this century also, the Holy Spirit turned Pastor Adeboye (a mathematician) into a town planner who built a whole town in addition to winning souls!!!

This should tell you that when God sends you, he gives you ALL that you need to excel. So, what is it that God has placed in your heart to do and you think that you don’t have the required skill?

Don’t forget what Jesus himself said:

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things John 14:26

 

GO IN THIS THY MIGHT. SHALOM!!!

THE FAVOURITE.

This is a message to those God has favored enormously.

And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. (Mathew 11:23) Do you know that Capernaum can be called Jesus’ 1st home when he started his ministry? When John was imprisoned, Jesus’ ministry started and I believe it started from his home.

In Capernaum Jesus healed the centurion’s servant; the centurion with the great faith. Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, Jesus was crossing from Capernaum to Gadarenes when he calmed the storm and so much more as written in Mathew 8:16-17. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

“He took up our infirmities
and bore our diseases.”[b]

Can you imagine what could have caused Jesus himself to curse Capernaum? Because as Jesus “1^st born son” he expected great things from Capernaum but Capernaum did not repent. Jesus’ 1^st set of anointing was used in Capernaum, He healed ALL the sick brought to Him, He passionately preached on the streets and even got some of his disciples from there!!! I know Capernaum occupy a special place in the heart of Jesus.

Are you Capernaum? Has the Most High blessed you enormously? Has He healed you in a miraculous way? Has he protected you and your family mightily? Do people call you blessed? But you know in your heart that it is not Christ that you follow.

I want you to know, that even as Christ loved Capernaum, he cursed it. So also, if you fail to follow Christ in Spirit and in Truth, all that you have can be taken away. Do not let His anger be kindled before you do the will of your Creator. What has He asked you to do and you are still dragging your feet and trying to negotiate?

YOU ALREADY HAVE THE GRACE, TO DO IT NOW!! And it shall be well with you in Jesus Name.

A RIDICULOUS THIEF!

Imagine you went into the strong room of the richest man in the world and stole $2 (Two Dollars). Is that not ridiculous? If you are to steal from such a rich man; are you not supposed to take what will turn you into a “local Champion” in your own neighborhood?

Unfortunately, the richest man in the world is a poor man compared to who some of us are stealing from; God! “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me” Malachi 3:8

God owns the “cattle on a thousand hills”; the bible also says “the earth is the Lord and its fullness thereof”. Do you know what “its fullness thereof” means?  To my little knowledge, it means EVERYTHING in this world belongs to God! Wow! My imagination is running wild!!!

Why do we then rob God (and block our own blessing) by withholding that tiny part of our income? How do we think the 90% of our income will be insufficient in meeting our needs when you have read in the bible of;

·          5 loaves of Bread and 2 Fishes used to feed more than 5 thousand people

·         The small jar of oil that filled several bigger jars for the widow and her 2 sons’ survival.

·         Water turned to wine for wedding guests to be merry

to mention a few.

Please let us read Malachi 3: 8-12 and know what we have missed by withholding that tiny part of our income from God who promised to “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it”. This will show us that we have been RIDICULOUS THIEVES. We have deprived ourselves from amazing gifts by robbing God.

Right now, let us go on our knees and ask God to forgive us for being thieves of our own blessings, let us ask God to open our hearts to give our tithes of 10% and even more than 10% regularly henceforth, let us also ask God to remind us of the amount we owe him so far and let us go into that safe, that account, in short, where we keep our monies and bring out that amount due to our God and take it to HIS HOUSE and we will see God manifest in everything concerning us.

 

SHALLOM!!!

THANK YOU LORD

This has been waaay over due.

Even though I always start my prayers with thanks, it is really not like deep reflections resulting into thanksgiving.

Life has been various things to me and truly I have been “more than a conqueror”.

Looking back over the night, my whole life playing on my mind (*or what I can remember of it), I do not have any other word except “THANK YOU LORD”.

From the review of the divine gifts that I cannot quantify like salvation, waking, sleeping, wisdom, family, and so on, I look onwards to others……

Is it when you meet my needs ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS?

