The Cost of Right!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.Philippians 3:7- 8 (KJV)
I have always wondered how much was worth paying for quality service or to get the best of service. How much would be considered too expensive to give out just to get the best out of a project or task that you are working on?
I was recently instructed and challenged by a recent thing that happened as I observed my boss at work. We were printing out the audited report for one of our clients in the office and I discovered a little spelling mistake (just one letter of the alphabet missing) that could have ordinarily been ignored but he insisted we had to reprint some hundreds of copies of the report just because of the little thing that could have been ignored. And it was really expensive to do that but we did!
That scenario immediately sank-in a quick lesson to me. There is no amount too much to pay to get things right!
What have you been battling with? What you been patching up? It may look too insignificant to notice, but just like a little dark spot on a white robe makes it lose the word stainless, so also will that little stain of sin find you out until you make things right!
David was unarguably a great king. So celebrated that over a decade ago Israel had 3,000 years anniversary of when David founded the City of David. But check out what his eulogy (a note after someone’s death) read;
For David had done what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and had obeyed the Lord’s commands throughout his life, except in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite. 1Kings 15:5 (NLT)
Did you notice the last phrase that started with the word “except”? What would have made the journey of your life so great and memorable, except? What did David do? He took the wife of Uriah, his subordinate and organised for the man’s death.
Friends, there’s no price that would be considered too high to pay to rid your life of the “except”.
But the good news is that, Jesus has paid the greatest price to make us right with God by giving up Himself for what we did wrong. All we need do is as simple as ABC;
A- Accept Jesus into our lives;
B- Believe that He died for your sins;
C- Confess your sins to Him and confess Him as the Lord of your life.
But the good news is that, Jesus has paid the greatest price to make us right with God by giving up Himself for what we did wrong. All we need do is as simple as ABC;
A- Accept Jesus into our lives;
B- Believe that He died for your sins;
C- Confess your sins to Him and confess Him as the Lord of your life.
There is no amount to high to pay to make things right with your Maker.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to lead a life that glorifies you. Amen.
How I got the Job!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 6: 10 -12 (KJV)
It is an established fact that God- our heavenly father is a worker and that the first thing He gave Adam after creation was not a wife but a job-to tend and keep the garden. So no man (in my own opinion) is permitted to marry a woman without having something doing! Do I have a witness?
But the truth is that the statistics that stares us in the face especially now is alarming and record-breaking, as unemployment rate is almost hitting double digits.
A report last week showed that;
In the US alone, the unemployment rate jumped to 8.5 percent in March, the highest since late 1983, with a total of 663,000 job loss. Since the recession began in December 2007, the economy has lost a net total of 5.1 million jobs, with almost two-thirds of the losses occurring in the last five months. The number of unemployed people climbed to 13.2 million in March. In addition, the number of people forced to work part time for "economic reasons" rose by 423,000 to 9 million.
But the question still remains, does God have a plan for His children? Are there answers to the question of unemployment in the bible? How can one secure a job regardless of the scary stats.
Someone recently asked me (last week) to share with her how I got my job, so I have tried to put together this post to share with anyone who will “sheepishly” believe God and apply the truth God showed me in order to secure your dream job in spite of the recession, and we know God is no respecter of persons, what He has done for one, He can do for all who will believe. Please note that, God does the same thing in different ways- His ways are not our ways. This is a personal testimony;
One of the first things I did before getting the job was that I prayed for divine direction through a 24-hour dedicated prayer and fasting to seek God’s face and specifically to know where God wanted me to go- in terms of city to settle down. And believe me, God told me to move to the current city where I reside.
Let me quickly say that as believers, we must be able to hear from God or better still you must know how God leads you. Many years ago I read a book by Kenneth Haggin, “How you can be led by the Spirit”. God is our father and just like every child would recognize the voice of his father, we must know God’s leading. However, we must NOTE that whatever God says will never contradict with the bible.
The greatest asset of a believer is the ability to hear from God- Bishop David Oyedepo
So, when I got to the place He led me to, I searched through the internet for the names and addresses of specific companies and firms where I would like to work and their location in the city, and got a whole list, printed it out and re-packaged my CV to look more attractive, and began distributing it as I visited over 20 of such firms. How? I would set out with my friend I was staying with at that time every morning when going to work. The bible says;
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
Proverbs 6:10 -11 (NLT)
Please Note: I would dress up corporately in suit with my briefcase as if I was going to work too, with the understanding of 2 Thessalonians 3: 8- 10 (NLT);
We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so that we would not be a burden to any of you. It wasn’t that we didn’t have the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule: “Whoever does not work should not eat".
