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...