Saturday, December 05, 2009

I see it all from a Great Height!!

I came off a swing, an object that rocks you from one place to another neither taking you anywhere but gave you something to do. Something to occupy your mind, your focus, your purpose, but lacking any form of progress. And there I was, invited to take that bold step. Reluctantly as I did getting off the swing, I was invited on a small journey, a journey that was to be “this life of mine”.

I was told to look down, and there it was; in a distance the entire oceans of the world with its demarcations that showed that even the world’s oceans can be seen in its entirety. And almost immediately, I was asked what it was I see before me. A little confused, perplexed, I have always known this image was impossible to see unless I was a Hubble telescope, and even then, to see it, I would first of all see the round shape of the world, and thus I remained silent.

I was asked again to look up, but how could it be? I see the sky, yet so far into the distance, as if I were looking from the ground, the sky all lit up as it would during the night, with all its twinkling stars. How I marveled at such a sight. Incredible as it was, unbelievable as I thought. Still more confused, I continued in my silent manner.

I was told to look at where I was standing, and as I looked at my feet, I could see a pebble, grayish in colour and oval in shape. And as I stooped low to pick it up, I realized I was standing on a gauze, a metal wire mesh of some sort with openings, from which I could see what was below me. In the deep was the world in its entirety, but not round. I became immediately afraid, hoping not to step too hard so the metal gauze does not give way.

Then I was shown a higher ground that still needed to be explored. I have already been elevated, but there were still mountains still to be explored. And I wondered surely I’ve done enough.

For some of us, where we are today have been made up of bold little steps, which has added up to this huge height. But how we got there, has always remained alien to us. For many of us, we have attained such heights so early in life, and the struggles to get there have all been forgotten. Still, for some of us where we are, is still of little significance to us, because we see the journey before us, and have all but forgotten how far it took us to get to where we are today.

But if only we can first look at how far we have journeyed, it would be of little value, the distance yet to be covered, or perhaps the mountains yet to be conquered. And regardless of where we are, the heights we have attained, until that final call, there still remains other mountains yet to overcome.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you- (Psalm 32:8). Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know – (Jeremiah 33:3)

Naturally, a misunderstanding on how to charter your path will only lead to a longer and more painful route. But a clearer vision will make the journey worth the time.

Thank you Lord for Your guidance, and Your word, for indeed they are a lamp to my feet. Has it all been a waste of time? A resounding No!! I may have missed the turning at many cross roads, but I still have much more to cover. And for the first time in a long time, seeing how far I have come, I am more than convinced I will make it all the way.

Friday, November 20, 2009

The Plan of my Choice

I eagerly looked forward to the meeting Pa K had arranged with me. After church this Sunday, I have something to tell you he said. Could it be concerning the wife issue I spoke to him in confidence about. Surely it can’t be already, for only three months have passed since that day I walked into his office. As I impatiently anticipated this meeting, I drove in into the front parking lot opposite the first church building, confidently parked my car, and strolled effortlessly towards the main building. As I walked in, I looked around in a bid to see if I could locate Pa K, but it seemed that they were having some sort of an event, and maybe it would be better if I looked for him after the service.

As I looked for a nice seating area (not too far from the front rows and must be an aisle seat), my eyes drew to this life form. Yes, without loss of the proper words, I saw her, the yin of my yang; something in me leaped for joy. I wasn’t quite sure what it was, but it did. I then tried looking to the left and right of where I stood, to check if I was indeed in a dream, and that this sight was indeed happening in real life. But alas, I wasn’t in a dream, it was a Sunday morning, and I am at the COD meeting, and there is indeed a lady of exquisite taste and dimension walking towards the middle front two rows to take a seat on the 3rd seat from the left.

