Showing posts with label Pursuit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pursuit. Show all posts
New Year, New You
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
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People don’t pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the new wine will make the skins burst. The wine will run out, and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine is to be poured into fresh skins. Luke 5:37-38 (GW)
Let me use this first post for the year to wish you a Happy New Year. This year will indeed be for you a year with a difference in all its ramifications in Jesus name.
But what really makes a year to be NEW?
A new year is not a function of a flip in the calendar or change in dates but what really makes a new year is a NEW YOU!
If
nothing changes about me and you, that is, if we carry the same old
malice, hatred, negative thoughts, disappointments and moodiness into
the New Year.... it will be what is called in Latin, "quod in veteri" which simply means, "same as old".
Someone defined insanity as "doing the same thing and expecting a different result"
In
the opening scripture above, Jesus made it clear when talking about
fasting that if we need new experience or new level of power (which wine
represents) we must put new wine in new bottles. So the problem is not
with the wine (or new year in this case) it is with the container (you). If the container is old, it will not be able to hold the new wine and it will burst.
So what do I need do Differently to have a New Year?
- Be SPIRITUAL; Every building that will last
must have a solid foundation. So dare to pray more, fast more, study
the Word more and focus on your spiritual well-being this year to have a
really New Year.
- Be KINGDOM ADDICTED; Let everything that has to do with the kingdom of God be your priority this year. Reach out to more people
than you have ever done before this year, follow up more souls this
year, serve in the kingdom and its interest more this year.
- Be FINANCIALLY FREE; Decide to be financially free this if you are not yet. Look out for areas of earning passive income through investments etc. Don't just work for money, let your money work for you this year.
- Be HEALTHY; Our body is the vehicle that conveys us to the place of our destiny. If we play down the importance of being physically fit because we are pursuing our dreams and visions, when we get to the place of performance, the neglected body will not be able to take us there. This simply means, be physically fit, get rid of junk food, exercise as often as you can even if it is just by walking. This also includes keeping healthy relationships.
- Be OBEDIENT; It is the master key to thriving in hard times according to my father and mentor- Bishop David Oyedepo. Doing what God says is what puts us in command of things. Those who were building the tower of Babel in Genesis 11, got every other thing right except the fact that what they were doing was against God's will, so their plans scattered. No matter what else you get right, OBEYING GOD is the master key to making a difference on the earth.
I trust God that, this year will mark a turning point in your life and no matter the negative occurrences around you, you will be able to say, 'My Case is Different'.
Happy New You!
Please feel free to leave a comment below to let me know what you intend to do differently this year to have a new you.
Focus Shift
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Philippians 3:13 (NLT)
Do you find yourself easily distracted? Have you started facing some discouragement already in this New Year? May be the year doesn’t even feel NEW because of some of the experiences of last year like joblessness, emptiness, lack and struggles that you seem to still have. Yes, you laugh when your friends and family are there but when you are alone you know you’re on your own. You know these negative experiences should not continue if this year must bring the good that you are anticipating.
Like Paul, even with his privileged Roman citizenship, his training in the best schools of his day and all his achievements before He met the savior and after he said in the words above, ‘I have not achieved it (meaning he is not yet where he is going) but the only thing he does is to focus on one thing: TO FORGET THE PAST AND KEEP LOOKING FORWARD!
Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future- Oscar Wilde
I wish I could sound it clearer. This kind of attitude will help you to move on with your life in spite of whatever you face in 2010.
Yes, you were just fired and your take home didn’t take you home.
Yes, since you have been applying for jobs not even one have called you.
Yes, you have a job but you are merely surviving because the job takes all your time and you live from pay cheque to pay cheque.
Yes, most of the employers have called you for interviews but their promise of getting back to you has never materialized.
Yes, you look at some of your colleagues, old school mates and you try to avoid them because of your situation.
Yes, you don’t have any stable source of income and you wonder if this is how your life will continue.
I am sorry to tell you that all these may continue until you deliberately and consciously decide to CHANGE YOUR FOCUS!
"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude”- Oprah Winfrey
I remember one of the most resounding instructions God gave me about this year is that I should be resilient, which is the ability to bounce back like an elastic rubber after being bent.
