GIVING/TAKING ADVICE

I remember a story that our Vice Principal shared when I was in Secondary (high) school. He told us about a young man that was advised to withdraw from school. The next term, he was seen resuming with other students and carrying on as usual. The school authorities asked him what he thought he was doing. He told them that he decided not to take the advice, lol.

Seriously, we really need to talk a little more about this ‘advice’ business. You see some people forcing their opinions on you and if you (sheepishly) follow their advice and it backfires, you hear them telling you ‘It was only an advice’. Then, you have those that issue threats as ‘advice’.  I still don’t understand why the school could not just tell the boy to WITHDRAW, if that was what they really meant. What’s with all the saying one thing and meaning another business?

Just as I was writing this, someone came again with ‘friendly advice’ that was actually an instruction! What are we to do with all these advisors?

I remember a young lady that had 9un0friendly child nutrition advice for me in the hospital as we were waiting to see the paediatrician. I was too shocked to think of a witty comeback…Thank you ma’am!

While we’re still giving and taking advice, let me give you some of mine…watch who you go to for counsel/advice. Let the Holy Spirit guide you o. People are not always what they appear to be, I’ve learnt that by experience. Also, please learn to filter advice; some people are just bored and looking for a guinea pig to test their hypotheses on. Be very wary of people that try to force their opinions on you. Some of them claim to have heard from the Holy Spirit, be very guided. I have a scripture to support my own advice o, lol.

2 Timothy 3:1-7

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God ; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof : from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

These people believe they have the monopoly of wisdom and will do all they can to manipulate and control you, please KNOW GOD FOR YOURSELF first. Don’t let anyone impose their revelation of God on you.

There is DEFINITELY the place of exhortation. However, when you meet people that want to dictate how you spend your time and your data, who you can associate with, which groups you can belong to, etc, FLEE…They want to enslave you.

Can you please give us your own piece of advice on giving/taking advice in the ‘Comments’ section? Thanks.

Strengthen the Feeble Knees

Good day people. How are you doing?

Have you ever tried hard to 'get into someone's head' and when they finally opened up, you wished that you let sleeping dogs lie? Somehow, you're tempted to withdraw because the issues appear insurmountable? You kind of hope that if you disappear for a while, the person's problems would have sorted themselves out, right? Uhm...I found a few scriptures that address this...

"And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:  And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Matthew 25:32-46).

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." (Romans 12:15-16).

I believe that we all understand that Jesus is the Head of the church and we are the Body of Christ. The love of God is expressed to our brethren PRIMARILY through us. We are joined together as God's masterpiece. Take time to lift the weary hands that hang down; take time to strengthen feeble knees.

If you're getting weary and discouraged as you run the race, hear the word of the Lord today 'BE ENCOURAGED! IT'S ONLY A TEST, HOLD ON!'

Please join me in prayers for brethren suffering from incurable medical conditions that God, in His infinite mercies, will visit them and give them a song to sing.

Have a blessed and productive day.

DISOBEDIENCE TO INSTRUCTIONS OF GUIDANCE - LESSONS FROM SAUL

Good morning. How are you doing? I trust that the day is going well.
One of the prayer points raised by one of the coordinators in a Facebook group I belong to has just refused to leave my mind. (Please send a private message for details of the group, thanks). I have been chewing and chewing and chewing...Oh my...

ASK FOR FORGIVENESS OVER EVERY DISOBEDIENCE TO INSTRUCTIONS OF GUIDANCE
"Thus sa...ith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it. To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me. Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish."
(JEREMIAH 6 : 16-21)

As I continued to chew, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Saul, Israel's first king. He started well, prophesying, listening to God and to His prophet etc. However, when Saul felt he had 'arrived', he started listening to the 'voice of the people' instead of listening to God. He was interested in winning the 'popular vote'...Let's see how Saul ended..