She was introduced as a visitor who would sing a special number. And there it was, I was so moved, she split me in two. My goodness, what a feeling!! I watched her, as she came off the stage, to her seat, and watched her say a silent prayer. Wow, God, what did I do in this life to merit such a woman, to find such a woman, to have such a woman, for such a woman to be made from me and for me? Well, I didn’t care at this point if she was betrothed to a man or not, she was mine by “fire”. As she waved her hands in the air, I watched closely to check if there was that exclusive jewel that was supposed to adorn the 2nd to the last finger on that all important left hand. But I sighed a sigh of relief, for there was none; except for the big flowery ring on her right middle finger. Surely that cannot pass for an engagement ring I wondered? But I kept staring at her all through the service and prayed hard that she would be mine. All mine.

The audience laughs!!

It’s not funny I interjected. I really suffered!!

Yes where was I? Good afternoon Pa K, good afternoon, brother T, I am so sorry I couldn’t see you before the meeting started, but I can see you now. Oh how excited I was, as I stepped into his office, and couldn’t wait for him to start the conversation on my invitation to the meeting, a glorious day, a day I met, and get to meet my wife.

So how have you been? Pa K, asked. I’m good sir. These past few months have been awesome, and God has continued to be so faithful in my life. Good Pa K responded; and continued saying, there is a lady I would like you to meet. She’s 29 and a… I interrupted. Sir, there is no need. I have found her. That woman I have waited my entire 33yrs for. The bone of my bone and the flesh of my flesh. The woman that completes me, and by God, I hope and pray to complete.

Really, Pa K said, I wasn’t sure if this was a good really or a bad one; but anyways it’s not important now.

So tell me about this young lady Pa K continued. Well you will not believe it but she is the lady that sang the special number, the invited minister. I could see Pa K, let out a little smile. But I continued anyways, she is PERFECT!!

That is good Pa K said, but you will need to go now and pray seriously about it, after which I would like you to meet the lady I was trying to suggest first, before the next step.

I shook his hands profusely, and thanked him for his time. And as I left I couldn’t help but feel like I was being cheated. What in the world is wrong with Pa K, I thought to myself, I said I have found the yin of my yang, and instead of you saying after the time with the Lord, come back and I’ll introduce you to her, you are telling me of this other lady. I couldn’t help but feel like Jacob did. I said I don’t want Leah (is it by force!!). It is Rachel that I want. This Perfect lady does not look a day over 24yrs, and her face radiates as if she was the sun. Such youthful elegance and my goodness what a walk!! Did you see the way she carried herself, personifying the daughter of the King of glory? And Pa K wants me to manage that 29 yrs old lady. It can never never happen.

The audience laughs again!!

I really didn’t find it funny at the time… I tried to say to them

So where was I again? Two days went by and no word from Pa K. Then 5 days, fourteen days, still nothing. I decided to do like Jacob did, and go to God with this in prayers. Every obstacle standing in the way of my breakthrough (even if it’s Pa K), be removed in Jesus Name Amen. Four weeks went by, still no word. I decided to fast and pray, and not stop until the story on my lady changed. Twenty weeks later, on a Saturday evening, I got a call from Pa K. Before that call came in, I felt a word telling me whatever he says do it. So when Pa K called and asked me, brother T, if I was now ready to meet the lady he talked about I agreed immediately.

I had lost some weight (ten Kilos) to be specific, and I could see my best suit didn’t look so dapper on me anymore. I realized I hadn’t cut my hair in a long while, and took to the shaver to clean myself up. It had been a tumultuous twenty weeks, but did I deserve it?

As I parked my car yet again on the same spot which I did twenty weeks previous, walking towards the main building, guess who it was that I saw coming out to greet me, none other than Pa K. He greeted me, smiled, and comforted me with the words it is well. He said to me, brother T, are you now ready to meet the lady I once tried to speak to you about, after which you can then take the next step? I didn’t need to think twice, I shook my head, and urged him to show me the way. He took me towards his office and as he opened the door, he said, I would like you to meet…. and there she was, I felt the same sensation I did the first time I saw her, and had to beat back the tears, for I felt Pa K had had mercy on me and introduced me to Rachel instead of Leah.