Three things to change your focus from this year;
From FEAR to FAITH
Fear incapacitates. Fear limits and sees impossibilities. But you can change your focus from fear to faith this year. Refuse to give up. Faith is seeing the things that are not yet as if we already have them. Don’t speak words of fear even if things around you are scary. Speak words of hope and faith about your future. Words of faith are power and they work. Don’t stand around fearful people because they will influence you. Just do all you can to move your focus from that of fear to faith. And faith comes by hearing what God says in his Word.
“The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion”- Albert Einstein
From FAULTS to STRENGTH
We all make mistakes but the difference between people is that those who will succeed will not spend time morning their mistakes but just learn from it and move on with their lives. Who do blame for your present predicament? Some blame their parents for not sending them to school, others blame it on the government, economy or political party. Until you shift your focus from your faults and weaknesses and begin to focus on your areas of strength, then there is a problem. There is a something you can do better than others. As a matter of fact, everyone has an area of weakness and there is no situation that is peculiar to you. Dust yourself, look within and explore your untapped strengths. Stop playing the blame game.
“There is only one real tragedy in a woman's life. The fact that her past is always her lover, and her future invariably her husband” – Oscar Wilde
From PAST to FUTURE
Why do you focus on the past when you know you can’t do anything about it? Imagine you being in a vehicle and your driver keeps focusing at the back instead of looking ahead at top speed. What do you do? You scream- Face your front!
Anyone who focuses on the past is heading for a crash. This year is still new with so much potentials loaded inside it. Why do you want to continue driving the wheel of your life by focus on the errors in your past relationships, career choice, wrong investment decisions and failures? Can you unscramble eggs? There is no point crying over spilled milk.
Focus on the dreams of a better future that you have always had and continue to work at it. Work at it with all the strength in you as you look ahead. Let me scream it once again at your face. FACE YOUR FRONT, LOOK AHEAD BECAUSE THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR YOU!
Shall we pray;
Lord, because you live we receive grace to face tomorrow. Amen
You can still Do More!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own yet; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. Philippians 3: 13 (AMP)
Meditating on the experience of Isaac in Genesis 26, where Isaac was sent away from his place as a result of envy and on getting to a new place he decided to dig a well but the people of the land fought him over the land and took it up from him, he named the first well- Argument. But his men dug another well which they fought over again and he named that one- Opposition until he moved on to the one which he named Room enough and no one fought over that one.
Similarly, Peter the experienced fisherman having been frustrated throughout the night without catching a single fish but when Jesus told him to still let down the net for a catch, it was as if all hope was lost but Peter said, “nevertheless I will try because you say so”. And that one more single trial gave him a boat-sinking, net-breaking experience.
How often do we give up after a couple of attempts!
Someone once said, “Your result is the only proof that you have done your best”. The only thing that shows me that you are truly giving life all it takes is the fact that you have results to show for your efforts. This may sound mean but it is meant to propel you to work at your life till you get results.
Apostle Paul was an outstanding man of God who gave his divine calling everything till the point of death and would do anything for the gospel to be preached and so the prison, beatings, hazards, persecutions and afflictions didn’t really matter to him.
Friends, what is your purpose, pursuit, vision and passion for living?
How much time, energy, study and perseverance have you given your life?
What are you contemplating of giving up on?
What aspect of your life do you need to give just an extra attempt?
What well are you trying to dig?
How long have you been toiling without a catch?
Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak. -Thomas Carlyle
God’s word for you today is to give your life an extra push by refusing to give up easily after a few attempts because until you have results to show, your attempts are not yet enough.
By perseverance the snail reached the ark. - Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Take time out of your busy schedule to give the necessary attention to your very life and ask the sincere question, Why am I not getting the desired result?
Among others, the reasons why people give up are;
• Lack of a definite purpose for living. Before you can do more than what you are doing now, you must be sure that you have set out a definite purpose for your life which must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Bound (SMART). Psalms 37: 5
• Lack of divine direction. For me, divine direction is key. Don’t just jump at opportunities because others are doing it, let God lead you. You can only lead a stress-free life by allowing God to lead you through His Word. And one of the acid test for divine direction is PEACE and PROGRESS. Anything you do and you lose your peace is not of God. Be wise! Psalms 32: 8
• Lack of inner strength. See what Proverbs 24: 10 says, “If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great”. Many just get fed up and tired easily. It is because of lack of strength within. God has what it takes to give us strength from within. No wonder Paul prayed that, “..from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 5: 17
Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure. - Benjamin Disraeli
I penned down these words on the airplane enroute Lagos to Dubai last week and I know it will bless you;
Do more than being a jobseeker, start creating jobs
Do more than praying, fast
Do more than receiving, give and be a distribution centre
Do more than complaining, be a problem-solver
Do more than meeting your deadline, be purpose-driven
Do more than walking, run with a vision for living
Do more than loving, be committed
Do more than believing, trust God
Do more than passing through school, let the school pass through you
Do more than saying, I’ve tried my best better to say I can still try more
Do more than being global or local, be GLOCAL!