To me, that means that I am not permitted to be idle and that NO WORK, NO FOOD!
Shortly within 10days or so after this, I got a job as an Admin/ Accounts Manager with a small company and average pay though, however, I remain faithful on this job and even drafted a corporate policy statement for the small company. A friend had spoke about me to the MD of the company and she asked me to resume immediately which I did.
But while on this job, I was still expecting a call from the firms I had dropped my CV earlier. And finally, a week on this job the call came from someone that I should come over for a chat with the principal partner of a firm (one of the firms where I dropped my CV). But the miracle was that when I went for the chat, it was really a chat- no interviews or serious questioning. I was asked why I would like to work with the firm and my answer was sincere- for professional experience and the within the same week my Offer Letter was sent to my email and I didn’t even reply or resume until two weeks later after I had properly handed over in my former office. The job waited!
Anything God gives, He keeps!
The Lessons I learnt in summary;
- Be divinely guided by God through prayers especially as to where He wants you to go. God still leads;
- Be sure God is the one leading you by affirming such leading in the Word of God ( the Bible);
- Never sit idle doing nothing. There is always something you can do. When you are faithful in little, you'll be considered for much.
- Have faith in God alone. You might know people, but connections and qualifications fail. Only God is too faithful to fail.
- When changing jobs, don’t leave anyhow- properly hand over. An adage says, rain can beat a man to the same shelter twice… Don’t leave your employer in a dilemma. You may meet again.
I hope this would help someone to be challenged to go get the job that is waiting.
Share your testimonies with me at www.atolase.blogspot.com.
Remember, there is always a way out!
Shalom!
How to get the Job!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The three-letter word J-O-B is arguably one of the most used words today. People those who have lost their jobs are seriously on job hunt, others who have jobs are not satisfied with what they are doing, those who seem satisfied want to move to even more paying jobs.
But will it shock you to know that the word was never used in the entire bible (the King James Version) except as the name of a man. Does it mean God is not interest in us to be gainfully employed? Of course, He does! This post is dedicated to those who are believing God for gainful employment and I share with you the things that I practised immediately after my NYSC which God used to bless me with a choice job stress-free, connection free and highly fulfilling- allowing me to practise my profession as a Chartered Accountant! To God alone be the glory.
But will it shock you to know that the word was never used in the entire bible (the King James Version) except as the name of a man. Does it mean God is not interest in us to be gainfully employed? Of course, He does! This post is dedicated to those who are believing God for gainful employment and I share with you the things that I practised immediately after my NYSC which God used to bless me with a choice job stress-free, connection free and highly fulfilling- allowing me to practise my profession as a Chartered Accountant! To God alone be the glory.
There is no mountain anywhere, every man’s IGNORANCE is his mountain!
A story was once told of a son who was an heir to the father’s inheritance but because the son was away when the father died, the will (treasure pot) was not handed over to him or anyone as the father dug a hole under the ground where they sleep and covered it with their sleeping mat. Unfortunately, the son lived his entire life in poverty without handling the vast wealth kept in store for him by the father.
What you don’t know may be killing you
In the story above, IGNORANCE killed the son. But as pathetic as the short story is, does it describe you? Many have turned their bibles to sleeping pills. A guy once said anytime he’s finding it difficult to sleep, he just open the bible and start reading from Leviticus and Numbers and in minutes he would sleep…THAT IS AN ABUSE. And like my favourite quote
When purpose is not defined, abuse is inevitable
Your bible is a treasure pot and a bank containing precious promises your heavenly father has bequeath you but will never be your till you search it out. Don’t just keep your bible under your pillow for protection, it protects only when you know what it says about your protection.
When purpose is not defined, abuse is inevitable
Your bible is a treasure pot and a bank containing precious promises your heavenly father has bequeath you but will never be your till you search it out. Don’t just keep your bible under your pillow for protection, it protects only when you know what it says about your protection.
How does all these explain how to get your choice job?
I searched for over 15 scriptural promises on work. I discovered that man had a work to do before and after the fall in the garden of Eden and God himself works without sleeping. Jesus worked all day and prayed at night. I meditated and digested it and in lesser than 1 week after NYSC, I got my job. You too can. They are;
Genesis 2: 2: On the seventh day, having finished his task, God rested from all his work.
