Showing posts with label Priorities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Priorities. Show all posts
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.
Control-Alt-Delete Yourself!
Monday, March 29, 2010
When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!
Luke 15:17 (NLT)
I stumbled on excerpts of an interview that Sam Worthington granted last week and I was fired up by what I read. Before you begin to wonder who this guy is, let me quickly help you. You must have had about the film called AVATAR. Yeah! He was the lead actor in the movie where he played Jake Sully.
So, what’s new? I am not really a movie person if I were to be one, I would have been part of the Avatar premiere in London last December. But the thrilling thing for me was that Sam Worthington, who is now 33 years, used to be a bricklayer and just about 3 years ago he used to live in his car. But he said he woke up one morning and looked at himself in a mirror and didn’t like what he saw and guess what he did- in his own words, I CONTROL+ALT+DELETE-d myself (that’s smashing!)
‘Control+Alt+Delete’ is a computer command that restarts the computer. Sam Worthington decided to restart his life.
How? He sold all he had from flat screen TV to the least of his personal belongings and used the proceeds to buy a ‘crappy car’. He took some books with him and a few clothes and then drove off….. the rest his history. Today, just 3 years later he scaled through the auditions for the lead actor role of the movie that has recorded gross revenue of over 2 billion dollars and has beaten all the records available in the movie industry history and even that of Titanic. Sam Worthington has won countess man of the year awards to date.
It is never late to be right- David Oyedepo
Bottom line
I don’t intend to analyse any criticism behind the Avatar movie but that you can restart from wherever you are and still make good of this one life that you’ve got.
On Aston Villa match days, I observe the way people troop across the street where I live and pay so much for parking spaces. I live about 5 minutes walk from Aston Villa stadium and I just wonder how passionate people can be at something that adds nothing to their living. Worse still when I flash back at my times back in Nigeria how people do all they can to watch football matches by their favourite clubs with generating set, Satellite subscription and all the inconveniences for the football madness that has gone global. If only people can be as passionate about their very lives as much as they do for other things.
Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. - Ronald Reagan
What to do;
Come to your senses
Like the prodigal son in the scripture above, he finally came to his senses. Although he had taken his part of the father’s inheritance, he decided to have a new start. Sam Worthington restarted as young as 29 years and in 3 years he hit it. How old are you now? It doesn’t matter how old you are-start afresh.
Move from decision to action
Many after reading this piece will just discard of it. I desire that you will not just make a decision to start pursuing your dream if you have lost it but that you will back it up with commensurate actions. Get those books. Get the skill, the qualification or certification and develop yourself.
Be Relentless
Keep on….Obstacles will come. Sam Worthington has many weaknesses- he has a blurred vision, he lost at the induction to become the next James Bond but in spite of his failures and limitations, he bounced back.
Friends, when you look at yourself in the mirror of life, what do you see? Do you see yourself living in the reality of your childhood dreams? If not, do something. Don’t lose that dream. Like the prodigal son, if you have strayed from your Heavenly father, reconnect with Him and He will receive you back and stop chasing after the wind.
Shall we pray;
Lord, help us to make the most of this one life that you have given us. Amen
Luke 15:17 (NLT)
I stumbled on excerpts of an interview that Sam Worthington granted last week and I was fired up by what I read. Before you begin to wonder who this guy is, let me quickly help you. You must have had about the film called AVATAR. Yeah! He was the lead actor in the movie where he played Jake Sully.
So, what’s new? I am not really a movie person if I were to be one, I would have been part of the Avatar premiere in London last December. But the thrilling thing for me was that Sam Worthington, who is now 33 years, used to be a bricklayer and just about 3 years ago he used to live in his car. But he said he woke up one morning and looked at himself in a mirror and didn’t like what he saw and guess what he did- in his own words, I CONTROL+ALT+DELETE-d myself (that’s smashing!)
‘Control+Alt+Delete’ is a computer command that restarts the computer. Sam Worthington decided to restart his life.
How? He sold all he had from flat screen TV to the least of his personal belongings and used the proceeds to buy a ‘crappy car’. He took some books with him and a few clothes and then drove off….. the rest his history. Today, just 3 years later he scaled through the auditions for the lead actor role of the movie that has recorded gross revenue of over 2 billion dollars and has beaten all the records available in the movie industry history and even that of Titanic. Sam Worthington has won countess man of the year awards to date.
It is never late to be right- David Oyedepo
Bottom line
I don’t intend to analyse any criticism behind the Avatar movie but that you can restart from wherever you are and still make good of this one life that you’ve got.
On Aston Villa match days, I observe the way people troop across the street where I live and pay so much for parking spaces. I live about 5 minutes walk from Aston Villa stadium and I just wonder how passionate people can be at something that adds nothing to their living. Worse still when I flash back at my times back in Nigeria how people do all they can to watch football matches by their favourite clubs with generating set, Satellite subscription and all the inconveniences for the football madness that has gone global. If only people can be as passionate about their very lives as much as they do for other things.
Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. - Ronald Reagan
What to do;
Come to your senses
Like the prodigal son in the scripture above, he finally came to his senses. Although he had taken his part of the father’s inheritance, he decided to have a new start. Sam Worthington restarted as young as 29 years and in 3 years he hit it. How old are you now? It doesn’t matter how old you are-start afresh.
Move from decision to action
Many after reading this piece will just discard of it. I desire that you will not just make a decision to start pursuing your dream if you have lost it but that you will back it up with commensurate actions. Get those books. Get the skill, the qualification or certification and develop yourself.
Be Relentless
Keep on….Obstacles will come. Sam Worthington has many weaknesses- he has a blurred vision, he lost at the induction to become the next James Bond but in spite of his failures and limitations, he bounced back.
Friends, when you look at yourself in the mirror of life, what do you see? Do you see yourself living in the reality of your childhood dreams? If not, do something. Don’t lose that dream. Like the prodigal son, if you have strayed from your Heavenly father, reconnect with Him and He will receive you back and stop chasing after the wind.
Shall we pray;
Lord, help us to make the most of this one life that you have given us. Amen
Closing Stock
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.Psalms 65:11 (NLT)
Today is the first day of the last month in 2009. Companies generally take their closing stock in December and this closing stock influences the profit figures for the year. For you to arrive at your profit figures for 2009, you need to start taking your closing stock from now.
The worst moment for an atheist is when he feels grateful and has no one to thank. - Wendy Ward
To say that we have no reason to be grateful to God is not just to be short-sighted but to be an ingrate.
Not that there were no challenges in the year but that we are able to withstand the same that wept others under.
