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 In extreme cases it can manifest itself in either withdrawn or aggressive social behavior.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
The enemy called ALTERNATIVES!
Friday, June 12, 2009
After this a lot of his disciples left. They no longer wanted to be associated with him. Then Jesus gave the Twelve their chance: "Do you also want to leave?"
Peter replied, "Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We've already committed ourselves, confident that you are the Holy One of God."
John 6: 66- 69 (The Message)
I am particularly excited to be at this phase of my life and I must tell you I’m enjoying everything God is revealing to me every waking moment. Got up this morning with a thought on the word “ALTERNATIVES”. As soon as I started searching my mind for what this would mean, I soon realized that God wanted me to tell someone that “He (God) will still do what He has promised only if we bury our fall backs”. Fall backs here means things we think of falling back on if His promises does not go through as we expect.
Peter replied, "Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We've already committed ourselves, confident that you are the Holy One of God."
John 6: 66- 69 (The Message)
I am particularly excited to be at this phase of my life and I must tell you I’m enjoying everything God is revealing to me every waking moment. Got up this morning with a thought on the word “ALTERNATIVES”. As soon as I started searching my mind for what this would mean, I soon realized that God wanted me to tell someone that “He (God) will still do what He has promised only if we bury our fall backs”. Fall backs here means things we think of falling back on if His promises does not go through as we expect.
Haa! This word hit me quickly and I realized just as I’m typing this that God was trying to pass across a message to me on a particular issue of my life.
Hmm, An alternative is something different from, and able to serve as a substitute for, something else. It also simply means to be between two opinions. To be here, but still be there with the other eye, JUST IN CASE. To be double-minded. Elijah got fed up with the nonchalant attitude of the people of Israel that he cried in 1 Kings 18:21, And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long will you between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Friend, I put this question to your face, how long will continue to eye your alternative(s) and at the same time still be praying to God for that breakthrough?
· I mean how long will you continue to threaten God with your backsliding attempt if He does not answer your prayers by the deadline you’ve given Him?
· I mean how long will you keep your eye on breaking your commitment to your spouse because you’ve waited so long for the fruit of the womb and both of you are aging?
· How long will you jobseeker think of doing it the world’s way by reducing your age and getting involved in some other things just to boost your qualification for that job?
· How long have you chosen to enjoy life and live promiscuously at the detriment of losing your own soul and eternity?
· How long will you my professional colleagues do it the crooked way of the world and think you’ll always get away with it?
· I mean how long will you keep your eye on breaking your commitment to your spouse because you’ve waited so long for the fruit of the womb and both of you are aging?
· How long will you jobseeker think of doing it the world’s way by reducing your age and getting involved in some other things just to boost your qualification for that job?
· How long have you chosen to enjoy life and live promiscuously at the detriment of losing your own soul and eternity?
· How long will you my professional colleagues do it the crooked way of the world and think you’ll always get away with it?
How long…….?
Peter answered Jesus when He gave them the blank cheque of leaving Him when many disciples left too. But in the scripture above, Peter said, “Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We've already committed ourselves…”
This scripture literally tore my head open this morning as I read this fascinating version of The Message Bible. We’ve already committed ourselves! We’ve already burnt the bridge! We’ve already counted the cost! We’re already made up….and no going back!
I remember that old salvation song, “I have decided to follow Jesus 3ce. No turning back, No turning back…..! Have you?
Until your commitment to Christ reaches the level where you’ll say if I perish, I perish (like Esther) or We rather burn than to bow to other gods (like the 3 Hebrew boys) or Woe is me if I preach not the goepel (like Paul). Then, your faith and trust in Him is still questionable.
Why you must bury your alternatives?
- It makes you unstable and to doubt God. James 1:8
- It makes the devil suggest evil to you because you are not made up when you still have alternatives.
- It makes it impossible to receive from God but you are not acting in faith.
- It “incapacitates” God from helping you.
- It makes you unstable and to doubt God. James 1:8
- It makes the devil suggest evil to you because you are not made up when you still have alternatives.
- It makes it impossible to receive from God but you are not acting in faith.
- It “incapacitates” God from helping you.
What to do;
- Confess boldly your commitment to God.
- Feed yourself with the truth of God’s word ONLY (What is written and the revealed truth on the Bible)
- Still give God the glory no matter what is happening. (What is happening is temporal, what is written is permanent.
- Confess boldly your commitment to God.
- Feed yourself with the truth of God’s word ONLY (What is written and the revealed truth on the Bible)
- Still give God the glory no matter what is happening. (What is happening is temporal, what is written is permanent.
Shall we pray:
Lord, I choose to bury all the alternatives (name them) stopping me from trusting you. Amen
Lord, I choose to bury all the alternatives (name them) stopping me from trusting you. Amen
Remember, He (God) will still do what He has promised only if we bury our fall backs.
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!