"And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee...Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day. " (1 Samuel 28:5-8, 11, 15-18).
It got to a point in Saul's life when he really needed to hear God and God refused to answer him...Ah! Dear Lord! It was so bad that the same Saul that chased away people with familiar spirits (a fancy name for witches, lol) was looking for a familiar spirit to bring up Samuel, who still refused to talk to him. My pastor shared this portion of the scripture with us recently and I sincerely hadn't thought much of it before then...
As I was thinking about this matter, the Holy Spirit asked me if I'll keep talking to someone who doesn't listen...Of course, my answer was NO! So, why should God continue to speak to someone who is not listening?
I believe that prayer point is on point (pun intended)...We really need to ask God for mercy ooo...
I'll round up with what Mary said to the folks at the wedding of Cana;
"...Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." (John 2:5b)
Have a blessed and productive day. See More

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LESSONS FROM ELI, ELKANAH, HANNAH AND PENINNAH

Good morning people. How is the day going?
I've been thinking a lot about Eli, Elkanah, Hannah and Peninnah. The reference is 1Samuel 1, 2:1-21.
I wonder if Hannah was the first or second wife. Let's assume she was the first since she was mentioned first. Imagine the ridicule and shame in a society where a childless woman has no say or value. Imagine all what she had to deal with. Her husband, Elkanah, was a devout man but he had given up on Hannah ever having children...Verse 5 says he loved her (and tried somehow to make it up to her) BUT THE LORD HAD SHUT UP HER WOMB (repeated in Verse 6). I'll like to ask, though, how they knew that it was the Lord that shut up her womb...
Hannah's case was OVER, FINISHED. CASE CLOSED.
I find Peninnah's case quite intriguing. Peninnah had children but she still felt it was part of her job description to provoke Hannah. Peradventure you're like Peninnah today, you need to repent. You know it's the green-eyed monster that is inspiring you...Also note that Peninnah went to Shiloh with Hannah and Elkanah and still remained unchanged...Selah!
Every year, the same scene would repeat itself...They'll get to Shiloh, everything seems okay till it's offering time. Elkanah would give Peninnah and her sons portions to offer (note that Peninnah was giving offerings yet her heart remained unchanged...). He'll also give Hannah a portion that was not like that of Peninnah and her sons. Peninnah, moved by jealousy, would provoke Hannah sore, Hannah would weep and refuse to eat. Elkanah would profess 'undying love' to Hannah and the matter would 'end' there TILL NEXT YEAR.
The 'worthy portion' was part of Hannah's 'consolation prize' so she wouldn't feel bad. It was the consolation prize that triggered Peninnah to provoke Hannah...I dare say Elkanah's human attempts to make it up to Hannah was the real problem in that household, not Peninnah!
Anyway, Hannah decided one year (only God knows how long that was) to take the matter up with the Lord who shut up her womb. Her soul was bitter and it was said that it was the Lord that was responsible for her predicament. She went before Him and presented her case. Since He is Almighty and she was a mere mortal, she vowed a vow.
There are some 'afflictions' that are beyond us as mere mortals. We need to present our case and make vows. Please note that Hannah was not the first (or only) person in the Bible to make a vow. Jacob also made a vow (Genesis 28:20-22, 31:13).
Hannah's prayer was not marked by shouting, shaking or plenty drama. She was quiet and only her lips were moving. If you are led to shout, shake or act drama, please do so but note that it is the heartfelt, continued prayer of the righteous man that makes tremendous power available (James 5:16)
Eli was watching her and he thought she was drunk. Eli was no longer an 'on fire' prophet, he couldn't even tell when someone was sorrowful or drunk...He spoke harshly to a sorrowful woman...
Hannah's response here is what I've been thinking about for about three weeks now. She had every right to feel offended. Why should Eli talk to her like that? She could have easily despised him or said something nasty to him. She could have kept an offense in her heart. I believe someone who has been trusting God for something for so long needs to hear this. This meeting with Eli was key. Hannah's response to a 'harsh' word from the prophet was key in getting him to bless her and finish the matter...What if Hannah hissed and walked out? What if she decided to come on Facebook and rant about old prophets that mistake sorrowful women for drunk women? Lol!
Eli said to her "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him."
That was all Hannah needed to finish off. It's great to pray and make petitions. However, you need to hear from God that He has heard your petition. How He sends His response is His perogative but you need to be attentive after you've prayed. A lot of us are used to praying and praying; few of us are used to listening to what God has to say after we've prayed.
Hannah left the temple that day with a happy countenance and with a word of assurance from the Lord that her petition was granted. I would have thought that we would have been told that Hannah woke up the next day and discovered that she was 3 months pregnant, lol. Or maybe she found a new born baby beside her the next morning. Well, Elkanah still had to 'know' her and she still had to conceive and go through gestation, delivery (was it 'normal' delivery or C/S? Lol), nursing, weaning etc. There was nothing 'supernatural' from then on.
I am glad Elkanah was wise enough to realise that this miracle child, Samuel, came as a result of Hannah's petitions and didn't do anything to mess with Hannah's vow...Afterall, he wasn't expecting any child from Hannah anyway... (I had to look for something to praise Elkanah for, lol).
Hannah was wise enough to honour her vow and she was blessed with 5 more kids.
Another interesting thought is that even God was waiting for Samuel! He was already tired of Eli and all his drama. A lot was hanging on Hannah's petition...
Have a blessed and enjoyable weekend.