Is it the SEVERAL accidents that I escaped from by whiskers?

Is it the good people you brought into my life to lift me up?

Is it the bad people you brought into my life to make me tough?

Is it your awesomeness in my academics? When you showed me who is GOD?

Is it the journey of my career? When you made a way where EVERYBODY thought “there is nothing more we can do”?

For the JOY that FLOWS out of me no matter the circumstance.

For the TEARS that CLEARS my eyes during the storms of life.

For divine health, all year round over several years.

For lifting me up when down.

For the life and health of my loved ones ( family and friends.)

And others…………………………………………….

HABA FATHER, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

YOU ARE SPECIAL

To you,

If you don’t know,

If you have not thought of it before,

Even if you don’t believe it,

You are special to God, to yourself and to (at least) one person out there.

 

You mean the whole world to someone (faults and all)

Someone smiles when they think of you (crazy or not)

Someone wish to buy you a drink

Someone wish to sit with you all day doing nothing.

Someone wants to discuss and argue out a topic with you

Someone does not mind that your English is not the “queen’s” type.

Someone wants to show you their outfit/hairstyle.

Someone heard a love song and thought of you with a smile

Someone wants you to acknowledge their effort at making your day.

Someone wish you will smile at them

Someone wish to wipe that frown off your face and replace it with a smile (Huggsss)

Someone loves what you look like. (mwah)

Someone misses you!!! (*sighs)

HIGHLY CONNECTED AND PROUD!!!!

We have heard people ask the other person the question “Do you know who I am?” and I wonder if they are as connected as I am.

So, do you know that I am very connected worldwide?

·        I know the MD to Bank of Industry. When I need an industrial loan, it is easy.

·        I know the CEO of First bank plc. If I need a job, he can sack someone just to accommodate me.

·        I know the Chief Justice of International Court of Justice. If you harass me, you can face life imprisonment in the worst prison in the world.

·        I can request for the presidential jet to take me out. (See long leg!!!)

·        I can change the constitution of the United States of America.

·        No matter the location worldwide, if I need 50 acres, I will get it.

·        I know that bodyguard to the president. When I need his service, it could be free of charge.

·        I know everyone there is to know; from the highest to the lowest rank worldwide (we are all the same in the sight of God)

·        I know that farmer with the 500 hectares farm. When I need loads of farm produce, I might not pay.

·        The Bill Gates, George Bush and Oprah Winfrey(s) of this world are at my beck and call.

·        No matter the help. If I need it, I will get it.

 
All because I know the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, Maker of the world the One who gives “the uttermost part of the earth” to his children if they would just ask.

 

The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord; the earth and all who live on it are his. (Psalm 24:1)

 

What of you? Are you connected?

OBEDIENCE BROUGHT CHRISTMAS!!!!

It is very hard to swim against the tide. Even though my swimming skill is poor, I know that it requires “something extra” character-wise to follow an instruction that is against your very own survival instinct.

Mary was told she will bear a child without being married and knowing the moral implication of that, she still accepted after just asking how this can be. That is obedience of the highest order.

(Luke 1:38) I am the Lord's servant,” said Mary; “may it happen to me as you have said.” And the angel left her.

From the acceptance of Mary to the dedication of Jesus, there were several confirmations of the word of the angel;

·         From Joseph after he had his dream

·         Elizabeth when Mary went to visit

·         The 3 wise men at the manger Jesus was born

·         Simeon at Jerusalem Temple who was promised he will not die until he sees the Messiah

·         Widow named Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher also spoke at the temple where Jesus dedication took place

Mary’s obedience brought the Messiah at the time he came. I believe if Mary did not allow herself to be used, God can still use another person but it will still require the woman’s obedience to be pregnant without the proper manner.

What benefit has your obedience brought? What havoc has your disobedience brought too? No matter how difficult the instruction is, if you have confirmed that the word is from the Most High God,  please obey now, and the confirmations (in plural) will follow.