Shall we pray;
Lord, I receive grace not to give up at the very edge of my breakthrough. Amen
Running with a Vision!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. 1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 26 (NLT)
If there is any man who is enjoying a great time at the moment, it would be the man whose name and record-breaking feat strikes like a thunder bolt, Usain Bolt."Usain Bolt" who had his 23rd birthday last Friday 21st August. holds world and Olympic records in both the 100 metres and 200 metres and his name and achievements in sprinting have earned him the media nickname 'Lightning Bolt'.
But going through his biography, he said and I quote him, “Well I have been running good since I was 15, so this is no surprise to me. I am sure it is no surprise to a lot of people because I have been doing this from when I was young. I have been doing tremendous things from when I was young. So, this is no surprise to a lot of people”
After breaking the world records in Berlin, he said this in an interview session, “ I keep saying anything is possible. You work hard, you train hard. I still train very hard and running fast races doesn’t change that, but I keep telling you guys my aim is to become a legend”
Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. - John F. Kennedy
The Jamaican sprinter in the Berlin games collected $320,000 in prize money comprising $60,000 for each gold medal and $100,000 per world record. Whoops!!
Do you also know that Bolt’s recent string of world records was clearly not an expected event, it is not only a world record but has made statisticians and mathematicians to go back to the table because they didn’t predict a 9.69 seconds until almost 2030 but Bolt even shattered this by running 9.58 seconds in Berlin in the 100meters. This is awesome to me for a 23-year old.
He broke the mathematical model that had fit 100-meter record data for almost a century, Bolt’s incredible performance could reset how fast researchers believe humans ultimately can run, but Bolt’s records, the scientists say is nowhere near human limit. Meaning it can still be broken!
To me this means there is still room for you and if not on the track and field but in our chosen professions, vocations, careers and ventures to set the pace, blaze the trail and break age-long records but this starts when we have a purpose for living.
Have a purpose for living!
I love to read biographies a lot and reading through the 23-year old life so far I learnt that he started out early in life although with a passion for the cricket at first but his coach spotted his performance on the pitch and encouraged him to focus more on the tracks. I challenge you to have a purpose for living. God is God of purpose and He has created us all to fulfill a mission on earth, however, He has given us the task to discover, find out, locate and identify the innate gift He has bestowed upon us.
God DETERMINES our purpose, We DISCOVER our purpose.
A man without purpose is a tragedy going somewhere to happen. This is because such a person will always be at the wrong place, wrong relationship, wrong job, wrong career and wrong company at every point in time. Oh! How frustrating to be without purpose. Even if the circumstances surrounding your birth seems accidental, you may be born whether out of wedlock, beside wedlock, under wedlock or before wedlock (whatever), God still has a purpose for your living.
A man without PURPOSE is not fit to live- Martin Luther King Jnr.
Characteristics of Purpose
• Purpose comes before creation;
• Purpose is from God;
• Purpose is permanent;
• Every purpose is unique
• Purposes are inter-related and;
• Purpose requires counsel.
Tips on discovering God’s purpose for your Life
We as humans have God as our ‘manufacturer’ and every manufacturer first determines the PURPOSE of a product and its functions before setting out to produce it, hence, the only genuine source for knowing your purpose is to ask from God if you believe He is your creator. However, since it is not all of us that can hear God distinctly, the following tips can guide us in the discovery of our purpose;
• Check out “that thing” that flows from you NATURALLY or EFFORTLESSLY.
What do you do for others or to better humanity without much stress. It could be singing, dancing, events organizing, public speaking, public relations, sports (like Usain Bolt). No one knows you like you. Settle down and find it out, it may be a pointer to your purpose.
• Check out “that thing” that people COMPLIMENT you for the most.
What do people thank you for the most? Have you led a team or a talk so well that people appreciate you so much but to you it seems normal to you? What do people like so much about you?
• Check out that thing that MOVES you the most.