Not that we are already where we are going but that we are not where we used to be;
Not that we didn’t lose anything in the course of the year, but that we didn’t lose everything;
Not that we know what tomorrow will be but that we know He who holds tomorrow;
Not that we don’t have needs but that we are even in our right minds to know what we need;
Not that we already have who to marry but that we are even marriageable;
Not that we have a job but that we are employable;
Not that we have a car but that our legs have not been amputated;
Not that we have the latest designer clothes, but that we know how to cover ourselves;
Not that we know how to celebrate this Christmas but that we know without you there wouldn’t have been any Christmas. You are the reason for the season.
I can go on and on… the list is endless, but I will allow you to think of what to add to your list of thanksgiving. The truth is that if you can think well, you’ll thank well.
Though I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes. - Oprah Winfrey
Personally, this year has been a great year in many ways. It has not only been that of the greatest challenges I have ever witnessed but it has also been a year of the greatest victories I have ever known. I have witnessed tremendous landmark changes that will influence many generations to come.
A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves. - Henry Ward Beecher
I woke up early this morning trying to mutter the lyrics of a hymn, the lyrics of the song has inspired me to write this note to stir you to look at your life and still give thanks from January 2009 to date. I don’t know many things but I know thanksgiving will always set you up to receive more. Give thanks to God for what He has done already and then you will commit Him to do even more before the end of the year. Let the stock taking begin!
Count Your Blessings
Words by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1897)
Music by Edwin O. Excell (1897)
(Verse 1)
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
(Chorus)
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!
(Verse 2)
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
(Verse 3)
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
(Verse 4)
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Shall we pray;
Lord, help us to shift our focus from the things you’ve not done to the things you’ve done in 2009. Amen
Today is the first day of the last month in 2009. Companies generally take their closing stock in December and this closing stock influences the profit figures for the year. For you to arrive at your profit figures for 2009, you need to start taking your closing stock from now.
The worst moment for an atheist is when he feels grateful and has no one to thank. - Wendy Ward
To say that we have no reason to be grateful to God is not just to be short-sighted but to be an ingrate.
Not that there were no challenges in the year but that we are able to withstand the same that wept others under.
Not that we are already where we are going but that we are not where we used to be;
Not that we didn’t lose anything in the course of the year, but that we didn’t lose everything;
Not that we know what tomorrow will be but that we know He who holds tomorrow;
Not that we don’t have needs but that we are even in our right minds to know what we need;
Not that we already have who to marry but that we are even marriageable;
Not that we have a job but that we are employable;
Not that we have a car but that our legs have not been amputated;
Not that we have the latest designer clothes, but that we know how to cover ourselves;
Not that we know how to celebrate this Christmas but that we know without you there wouldn’t have been any Christmas. You are the reason for the season.
I can go on and on… the list is endless, but I will allow you to think of what to add to your list of thanksgiving. The truth is that if you can think well, you’ll thank well.
Though I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes. - Oprah Winfrey
Personally, this year has been a great year in many ways. It has not only been that of the greatest challenges I have ever witnessed but it has also been a year of the greatest victories I have ever known. I have witnessed tremendous landmark changes that will influence many generations to come.
A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves. - Henry Ward Beecher
I woke up early this morning trying to mutter the lyrics of a hymn, the lyrics of the song has inspired me to write this note to stir you to look at your life and still give thanks from January 2009 to date. I don’t know many things but I know thanksgiving will always set you up to receive more. Give thanks to God for what He has done already and then you will commit Him to do even more before the end of the year. Let the stock taking begin!
Count Your Blessings
Words by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1897)
Music by Edwin O. Excell (1897)
(Verse 1)
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
(Chorus)
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!
(Verse 2)
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
(Verse 3)
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
(Verse 4)
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Shall we pray;
Lord, help us to shift our focus from the things you’ve not done to the things you’ve done in 2009. Amen
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.
With less than 90 days to go in 2009, have you given up and folded up your hands just waiting for the year to end because you think there’s nothing more to do this year or you’re just fed up of trying, the open secret is that the challenges you are facing are your size and if you couldn’t handle them, God would not have allowed then in the first instance. My friend, it’s your size, Wake up!
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)
Wikipedia defines idleness not just as a state of doing nothing but that an idle person is one who spends his days doing nothing of relative importance and could be said to be "idly passing his days."
Let me put some questions to you;
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?
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?
Remember, when this year began you had dreams and hopes. You were very determined to give it all it would take you to prove a point to people around you and to yourself that you could do more with your life. You were full of passion and zest to pursue your dreams. But somewhere along the way because of the pressures from all sides and the time running out, you seem to be cowardly giving up to fate. Now, you sleep more, engage in things of less relative importance and you are simply idle- passing your days.
Hunger is not the worst feature of unemployment; idleness is. ~William E. Barrett
I know you have a job and you go to work very early and come back late at night but you know that what you do between the working hours are not really of relative importance to where you want to be. You are just engaged in activity without productivity or motion without promotion. I understand.
I know you’ve been unemployed for some time but has your state of unemployment made you resort to sleeping and idleness has an escape route? I may not know many things but I know a man who loves sleep will become very poor. Hard, but true!
I know you have the excuse of the failing state of things in the country but it is not enough reason to crew up because you only have just this one life to live and you cannot afford to waste it. Wake up!
National Sleep Foundation, a non-profit organisation claims that the average 7 hours sleep that average Americans get is not enough but some scientists have proved that the lesser the sleep, the longer one is likely to live. And it is no longer news that if you sleep 8 hours a day which represents one-third of 24hours a day, by the time you are 75 years, you must have slept for one-third of your life which equates 25years of sleep! Are you practising how to die?
Indolence is the sleep of the mind. - Luc de Clapier de Vauvanargues
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!
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!
TAP (Think-Act-Pray);
Wake up from your sleep,
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
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
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
PRAY
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.
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.
Benjamin Franklin has said, “ Idleness is the Dead Sea that swallows all virtues”
Shall we pray;
Lord, help me to make the most of my life. Amen
Shall we pray;
Lord, help me to make the most of my life. Amen
WANTED: God-fearing Men!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 10:12 (NLT)
I must have written about 7 articles within the last 7 days on varying topics as inspired but I don’t think you would have read any of them because I never penned them down. I wrote them all in my imagination. Sorry about that. However, I have decided to pen this down today because of its urgency of the Master to pass this across.
‘Are there still God-fearing men?’ is the question on the lips of most people today especially the single ladies. Admittedly, we all are exposed to situations, scenarios, temptations and circumstances on a daily basis that requires us to make life-impacting and accurate decisions that will not only affect the present but posterity.