The Anchor!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil
Hebrew 6: 16 – 19 (KJV)
I have always wondered about what our entire being anchors on. What keeps us going or makes us weather all storms? What conviction of a better tomorrow do we have? In the course of the past week while writing on “10 Commandments of Living in Recession”, the Commandment #4: Be Hopeful, where I spoke on Hopeful Barrack Obama and the fact that hope is what our very soul hinges on, I got thinking that HOPE is one of the most potent and unstoppable forces in the world, that can deliver our dreams and make us handle our dreams.
But how can hope be the anchor of our soul?
An anchor is “an object used to keep a ship or boat stationary in the water. An anchor is attached to a ship by a cable or chain, and when thrown overboard, the weight of the anchor digs into the sea bottom to keep the vessel from drifting or wandering away.” In short, hope is the only thing that keeps you from drifting away from God even in seemingly hopeless situations. Times when the waves of life seems to push here and there till the point where you just simply sit down to gaze at our big the issues confronting are, hope is still what to resort to.
Do you also know that the person that takes the last leg in a relay race is also called the anchor? Why? Because winning depends on the person. The Hope of the relay race hinges on the person. So also, winning in life hinges on your hope in God.
God is not our LAST hope but our ONLY hope!
Generally, an anchor provides stability. The times we are now are times where billionaires commit suicide, where age-long principles are failing but we know all hope is not lost for anyone connected to God because to him that is joined to the living there is HOPE. Hope means patient expectation.
Let me break it down to you…
The Hope I am referring to is not mere wishing for a dole out. Wishing is day dreaming but the hope I am referring to is the one that says “If God cannot give this thing, He still remains my God and I’ll stick with Him”
Even when you have tried all you can…. Prayed, fasted, believed, confessed, trusted and waited, hope is still what you can hang on. Abraham against hope (meaning when he had no reason to be hopeful) believed in hope, that what God has promised, He is able to perform. And that’s the point!
The Hope I am referring to is not mere wishing for a dole out. Wishing is day dreaming but the hope I am referring to is the one that says “If God cannot give this thing, He still remains my God and I’ll stick with Him”
Even when you have tried all you can…. Prayed, fasted, believed, confessed, trusted and waited, hope is still what you can hang on. Abraham against hope (meaning when he had no reason to be hopeful) believed in hope, that what God has promised, He is able to perform. And that’s the point!
What do we place our hope on?
The hymn written by Edward Mote (1797–1874) in a collection of his hymns and titled “The Immutable Basis of a Sinner’s Hope.” The first stanza and chorus reads;
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
CHROUS
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
We can place our hope on the finished work on Calvary.
The truth is that all other ground may sink or fail you but Jesus Christ alone does not fail!
What can I do when situations around me seems hopeless;
The hymn written by Edward Mote (1797–1874) in a collection of his hymns and titled “The Immutable Basis of a Sinner’s Hope.” The first stanza and chorus reads;
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
CHROUS
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
We can place our hope on the finished work on Calvary.
The truth is that all other ground may sink or fail you but Jesus Christ alone does not fail!
What can I do when situations around me seems hopeless;
WHAT CAN I DO WHEN THINGS SEEM HOPELESS?
PRAY- In the midst of Hannah’s hopelessness, she prayed to God, knowing that if any hope was to be found, it would be found in him. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayers!
PRAISE- Paul and Silas were on death row for preaching about Jesus, yet in this hopeless situation they sang praises to God chains on hands and feet. You have no excuse!
PERSEVERE- While patience may be passive, to persevere means persist steadily in your belief and trust in God, usually over a long period and especially despite problems or difficulties till what you need is delivered.
PATIENCE- Hopeless situation is not the best of time to make rash decisions like committing suicide, filing for divorce or even running away from home. It is the best of time to wait! Hope is trusting God to act in his good timing!
Please remember, the most valid source of true hope is in having a relationship with God nurtured by a daily devotional study of His Word because He alone holds that colorful future you’re dreaming of. He says His plans are good and not evil, to give you a future and hope (or expected end). Jeremiah 29: 11
PRAY- In the midst of Hannah’s hopelessness, she prayed to God, knowing that if any hope was to be found, it would be found in him. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayers!
PRAISE- Paul and Silas were on death row for preaching about Jesus, yet in this hopeless situation they sang praises to God chains on hands and feet. You have no excuse!
PERSEVERE- While patience may be passive, to persevere means persist steadily in your belief and trust in God, usually over a long period and especially despite problems or difficulties till what you need is delivered.
PATIENCE- Hopeless situation is not the best of time to make rash decisions like committing suicide, filing for divorce or even running away from home. It is the best of time to wait! Hope is trusting God to act in his good timing!