What do you hate to see? Have you ever wished you could take care of abandoned children or children who are victims of broken and shattered homes? For instance, Mother Theresa found this as her purpose and she stood to address the United Nations. What problem do you wish you have what it takes to solve? Do you hate to see our policemen collect bribes? Do you hate to see violence? Are you hurt when children drop out of school because they can’t afford to pay their fees?
What moves you may become what you’re created to move.
Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live! - Bob Marley
Please note: These are tips but it can go a long way in propelling you as you discover why you are here. Don’t just sit down and watch. Young boys and girls are already making striking impacts. When will you be shown to your world?
Shall we pray:
Lord, help me to live a purposeful life on earth. Amen
The enemy called ALTERNATIVES!
Friday, June 12, 2009
After this a lot of his disciples left. They no longer wanted to be associated with him. Then Jesus gave the Twelve their chance: "Do you also want to leave?"
Peter replied, "Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We've already committed ourselves, confident that you are the Holy One of God."
John 6: 66- 69 (The Message)
I am particularly excited to be at this phase of my life and I must tell you I’m enjoying everything God is revealing to me every waking moment. Got up this morning with a thought on the word “ALTERNATIVES”. As soon as I started searching my mind for what this would mean, I soon realized that God wanted me to tell someone that “He (God) will still do what He has promised only if we bury our fall backs”. Fall backs here means things we think of falling back on if His promises does not go through as we expect.
Peter replied, "Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We've already committed ourselves, confident that you are the Holy One of God."
John 6: 66- 69 (The Message)
I am particularly excited to be at this phase of my life and I must tell you I’m enjoying everything God is revealing to me every waking moment. Got up this morning with a thought on the word “ALTERNATIVES”. As soon as I started searching my mind for what this would mean, I soon realized that God wanted me to tell someone that “He (God) will still do what He has promised only if we bury our fall backs”. Fall backs here means things we think of falling back on if His promises does not go through as we expect.
Haa! This word hit me quickly and I realized just as I’m typing this that God was trying to pass across a message to me on a particular issue of my life.
Hmm, An alternative is something different from, and able to serve as a substitute for, something else. It also simply means to be between two opinions. To be here, but still be there with the other eye, JUST IN CASE. To be double-minded. Elijah got fed up with the nonchalant attitude of the people of Israel that he cried in 1 Kings 18:21, And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long will you between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Friend, I put this question to your face, how long will continue to eye your alternative(s) and at the same time still be praying to God for that breakthrough?
· I mean how long will you continue to threaten God with your backsliding attempt if He does not answer your prayers by the deadline you’ve given Him?
· I mean how long will you keep your eye on breaking your commitment to your spouse because you’ve waited so long for the fruit of the womb and both of you are aging?
· How long will you jobseeker think of doing it the world’s way by reducing your age and getting involved in some other things just to boost your qualification for that job?
· How long have you chosen to enjoy life and live promiscuously at the detriment of losing your own soul and eternity?
· How long will you my professional colleagues do it the crooked way of the world and think you’ll always get away with it?
· I mean how long will you keep your eye on breaking your commitment to your spouse because you’ve waited so long for the fruit of the womb and both of you are aging?
· How long will you jobseeker think of doing it the world’s way by reducing your age and getting involved in some other things just to boost your qualification for that job?
· How long have you chosen to enjoy life and live promiscuously at the detriment of losing your own soul and eternity?
· How long will you my professional colleagues do it the crooked way of the world and think you’ll always get away with it?
How long…….?
Peter answered Jesus when He gave them the blank cheque of leaving Him when many disciples left too. But in the scripture above, Peter said, “Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We've already committed ourselves…”
This scripture literally tore my head open this morning as I read this fascinating version of The Message Bible. We’ve already committed ourselves! We’ve already burnt the bridge! We’ve already counted the cost! We’re already made up….and no going back!
I remember that old salvation song, “I have decided to follow Jesus 3ce. No turning back, No turning back…..! Have you?
Until your commitment to Christ reaches the level where you’ll say if I perish, I perish (like Esther) or We rather burn than to bow to other gods (like the 3 Hebrew boys) or Woe is me if I preach not the goepel (like Paul). Then, your faith and trust in Him is still questionable.
Why you must bury your alternatives?
- It makes you unstable and to doubt God. James 1:8
- It makes the devil suggest evil to you because you are not made up when you still have alternatives.
- It makes it impossible to receive from God but you are not acting in faith.
- It “incapacitates” God from helping you.
- It makes you unstable and to doubt God. James 1:8
- It makes the devil suggest evil to you because you are not made up when you still have alternatives.