STUDY TO BE QUIET

“…And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you…” 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Wow! So, being quiet requires studying? No wonder we have so many noisy people. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t really talk much in person. I’m just like my role model, Paul – Quiet in person, bold when I’m absent, lol.

I remember visiting a woman of God and basically only answering questions when asked. She eventually noted that I was quiet and just observing.

I realise that the quiet people are usually the ones that pick up the most clues.

I remember visiting a friend during our service year. When I got there, I kept silent throughout the first night I spent there. I only responded to questions when asked and I didn’t really talk much as my friend and her room mate gisted.

The next day, I asked my friend’s room mate how ‘General’ was doing. She almost jumped out of her skin and asked me how I knew who ‘General’ was. I smiled…Throughout the gisting session the day before, they couldn’t complete 2 sentences without making reference to ‘General’. Of course I figured out that ‘General’ was an important person in my friend’s roommate’s life (I came to this conclusion by just listening to them gist).

The next time someone begins to tell you your family history, I recommend that you trace back and trace who you’ve spoken to and where you’ve spoken carelessly. Some of the challenges some people are currently dealing with is just because they couldn’t keep their mouths shut…

I remember being in the lift of a very public building a few months ago. A woman and some of her colleagues joined us in the lift and started reeling out very personal details concerning herself and her boss IN THE LIFT. Within the few minutes we spent in the lift, I already learnt that her sister was getting married the next day in a Nigerian State I can’t remember now. I also learnt that her boss was travelling on the last flight of that day…I also learnt that she was taking the first flight the next day in order to meet up. I learnt she was going home to cook for the wedding….W-H-A-T? If that isn’t a loose lip, I’m not sure I can find a better example…Imagine ‘confiding’ in such a loose lip…God will help us.

I’ll conclude with this prayer David made to God. God will help us all…

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips (Ps. 141:3)

Have a blessed and productive day.

QUIT YOURSELVES AS MEN!

Imagine that a student fails a course and has to pick one of the options below:

A. Remain in one spot and continue to lament about the failure

B. Register for the course again and continue to do what he/she did that earned him/her the failure

C. Register for the course again, analyze to find out what he/she could have done better and do all within his/her power to avoid the mistakes

D. Register for the course again, take time out to review with the Holy Spirit what went wrong, learn from Him how to fix the issue and then take the steps required.

 

Which option will you advise him/her to pick? I guess your answer is 'D', right?

Sooooo.....why are you sitting there all downcast? You claim it's a spiritual attack; that the enemies are stronger than you are. Uhmmmm...

 

Let's read the story of some people in the Bible. They were not Israelites, yet their story inspires me so much.

 

"And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp. And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight. And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen."

(1 Samuel 4:1-10).

 

There are many lessons to learn. I'll like to focus on one - the courage of the Philistines. They realised that the ark (which symbolized the presence of the Lord) was in the camp. These men were afraid. Inspite of their fear, they pressed on. It is said that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage means that you forge on inspite of your fears.

My friend says rest if you need to; but don't make that your final destination. Don't be like Terah that set out for Canaan and stopped at Haran. (Genesis 11:31-32)

 

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." (Proverbs 24:10).

 

If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn't much to you in the first place. (Proverbs 24:10, MSG)

 

I heard a preacher on TV say 'Even if it is a spiritual attack, get back to God's presence and launch a counter-attack'.

 

Have a blessed and productive day.

Samson and Delilah AGAIN!

Interesting 'additions' to the Bible...
Which verse of the Bible tells us that Samson had sex with Delilah?
N-O-N-E!
You can swear he did, right? So could I till I read Judges 16 CAREFULLY!
I'll try to explain where the confusion came from...Let's read Judges 16:1-4
"Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her. And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him. And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went away with them, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron. And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah." (Judges 16:1-4).
Delilah and the harlot in verse 1 were two different women. Please, don't get me wrong, I have ABSOLUTELY no doubt in my mind that Delilah was EVIL!
However, the Bible did not tell us Delilah was a harlot. Of course, she was having a weird relationship with a man who was not her husband. The Philistines knew she could entice Samson, otherwise, they would not have come to her. For whatever it is worth, the harlot lived in Gaza while Delilah lived in the valley of Sorek. (Some have speculated that the valley of Sorek was a 'Red Light District'. Uhmmm...I believe if Delilah was a harlot, the Bible would have said so PLAINLY...)

