Bible Verse of the Day
Define it, Imagine it and then Start it!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
At one time all the people of the world spoke the same language
and used the same words. As the people migrated to the east,
they found a plain in the land of Babylonia and settled there.
They began saying to each other, “Let’s make bricks and harden
them with fire.” (In this region bricks were used instead of stone,
and tar was used for mortar.) Then they said,
“Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky.
This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.”
But the LORD came down to look at the city and the tower the people were building.
“Look!” he said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!
Come, let’s go down and confuse the people with different languages.
Then they won’t be able to understand each other.”
In that way, the LORD scattered them all over the world,
and they stopped building the city. That is why the city was called Babel,
because that is where the LORD confused the people with different languages.
In this way he scattered them all over the world.
Genesis 11:1-9 (NLT)
Last year 2010 is gone. Whatever you did right or wrong does not matter anymore except to learn from past mistakes. We are in the wake of 2011 when we still have the opportunity to define what we want to see in this virgin year.
My last article was written in March 2010 on Control-Alt-Delete Yourself which simply means to re-boot yourself. And that was what I did personally and I can humbly say God has brought me forth as gold. Over the last 9 months, I have entered into strange realms of favour and lifting, I concluded my Masters degree with 1st class and many other things that I may not be able to share here, to God be the glory. I can tell you I have indeed seen God. And I believe you have experienced God’s goodness in your life too.
However, I am convinced that whatever we saw last year cannot be compared to what God is set to do in the New Year 2011. Why? Proverbs 4: 18 says God causes our path to shine brighter and brighter... He does not lead backward but forward.
What is God saying to all who will care to listen to what the Spirit is saying in 2011? The story in the above scripture is not new but God seems to be pointing out some principles from the story.
DEFINE IT
I noticed the first thing this group of people decided to do in Genesis 11 was to define their purpose without mincing words. , “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.”
This is the first step to fulfilment of your 2011 goals. State it. What do you want to achieve in 2011? Please write them down.
IMAGINE IT
They did not just define their goal but envisioned it. They have a picture of it in their mind and how they intend to go about achieving it. What do you want to achieve. How do you want to achieve it. Can you see yourself already fulfilling it? And guess what? You are free to imagine anything.. As far as your eyes can see.
What the mind can conceive, the hand can achieve.
START IT
It does not matter what you define or imagine, without taking the first step, you cannot achieve it. While this looks simple, the reason why many people are yet to change level is just because they have found every reason not to start the business, the professional exams, the relationship, the degree or vocation. However, it is that same reason that others have found to dare the impossible. JUST DO IT. God confirmed about these people in the scripture above that nothing they SET OUT to do will be impossible for them. What are you set out to do in 2011.
Friends, 2011 is still fresh. It only going to take whatever form you want it to take. The world is waiting.
Make a decision;
To work according to God’s will. Don’t labour in vain in 2011. The only reason why those who built the tower did not achieve their goal was because they were pursuing a goal against God’s will. God’s will was for human to fill the earth but they wanted to stay in one place.
To work with people of like minds. Don’t waste your time hanging around those going nowhere. Dissociate yourself quickly with those going nowhere in 2011. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! Move with those who understand your language (your idea, your dream, your vision)
To work out your dream. Stop day dreaming. Work, work and work in 2011. Nothing works until you work it. God does not reward laziness. Get out to the field of 2011 and you will reap bountiful harvest.
Define it, imagine it and start it NOW!!!
Happy New Year
Shall we pray
Lord, help us to give our 2011 goals the required push for its fulfilment. Amen.
Labels: Diligence, Encouragement, Opportunities, Priorities, Success
Dangerous Twins
Monday, October 5, 2009
You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two.Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions.So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed?A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next?Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest!Proverbs 6: 6 – 11 (TM)
I feel so pressed to share some of my thoughts with you especially because another year of our lives is moving gradually. Let me quickly say that this note is aimed at making you give up two deadly and destiny-crashing twins called ‘Sleep and Idleness’. While sleep in itself is a good thing, however, if it now impedes you from maximising your life it has become an enemy and it is dangerous.