Please remember, the most valid source of true hope is in having a relationship with God nurtured by a daily devotional study of His Word because He alone holds that colorful future you’re dreaming of. He says His plans are good and not evil, to give you a future and hope (or expected end). Jeremiah 29: 11
For a prisoner on death row, a pardon offers hope of freedom. For the spiritual prisoner on death row because of the consequences of sin, God offers ultimate hope by forgiving our sins so that we can be with him in heaven forever. When life seems impossible, God brings eternal hope. Hope is essential to our perseverance, our getting through the tough times. Without hope we give up. Hope requires one thing, though-a trust in the one who brings real hope.
GOD CANNOT LIE!
Yours,
Hopeful Emmanuel Odedeyi.
Hopeful Emmanuel Odedeyi.
10 Commandments of Living in Recession
Friday, April 24, 2009
Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. There is a widow there who will feed you. I have given her my instructions.”
1 Kings 17: 8 -9(NLT)
The word “recession” is no longer news to the world as over 60% of all news in the media today can be directly or indirectly linked to it and its companions like downturn, slump, depression, downsizing, meltdown and the crunch. Irrespective of the name it is called, all these are not new because the world from B.C to A.D had experienced similar crisis situations and have overcome. So the first good news is that, it will not last forever. As a matter of fact some have predicted that it will last for the next seven years (I pray it will be lesser).
However, my greatest assurance is that God has never left His children in a dilemma without showing them a way out. For example, when there was a famine in Israel, He made provision for His prophet, Elijah, to be fed by the most unconventional way- through a widow. Ordinarily, a widow is the one to be helped in such a situation but she now became a distributor even in recession. Watch out for God’s unconventional leading at this time for your lifting.
Waking up this morning, God began to inspire me on what I have coined to be the 10 Commandments of living in recession. Please Note: Some of these things may not make common sense (as I was also tempted to ask questions as He told me). But I quickly remembered the words of Jesus’ mother at the crisis situation in a wedding where wine got finished suddenly at the middle of the party. She said “Whatever He tells you to do, do it”. Whatever?
1. Fear Not
The opposite of fear is faith. You cannot have faith and fear at the same time, you are either afraid or full of fear. Fear and faith have different sources. Fear is from the devil, faith is from God. Fear makes you do stupid things. During Paul’s journey to Rome, and their ship had crisis, the sailors in fear threw away all the ship equipments. Acts 27:19. Fear can make you sell shares you bought for 50 naira per unit for just 50 kobo per unit. But do you know 90% of our fears never happen. Don’t let the devil infect you with the venom of fear. Let me hear you say, Fear Not!
2. Borrow Not
Those who borrowed funds to obtain shares from the Stock market are now not only unable to pay back the principal after losing over 85% of their investment but battling with the mounting interest from the borrowed funds. See what God told His people repeatedly from His word; The Lord your God will bless you as he has promised. You will lend money to many nations but will never need to borrow! You will rule many nations, but they will not rule over you! Deuteronomy 15:6 (NLT)
The Lord will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens to bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them. Deuteronomy 28:12 (NLT)
I know God does not stammer, He repeated it twice here. By all means, please avoid borrowing because He says you will never need it. Trust Him!
3. Be led by the Spirit of God for all decisions
When all known financial recovery theories have failed from Harvard Business School to Lagos Business School and stock market stimulus plans (if any) are unyielding from the Wall Street in US to the Broad Street in Lagos, it is only safe to be led by the Spirit of God before making decisions. God still leads those who care to listen for His voice. Yes, listening for His voice would require you to turn off the TV and settle down the bible in a conscious Word study, you will be amazed what He has to tell you. When God leads, He leads forward and He never tells you to do anything against His word. Note: It is for all decisions ranging from where to live, who to marry, business to venture in, when to buy or sell anything. Remember it was God who led Elijah to Zarephath. Abraham to Egypt and it was still the same God who told Isaac to stay where he was. God still leads!
4. Be Hopeful
Being hopeful in times of recession could be one of the most unreasonable things to do. But hope is what makes our heart to keep beating- It is called the anchor of our soul or what our soul hinges on. You remember Abraham who when he did not have any reason to hope to have a child again after almost 100 years of age but still embraced Isaac at 100years and the wife 90years. And if that sounds archaic, remember Hopeful Barrack Obama who when everything from his colour to experience seems to disqualify him for US presidency but hope made him to become the first black man to head the white house. Be optimist about your life, relationship, family, job, academics no matter the crisis. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. There’s hope for you!
5. Be more committed in your relationships
You will agree with me that we all find ourselves wearing many shoes at the same time. You can be a boss, husband, friend, mentor, coach, son or lover all at the same time. The time of crisis is a time to be closer first to God because your relationship with Him sets precedence for how you relate with others. Secondly, be more committed to members of your immediate family- your wife, husband, and children. Remember, these are the people who will be there always. Show them how much you care. Then this will definitely extend to colleagues, friends, brethren and others. Make sure you invest time and resources into people even at this time. The greatest investment is to add value to others- that is what you will be remembered for.
Let us pray: Lord, I trust in you to see me through this time of recession and cause me to be made manifest to my world even at time. Amen
Watch out for the last 5 commandments.
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