I am not convinced that sex was what made Delilah appealing to Samson. I believe that when you look up 'Strange Woman' in the dictionary, Delilah's picture should be posted there. That is why I was DEEPLY annoyed when someone flippantly said 'There is a Delilah in all of us'...Please, speak for yourself!

Why do I detest Delilah so much? Because she was EVIL! She was a terrible 'unfriendly friend'. I've seen posts where people have advised married women to learn from Delilah how to 'handle' their men. Uhmmm, I am pretty uncomfortable with such counsel...

I think there was something terribly wrong with Samson. He shows us how being full of self, listening to no one else 'forming strong man/woman' and not being able to bridle one's passion would quickly lead one into the arms of strange women/sons of Belial.

Judges 16:19 gives me shivers...The Bible says she made him sleep upon her knees. I wonder how. Some have speculated that she slept with him. I doubt that he would have slept ON HER KNEES while making love...I'm thinking more of the way Jael made Sisera sleep by giving him milk when he asked for water...systematic destruction, uhm...
She got someone to shave his hair. Then, the Bible says she began to afflict him...HOW? I'm equally as interested in the answer as you probably are. The Bible tells us that his strength went from him...
Today, I have a burden for someone. You've been so confident in your natural abilities. You've been doing your own thing and 'showing yourself'. You are currently in the custody of an 'unfriendly friend' aka Delilah. You have revealed the source of your strength with your loose lips/fingers. They're currently shaving your head and you are being afflicted; your strength is going...
Thankfully, your story does not need to end like Samson's...
"Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses." (Psalm 107:17-19).
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray..." (James 5:13a).

It's time to cry to the Lord from the pits of affliction. Call on Him and He will answer. It's time to come back home...
Have a blessed and productive day.

That I Might By All Means Save Some

The fact that you mean well does not guarantee that your gesture will be well received.

I can tell you stories upon stories of good intention gone bad. I remember a story I read that was narrated by Kathryn Kuhlman. She said that she wanted to impress her mum when she was about 8 years old. She decided to wash all the clothes in the laundry basket. She had washed and hung them by the time her mother got back home. She couldn't wait for Mama to see what she had done.
Soon enough, Mama returned and saw what she had done! Thankfully, her mum was not like some women- Kathryn may not have survived the beating that would have followed, lol. She had washed all the clothes TOGETHER! The coloured ones had ruined the neutral ones. If you want to know the rest of the story, send a private message, lol.

Paul had a service for Jerusalem, he had GOOD INTENTIONS...However, he was wise enough to realise that his service may not be accepted by the saints. Therefore, he requested for prayers "...that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;" (Romans 15:31).

The fact that you have a call/service/fill in the gap does not mean that it will be acceptable to all saints. It doesn't stop them from being saints and it doesn't mean you're not sent.

Spend some time to pray 1) to verify the authenticity of the service 2) to confirm that the timing of the delivery is right and 3) for acceptability of the service to the intended audience. You can then deliver the service.

I am still studying the scriptures so I cannot claim to be all-knowing. I do not believe that all the saints in Jerusalem accepted Paul's service. There were still some that must have rejected it.

If your God-ordained service has been rejected by some of your target audience, you are in good company...
"He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:11-12).

I'll leave you with this intriguing statement by Paul, the Apostle...
"And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1 Corinthians 9:20-22).

Just SOME? After all that 'wahala'?

Have a blessed and productive day.

The Mysterious Word

Good morning. 
About 2 weeks ago, I was busy minding my own business when I heard the Spirit remind me of a particular incident in the Bible. I did a quick scan in my life to confirm if the word was for me but I couldn't find anything I was doing that fitted it. So, I held my peace, meditated on it for a while and in the busyness of the day, I forgot about it. That day was so busy that I decided to have a late lunch. 
By the time I went for lunch, the canteen was nearly empty. The two people I met there were almost rounding up. Not long after they left, a young lady that I talk with once in a while on a surface level came in. Apparently, she went for a meeting and had to have a late lunch too. She joined me at my table. After exchanging pleasantries, we continued eating. Suddenly, she said 'Can I ask for your opinion on a matter?' As she narrated her issue, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the mysterious word I received earlier in the day - IT WAS FOR HER! When she was done with her narrative, I immediately gave her the message and she readily agreed. 
By priviledge of some positions I've held and currently hold, as well as some discussions I've had, I've seen a lot of prayer requests. I love the fact that a lot of us love to pray. In my opinion, it is a great habit to cultivate. I hope we love to receive answers too? Sometimes, God's answer to our prayer is - Ok, answer provided immediately. Sometimes, it's - Received, processing. Sometimes, it's - Received, syntax error...
I'll talk about a type of #3. 
"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." (James 4:3).