A life lived with integrity - even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune is a shinning star in whose light others may follow in the years to come. - Denis Waitley
If you ask an average lady about the kind of man they desire, I want a “God-fearing man” has almost become a chorus or better still a common attribute that suggests loyalty and faithfulness, which is every lady’s dream. (Can I get a witness from the ladies…… Amen!) But have the ladies ever wondered that this attribute does not really seem to attract men to the ladies (well that’s a topic for another day, please don’t ask me why)
Stunning Stats
• About 51 percent of children in schools come from homes without fathers;• Every 60 seconds, seven people contract AIDS;
• Homosexuals and Lesbians are agitating for the right to legally adopt children;
• About 57 percent of Christian marriages end in divorce;
• At least 1 out of every 10 girls have been abused sexually by parents, teachers, guardians trusted friends, cousins or siblings before their 21st birthday.
I could go on and on but the truth is that our actions today or tomorrow have untold effect on everyone around us and the above statistics boils down to our erosion of personal values, morale, ethics and of course the fear of God.
X-raying the scriptures, I found out that God will never appoint a man to leadership position without passing the test called ‘Fear of God’. From Moses, Joseph, David, Solomon, Daniel to Paul and the first seven deacons in the early Apostolic church. They all did exploits but not without showing a strong reverence for God, sense of honesty, integrity and the fear of God. Please note: They weren’t perfect but they displayed a strong reverence and love for Jehovah.
Do you qualify?
God is all out today searching for men who can be trusted with riches to better humanity, men who can be used to showcase how awesome God is, men who will lead our nations and show to the world the stuff God can do but among other things, the FEAR OF GOD is a key requirement.
You are in integrity when the life you are living on the outside matches who you are on the inside. - Alan Cohen
If there was any man that could boldly say he is God fearing, then Joseph qualifies by all standards. Why? First, he refused bluntly to commit sexual sins with his master’s wife even when he was in a strange land far from home, which is not the case with most guys outside the country today. For Joseph, it didn’t really matter whether his boss was there or not, God is the factor. He said, “How then can I do this wicked thing and sin against God. Genesis 39:9.
Second, he eventually met with his brothers who had sold him to slavery initially, but instead of staging a revenge battle like most of us would have done, He even consoled his brothers with these words, “But don’t be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it. He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.”
Fear of God doesn’t mean being afraid of God as it were. Why? Because God has not given us the Spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7. The fear of God simply means holy reverence for God or simply to honour God and asking the most important question, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? The reason why many live carelessly is because they do not reverence God. Jethro, Moses’ father-in law gave the basic requirements for attaining any leadership position in Exodus 18: 21(NLT) and the fear of God still featured prominently, he said, “But find some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as judges over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.
What to do-Now listen to what the Spirit is saying to the 21st century upwardly mobile guys who have turned themselves to heart-breakers instead of performing earth-breaking and ground-breaking feat for God. Look at your life, can it be said of you that you fear God. Remember, I can deceive man but not God. You can put up a ‘holier-than-thou’ look before men but not before God.
Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not. - Oprah Winfrey
1. Make a decision to allow Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life. A life without CHRIST will be full of CRISIS.
2. Be sensitive and don’t play with sin because it will burn you. Flee temptations.
3. Be quick to dust yourself and rise up again even when you fall. God searches the heart. 1 John 2:1
I challenge every man gunning for the top to look at their lives, career, relationship and finance to address the little foxes that spoil the vine. Joseph would have died a slave in his master’s house but for the fear of God. Many young destinies are still being sacrificed on Delilah’s laps all over the world and they become grounded and limited only patching through life for mere existence.
The wisest human King that ever lived, King Solomon says “Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12: 13- 14 (NLT)
Shall we pray:
Lord, give me the grace to fear you in all that I do in order to attain the heights destined for me. Amen.
Hardwork or Hardlife?!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Go to work in the morning and stick to it until evening without watching the clock. You never know from moment to moment how your work will turn out in the end
Ecclesiastes 11:6 (TM)
I am privileged to have all kinds of fathers, from professional, spiritual to of course, biological. I spent the last Fathers’ Day celebration to call and send gifts to all of them and they all poured out blessings on me. But when I called one of my professional fathers who is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and was recently promoted to the post of a Permanent Secretary, after praying for me, he said Emma, work hard o!
Of course, this fatherly counsel is not new but it hit me this time like thunder strike that I had to pause a bit but when I recovered from the strike in a few seconds, I whispered “I will try more sir.”
When I hung up, I pondered on what he told me particularly because he has risen through the ranks to the peak of his career.When does hard work becomes hard enough? Am I not hard working enough? What new grounds can I break? The question kept coming which eventually led to what the very words of Christ says in John 5: 17.. "My Father has never stopped working, and that is why I keep on working."
God does not like idleness! In fact, God showed us how important it is to Him from the very beginning such that he gave Adam a work to do before He gave him a wife.
It is an error for a man to get married without a work.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we should become workaholics but we should work up to the point that work knows we are working it. Many give up too soon. There is no place for the lazy in the world.
As a matter of truth, the lazy person weighs equally as a great waster. Why? Because a lazy man will never fully develop the latent potentials that God has bestowed upon him thereby wasting it. Proverbs 18: 9 puts it this way, “A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things”
Your guaranteed way out of Hardlife is Hardwork.
I try to read a chapter of the book of proverbs per day because it has 31 chapters which goes for the numbers of days in a typical month. Proverb shares so much about the end of the lazy.
Friends, I know you are putting in all your effort. But the truth is that we can do even more. Someone once said the difference between extra-ordinary and ordinary is just the prefix, extra. To be outstanding, we need to do more. So challenge yourself to diligence in adding value to the life of others (this is the greatest of work). As a matter of fact, any work you claim to do that does not make a direct effect on advancing the life of others is not worth doing.But we should also remember to ask for God’s favour on our labour to produce.
Things to note about work
- It is not a curse. Man had work before his fall in Eden
- It is one of the major channels through which God blesses us. (Psalms 1: 3…and whatever he DOES shall prosper)
- It is one of the ways by which our value on earth is measured. We mostly introduce ourselves to others by what we do.
Check out what Proverbs 6: 6- 11(TM)
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!
Even if you've not gotten what you love to do, do what you have now and then what you love will come. By all means avoid idleness.
Whatever your hands find to do....... do it with all your might.
Shall we pray;
Lord, cause your favor to rest on our labour to bring forth fruitful flavors. Amen
Spot the Difference!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Not that we [have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.
2 Corinthians 10:12 (AMP)
Growing up, I remember always trying to search for the SPOT THE DIFFERENCE column on the pages of magazines and some newspapers where the identical pictures of two sketches or pieces of art are given and readers would be asked to spot the difference by circling the areas and returning by post the answers. I must have spotted many differences but can’t really remember ever sending any by post (since there was no email at that time). May be I would have tried if it were to be by email…
What I intend sharing briefly with you is the foolish “spot the difference” adventures that we at times engage in as individuals which does no good to us than to leave us worse than it met us, leading to jealousy, envy, strife and if not well tamed makes us blame God for everything because it blind-folds us from seeing anything good that God has done in our lives.