After shaking her hands I quickly asked if I could be excused making out I left something in the car. I ran towards the gents and wept copiously. It was finally happening, and I was finally getting her, yes the yin of my yang. As I walked back towards Pa K’s office, I met him on the way going towards the main building, and asked him, you changed your mind concerning the lady in question? He smiled and said they were always one and the same woman.

Does this remind you of a certain syndrome we as children have in dealing with God our Father?

He knew what I wanted and needed, but because I felt that what I needed was better than what He planned for me I had to suffer the consequences of my actions. If I had just cooperated with Him, I would have found out that what He planned for me was exactly what I wanted. That what I longed for was exactly what He had in mind for me.

Did I have to go through what I did these past twenty weeks? Did I deserve it all? Oh how pointless and needless it was, if only I had decided to pay a little more attention to what Pa K had to say that day, instead of interrupting him with my own ideas. Look at me; I have become a shadow of a man I used to be and for what?

We are also reminded of the example of the children of Israel. When the Lord told His friend Abraham how his descendants will be strangers in a foreign land for 400 years after which He will deliver them and take them to the Land He promised Him (Genesis 15:13; 16). And even though it happened exactly as the Lord told His friend Abraham; when it was time for them to take possession of the Land his descendants the Israelites did not believe that it was possible for God to give them such a land since it seemed like a land that devoured its inhabitants (Numbers 13:32-33; Deut. 1:26-32).

How long must we continue to treat the Lord God with contempt with our unbelief? For how long will we continue to laugh at his face and scoff at Him, citing, that because He has yet to answer that particular prayer, He is no longer a good God. For how long will we refuse to Trust Him wholly? For how long will we measure His goodness with what is seen, what is immaterial, with what will only fade away, instead of the unseen surpassing glory that He is putting together for us. [2 Corinthians 4:16-18: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal].

The word of God also reminds us that we perish for lack of Knowledge (Hosea 4:6). And until we fully grasp or understand the goodness and greatness of our God, we will continue to perish. We are also told that only them that know their God will be strong and do great exploits (Daniel 11:32b). That you can only ever become victorious in life when and only when you truly understand and TRUST the God that you profess to believe in; and know without a shadow of a doubt that He really is a good and wonderful God; that He means what He says, and that His words are truly true for you.

Instead of possessing the land, the Israelites wondered in the desert for another 38years from the time they were about to take possession of it (Deut. 2:14). A needless and pointless wait, all because they didn’t think His Idea of a good land was the same as their idea of a good land. Had they believed, the generation that didn’t believe would not have wasted away in the desert, and for so long.

But thank God for second chances. Thank God for the Lord Jesus. Thank God for His mercy. Thank God for God. Thank God for insights. Thank God for revelations, but most of all thank God for Understanding. I will be a fool to think my plan could ever be better than the plans of the master planner that is my God. I have believed, and therefore I have spoken it.

Friday, November 06, 2009

Anon. the great built this

It has been cold in these nether regions for sometime now. But you wouldn’t think so looking out from the inside of my apartment. I did wonder if I should venture out, and brace the cold. But then again, I thought to myself, I must think it over a hot cup of tea. As I sat on my chair made from solid oak, set in front of my fire place, I became immediately convinced that it was better to go outside than to stay indoors and see what the day had to offer. And as I stood up taking one final look out of the window before making that all important decision, I needed no more persuasions as I watched the sun reflect off the leaves of the oak tree standing opposite my front window. For the tree had yet to completely shed off its leaves. Hurray I said to myself, I will go out and take a walk along the deserted streets.

I was wrapped up warm, in all my essentials, no point getting caught out in the cold; I wandered down the via madoninna, and made a left down the church alley way, up the via don tommaso, and immediately a bus came by. I hopped on the bus and after the tenth stop I made my exit. All excited as I was I looked up, and there it was a magnificent building. It was situated at the end of the square, and on each side of it were buildings which dated back to the thirteenth century, with murals (or fresco) all painted all over it. As I marveled at these sights, I couldn’t help but say to myself, my goodness great men have indeed walked through these paths. But who were they? As I continued to walk through the square, past the piazza duomo, and right towards the great cathedrals, I saw a statue of a waterfall, with all the embellishment that came with such a monument. But who built this I said to myself? Who was he?