Genesis 2: 5:
I searched for over 15 scriptural promises on work. I discovered that man had a work to do before and after the fall in the garden of Eden and God himself works without sleeping. Jesus worked all day and prayed at night. I meditated and digested it and in lesser than 1 week after NYSC, I got my job. You too can. They are;
Genesis 2: 2: On the seventh day, having finished his task, God rested from all his work.
Genesis 2: 5:
There were no plants or grain growing on the earth, for the Lord God had not sent any rain. And no one was there to cultivate the soil
Genesis 2: 15:
Genesis 2: 15:
The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it.
Genesis 3: 23:
Genesis 3: 23:
The Lord God banished Adam and his wife from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made
Psalms 1: 1- 3:
Psalms 1: 1- 3:
Oh, the joys of those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants;
day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither,
and in all they do, they prosper
Psalms 128 1-2:
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants;
day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither,
and in all they do, they prosper
Psalms 128 1-2:
How happy are those who fear the Lord—
all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How happy you will be! How rich your life!
Pray these prayer for anyone you know who is seeking for a good
Prayer Points;
1.Lord, you gave the first man (Adam) work to do when you made him, I am willing and able to work, bless me with a good job in Jesus name.
2.In Psalms 1, you said, whatever I do shall prosper, use the channel of a good job to prosper me this year in Jesus name.
3.I will eat the fruit of my labor in Jesus name.
To be continued… www.atolase.blogspot.com
all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How happy you will be! How rich your life!
Pray these prayer for anyone you know who is seeking for a good
Prayer Points;
1.Lord, you gave the first man (Adam) work to do when you made him, I am willing and able to work, bless me with a good job in Jesus name.
2.In Psalms 1, you said, whatever I do shall prosper, use the channel of a good job to prosper me this year in Jesus name.
3.I will eat the fruit of my labor in Jesus name.
To be continued… www.atolase.blogspot.com
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!
Matching the Brake….!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Have you ever wondered what driving a car without a functional brake system would look like? Well, I have neither experienced it but I have indeed experienced what riding a bicycle without brake is!
I had always liked to ride bicycle may be since I was in the womb of my mom. When I was younger and didn’t have a bicycle, so I would go to the neighbourhood where a guy puts up bikes for hire and I would ride from school closing till mom returned from work. But I had an indelible experience one day. I call it “indelible” because the mark it left is still evident on my right leg.
I had always liked to ride bicycle may be since I was in the womb of my mom. When I was younger and didn’t have a bicycle, so I would go to the neighbourhood where a guy puts up bikes for hire and I would ride from school closing till mom returned from work. But I had an indelible experience one day. I call it “indelible” because the mark it left is still evident on my right leg.
I had gone to hire a bike as usual, but on this faithful or ‘fateful’ day, I was not duly informed by the guy that the brake of this bicycle had problems so I set off.. and trust me I like to ride standing on the bike at top speed (what a wonderful experience it was). But on sensing an on-coming vehicle, with another one parked by the side, I applied the brake but wouldn’t answer. Gbosssh…! was the last thing I remembered but the scar on my leg informed me rightly that I must have swerved into the only available alternative… the drainage by the road ride. I think I only rode for I couple of times more before venturing into playing computer games like Nintendo, Ultra 64, Play station….
Why I am referring to all these..?
It is because I have a strong impression on my heart to talk to people who run their lives as if they do not have functional brake system. God, who created us as humans, has also built inside us a brake system called SELF CONTROL.
What is Self Control?
Self Control is one of the fruits of the spirit called temperance- ability to control your temper or yourself. It simply means setting boundaries for self or keeping rule over your life.
It is because I have a strong impression on my heart to talk to people who run their lives as if they do not have functional brake system. God, who created us as humans, has also built inside us a brake system called SELF CONTROL.
What is Self Control?
Self Control is one of the fruits of the spirit called temperance- ability to control your temper or yourself. It simply means setting boundaries for self or keeping rule over your life.
“Until you can control yourself, you can’t control your life”
Let me break it down, Eve- the first woman, lacked self control and so she yielded to the devil's deceit by eating of the forbidden fruit. Are you not also eating the forbidden fruit secretly thinking no one including God will see you? Many so called believers fall victims of certain things just because they cannot control themselves. But they keep saying God is in control.