Why do you want God to do what you're asking Him to do? And why do you want it in that particular way?

Someone says, 'I've sown seeds', 'I've given all I have to the poor' etc. I have to say that there is nothing wrong with doing any of these things; the Bible enjoins us to do them. However, if our motive for doing them is to get God to bend to our will - SYNTAX ERROR (You can ask Google for what it means, lol). 

The 'mysterious word' I received was in Numbers 22:21-35. You should read it and be instructed. The Holy Spirit told me that some of us are so bent on having things OUR way that no matter who/what stands in our way, we are ready to slay them the same way Balaam would have slain that ass that was trying to help him. We are using prayer as a means of getting OUR own way. I need to confess that I am not guiltless in this matter...I was just not guilty at the time the Word came, hehehehe. I found this scripture that might interest someone that laid a wrong foundation (e.g. Married another woman's husband) and is hoping to make things work out for her by observing rituals and whatever else tickles your fancy...
"For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem." (Psalm 51:16-18).
Please read the whole of Psalm 51 to get the whole context. 
I pray for us all that we will learn to surrender our will/way to God, even in prayer. May we say with Mary "...be it unto me according to thy word..." (Luke 1:38).

And I say to you, like Elizabeth said to Mary "And blessed is she (he) that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her (him) from the Lord." (Luke 1:45).
Have a blessed and productive day.

Concerning Ebola

11/08/2014

 good morning.

Happy new week. How are you doing?

For those of us in the West African region, particularly Nigeria, the past few weeks have caused us to learn more about the Ebola Viral Disease (EVD).

A lot of facts and lies have emerged. One interesting fact for me is that neighbouring countries have been dealing with EVD and Nigeria did not do much in caring about them. We also did not put much in place to protect ourselves against EVD. It tells me that caring about my neighbour is in my best interest. It also reminds me of the city, Laish, in Judges 18.

Apparently, the 10% that survive EVD have to go through intensive care (Perhaps the rates would be higher with early detection?)

 As in other cases, prevention is better than cure. Please wash your hands with soap frequently, minimize contact with others and get yourself tested for early detection. In case you haven't heard, salty water baths/drinks don't help with EVD. It appears that some deaths and injuries were recorded as a result of the hoax about salty water baths/drinks. Please visit www.ebolafacts.com for more information on EVD.

Also, please meditate on the Psalm below.

 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee."

(Psalm 91:1-7).

Have a blessed and productive week ahead.

My views on Divorce

There are 2 clear Biblical grounds for divorce

(1) sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32; 19:9) and (2) abandonment by an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:15).

These grounds are not absolutes, they give ALLOWANCE for divorce.

Confession, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration are always the first steps. Divorce should only be viewed as a last resort.

 The most frequent additional grounds for divorce that people inquire about are spousal abuse (emotional or physical), child abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), addiction to pornography, drug / alcohol use, crime / imprisonment, and mismanagement of finances (such as through a gambling addiction). None of these can be claimed to be explicit biblical grounds for a divorce. It is very dangerous to go beyond what the Bible says. 

 However, we cannot imagine that it would be God’s desire for a wife to remain with a husband who physically abuses her and/or their children. In such an instance, the wife should definitely separate herself and the children from the abusive husband. However, even in such a situation, a time of separation with the goal of repentance and restoration should be the ideal, not necessarily immediately beginning divorce proceedings. If there is any risk to self or children, separation is a good and appropriate step.

 Questions that arise for me are - is emotional/verbal abuse a ground for separation? What is emotional/verbal abuse, really? What of the person whose spouse serves them divorce papers? What should they do? I have to admit that I have more questions than answers for this question...

Dinah was bored!

19/09/2014

There is a girl whose name has been bouncing around in my head; her name is/was Dinah. We first meet her in Genesis 30:21. She was the only daughter Jacob had; she was the daughter of Leah, the not so loved wife. I suspect that no one had time for Dinah. Daddy Jacob was too busy fighting so many battles, Mummy Leah was busy trying to get Daddy Jacob's attention, Step-mum/Aunt Rachel was busy trying to have another baby, her brothers were probably busy trying to outdo one another in order to be Daddy's favourite child...