When was the last time you wished you were born into a more influential family? Well, we all were not given the opportunity to choose that. If God did, I wonder who will come from impoverished homes!
Whatever form of comparison you may be involved in will be mere folly because there should be no reason why you should want to compare yourself with others. An understanding of you being a creature made in the image and the likeness of God- the creator is enough to make you stand tall in life.
But as crippling and subtle this venture is, we allow it to lord it over our lives and secretly envy others and questioning God and asking the most horrible question of WHY ME?
But as crippling and subtle this venture is, we allow it to lord it over our lives and secretly envy others and questioning God and asking the most horrible question of WHY ME?
Reasons for Comparison
Inferiority Complex
Inferiority Complex
It is an overdeveloped sense of being inferior to other people. In extreme cases it can manifest itself in either withdrawn or aggressive social behavior. Many compare themselves with others just because they feel others are more human than themselves. Come to think of it, no human has two heads. Only monsters do. No man can sleep in two rooms at a time, no matter the mansion.
There is no less human, we are all humans.
So friend, never feel inferior to anyone. See what went into your creation and how important you are to God; King David says
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb.
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out,
You know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Psalms 139:13 -15 (TM)
Lack of Defined Purpose for Living
Lack of Defined Purpose for Living
When purpose is undefined abuse is inevitable. This is another reason why many want to be like another person. It is because they lack the purpose for living or have not well defined their very reason for existence. Those who are so engrossed in fulfilling their God-given purpose have no time for comparison.
If you live like a photocopy, who will live your original?
To save yourself from this comparison syndrome, get busy fulfilling your God purpose and you won’t even notice others who are busy living their dreams. Like the saying that the idle mind is the devil workshop, many are busy analyzing others’ wealth that they are not thinking of their own very life. Have a defined goal for living and get busy pursuing it!
Failure to count your blessings
Yeah, if you fail to count your blessings, the devil will give you something else to count. There is the song I always loved to sing in primary school with all the excitement and vigor because I know we only sing the song when we are about to take lunch. The song in Songs Of Praise (SOP) says,
Some have food, but cannot eat,
Some can eat, but have no food,
We have food and we can eat,
Glory be to thee Oh Lord. (And afterwards, we’ll then say Aunty come and eat….lol)
Failure to count your blessings
Yeah, if you fail to count your blessings, the devil will give you something else to count. There is the song I always loved to sing in primary school with all the excitement and vigor because I know we only sing the song when we are about to take lunch. The song in Songs Of Praise (SOP) says,
Some have food, but cannot eat,
Some can eat, but have no food,
We have food and we can eat,
Glory be to thee Oh Lord. (And afterwards, we’ll then say Aunty come and eat….lol)
This is a soothing reminder for me. We still need to appreciate God no matter what we are faced with because it could have been worse.
If you have lost ANYTHING, God is the reason why you’ve not lost EVERYTHING!
That is why blaming God for our present state is the most unwise thing to do. If you think you have no shoes, how about those who don’t have legs?
Wait a minute, if God forsakes you, who will you run to? But thanks be to God that He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Everything you are going through are actually fitting to plan and it’s all for your own good. If God never sleeps nor slumber, then He must be busy working things out for my good. Don’t you thing so?
When next you see someone who seems to already have what you desire, rejoice with them and quickly assure yourself that, Mine is on the way.
Wait a minute, if God forsakes you, who will you run to? But thanks be to God that He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Everything you are going through are actually fitting to plan and it’s all for your own good. If God never sleeps nor slumber, then He must be busy working things out for my good. Don’t you thing so?
When next you see someone who seems to already have what you desire, rejoice with them and quickly assure yourself that, Mine is on the way.
Count your blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!
Shall we pray
Lord, open our eyes to spot the difference between where are coming from and where we are now and the assurance of where you are taking us to, rather than engage in the folly of comparison with others. Amen
Lord, open our eyes to spot the difference between where are coming from and where we are now and the assurance of where you are taking us to, rather than engage in the folly of comparison with others. Amen
Keep STANDING!!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
O Lord, why do you stand so far away?
Why do you hide when I need you the most?
Psalms 10:1 (NLT)
Why do you hide when I need you the most?
Psalms 10:1 (NLT)
I receive mails, text on my mobile, IMs and talk with all kinds of people everyday especially those to whom I have a special passion for- the Jobseekers. I share in their pains, stress, frustrations, down moments, desperation and the deplorable situations they go through from not being able to live their dreams to even not being able to meet their basic needs. It’s really hard for some, I must confess.
Some tell me they apply to all the available vacancies and have never been called up for once. At the other extreme, those who have been called up for aptitudes and interviews are yet to know their fate even when it seems as if they did well but their good performance have not culminated in the delivery of the much needed job.
Although, I may not be able to fully explain my passion and love for these job seekers but one of the most important things that can happen to me on a typical day is to spend time to encourage them, rekindle their dwindling hope in themselves and their dreams, point them to their Creator and His love for them and bless them spiritually and financially.
Although, I may not be able to fully explain my passion and love for these job seekers but one of the most important things that can happen to me on a typical day is to spend time to encourage them, rekindle their dwindling hope in themselves and their dreams, point them to their Creator and His love for them and bless them spiritually and financially.
The above scripture however, does not only paint the picture of a job seeker with many unfruitful attempts to secure a job but to anyone who has tried all known avenues to get something done. David was in a similar situation. It seemed as if God no longer answers prayers or better still, prayer is gradually becoming unfashionable as it looks like an exercise in futility.
Friend, God’s ears are not deaf, He is nearer to you than the very clothes you put on. But the reason why you need to go through all that you are experiencing is to fortify you and make you to be able to face any other thing that may come. This is the way James puts it;
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. James 1: 2- 4
To me, this means that what God is aiming at is for you to be strong in character and ready for even greater challenges that may come in the future. God means good for you so you must see it as an opportunity for joy. Something to laugh about! Just like a student that will never get promoted without writing an exam, you and I will need to sit and pass the faith test before we can move to the next level.
But why? The reason is simple. There are certain level of blessings or favor that will cause you to lose faith or backslide simply because it will be too much for you so God needs to work on your character before giving you what you can handle. For instance, if God gives some people their dream job, they’ll stop attending church services using the same job as an excuse. For others, the reason why they still pay their tithe now is because their tithe is in hundreds and reasonable (even others are not faithful in tithing the little they have). So when God blesses them with greater, tithing becomes a big challenge to them because their responsibilities will suddenly increase and simply say “God understands”.
To me, this means that what God is aiming at is for you to be strong in character and ready for even greater challenges that may come in the future. God means good for you so you must see it as an opportunity for joy. Something to laugh about! Just like a student that will never get promoted without writing an exam, you and I will need to sit and pass the faith test before we can move to the next level.