“Self Control plus God Control equals Total Control”
There’s no contradiction that there are stuffs going on around us daily. But that’s why God blesses everyone who has Jesus with a fruit of the Spirit called “Self Control”. In psychology, self control is the ability to control human behavior through the exertion of will. The will referred to here talks about the force of determination but I’ll like to tell you that your determination alone may not be able to handle this at times because I have since folks who were determined never to smoke or drink again but still find themselves doing it even within the same day or week. It simply goes to say that we may not be able to tackle this by human strength but by the Spirit of God. What have you been struggling with? Read on
Areas of Self Control
Your Tongue
Do you know what you say can either make or mar you? Obama spoke sometimes at the Democractic Convention and he got the presidential ticket, for others they speak and get the beating of their life from what they said. The scripture says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue and only those who know how to use their tongue will eat the fruit from it. Proverbs 18:21 What do you talk about? How many people have you butchered on the altar on your tongue? Do your words edify or makes a horrible day for others? Are you sincere when you compliment others or do you wink your nose behind? See what James had to say;
We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
James 3:2, 5-6 (NLT)
It means if you can control your tongue, you can actually control every other thing, but if not destruction is glooming. Watch your mouth! Please, speak only positive things. Say what you want to see. I have learnt to say “IT IS WELL" even at the face of terrible situations until I got that nickname back then in school.
Your Tongue
Do you know what you say can either make or mar you? Obama spoke sometimes at the Democractic Convention and he got the presidential ticket, for others they speak and get the beating of their life from what they said. The scripture says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue and only those who know how to use their tongue will eat the fruit from it. Proverbs 18:21 What do you talk about? How many people have you butchered on the altar on your tongue? Do your words edify or makes a horrible day for others? Are you sincere when you compliment others or do you wink your nose behind? See what James had to say;
We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
James 3:2, 5-6 (NLT)
It means if you can control your tongue, you can actually control every other thing, but if not destruction is glooming. Watch your mouth! Please, speak only positive things. Say what you want to see. I have learnt to say “IT IS WELL" even at the face of terrible situations until I got that nickname back then in school.
“What you say is what you see”
Your Eyes
I’m sure one of the reason King Solomon’s heart moved from God was because of what he was feeding his eyes with. See what the wisest man that ever lived said “.. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.” Ecclesiastes 2:10 (KJV). No wonder he had 700 wives and 300 concubines! It might be very dangerous to look at certain things twice. You watch pun or pornographic movies and pictures and you expect nothing to happen?
I’m sure one of the reason King Solomon’s heart moved from God was because of what he was feeding his eyes with. See what the wisest man that ever lived said “.. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.” Ecclesiastes 2:10 (KJV). No wonder he had 700 wives and 300 concubines! It might be very dangerous to look at certain things twice. You watch pun or pornographic movies and pictures and you expect nothing to happen?
Jesus says if you even lustfully look at a woman, you may not need to sleep with her, because you have already committed adultery with her in your heart! Matthew 5:28 (KJV) Back to Eve, she first saw the fruit in the garden.. and then Satan began to suggest to her. The devil has not changed its tricks. Watch what you see!
Your Appetite
Haha..What some have in their stomach is enough to build a skyscraper! Someone once said Fatness is not a sign of affluence but a sign of carelessness. Do you have control over what enters into your mouth? The scriptures says “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food.” This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them. But our bodies were not made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies” 1 Corinthians 6:13 (NLT)
Our entire being is to glorify God and anything short of that is to be controlled if we must please God.
If you are need to make amends in any of, pray to God right now to forgive you and ask the Holy Spirit to help with that fruit of self-control even at the face of temptations. You will not end in a crash.
Haha..What some have in their stomach is enough to build a skyscraper! Someone once said Fatness is not a sign of affluence but a sign of carelessness. Do you have control over what enters into your mouth? The scriptures says “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food.” This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them. But our bodies were not made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies” 1 Corinthians 6:13 (NLT)
Our entire being is to glorify God and anything short of that is to be controlled if we must please God.
If you are need to make amends in any of, pray to God right now to forgive you and ask the Holy Spirit to help with that fruit of self-control even at the face of temptations. You will not end in a crash.
Remember, unlike the bicycle I rode back then without a brake, your life has control but you must always match the brake..!
Selah!