For some reason, Dinah decided to take a walk and see the daughters of the land...Why girl? Why did you go alone to the land? What could she have done better? Oh Dinah!

Then a rapist called Schechem saw Dinah; she was such an easy prey...No one knew where she went and she knew no one in the land she went. Dinah!!! Did you not know that such men look for the loner; the one that is defenseless?

Can we talk about this uncomfortable story? How does this apply to us today? What lessons can we learn from Dinah's story in Genesis 34?

 

Please share your views. Scriptural references are very welcome.

YOUR MARRIAGE IS YOUR FIRST MINISTRY

I'll like to state that marriage is a ministry. It's something that is just sinking in for me.

 

With that perspective, I believe that some women's purpose is to be married; to support the man to be who God called him to be. And she's doing well that way. In my opinion, a woman like Sarah falls into that category. You can help me with other examples. The post already begins to address my point but doesn't really get there. Even married women who work need to realise that their marriage is their FIRST ministry.

 

This does not in any way mean that single ladies don't have ministries to fulfil. It just means that if you do get married, there is a ministry to be fulfilled. As a single lady, make your life count for something. According to 1 Corinthians 7:32

"There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." (1 Corinthians 7:34).

I think if we reflect deeply on 1Corinthians 7:34, some of us will choose not to marry, lol.

My conclusion is this - single or married, we should see to it that we fulfil the ministry that we have RECEIVED of the Lord.

 

For those that choose to marry, I believe marriage should be considered our first ministry; every other thing we achieve should be in agreement with our spouses.  Wives require their husband's approval as well...

He works too much

19/08/2014

 Please note that I am not a trained counsellor. These are my thoughts based on my understanding of the Word.

This is my response to a woman who feels her husband works too much and neglects the home front

Many marriages suffer because both spouses have pre-conceived ideas of who/what their spouse should be like. Any weakness that we haven't dealt with personally is usually amplified in marriage.

Also, the enemy understands how potent a union of 2 believers is. He'll do what he can to bring division. I believe deliverance comes when 1) You choose to yield your members to God and be His instrument of peace.  2) You recognize that it is the devil, not your spouse, that is the enemy and you engage him in the battle using the weapons of our warfare. 3) You let go of your preconceived notions and you prayerfully and consciously befriend and adapt to your husband.

I pray that the counsel I am about to give meets you in the right frame of mind.

You are right about your husband neglecting you. Your concern is valid. The manner you're addressing the very valid concern, however, is not fantastic.

You cannot change anyone - your husband, your children, your neighbours etc. That is not within the jurisdiction that God has given us as individuals. What we have with people, particularly our husbands, is influence. What we should aim for is to increase our influence. That is what makes it seem like you can change anyone. What you desire is really more influence with your husband. The fact is that something in the office has more influence on him than you do. The solution to the issue is increasing your influence.

Prayer is a great avenue for increasing your influence with your husband. As you pray for him (even if you start with 'Change him'), God begins to open your eyes to areas where YOU need to change. Believe me, as you make those changes, your life will be better and richer. As you continue to pray and make the necessary changes, you'll begin to see changes in him. Why? The changes in you will make YOU more attractive to him (there'll be something about you that makes you attractive to him). Also, your prayers for him go to the God of marriage who created him. God will begin to order the right people and resources to him that'll turn his heart back home (so many testimonies including personal testimonies have led me to this conclusion). Eventually, the hold of WHATEVER it is that is keeping him back at work (it could be the fear of failure) will be broken and you'll get him back.

I recommend that you get the following books

- The Power of a Praying Wife

- The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional

They are both written by Stormie Omartian. There are recommended prayers in there that'll guide you on how to pray for your husband.

It is well with you, my sister.

Deborah and Barak

22/10/2014

Deborah (The Judge) is on my mind again today. We know that Deborah had a palm tree where the CHILDREN (not only the women) of Israel came up to her for judgment. (I remember a joke where a child asked the Sunday School teacher where the adults of Israel were as the Bible only records the stories/exploits of the CHILDREN of Israel, lol).

Deborah was God's response to the cries of the children of Israel against oppression. Things were out of place.

"In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travelers walked through byways. The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel." (Judges 5:6-7).