- It makes it impossible to receive from God but you are not acting in faith.
- It “incapacitates” God from helping you.
What to do;
- Confess boldly your commitment to God.
- Feed yourself with the truth of God’s word ONLY (What is written and the revealed truth on the Bible)
- Still give God the glory no matter what is happening. (What is happening is temporal, what is written is permanent.
- Confess boldly your commitment to God.
- Feed yourself with the truth of God’s word ONLY (What is written and the revealed truth on the Bible)
- Still give God the glory no matter what is happening. (What is happening is temporal, what is written is permanent.
Shall we pray:
Lord, I choose to bury all the alternatives (name them) stopping me from trusting you. Amen
Lord, I choose to bury all the alternatives (name them) stopping me from trusting you. Amen
Remember, He (God) will still do what He has promised only if we bury our fall backs.
How I got the Job!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 6: 10 -12 (KJV)
It is an established fact that God- our heavenly father is a worker and that the first thing He gave Adam after creation was not a wife but a job-to tend and keep the garden. So no man (in my own opinion) is permitted to marry a woman without having something doing! Do I have a witness?
But the truth is that the statistics that stares us in the face especially now is alarming and record-breaking, as unemployment rate is almost hitting double digits.
A report last week showed that;
In the US alone, the unemployment rate jumped to 8.5 percent in March, the highest since late 1983, with a total of 663,000 job loss. Since the recession began in December 2007, the economy has lost a net total of 5.1 million jobs, with almost two-thirds of the losses occurring in the last five months. The number of unemployed people climbed to 13.2 million in March. In addition, the number of people forced to work part time for "economic reasons" rose by 423,000 to 9 million.
But the question still remains, does God have a plan for His children? Are there answers to the question of unemployment in the bible? How can one secure a job regardless of the scary stats.
Someone recently asked me (last week) to share with her how I got my job, so I have tried to put together this post to share with anyone who will “sheepishly” believe God and apply the truth God showed me in order to secure your dream job in spite of the recession, and we know God is no respecter of persons, what He has done for one, He can do for all who will believe. Please note that, God does the same thing in different ways- His ways are not our ways. This is a personal testimony;
One of the first things I did before getting the job was that I prayed for divine direction through a 24-hour dedicated prayer and fasting to seek God’s face and specifically to know where God wanted me to go- in terms of city to settle down. And believe me, God told me to move to the current city where I reside.
Let me quickly say that as believers, we must be able to hear from God or better still you must know how God leads you. Many years ago I read a book by Kenneth Haggin, “How you can be led by the Spirit”. God is our father and just like every child would recognize the voice of his father, we must know God’s leading. However, we must NOTE that whatever God says will never contradict with the bible.
The greatest asset of a believer is the ability to hear from God- Bishop David Oyedepo
So, when I got to the place He led me to, I searched through the internet for the names and addresses of specific companies and firms where I would like to work and their location in the city, and got a whole list, printed it out and re-packaged my CV to look more attractive, and began distributing it as I visited over 20 of such firms. How? I would set out with my friend I was staying with at that time every morning when going to work. The bible says;
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
Proverbs 6:10 -11 (NLT)
Please Note: I would dress up corporately in suit with my briefcase as if I was going to work too, with the understanding of 2 Thessalonians 3: 8- 10 (NLT);
We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so that we would not be a burden to any of you. It wasn’t that we didn’t have the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule: “Whoever does not work should not eat".
To me, that means that I am not permitted to be idle and that NO WORK, NO FOOD!
Shortly within 10days or so after this, I got a job as an Admin/ Accounts Manager with a small company and average pay though, however, I remain faithful on this job and even drafted a corporate policy statement for the small company. A friend had spoke about me to the MD of the company and she asked me to resume immediately which I did.
But while on this job, I was still expecting a call from the firms I had dropped my CV earlier. And finally, a week on this job the call came from someone that I should come over for a chat with the principal partner of a firm (one of the firms where I dropped my CV). But the miracle was that when I went for the chat, it was really a chat- no interviews or serious questioning. I was asked why I would like to work with the firm and my answer was sincere- for professional experience and the within the same week my Offer Letter was sent to my email and I didn’t even reply or resume until two weeks later after I had properly handed over in my former office. The job waited!
Anything God gives, He keeps!