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (TM)
Are you really living the kind of life that you desire? Are you on the path to fulfillment? Can you still afford to get it wrong at this phase of your life?
The essence of this note is to give you a TAP from your slumber and to rid you from the claws of sleep and idleness. Jesus gave a parable of a man who sowed good seed in his field but while he slept, the enemy came and planted unwanted weeds in Matthew 13: 25 and we know that weeds share in the nutrients that the plants would have used in its growth. In principle, when we sleep spiritually we give room to unwanted vices to hinder our growth and progress in life. Please wake up!
Wake up from your sleep,
Ephesians 5:14 (TM)
THINK
Give a thought to how you have fared so far in 2009 and be sure you are not asleep in any aspect of your life such as your career, relationship, finances or academics. For instance, you should know you are asleep in your finances if you are already neck-deep in debt or running a deficit budget that you did not really plan for at the beginning of this year. But there is always a way out! Think
ACT
Our thinking normally should culminate in us taking decisive and calculated steps on how we intend to move out of our present condition to a better one. For instance, the prodigal son in scriptures after coming to his senses, he took steps to move out of his dilemma. He went to his father and he was reinstated. Take action regarding your career- make enquiries and act. Take action regarding your relationship, know what you really want and stop engaging in fruitless relationship. Take action regarding your finances, watch your reckless spending and make sure you can really differentiate between NEEDS and WANTS.
The hardest work is to go idle. ~Yiddish Proverb
I would normally pray before acting and it is important to commit your thoughts to God for direction at all times. One of the symptoms of spiritual dullness is lack of a solid prayer life. It doesn’t matter how smart you are, you will still need GOD. Why do we pray? We pray for spiritual empowerment, to receive divine helps and to secure mercy. And I have come to realise that prayer is much more than what we do, prayer is what we use. It is a spiritual weapon that is both defensive and offensive. But how can you pray to the God that you do not know personally, or a God that you keep hurting with your sins?
Make up your mind to get the best out of this very life that you have by confessing your sins to Jesus and accepting as your Lord and saviour. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am born again! Amen.
Shall we pray;
Lord, help me to make the most of my life. Amen
Personal Discipline: Your Way Forward!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Hardwork or Hardlife?!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
How to get the Job!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
But will it shock you to know that the word was never used in the entire bible (the King James Version) except as the name of a man. Does it mean God is not interest in us to be gainfully employed? Of course, He does! This post is dedicated to those who are believing God for gainful employment and I share with you the things that I practised immediately after my NYSC which God used to bless me with a choice job stress-free, connection free and highly fulfilling- allowing me to practise my profession as a Chartered Accountant! To God alone be the glory.
When purpose is not defined, abuse is inevitable
Your bible is a treasure pot and a bank containing precious promises your heavenly father has bequeath you but will never be your till you search it out. Don’t just keep your bible under your pillow for protection, it protects only when you know what it says about your protection.
I searched for over 15 scriptural promises on work. I discovered that man had a work to do before and after the fall in the garden of Eden and God himself works without sleeping. Jesus worked all day and prayed at night. I meditated and digested it and in lesser than 1 week after NYSC, I got my job. You too can. They are;
Genesis 2: 2: On the seventh day, having finished his task, God rested from all his work.
Genesis 2: 5:
Genesis 2: 15:
Genesis 3: 23:
Psalms 1: 1- 3:
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants;
day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither,
and in all they do, they prosper
Psalms 128 1-2:
all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How happy you will be! How rich your life!
Pray these prayer for anyone you know who is seeking for a good
Prayer Points;
1.Lord, you gave the first man (Adam) work to do when you made him, I am willing and able to work, bless me with a good job in Jesus name.
2.In Psalms 1, you said, whatever I do shall prosper, use the channel of a good job to prosper me this year in Jesus name.
3.I will eat the fruit of my labor in Jesus name.