Barak, a man of war, recognized that there was something about Deborah. He would not go to war without Deborah going with him. It wasn't the right decision in this case. I think there is a lesson there for the leader and the follower. As a leader, you should teach your followers to trust IN GOD, not in YOU (however well-meaning you are). As a follower, it is great to follow a leader but ensure your faith is IN GOD, not in your leader (however well-meaning his/her intentions are).

Still, it is noteworthy that Barak, an army general had so much respect for a woman whose only claim to fame was that she heard from God and gave the judgments to those that required it. Selah!

I respect those that minister to women because I am learning that women have needs that are different from men. I agree with and respect that. What I don't agree with is the notion that women cannot lead teams/groups that include men. The Great Commission we received from Jesus Christ is to teach all nations...

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20).

 

I believe you are responsible for teaching all nations to observe ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER THAT HE HAS COMMANDED YOU!

So, what are you waiting for, my sister? Go ahead and take advantage of the power within. Reach someone today.

Have a blessed and productive day.  

STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED

04/10/2014

'For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart' (Hebrews 4:12, AMP)

As I studied the scriptures today, I found myself in Luke 4. I realised once again that the devil twisted Psalm 91:4 to suit his purpose while tempting Jesus. Jesus did not fall for his tricks because Jesus knew the Scriptures. Jesus' response to the devil was in Deuteronomy 6:16.

I remember a service where a pastor was talking about breaking the covenant of death. He read a passage in Jeremiah or so (I can't find it now). For some reason, I chose to read a few verses before the verse he read out. I realised that what the pastor was saying was the direct opposite of what the scriptures was talking about.

You need to spend time STUDYING the scriptures. There is too much at stake for you to contract that part of your life out...

I consider it an abuse of the pastoral office to indirectly delegate the task of personal study to your pastor(s). They labour for you in prayers and doctrine. Don't add to their already challenging roles by not studying...If you faint in the day of adversity, it wasn't your pastor's fault; there wasn't much to you in the first place. So says the Bible....

'If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn't much to you in the first place' says Proverbs 24:10 'Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.' says 2Timothy 2: 15 (AMP) I had a lecturer that would tell us that everything he was teaching us was a rumour until we found some printed evidence for whatever he was saying (he happened to be a Reverend too). As I grow older, I tend to agree more with him. He put us through the rigour of searching for answers. He once gave us an assignment that involved going to the library to find some old newspapers to copy out what we considered to be useless information that did not relate at all to the course of study. Of course, we were deeply annoyed by the assignment but with the benefit of hindsight, I realise what message he was passing across.

A wise person once said that precious stones/metals are not found on the surface, you need to dig for them...

Have a blessed and productive day.

After the Adultery

Question: Is it okay to ask a woman to focus more on her career/raising her kids after finding out about her husband's infidelity as a 'coping mechanism'?

 

My answer: I have thought about this issue for a while now and this is my submission.

In my opinion, the counsel itself is not healthy. I think it encourages the woman to remain bitter as the root cause is not addressed. God did not ordain marriage to be so from the beginning. We should not be 'coping'.

In my opinion, if the man is repentant, the woman should cooperate with restoration (I think it should be at the woman's pace, not the man's or the children or whoever. I think they owe her that). If the man is unrepentant, I think the woman can choose to leave and remain unmarried, without bitterness (That is my understanding of the Biblical position) or remain and pray for him till he comes to repentance. 

For the man that is repentant and willing to work on the marriage, I believe they should both seek counsel and resolve whatever issues led to the adultery in the first place. Please don't get me wrong, the man is the main offender.  However, there may be things the woman did/did not do to open the door. This does not in anyway absolve the man of his guilt. Counselling will help them uncover the issues and hopefully, get to a point where the marriage is healthy again. I have a lot to write on this but that's not the focus of the post.

I believe the woman should do the recommended things NORMALLY. The extra should be focused on God and the advancement of His kingdom and the restoration of her marriage (if she chooses to go for restoration).

I realise that what I'm saying is not easy for humans. But we were not asked as believers to live by our power in the first place. Jesus said that anyone that would follow Him has to take up his/her cross DAILY. As believers, we are to live by the Spirit. Even Jesus had to offer His supreme sacrifice by the Spirit.

In my opinion, the coping mechanism is the human answer to the issue not the Spirit's. I'll get off the podium now. #SermonOver. Lol

90-99 percent of African men are cheats?

I have a burden in my heart this morning and it's primarily to men and the women who enable them by blaming wives for their husband's adultery...