The Lessons I learnt in summary;
- Be divinely guided by God through prayers especially as to where He wants you to go. God still leads;
- Be sure God is the one leading you by affirming such leading in the Word of God ( the Bible);
- Never sit idle doing nothing. There is always something you can do. When you are faithful in little, you'll be considered for much.
- Have faith in God alone. You might know people, but connections and qualifications fail. Only God is too faithful to fail.
- When changing jobs, don’t leave anyhow- properly hand over. An adage says, rain can beat a man to the same shelter twice… Don’t leave your employer in a dilemma. You may meet again.
I hope this would help someone to be challenged to go get the job that is waiting.
Share your testimonies with me at www.atolase.blogspot.com.
Remember, there is always a way out!
Shalom!
MOVE ON with your Life!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
So Isaac moved to the Gerar Valley and lived there instead.
He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death.
Isaac renamed them, using the names Abraham had given them.
His shepherds also dug in the Gerar Valley and found a gushing spring.
But then the local shepherds came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well “Argument,” because they had argued about it with him.
Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a fight over it. So Isaac named it “Opposition.”
Abandoning that one, he dug another well, and the local people finally left him alone. So Isaac called it “Room Enough,” for he said, “At last the Lord has made room for us, and we will be able to thrive.”
Genesis 26:17 – 22 (NLT)
Does that phrase sound familiar? Well, whether or not it does, God’s message for the hour to you is to MOVE ON with your life in spite of your limitations. We all are faced with situations where the “seemingly” best option for us is to screw up or just surrender. But the difference between the extra-ordinary and the ordinary people is the “extra” effort, “extra” trial, “extra” attempt or “extra” sacrifice that ordinary people put in.
He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death.
Isaac renamed them, using the names Abraham had given them.
His shepherds also dug in the Gerar Valley and found a gushing spring.
But then the local shepherds came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well “Argument,” because they had argued about it with him.
Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a fight over it. So Isaac named it “Opposition.”
Abandoning that one, he dug another well, and the local people finally left him alone. So Isaac called it “Room Enough,” for he said, “At last the Lord has made room for us, and we will be able to thrive.”
Genesis 26:17 – 22 (NLT)
Does that phrase sound familiar? Well, whether or not it does, God’s message for the hour to you is to MOVE ON with your life in spite of your limitations. We all are faced with situations where the “seemingly” best option for us is to screw up or just surrender. But the difference between the extra-ordinary and the ordinary people is the “extra” effort, “extra” trial, “extra” attempt or “extra” sacrifice that ordinary people put in.
What are you involved in at the moment and you know you have given your very best? Sincerely, you have done all that you know to do but yet- no show, no positive result!
The scripture above tells the story of the Abraham’s son of promise, Isaac. Abraham had believed God to have Isaac for some 25years before the promise came. But do you know that the fact that Isaac was a son of promise did not exempt him from facing oppositions and obstacles. Similarly, the fact that God has told you many great things would happen for you this year does not exempt you from challenges and oppositions.
The scripture above tells the story of the Abraham’s son of promise, Isaac. Abraham had believed God to have Isaac for some 25years before the promise came. But do you know that the fact that Isaac was a son of promise did not exempt him from facing oppositions and obstacles. Similarly, the fact that God has told you many great things would happen for you this year does not exempt you from challenges and oppositions.
There is no TESTIMONY without TEST
There is no TRIUMPH without TRIAL
There is no MIRACLE without OBSTACLE
There is no TRIUMPH without TRIAL
There is no MIRACLE without OBSTACLE
God had earlier instructed Isaac not to leave where he was and He obeyed. Isaac then decided to dig a well but oppositions came up against him. The opposition was so fierce that they closed up every well he attempted to dig. But Isaac would not give up easily, he persevered until the enemies became tired of him.
What are the Lessons to Learn?
Stay where God wants you to be!
God does not bless people in every place. Better put, there is a place to be for you to be blessed. It is however pitiable to know people pack their bags and travel out of their divinely appointed place only to keep struggling and patching through life without a head way.
God does not bless people in every place. Better put, there is a place to be for you to be blessed. It is however pitiable to know people pack their bags and travel out of their divinely appointed place only to keep struggling and patching through life without a head way.
God’s help comes from ABOVE not from ABROAD – David Oyedepo.
You don’t have to be everywhere, just be where God wants you to be and the blessings will flow there. God spoke to Abraham, Get out of where you are to a place I will show you. But when it came to the turn of Isaac, He told him to remain in the land….To me this means, the fact that others are running to so called “Greener pasture” does not make it so for everybody. If you leave where you are just because that’s where everybody is running to, you may regret it the remaining days of your life. Ask from God where He wants for you. It is fundamental and crucial because that’s where your blessing will flow.