I Have No One to Help me!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
One day as the king of Israel was walking along the wall of the city, a woman called to him, “Please help me, my lord the king!”“If the Lord doesn’t help you, what can I do?” he retorted. “I have neither food nor wine to give you
2Kings 6:26-27
One may only wonder the kind of excuses people give for not having results as they ought to in whatever they do. Excuses that people give range from having no sponsor, for instance to help them get to school, or not having no capital to start up a business that they are convinced will change their level and status, some others say ‘If only I was born into an influential family….’ The list is endless.
But the truth is that, irrespective of the reason that you may have for not getting results, someone somewhere has overcome the very same obstacle and in spite of it, has succeeded.
The story of a man that was in a particular condition for 38 years comes to mind. This man had been lame for that long and still does not really know what he wanted even when face to face with solution. Let us go through the story together;
Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days.
Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered
But the truth is that, irrespective of the reason that you may have for not getting results, someone somewhere has overcome the very same obstacle and in spite of it, has succeeded.
The story of a man that was in a particular condition for 38 years comes to mind. This man had been lame for that long and still does not really know what he wanted even when face to face with solution. Let us go through the story together;
Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days.
Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered
porches. Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the
porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When
Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, “Would you like
to get well?”
“I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to help me into the pool when
“I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to help me into the pool when
the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there, someone else always gets
in ahead of me.”
Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!”
Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up the mat and began walking! But this
Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up the mat and began walking! But this
miracle happened on the Sabbath day.
John 5: 1 – 9 (NLT)
One may want to ask why the Jesus still had to ask such a seemingly obvious question “Would you like to get well” especially because the man had been there for 38 painful years. Please note that your situation will not only change because you have been there for long but until you know what to do and do it.
“Situations don’t change with time but with the knowledge of the truth”
Do you know that the meaning of the pool where he had been for 38 long years BETHESDA means house of pity or mercy? How often have you been waiting or wasting in a place only wishing somebody could pity you and give you a dash or say a kind word of pity.
“Those who wait to be pitied end their journey in a pit”
Lessons from the story
Know what you really need
Kids can be very funny. They desire things that they don’t really need. A kid can even ask the father to buy a car or a plane on his way back home from work notwithstanding whether the father has never boarded a flight before. They just desire anything that comes to their mind.
This situation paints the picture of many grown up adults. When you ask them what they need, they begin to tell you their wants or even the reason why they have not been able to achieve their desires. That was what the lame man did. When he was asked if he wanted to be well, he said he can’t because he has no man to help him. The simple answer to Jesus’ question should have been, Yes, I want to be well. Needs are generally necessities- things you cannot do without while your wants are wishes or things that you would like to have but can still do without at least for now. Can you really do without that car or house or iPod or PDA or laptop for now. If you can, then they are merely wants. Focus on needs- family, joy, peace, God and then a job, house or accommodation, tuition.. and those other things that makes your living incomplete.
Be Prepared before Opportunity comes
Many misuse or lose opportunities because they are not actually ready for it. A survey showed that over 90 percent of money lottery or jackpot winners squander it within 10-12months and go back to their previous life-style of poverty. The simple reason attributable to that is that they did not really work for it and were not expecting it.
Are you really planning or preparing before that life changing opportunity will come your way? You need a job, but have you gotten the additional professional qualifications or something to distinguish you from others? You need a life partner that is cool or God fearing (like many will say), but will you really like to marry who talks, behaves, thinks or just like you? Can you marry you?
The man at the pool even after 38 years was not really prepared for the opportunity because if he did, Jesus shouldn’t have met him there- the angel of God that stirs the water annually should have met him right inside the water!
“Preparation precedes Manifestation”
Never Give an excuse for your failure
The same limitations that stop some were the same that others went through to succeed. An excuse can be given for just anything but anytime you find an excuse for not doing something refuse to use it.
“Never use an excuse even if you have one”
Failure is not a new thing, people can fail anytime. Great businessmen make mistakes and even geniuses miscalculate but that does not make them failures. A failure is one who refuses stand after a fall or one who has found a reason not to try again after failing. Only babies give excuse, matured minds accept responsibility by analyzing situations and learning from past mistakes and then move on.
The last part of that story was that the man at the pool was healed on a Sabbath day, which according to the Jewish laws a man should not have been healed or made to pick up sleeping mats. But Jesus deliberately told him to do so because He wanted to prove that there is no excuse strong enough to keep him there. You have no excuse to fail! Jesus had an excuse for not healing the man, but did not use it.