I went into the information center to gather some information on the sights I had just beheld, and there it was, the names of the minds that conceived these great artistries. Some as old as 800 years, but who were they? As I tried to navigate my way through the streets, and the artistries conceived by such great minds, I couldn’t help but wonder; if these men were able to leave such a legacy here on earth, what became of them in heaven? I hear and see their names. Men of unrivaled minds, yet, what did heaven have to say about them? Indeed what did heaven have to say about them?

Was their entire life’s efforts in vain? Was it worth being the most famous artist, painter, architect, builder, stone mason in the entire world, and yet be recorded as an anonymous in heaven? Ecclesiastes 2:17-18: “So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me”.

I soon forgot the cold and the whispering wind that tried to deny me of my much coveted scarf which kept the cold from reducing the temperature around the base of my head. And as the night drew near, I pondered upon my life, and wondered would heaven record me as anon?

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What would heaven say about me, about you, about you and I? The bible reminds us of the importance of leaving behind a legacy for our children and children’s children (not just materially) – [Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 22:6; 5; Proverbs 29:17; Deut. 6:7; 20; Ephesians 6:4]; but most importantly it reminds us to rejoice that our names have been written in the book of life, because that is the greatest achievement we can ever attain in this life (Luke 10:20).

Would heaven record you as anon, or as someone who left behind a Godly Legacy?

Don’t even try to say that because you’ve messed up so many times disqualifies you from being noticed by heaven. Does anyone remember John Mark (the author of the gospel of Mark [John was his Jewish name and Mark was his Roman name])? You see we first hear of him early in the book of Acts; Paul and Barnabas had been sent off on a missionary work and they had John Mark as their helper (Acts 13:5), but in the middle of the journey he had left them (Acts 13:13), and we were told he had bolted, deserted them in Perga Pamphylia, a dangerous area, a known hang outs for thieves and robbers (sure he had good reasons, he probably didn’t want to die yet J). When it was time for Paul and Barnabas to be sent off for another journey, he (John Mark) wanted to go with them, and Paul said NO (Acts 15:38). Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over this issue; and Barnabas went on his own journey taking Mark, whilst Paul took Silas and goes on another journey (Acts 15:38-40). But see what happens in Philemon: 24, many years had passed and here was Paul calling this same man a “fellow worker”. What happened? In 1 Pet. 5:13, Peter ends his greeting by calling Mark “my son” [don’t even get me started on Peter and the way he denied Jesus three times, his home buddy whom had taught him everything he knew, his friend and master – he too could have had reasons to see him self not good enough to be noticed by heaven – But we all know what became of him]. It was Peter who influenced Mark in writing his gospel and later Luke and Matthew both looked to Mark to get information for their gospels as well. And by the end of Paul’s life, he says of Mark in 2Tim. 4:11: “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in my ministry”. Wow, isn’t that something. This same man he had quarreled with Barnabas over. Isn’t that a legacy to show what God does with failures, Giver uppers and quitters. There is still hope for you yet. I was tempted, I was tried and often failing, but You Lord, You are my strength and my victory!!

Eternity will run for ever my dear friends, and can never be compared to all the years on this earth. And therefore whatever you run after here on earth will undoubtedly one day be destroyed, but be sure that your godly legacy built in heaven, will never be destroyed. For indeed our Salvation, Jesus our Lord and Saviour, Master builder, famous Physician; our walk with Him is by far the greatest legacy we can ever leave behind - So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life – Titus 3:7.