Dig the well where you are
While growing up, I have seen a few times where well diggers were at work. Well, digging is not a small thing. It is real work. In fact, there are instances where explosives or guns are used especially when the digger hit the rocks underground. God told Isaac to stay in the land, Yes. But he was not to stay idle in the land. He sowed in the land even during FAMINE and he got 100% profit. It is not just enough to be divinely located or to stay where God wants you to be, you must be actively involved in doing something profitable in the place God has asked you to stay.
Dig the well. Take the exams. Run the program. Write the test. Make the move. Do the work!
While growing up, I have seen a few times where well diggers were at work. Well, digging is not a small thing. It is real work. In fact, there are instances where explosives or guns are used especially when the digger hit the rocks underground. God told Isaac to stay in the land, Yes. But he was not to stay idle in the land. He sowed in the land even during FAMINE and he got 100% profit. It is not just enough to be divinely located or to stay where God wants you to be, you must be actively involved in doing something profitable in the place God has asked you to stay.
Dig the well. Take the exams. Run the program. Write the test. Make the move. Do the work!
The Best time to invent is yesterday!
Keep Moving!
The truth is that there will always be reasons to turn back. But if you find an excuse to turn back don’t use it. When the children of Israel were faced with the Red Sea and Moses cried to God for help especially because of the Army of Egypt and chariots that was fast closing in on them. But could you believe what God’s response to Moses was- Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Exodus 14:15 (NLT) God’s word for you is the same, Get moving. Stop crying over what you cannot change.
The truth is that there will always be reasons to turn back. But if you find an excuse to turn back don’t use it. When the children of Israel were faced with the Red Sea and Moses cried to God for help especially because of the Army of Egypt and chariots that was fast closing in on them. But could you believe what God’s response to Moses was- Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Exodus 14:15 (NLT) God’s word for you is the same, Get moving. Stop crying over what you cannot change.
There is no point crying over spilled milk.
You cannot unscramble eggs.
You cannot unscramble eggs.
Yes, you failed but it was just an event that happened to you and it doesn’t make you a failure. Yes, you messed up with that relationship, but life still goes on. Learn from your past mistakes and please move on. Isaac got to his place of ROOM ENOUGH. God will make room for you this year until you can say, I have room enough.
Shalom!
The Foundation!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
But the firm foundation of (laid by) God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription): The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also [utensils] of wood and earthenware, and some for honorable and noble [use] and some for menial and ignoble [use].
So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
2Timothy 2:19- 21
Like a woman pregnant with child, I have been pregnant with the above scriptural passage since this new month began cross-referencing it and reading from all the versions I could lay my hands on to get it straight. Thoughts of how this new year full of possibilities is not just gradually moving on with the speed of light but also with thoughts of how many people are yet not getting things right, hence, experiencing a replica of what they have experienced in the past without results to show. Hmmm, the foundation, someone help me say P U S H!!!.
Builders, civil and structural engineers will tell you that among many other things to get right in building is the foundation. The reason for this is not far-fetched. While many other faults may be easily corrected, foundational cracks or faults are not just technical and critical but if care is not taken might lead to the pulling down of the entire structure. This is what many are trying to cope with- secreting mending their foundational cracks not knowing that it is a matter of time before the cracks become visible on the building walls for all to see!
So what is in a foundation?
In Nigeria, we've had as many cases of collapsed buildings as much as that of individuals who just slum or collapse suddenly. While their may seem to be no correlation between the two, I want to believe such sudden collapse, in some of the cases may have the same thing in common- the faulty or cracky foundation! While the explanation for that of the building may be explicit enough, those of individuals (at times) may be due to some fundamental questions that may have been ignored or unanswered for years.
While the word "foundation" refers to a solid underground base of a building; the setting up of an institution or organisation and in recent times to an endowment fund that supports an institution or charitable organisation or even the base layer of the make-up used by women (ladies, am I right?).
However, in this context, I want to refer to a foundation, here, as the basic underlying truth behind the existence of our very faith in God. That is, the basement of our faith in God or what God considers crucial before building a glorious destiny.