To be continued… www.atolase.blogspot.com
Growing and Harvest Seasons of Life
Friday, February 6, 2009
Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)
So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
I should have finished this series last week but I got busy with some things-meetings, field audit and reading some interesting books. So, in order to quickly get done with this and talk about some other things which promises to be impactful, that's why I decided to combine the last two Seasons- Growing and Harvest Seasons of Life.
I'm just writing this with excitement and I know God has something positive in mind for the reader. Be expectant!
I also want to urge you to always drop a comment on your observations, thoughts or criticism after reading any post on this blog either by clicking on the 'Comment' link below this post or 'Contact Me' up there. It makes me know how much I connect to you.
Yes, growing and harvest seasons of our lives. Being the last in the series of Understanding of Times, let me attempt a very short recap of what we've discussed so far. We first discussed Planning and Planting Seasons of Life (you can scroll down to the previous posts). I want to share with you what to do after you have set your goals and have consciously started sowing seeds, there are certain things to do in order to experience your harvest. Just like no farmer plants and goes to sleep, so also you and I cannot just sow seeds or register for a school/ professional exam or start a relationship or start a business and then go to sleep. Those who do so do not get the required harvest, if they get any at all.
The scripture above says better is the end of a matter than the beginning. God is not just interested in you starting up something and then it giving up half way or not getting the full harvest. What are the things to do to get your desired harvest? They are in no way exhaustive but I've decided to summarize then below;
Diligence
Nothing WORKS until you WORK it. Many are simply complacent. They get contented with average living. They don't see any need to push further. Diligence is one of the most important attitude needed for growth. A child who is lazy to crawl or always wants to remain at the back of the mother may never walk. It is only the diligent hand that will bear rule. God's word says a man diligent in his business will stand before kings and not with mere men. The reason why you are moving around men with people of no repute or ordinary people is because you are not diligent! I told myself sometimes ago that I will not live an ordinary life and I gave myself up to give it all takes and the results are evident already. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. A lazy man has no future. Be consciously diligent!
Perseverance
Perseverance is another attitude needed for harvest. Diligence is hardwork but perseverance is dogged, persistent and relentless hardwork. It is a steady and continued action or belief, usually over a long period and especially despite difficulties or setbacks (Thesaurus). Every successful farmer must persevere in order to harvest. It means you keeping doing what you believe in spite of the obstacles. Even if what you planted have been uprooted, replant! Isaac dug a couple of wells and continued digging until he got to his Rehoboth. Many people keep too soon. If you've done all you know to do and you don't seem to see result, persevere- keep at it. It will speak at the end. Be tenacious!
Self discipline
When the harvest eventually comes, you need to be disciplined not to allow it to get into your head. Plenty can get into one's head. It may shock you to hear that the reason why God has not answered some people is because they will backslide if He gives them what they are praying for. God will not give you what will make Him lose you. Some people can just be very undisciplined with money- they buy at impulse, no budget, no investments, just buy what they want and not what they really need. I'm not against giving yourself a treat once in a while, but don't make God see you as a prodigal son because of what He has blessed you with. Be sensitive!
Re-sow part of the harvest
This is an interesting principle. Every fruit carries its seed within it. Orange has orange seed within it, guava, mango, yam…name it. If you decide to eat all your fruit, there will be nothing to sow again which implies no future harvest. Always plough back part of your harvest back to investment. It is crucial. Also, remember to give a tenth of it to God- this is known as tithing to acknowledge Him as the source. Don't eat all, be wise!
Give Thanks
We cannot overemphasize the need to give thanks to the God who made your seed to grow in the first place. Paul plants and Apollo waters but it is God that gives the increase. Always remember, there's a hand behind everything that is moving. Consciously remember to give Him thanks to preserve the blessings. In Malachi 2:1-2, God says that those who fail to give Him glory stand the risk of being cursed even with the blessings.
When last have you taken time to give Him quality thanks. Take some time out to sincerely thank Him for your life today.
Remember, maximize this one life you have to live. The world is waiting for what you have to offer!
You are blessed!
Labels: Diligence, Opportunities, Priorities, Purpose, Success, Times