But why? The reason is simple. There are certain level of blessings or favor that will cause you to lose faith or backslide simply because it will be too much for you so God needs to work on your character before giving you what you can handle. For instance, if God gives some people their dream job, they’ll stop attending church services using the same job as an excuse. For others, the reason why they still pay their tithe now is because their tithe is in hundreds and reasonable (even others are not faithful in tithing the little they have). So when God blesses them with greater, tithing becomes a big challenge to them because their responsibilities will suddenly increase and simply say “God understands”.
So what do you do when God seems far?
Never pity yourself.
What many people do is to sit down to analyze their perils and start casting aspersions or blame their parents, spouse, the government, or even God. And burst into tears uncontrollably. This act of pity-partying and blame-game can lead to frustration or depression. But never do this. We are told to see the situations we’re faced with as an opportunity for joy. It is a sign that you have something precious inside of you that is being envied by the devil. Laugh it off!
Never pity yourself.
What many people do is to sit down to analyze their perils and start casting aspersions or blame their parents, spouse, the government, or even God. And burst into tears uncontrollably. This act of pity-partying and blame-game can lead to frustration or depression. But never do this. We are told to see the situations we’re faced with as an opportunity for joy. It is a sign that you have something precious inside of you that is being envied by the devil. Laugh it off!
Judge God faithful.
Whatever you’re faced with is coming to you because God knows you have what it takes to handle it. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 has changed my life forever. It reads; But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.
So, you must always remember 3 things;
1. What you’re faced with is common.
2. Judge God faithful and
3. IT’S YOUR SIZE!
Keep standing.
A soldier standing at attention is not bothered whatever happens around him. The reason why I used the cover photo of standing soldier is because that is the position we ought to take because we are to see ourselves as in a battle front. Read this; Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Ephesians 6:13-14(NLT).
To keep standing, you must put on the belt of truth which is Jesus (He says, I am the way, the TRUTH and life). Hence, Jesus the Word of God- the bible is the belt of truth. Guard yourself with it. Study it so well that you know what it says in all circumstances. Ask yourself, What would Jesus Do (WWJD)? If Jesus was in the same situation, would He screw up and burst into tears or speak straight to the storm or problem. Study the Word and put it to work.
Shall we pray:
Lord, give me the grace not to fall but to keep standing in spite of my circumstances in Jesus name. Amen.
Whatever you’re faced with is coming to you because God knows you have what it takes to handle it. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 has changed my life forever. It reads; But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.
So, you must always remember 3 things;
1. What you’re faced with is common.
2. Judge God faithful and
3. IT’S YOUR SIZE!
Keep standing.
A soldier standing at attention is not bothered whatever happens around him. The reason why I used the cover photo of standing soldier is because that is the position we ought to take because we are to see ourselves as in a battle front. Read this; Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Ephesians 6:13-14(NLT).
To keep standing, you must put on the belt of truth which is Jesus (He says, I am the way, the TRUTH and life). Hence, Jesus the Word of God- the bible is the belt of truth. Guard yourself with it. Study it so well that you know what it says in all circumstances. Ask yourself, What would Jesus Do (WWJD)? If Jesus was in the same situation, would He screw up and burst into tears or speak straight to the storm or problem. Study the Word and put it to work.
Shall we pray:
Lord, give me the grace not to fall but to keep standing in spite of my circumstances in Jesus name. Amen.
We forget!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I recently observed a friend taking the marriage vow to live with his wife till death do them part. And as if that was not enough, we all danced to a table where they both signed the dotted line with parents from both families to show the seriousness of their decision and vows.
Although, this was not my first time of observing the scenario but it got me thinking and started meditating or how grave the decision we make when we tie the knots with our soul mate to spend the rest of our lives forever. But I quickly woke up from my “thought- travel” to join in the remaining of the celebration and I really enjoyed myself.
I am presently reading two books by T. D Jakes Life Overflowing and his latest title Before You Do. He was trying to give a fatherly advice in the latter book like He did for His first daughter who was getting married but He also talked on the stunning rate of divorce between Christian marriages and unbelievers which is almost at par.
Trying to marry my earlier experience at my friend’s wedding with this revealing truth in the book, I was face-to-face with the question of: What makes people forget the sacred marriage vow that we make before God and a congregation of witnesses and then still file for divorce? Was it that they became disappointed in their ‘choice’ spouse overtime or that the burning love that made them take their once so-called Angel on dates and sight- seeing has dwindled? The questions kept coming and on and on.
As usual I began consulting with the Word of God to get some clarifications because I believe that the bible is the final authority on all issues of life.
We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God. - Dwight L. Moody
I have not really searched for long before He began opening my eyes to fact that what we forget is not just the marriage vows but we forget the key values, confessions, truth and hope in God that has been responsible for taking us to our present position and place in life. God kept emphazing this to His people in all of scriptures to remember the key things that has brought them to where they are. For instance, David recounted where He was bringing Him from ;
He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
Psalms 78:70-72(KJV)
David was undoubtedly one of Israel’s greatest king, but God took Him from following sheep to feed God’s people. To me, if we all keep to mind where God is bringing us from, we will never misbehave and see the position and power that God gives us as a privilege and a product of God’s grace.
Men are men; the best sometimes forget. - William Shakespeare
THINGS NOT TO FORGET
I write this title as I reflect on the theme of ‘Thanksgiving’. Can we really thank God enough? The reason why we don’t give thanks is simply because we forget. What do you have that you were not given?
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1- 5 (KJV)
1. That He forgave your sins;
We all know the mess we were in before Christ saved us. He did not just save us from our sins but has promised us eternal life. This is one of the things not to forget. Never forget to thank God sincerely for saving you. He saved us while we were yet sinners. He redeemed us from the path of destruction and set our feet on the rock to stand. Never forget!
2. That He healed you;
Many have been through deadly sicknesses and diseases from which God healed them. The same sickness that others died from, is the same you and I have been through and have been delivered by Jehovah Rapha. He didn’t have to heal you, He just did it for His love and for His name sake. What many pay huge amount for, Christ paid it all on the Cross. Never forget that!
3. That He satisfies your mouth;
There were times you wished you had some things cars, apartment, wife, husband, children and other things. But did you notice some of those things no longer form your prayer request list. God has simply satisfied your desires. Yes, but you still have needs? Giving Him thanks for the ones He has done qualifies you to get more. He has indeed been faithful over the years. The list continues…
Only Those who know how to THINK know how to THANK.
Please, take some time out to recount God’s goodness in your life. See the things that you have and not the things you don’t. And you will know that you are indebted to God. Count your blessings name them one by one.
Also, let this heart of thanksgiving help you never to look down on anyone because situation and circumstances change. Remember, there were some you used to look forward to in the past but God has enabled you to go beyond where they have attained. Our heart of thanksgiving to God should help us to humble our self so that God will lift us in due time.