The above scriptural reference paints it clear to us that our foundation in God has an inscription or seal that says “everyone who names the name of God (believers) should consciously spurn (depart or eschew) from sin, iniquity or evil. To me this means, for anyone to have a good structure for the future, the base must be free from foundational cracks of sin.
The lingering question then is: How solid is the foundation of your Christian faith? or better still, what are the situations, issues or conditions that you have been consistently dealing with in secret boiling down to the very base of your faith in God and even makes you doubt whether you will reign eternally with Jesus? These are foundational questions.
Remember the question asked in Psalms 11: 3 that many are still yet to find answers to '.. if the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do? We are talking about a righteous one here, but it implies such may be helpless when it comes to foundation.
When things are right, we should ask questions and when things are not right questions needs to be asked to know where we are missing it out.
We all started off this year on the same start line but obviously not everyone is moving at the same pace. I'm not really talking about how high you you're flying or how you're struggling to make things work, I'm talking about whether you are a vessel unto honour or dishonour? or whether you are showing the light for others to follow (and go there yourself) or you're merely a signpost- pointing the way but going nowhere! or may be you are even leading others to the grave with your words or actions.
Please Note: I am not referring to your speed or progress here but your direction because moving in the RIGHT DIRECTION is better than moving at TOP SPEED.
It doesn’t matter how fast you move in a wrong direction, you never arrive at your destination.
For you and I to realise or dreams, goals and resolution for the new year, we must re-visit our very foundation- the base of our faith in God whether we have made things right with our Creator or merely patching things up using cosmetics (which doesn't stand the test of time).
Remember, a crack in the foundation (no matter how small) can never be ignored or patched, it is either re-visited or it condemns the entire building.
What is that secret sin that you think you can patch up or pretend as if all is right? If you do not make it rght with your Creator today, it will soon show for all to see and by then, it may be devastating! Sin truly sinks.
Selah! (Pause and think on this)
Just Do it!
Monday, February 9, 2009
This “foolish” plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength.
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you.
Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God
I Corinthians 1: 25 – 29(NLT)
The poem below is put together to encourage as many people as God has instructed to do certain things but have refused to take steps because what God has told them doesn’t make natural sense- it just looks “foolish” or too simple to be true. I wrote these words out on 16th of December, 2003 when He was leading in a direction that seems will never lead to the right path, but 5 years later when I looked at my poem note yesterday and saw these words, I now understand better why He is called the Alpha and the Omega, hence the inscription above, which represents the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet.
I can boldly say He is faithful to every jot of His word. Trust Him enough to commit your life to His hands.
Just do whatever He is leading you to do and leave the remaining with Him, He is ever faithful… digest it.
Do it!
It may not be sensible,
It may not be right,
It may not be clear,
It may not be wise but,
Whatever He tells you to do, do it!
How can water be turned to wine?
How can a rod path the sea?
How can I ever get any fish after toiling all night?
How can my skin be made whole from this leprosy?
Whatever He tells you to do, do it!
Make me know,
Make me understand,
Make me comprehend,
Make me realise but,
Whatever You tell me to do, I will do.
Why should I wait any longer?
Why should I wash in Jordan?
Why should I ever be saved again? But
Nevertheless at thy word, I will do whatever You ask me to do.
Remain blessed.
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you.
Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God
I Corinthians 1: 25 – 29(NLT)
The poem below is put together to encourage as many people as God has instructed to do certain things but have refused to take steps because what God has told them doesn’t make natural sense- it just looks “foolish” or too simple to be true. I wrote these words out on 16th of December, 2003 when He was leading in a direction that seems will never lead to the right path, but 5 years later when I looked at my poem note yesterday and saw these words, I now understand better why He is called the Alpha and the Omega, hence the inscription above, which represents the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet.
I can boldly say He is faithful to every jot of His word. Trust Him enough to commit your life to His hands.
Just do whatever He is leading you to do and leave the remaining with Him, He is ever faithful… digest it.
Do it!
It may not be sensible,
It may not be right,
It may not be clear,
It may not be wise but,
Whatever He tells you to do, do it!
How can water be turned to wine?
How can a rod path the sea?
How can I ever get any fish after toiling all night?
How can my skin be made whole from this leprosy?
Whatever He tells you to do, do it!
Make me know,
Make me understand,
Make me comprehend,
Make me realise but,
Whatever You tell me to do, I will do.
Why should I wait any longer?
Why should I wash in Jordan?
Why should I ever be saved again? But
Nevertheless at thy word, I will do whatever You ask me to do.
Remain blessed.
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