We are all faced with equal opportunities every waking moment but only few make the most of it. Remember, you must define your needs, then be prepared before the opportunity comes and then grasp the opportunity in spite of the obstacles disregarding the excuses. Actually it was the man’s excuse that prompted the title of this post ‘I have no one to help me!’ You don’t need the connection of any man to get to where God wants for you because the greatest of men is still limited.
Get connected with the limitless God and He will connect you with those who matter to your destiny.
Accept Jesus as your Lord and saviour. Forsake your sinful ways and you’ll get on-line.
Remember, there is no excuse strong enough for you not to achieve your dreams in 2009.
Shalom!
John 5: 1 – 9 (NLT)
One may want to ask why the Jesus still had to ask such a seemingly obvious question “Would you like to get well” especially because the man had been there for 38 painful years. Please note that your situation will not only change because you have been there for long but until you know what to do and do it.
“Situations don’t change with time but with the knowledge of the truth”
Do you know that the meaning of the pool where he had been for 38 long years BETHESDA means house of pity or mercy? How often have you been waiting or wasting in a place only wishing somebody could pity you and give you a dash or say a kind word of pity.
“Those who wait to be pitied end their journey in a pit”
Lessons from the story
Know what you really need
Kids can be very funny. They desire things that they don’t really need. A kid can even ask the father to buy a car or a plane on his way back home from work notwithstanding whether the father has never boarded a flight before. They just desire anything that comes to their mind.
This situation paints the picture of many grown up adults. When you ask them what they need, they begin to tell you their wants or even the reason why they have not been able to achieve their desires. That was what the lame man did. When he was asked if he wanted to be well, he said he can’t because he has no man to help him. The simple answer to Jesus’ question should have been, Yes, I want to be well. Needs are generally necessities- things you cannot do without while your wants are wishes or things that you would like to have but can still do without at least for now. Can you really do without that car or house or iPod or PDA or laptop for now. If you can, then they are merely wants. Focus on needs- family, joy, peace, God and then a job, house or accommodation, tuition.. and those other things that makes your living incomplete.
Be Prepared before Opportunity comes
Many misuse or lose opportunities because they are not actually ready for it. A survey showed that over 90 percent of money lottery or jackpot winners squander it within 10-12months and go back to their previous life-style of poverty. The simple reason attributable to that is that they did not really work for it and were not expecting it.
Are you really planning or preparing before that life changing opportunity will come your way? You need a job, but have you gotten the additional professional qualifications or something to distinguish you from others? You need a life partner that is cool or God fearing (like many will say), but will you really like to marry who talks, behaves, thinks or just like you? Can you marry you?
The man at the pool even after 38 years was not really prepared for the opportunity because if he did, Jesus shouldn’t have met him there- the angel of God that stirs the water annually should have met him right inside the water!
“Preparation precedes Manifestation”
Never Give an excuse for your failure
The same limitations that stop some were the same that others went through to succeed. An excuse can be given for just anything but anytime you find an excuse for not doing something refuse to use it.
“Never use an excuse even if you have one”
Failure is not a new thing, people can fail anytime. Great businessmen make mistakes and even geniuses miscalculate but that does not make them failures. A failure is one who refuses stand after a fall or one who has found a reason not to try again after failing. Only babies give excuse, matured minds accept responsibility by analyzing situations and learning from past mistakes and then move on.
The last part of that story was that the man at the pool was healed on a Sabbath day, which according to the Jewish laws a man should not have been healed or made to pick up sleeping mats. But Jesus deliberately told him to do so because He wanted to prove that there is no excuse strong enough to keep him there. You have no excuse to fail! Jesus had an excuse for not healing the man, but did not use it.
We are all faced with equal opportunities every waking moment but only few make the most of it. Remember, you must define your needs, then be prepared before the opportunity comes and then grasp the opportunity in spite of the obstacles disregarding the excuses. Actually it was the man’s excuse that prompted the title of this post ‘I have no one to help me!’ You don’t need the connection of any man to get to where God wants for you because the greatest of men is still limited.
Get connected with the limitless God and He will connect you with those who matter to your destiny.
Accept Jesus as your Lord and saviour. Forsake your sinful ways and you’ll get on-line.
Remember, there is no excuse strong enough for you not to achieve your dreams in 2009.
Shalom!
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