Never forget you are but clay made in the image of God.
10 Commandments of Living in Recession Pt.2
Friday, May 15, 2009
The first 5 Commandments are;
#1 FEAR NOT
#2 BORROW NOT
#3 BE LED BY THE SPIRIT FOR ALL DECISIONS
#4 BE HOPEFUL
#5 BE MORE COMMITTED IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
#1 FEAR NOT
#2 BORROW NOT
#3 BE LED BY THE SPIRIT FOR ALL DECISIONS
#4 BE HOPEFUL
#5 BE MORE COMMITTED IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
The last 5 Commandments are as follows;
#6 BE A KINGDOM INVESTOR
This simply means promoting the course of God’s kingdom through your giving. It is true that there is recession but that should NOT stop our tithing, for instance. A tithe is ten percent of your income given to God, acknowledging Him as your source. Please note that, in spite of the famine, Elijah told the woman to give him food first before considering her son and even herself. This ordinarily may look mean but that’s the way to keep the flow of blessing. Seek first the kingdom of God. Invest in any course to promote the gospel even at this time and you’ll flourish even in recession. Remember, Christ says we should lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven. It works!
This simply means promoting the course of God’s kingdom through your giving. It is true that there is recession but that should NOT stop our tithing, for instance. A tithe is ten percent of your income given to God, acknowledging Him as your source. Please note that, in spite of the famine, Elijah told the woman to give him food first before considering her son and even herself. This ordinarily may look mean but that’s the way to keep the flow of blessing. Seek first the kingdom of God. Invest in any course to promote the gospel even at this time and you’ll flourish even in recession. Remember, Christ says we should lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven. It works!
God’s commandment is to be obeyed as commanded and not and convenient!
#7 BE CREATIVE
To be creative means to be innovative or to be able to seek ways of solving old problems with new approaches. Crises usually make people more creative. When old ways are still working well, then people may fold their hands, but when they cease to work, then people look for improvement or better ways of meeting their needs. Have you lost your job due to recession? Look within for what you can do for yourself. Most of today’s invention came when people looked within and have a strong desire to solve problems. To me this means there are untapped solutions within us if we can only search with. Try out something new and different from the norm. It’s in you!
Remember, necessity is the mother of invention
To be creative means to be innovative or to be able to seek ways of solving old problems with new approaches. Crises usually make people more creative. When old ways are still working well, then people may fold their hands, but when they cease to work, then people look for improvement or better ways of meeting their needs. Have you lost your job due to recession? Look within for what you can do for yourself. Most of today’s invention came when people looked within and have a strong desire to solve problems. To me this means there are untapped solutions within us if we can only search with. Try out something new and different from the norm. It’s in you!
Remember, necessity is the mother of invention
#8 BE VISIONARY
A vision is having a PICTURE of your FUTURE through the SCRIPTURE. To be visionary means to be able to see yourself from God’s perspective through His word and consciously taking calculative steps towards living in the reality of the future He has for you. He asks Jeremiah when He called him, WHAT DO YOU SEE? God will only bring to pass what we can see. For Abraham, God told him, as far as your eyes can see- this is about vision. But for vision to be meaningful, you must first discover your purpose (your God-given assignment and your very reason for living). Then, catching the glimpse of it in light with the Word of God (that is what is called Vision). You need to see beyond the recession to live above it. What can you see? Don’t be caught suffering from HIV- Having Insufficient Vision.
What You See is What You Get (WYSIWG)
A vision is having a PICTURE of your FUTURE through the SCRIPTURE. To be visionary means to be able to see yourself from God’s perspective through His word and consciously taking calculative steps towards living in the reality of the future He has for you. He asks Jeremiah when He called him, WHAT DO YOU SEE? God will only bring to pass what we can see. For Abraham, God told him, as far as your eyes can see- this is about vision. But for vision to be meaningful, you must first discover your purpose (your God-given assignment and your very reason for living). Then, catching the glimpse of it in light with the Word of God (that is what is called Vision). You need to see beyond the recession to live above it. What can you see? Don’t be caught suffering from HIV- Having Insufficient Vision.
What You See is What You Get (WYSIWG)
#9 BE PRUDENT
It is an obvious fact that above every other thing, one thing to do now is to spend wisely. To be prudent means to have a good sense in dealing with practical matters or to be careful in managing resources so as to provide for the future. This is not best of time to spend on impulse or buy what you want especially at the expense of needs. Needs like food, clothing, shelter and other immediate family needs are to be given full preference above any other thing. But this will also be no excuse not to save. One of my mentors said not matter what you earn save at least 20% of it. It might be hard but it is possible. You can live on the remaining 70% (after 20% savings and 10% tithe). What I do personally is to assume as if my original earning is the 70%.
It is not SAFE not to SAVE!
It is an obvious fact that above every other thing, one thing to do now is to spend wisely. To be prudent means to have a good sense in dealing with practical matters or to be careful in managing resources so as to provide for the future. This is not best of time to spend on impulse or buy what you want especially at the expense of needs. Needs like food, clothing, shelter and other immediate family needs are to be given full preference above any other thing. But this will also be no excuse not to save. One of my mentors said not matter what you earn save at least 20% of it. It might be hard but it is possible. You can live on the remaining 70% (after 20% savings and 10% tithe). What I do personally is to assume as if my original earning is the 70%.
It is not SAFE not to SAVE!
#10 STILL GIVE THANKS
Thanksgiving is not an option for believers, it is a commandment. God word says “Oh, Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercies endures forever.” Thanksgiving can be pre or post. Pre is giving of thanks before God does what you’ve asked for. This is also called Sacrifice of Praise. It is a sacrifice because it will cost you to give up your concerns to do it. There’s nothing visibly present to show but you still choose to give thanks. It may be easy to give thanks when our promises are delivered (which is the Post). But God wants us to offer the sacrifice of praise with our lips. Always praise Him whether things are working or not.
And we know that all things are FITTING TO PLAN for them that love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8: 28(AMP)
Thanksgiving is not an option for believers, it is a commandment. God word says “Oh, Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercies endures forever.” Thanksgiving can be pre or post. Pre is giving of thanks before God does what you’ve asked for. This is also called Sacrifice of Praise. It is a sacrifice because it will cost you to give up your concerns to do it. There’s nothing visibly present to show but you still choose to give thanks. It may be easy to give thanks when our promises are delivered (which is the Post). But God wants us to offer the sacrifice of praise with our lips. Always praise Him whether things are working or not.
And we know that all things are FITTING TO PLAN for them that love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8: 28(AMP)
God is faithful!
When you don’t know what to do!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.) Jehoshaphat was alarmed by this news and sought the Lord for guidance. He also gave orders that everyone throughout Judah should observe a fast. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord.