Remember, when God was sending his messenger to deliver the Isrealites’ He confirmed to Moses twice that He is with him at the spot;

·         Walking stick turned to snake

·         Hand covered with white spots

When Moses tried to refuse due to his speech impairment, God pointed Aaron out as speaker for him (Exodus 4)

What is it the voice of God is asking you to do? Step out in faith. I am still struggling in some aspects of obedience, I pray God grants us the grace to follow whenever He calls. Amen!

 

Happy New Year !!!

MAMA, PAPA, PLEASE!!!!

1.       Domestic Violence
2.       Child Prostitution
3.       Abusive Relationship
4.       Armed Robbery

The first 3 evils listed above are mainly from men against women. Men have been the agents of domestic violence, armed robbery and abuse. They have been the ones who made child prostitution a lucrative business as eager patrons and I wonder why.

Mama, Papa, have we been raising our men to be this way? Or we are not even raising nor tending them at all!

•       “I will not let you continue with this behavior and shame me when you get to your husband’s house”

•       “You do not talk like this to people; you are a woman who will be taken to another household in marriage”

•       “You are a woman, you should have more patience”

•       “He is a man, he can get away with it”

Some or all the statements listed above have been heard at one point or the other by a girl child. Mama, Papa, have we been tending to our girls and left our boys to rot?

We have heard of shooters on rampage; either in the malls or in the schools but we have not heard of one female shooter. Have we raised our girls to deal with difficult situations and left our boys to feel good things in life should always be handed over to them on a platter? But when it does not, they feel the whole world is against them.

Mama, Papa, do you know that it is not just what you “tell” them that stick to them as they grow up? Do you know that it is what they see you do that sticks more?

Mama, Papa, have we been showing our boys that they can get whatever they want without consequences? Have we been treating their sisters as “step children” while they are treated as kings in the home? Have we shown them that their needs are to be met first and other people’s needs are secondary?

Mama, Papa, are we the cause of all the harm against our sisters, daughters, friends, nieces, etc. are we the cause of all the shootings, the maiming, etc. are we?

This is to our mothers and fathers. Please let us evaluate how we been handling our boys compared to our girls. Let us not give any of our kids “illusions of grandeur” which the world cannot sustain for us. We have been there, we know this world is not a bed of roses; let us not make things too smooth for them at home (except we can smoothen the world for them) so that when they leave home and have to face the world, they will not be so disappointed as to lash out violently.

Let us make both our boys and girls into children that God himself will be proud of. So help us God “Did you notice my servant Job?” the Lord asked. “There is no one on earth as faithful and good as he is. He worships me and is careful not to do anything evil.” Job 1:8

 

100% FAITH

The story was told about a man who got himself a voodoo bullet-proof vest from a powerful medicine man. Mr Brown (real name unknown) got the vest and started boasting all over town that he is now open for trouble-business.

Some days later, a concerned friend called Mr Brown to his house and asked that the vest be put to test. Brown eagerly stood with arms akimbo facing his armed friend with full confidence; but his friend refused shooting Brown. Rather, the friend asked that the test should be carried out on a goat.

When a goat was found (poor unsuspecting "potential asun" goat), the vest was tied to it and one shot was fired at the goat.....There was flesh, blood and smoke everywhere.... The vest has failed the test!!!

Alas, instead of Brown to thank his friend for saving him from untimely death, he said "the vest is not supposed to work on someone else apart from me. You have to refund the cost of the vest to me my friend if you don't want us to fight"

The lesson being that Brown has 100% faith/trust in the medicine man whom the gods have given the power to produce the vest.

Now, you said that you are a born again Christian; do you have faith/trust in the Good News sent by the Father through the Son Jesus Christ? Or you have a Plan B in your wardrobe, backyard or village?

Don't forget Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do. When the Judgment Day comes, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord! In your name we spoke God's message, by your name we drove out many demons and performed many miracles!’Then I will say to them, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people!’"

Do you have 100% faith in the Most High God? Or it is 40% for God (all for appearance sake) and 60% for others? God does not even want 99% from us, only 100%. He who is not for Christ is against Him. There is no room to "sit on the fence". You are either for Christ or for satan.

Decide now!!!