Is it true that 90-99 percent of African men cheat on their wives (including the Christian men)? If yes, why is it considered acceptable? Does the Holy Spirit not make a difference in the life of the Christian? Does the race/sex of the christian determine the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Do we not need to declare continental fasting and prayer so the continent can be saved of this scourge?

If no, why are people propagating this falsehood? In separate discussions, I heard both a man and a group of women asking a woman to 'forgive' her adulterous husband (who does not appear repentant) and 'move on' for the sake of the children because 1) 90% of African men cheat on their wives (uttered by a man) 2) 99% of African men cheat on their wives (a sizeable percentage of women believe that) and 3) ALL men cheat on their wives (a smaller percentage of women believe this).

Then we move on to 'strange women' as the root cause of adultery... Is the Christian man helpless once a 'strange woman' is after him? Is it a good excuse for committing adultery? Is the Holy Spirit limited by 'strange women'? Do we not realise that adultery is a sin both in the Old and New Testament? Jesus even raised the bar higher by telling us that anyone that looks lustfully at a woman has committed adultery with her...

Why is it okay for men to cheat on their wives whereas it is not okay for women to cheat on their husbands?

 

"And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?" (Malachi 2:13-17).

Selah!

 

Have a blessed and productive day.

'Over priced' good

 03/05/2008

 

Have u ever wondered how an 'overpriced' good feels, sitting on the shelf, excited every time someone comes around to look at it, only to get its hope deflated when they find out it's beyond their reach? It sits on the shelf, knowing its potential but it has no opportunity to express it. What a sweet relief for the same good, when someone comes around and considers it valuable enough to take the price tag off that good and take that good home.

 

Perhaps you're trusting God for a husband (If you're a man, Bros, abeg, your destiny is in your hands joor) and you feel like an 'overpriced' good. Many 'customers' have come to 'price' and feel you're beyond their reach...My dear sister, it's okay to review your 'list' to be sure that it is consistent with what God is telling you. Once you've done that check, please don't lower God's expectation to meet the 'customer'...someone out there believes you're worth it...Let God lead that man to you (or is it you to the man sef...)

 

The only experience that comes to mind as a perfect example is the sacrifice Christ paid for us, while we were yet sinners, condemned to die. HE PAID THE HIGHEST PRICE, HE GAVE HIS LIFE. He has given us the opportunity to use our God- given gifts to change our world for the better.

Living

05/06/2008

 

I'm laying on my bed, thinking about life, it's ironies and how you determine the quality of your own life. Time and over again, we're told that life is what you make of it.

At the time you're going through whatever you're going through, you usually feel helpless and unable to stop the tide that is threatening to overwhelm you.

However, God says 'Be still...l, and know that I am God'. Jesus told Martha, 'You are careful about many things', accurately describing the state of many of our hearts.

Cheer up, though for 'we know that all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord'.
Whatever u're going thru only 'came to pass'. Selah

The Weaker Vessel

I always believed that the weaker elements ought to be protected, not exploited. To mankind's shame, we have exploited the weaker elements- fish, our environment etc and the exploitation has always come back to bite us.

 

Today, I'm musing over the 'weaker' vessel- the woman. "Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and... treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers (1 Peter 3: 7 NIV).

 

An interesting article that touches on why women are the weaker partners can be found @ www.bible.org/seriespage/what-every-husband-needs-know.

 

My point is that there is nothing in that scripture that supports the perverse uses I've heard it put to. It does not support a man beating his wife (as a friend told she once heard a televangelist say) neither does it support emotional abuse.

 

In conclusion, there are requirements for wives to submit to their husbands (not all men, 1 Peter 3: 1) and for husbands to be considerate as they live with their wives and treat them with respect (not a bad idea to extend the courtesy to all women, except the 'living with them' part, lol) SO THAT NOTHING WILL HINDER THEIR PRAYERS! Deep stuff.

My Gospel

The Gospel for me in a nutshell

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Fo...r God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. " (John 3:14-19).

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. " (John 10:9-10).

"He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (1 John 5:10-15).

"Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." (Colossians 1:25-29).

Soon the scars will fade away

I'm taking some time to look at every scar I have.
Each of them reminds me of one time or the other when it seemed like my life was on hold, that things would be better only when THAT source of pain was removed.
I've come to learn that pain is not necessarily a bad thing;
I've learnt that it's up to me to decide to become bitter or better with each... painful experience.
I'm proud of all my scars, each of them reminds me of God's faithfulness...
As I look closely, though, I see that the scars are fading
Soon, all I'll have are memories
Thank You, Lord, for soon the scars will fade away...