“And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”
2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 10-12 (NLT)
“And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”
2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 10-12 (NLT)
I am very convinced that many people in the world today are in a state where they just don’t know what to do again. After losing millions of dollars to the stock market as well as the dwindling oil prices and billionaires have opted for the suicide option. Many low-income earners whose only hope is their means of livelihood, which is, their job have lost it and have become entirely dependent on the aid given by the government which is nothing but adequate if it comes at all.
You have tried every means possible- friends, relations, contacts, connections to help you pay certain bills, surety you for some facility, give you some little cushion till you find something tangible doing and on and on but it seems as if the more you try the farther the help and opportunities are.
I have got some good news from the Lord for you that THERE IS STILL AWAY OUT!
I have got some good news from the Lord for you that THERE IS STILL AWAY OUT!
Please note: I am not a motivational speaker or some public speaker seeking to cajole you or to stir you up for nothing. I speak only what He inspires me to say without exaggeration. I believe strongly that God has an answer to every life’s challenge and He is not an irresponsible father who will watch His children suffer without meeting their needs. Or what do you think?
The scripture above tells the story of a similar condition to what the world is facing at the moment. Three great nations, densely populated and with highly sophisticated army came to war with tiny Judah! It was obvious that these nations had all it takes to wipe out Judah. But could you believe that God still fathomed a way out to help Judah to overcome this battle? That’s why I am very convinced that “no matter the matter” that you are faced with, there is always a way out! Your own armies may be JOBLESSNESS, RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS AND POVERTY and like Jehoshaphat, you don’t seem to know what to do and you are almost throwing in the towel. Here is what to do when you don’t know what to do! They are things that look too simple to be true but you know the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisest of men’s idea.
What to do:
Encourage yourself
Does that shock you? Well, it is the first thing you need to do to be free from those hydra-headed circumstances steering at you in the face. Most people continue to be depressed just because they are looking for others to pity them or say some sweet words and if they don’t get it, they carry long faces or break down in tears.
The scripture above tells the story of a similar condition to what the world is facing at the moment. Three great nations, densely populated and with highly sophisticated army came to war with tiny Judah! It was obvious that these nations had all it takes to wipe out Judah. But could you believe that God still fathomed a way out to help Judah to overcome this battle? That’s why I am very convinced that “no matter the matter” that you are faced with, there is always a way out! Your own armies may be JOBLESSNESS, RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS AND POVERTY and like Jehoshaphat, you don’t seem to know what to do and you are almost throwing in the towel. Here is what to do when you don’t know what to do! They are things that look too simple to be true but you know the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisest of men’s idea.
What to do:
Encourage yourself
Does that shock you? Well, it is the first thing you need to do to be free from those hydra-headed circumstances steering at you in the face. Most people continue to be depressed just because they are looking for others to pity them or say some sweet words and if they don’t get it, they carry long faces or break down in tears.
Carrying a LONG face will only make your journey LONG- David Oyedepo
David’s wives, children and all he had laboured for many years to amass was stolen in one day. Being the leader of the people, they were looking up to him to do something and they even wanted to stolen him. Could you believe that! They were even considering that he also lost great possession. But even in that deplorable state, David encouraged himself in the Lord! 1Sanmuel 30: 6
David’s wives, children and all he had laboured for many years to amass was stolen in one day. Being the leader of the people, they were looking up to him to do something and they even wanted to stolen him. Could you believe that! They were even considering that he also lost great possession. But even in that deplorable state, David encouraged himself in the Lord! 1Sanmuel 30: 6
The more SORRY you get, the more SORROWFUL you will become
Those who wait for others’ PITY end up in the PIT
Those who wait for others’ PITY end up in the PIT
Don’t allow people to say sorry to you. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Remind yourself of God’s goodness to you in time past. Has God ever seen you through any difficult situation before. Yes, say to yourself, He will yet deliver me from this situation because He doesn’t change.
Depend totally on God for help
Anytime we consider other alternatives apart from God, God backs off. He doesn’t like to share His glory with others. God takes pride in doing it all by himself because He is the All-Powerful God. Depending totally on God is to vow not to go to other gods for help. God can help you all by Himself. Don’t try to help God.
Anytime we consider other alternatives apart from God, God backs off. He doesn’t like to share His glory with others. God takes pride in doing it all by himself because He is the All-Powerful God. Depending totally on God is to vow not to go to other gods for help. God can help you all by Himself. Don’t try to help God.
Heaven help those who help themselves is not in the bible!
Esther said “If I perish, I perish”- she did not perish. The three Hebrew boys said, “ Whether God delivers us or not we will not bow to any idol” God delivered them. What situation makes you deny God or turn back? God is not slow. God is never late. He’s just waiting for the time when you will totally handover to him before he takes over the battle of your life.
When JEHOVAH takes OVER, then the battle is OVER!
Praise, Praise, Praise
Until you totally depend on Him like we said, you may not likely be able to praise God in the midst of your situation.
When we pray, God sends angels, When we praise God comes himself.
The bible says He inhabits the praises of His people. He told Jehoshaphat to appoint singers to go in front of them to battle. That sounds ridiculous! Sending singers to come face to face with dangerous, chariots, arrows and spears. But that was it, when they began to sing and praise, God made the enemies to help destroy themselves till none was left..No wonder the bible says He does fearful things in praise. Praising God when things are not working is the highest form of praise- it is a sacrifice of praise. Let nothing tamper with your joy.... He will see you through this times. He is the God of the mountain and the valley, God of the good times and the bad, turning negative situations around.
Until you totally depend on Him like we said, you may not likely be able to praise God in the midst of your situation.
When we pray, God sends angels, When we praise God comes himself.
The bible says He inhabits the praises of His people. He told Jehoshaphat to appoint singers to go in front of them to battle. That sounds ridiculous! Sending singers to come face to face with dangerous, chariots, arrows and spears. But that was it, when they began to sing and praise, God made the enemies to help destroy themselves till none was left..No wonder the bible says He does fearful things in praise. Praising God when things are not working is the highest form of praise- it is a sacrifice of praise. Let nothing tamper with your joy.... He will see you through this times. He is the God of the mountain and the valley, God of the good times and the bad, turning negative situations around.
It does work, it is working for me and it will work for you!
You are blessed!
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!
Why fasting..?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
’We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have done much penance, and you don’t even notice it!’“I will tell you why! It’s because you are living for yourselves even while you are fasting. You keep right on oppressing your workers.
What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.
You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like a blade of grass in the wind. You dress in sackcloth and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the Lord?
“If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn. Yes, your healing will come quickly. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
If you do this, the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honor and give you your full share of the inheritance I promised to Jacob, your ancestor. I, the Lord, have spoken
Isaiah 58:3-14 (NLT)
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and that's why I think I should share a few thoughts on the importance of fasting. For many, fasting is a no-go area because they are made up that they cannot fast. The verses above shows a kind of conversation where some claim to fast and don't seem to get the desired result from it but the response was that they lacked the understanding of what fasting is and what it can do. And Understanding is being able to see what is under something that makes it stand- do you under stand?
Although, Christians are of divergent views concerning the ushering-in of the 40-day fasting before Good Friday known as Ash Wednesday. While, there is no place in the entire scriptures where believers are asked to fast for 40 days, however, Jesus taught a few things about the importance of fasting. Actually, it called the Day of Ashes because use of ashes signifies a state of repentance and humility as observed in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21. Hence, the essence of this post is not to start a religious debate but to shed more light on why anyone should fast no just during the Lenten period but at anytime at all.
Please note that it was food that the devil used in enticing Eve in the garden which eventually led to the fall of man. Food or the belly has become the God of many and inability to control our appetite may be very dangerous.
I believe strongly in the virtue of fasting because it has helped me to deny myself of many things, remain focused and generate power. Whether it is 1 day, 3days, 7days, 10 days, 14 days, 21 days or 40days fast, any Spirit led fast produces result. My own idea about fasting is that when I want result I pray but when I want fast result, I fast and praise!
Fasting is Medicinal
Medical persons have advised that when we fast, it allows our nerves that are always at work ordinarily when we eat, to rest and refresh or regain like every working machine. It also heals hypertension and said to help to control menstrual flow in women. It also helps heal obesity and diabetes. Whichever way, fasting is does more help than harm, if it does any harm at all.
Fasting opens our spiritual hear
When we fast, we are able to transcend from the realms of the seen to the unseen. I am sure Daniel must have fasted with his friends to be able to enquire from the unseen realm what has never been done before. Even if you sleep together with someone on the same bed, it is not possible to know what the person is dreaming about. But, Daniel gave the dream and interpreted it. Later in the book of Daniel, we were told he fasted for 21days.
Fasting helps to achieve victory, God's favor and Breakthroughs
It helps to invoke God's intervention on certain issues of our lives because according to the scriptures above it says our light will break-forth. Esther was able to avert the decree to wipe out the entire Jewish nation after a 3 days fast! Please spend some time to read the passage again.
Other benefits are; fasting kills pride; it is the strongest sign of humility before God; it helps to overcome carnal desires; turns you to another man; renews your anointing as a minister; helps to break bad habits like smoking, anger, drunkenness among others.
Fasting has virtues and whether you observe this 40days fast or not, make sure you have a time out to wait on God for renewal of your strength this year.
PLEASE NOTE!!!
Fasting without prayers is mere hunger strike. And there are certain breakthroughs that you desire that may not come through without fasting as Jesus told His disciples who could not heal a boy that “…. This kind of miracle cannot happen without prayers and fasting” Matthew 17: 21. To me, that means, there are certain things that only answers to heartfelt prayers and fasting. However, for the maximum delivery of our result desired, fasting must be backed with commensurate prayers.
Also, like the cover picture above, which is the mountain of temptation where it is believed the devil tempted Jesus after the 40days fasting, what that suggests is that fasting does not exempt us from temptation but we can be sure to overcome it like Jesus did.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says God is faithful not to tempt us beyond what we can handle.
What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.
You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like a blade of grass in the wind. You dress in sackcloth and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the Lord?
“If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn. Yes, your healing will come quickly. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
If you do this, the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honor and give you your full share of the inheritance I promised to Jacob, your ancestor. I, the Lord, have spoken
Isaiah 58:3-14 (NLT)
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and that's why I think I should share a few thoughts on the importance of fasting. For many, fasting is a no-go area because they are made up that they cannot fast. The verses above shows a kind of conversation where some claim to fast and don't seem to get the desired result from it but the response was that they lacked the understanding of what fasting is and what it can do. And Understanding is being able to see what is under something that makes it stand- do you under stand?
Although, Christians are of divergent views concerning the ushering-in of the 40-day fasting before Good Friday known as Ash Wednesday. While, there is no place in the entire scriptures where believers are asked to fast for 40 days, however, Jesus taught a few things about the importance of fasting. Actually, it called the Day of Ashes because use of ashes signifies a state of repentance and humility as observed in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21. Hence, the essence of this post is not to start a religious debate but to shed more light on why anyone should fast no just during the Lenten period but at anytime at all.
Please note that it was food that the devil used in enticing Eve in the garden which eventually led to the fall of man. Food or the belly has become the God of many and inability to control our appetite may be very dangerous.
I believe strongly in the virtue of fasting because it has helped me to deny myself of many things, remain focused and generate power. Whether it is 1 day, 3days, 7days, 10 days, 14 days, 21 days or 40days fast, any Spirit led fast produces result. My own idea about fasting is that when I want result I pray but when I want fast result, I fast and praise!
Fasting is Medicinal
Medical persons have advised that when we fast, it allows our nerves that are always at work ordinarily when we eat, to rest and refresh or regain like every working machine. It also heals hypertension and said to help to control menstrual flow in women. It also helps heal obesity and diabetes. Whichever way, fasting is does more help than harm, if it does any harm at all.
Fasting opens our spiritual hear
When we fast, we are able to transcend from the realms of the seen to the unseen. I am sure Daniel must have fasted with his friends to be able to enquire from the unseen realm what has never been done before. Even if you sleep together with someone on the same bed, it is not possible to know what the person is dreaming about. But, Daniel gave the dream and interpreted it. Later in the book of Daniel, we were told he fasted for 21days.
Fasting helps to achieve victory, God's favor and Breakthroughs
It helps to invoke God's intervention on certain issues of our lives because according to the scriptures above it says our light will break-forth. Esther was able to avert the decree to wipe out the entire Jewish nation after a 3 days fast! Please spend some time to read the passage again.
Other benefits are; fasting kills pride; it is the strongest sign of humility before God; it helps to overcome carnal desires; turns you to another man; renews your anointing as a minister; helps to break bad habits like smoking, anger, drunkenness among others.
Fasting has virtues and whether you observe this 40days fast or not, make sure you have a time out to wait on God for renewal of your strength this year.
PLEASE NOTE!!!
Fasting without prayers is mere hunger strike. And there are certain breakthroughs that you desire that may not come through without fasting as Jesus told His disciples who could not heal a boy that “…. This kind of miracle cannot happen without prayers and fasting” Matthew 17: 21. To me, that means, there are certain things that only answers to heartfelt prayers and fasting. However, for the maximum delivery of our result desired, fasting must be backed with commensurate prayers.
Also, like the cover picture above, which is the mountain of temptation where it is believed the devil tempted Jesus after the 40days fasting, what that suggests is that fasting does not exempt us from temptation but we can be sure to overcome it like Jesus did.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says God is faithful not to tempt us beyond what we can handle.
Let someone shout Halleluyah!
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