And how are we sure of this? Ephesians 1:11-14 “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory”

So what if I am the most sought after scientist in the entire world, and heaven doesn’t notice me? God forbid!! you can keep it. No thanks J. The only one that matters is the one that God recognizes. Ecclesiastes 2:26 - To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

So dear friends, what would heaven record you as? The choice is left to you.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I see Men as Solid Trees

Nnedinanma, walked briskly as if she were in a hurry, could it be an emergency of some sorts. She raced quickly to the other section of the house as she tried to make sure “Papa” was awake. He’s fine, in fine mood, and cheery too. Not so for Nkemdi. Since the rising of the sun he had been awake, meticulously trying to balance his accounts. But it was still not adding up. His outgoing was more than the incoming by a factor of two. And he was not due for a pay rise for the next fifteen months. How can we survive as a family for the next fifteen months especially since the school fees, mortgage and other expenses are mandatory – which explains the outgoing deficit! He could not see anyway out, and refused to borrow anymore. Exhausted with these thoughts, he slowly crept back into bed and continued to wonder what would become of his family.

Good morning dearest, you are awake said Nnedinanma, what would you have me make you for breakfast, your favourite? Nkemdi a little sullen replied, I’m not very hungry munchkins, don’t worry, I will be ready in a giffy to take the kids to school. Are they ready? I think so replied Nnedinanma, I’ll go check. It had barely gone past the hour when Nkemdi moved the car onto the drive way and the kids all jumped in and off they went.

Today, I telephoned my friend Nnedinanma, of ten years to see how she was, and how family life was treating her. Since it’s my day off I wanted to drop in on her before carrying on with my home chores. As I stopped by her house, I found her relaxing on a two by two settee, whilst watching desperate housewives. Her house was in an immaculate order, especially when children were supposed to live in the house, and it’s only 10am.

Dina I exclaimed, even the house cleaner I pay good money, is not able to have my house in such order and you are no better than I, spill! She replied saying, I have an aunt that has been living with me for the last seven months, who can not stand the sight of dust, and she has been helping with the kids, Papa, and even all the house chores. Cooking too? I asked, hmmm she replied, her food tastes better than mine. Then I said to her, what then do you do? Dina replied, I am a housewife, so the house is my domain. Dina I replied, for the last seven months you have been doing nothing since your aunt came, wouldn’t you consider getting a Job, especially when I know I will hire you in a matter of seconds. You’ve always been the best statistician I have ever had the pleasure to work with, and I wouldn’t mind having you in my group. She replied saying, it is the role of my Husband to provide for my family and for me to be provided for. I asked her, so how long will your aunt be staying? She replied saying, since she’s Papa’s only sister, she wants to be around to make sure Papa is taken good care of. But Papa now lives with you I interrupted. Exactly, she said. So you mean, yes, indefinitely.

I spent the next couple of hours talking and laughing with my good friend Dinanma, and didn’t realize how time flew. It was now 3.30pm and Nkemdi drove in with the kids, greeted us, and continued on his way back to work. I looked at her again and said to her do you really mean to tell me Nkemdi brings the kids back too? The house is my domain she replied. On realizing how late it had gotten, I decided to take my leave and promised to visit her again before the year runs out. But I couldn’t help but ask her one more question. So if you are in charge of the home, what happens to the financial responsibilities? She replied, Nkemdi is the provider, and he is in charge of making everything balance.

On leaving the house I couldn’t help but wonder on the role we as wives have to play in helping our husbands, and if Dinanma was fair in her attitude towards the distribution of roles.

In the story, we see a family in a temporary financial mess (which if not dispelled could lead to even greater problems). And all it needs is a “fifteen months bridge” to help get them out of the small mess. Currently Dinanma is free and wouldn’t find it difficult to find a job, but is not interested because of the way she views her husband’s responsibilities. He is not complaining, he just needs some help until he is able to sort out the mess. After all if aunt wasn’t around, Dinanma would still have been busy with her chores. But that is not the issue. If he had told her of the current status, would she want to help, since she is of the view that it is “his responsibility to provide for herBy wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures – Proverbs 24:3-4; The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down – Proverbs 14:1; Genesis 2:20b, But for Adam no suitable helper was found.

How suitable is she to the needs of her husband and to her family. How flexible is she, and is she willing to compromise? What sort of help does that make her? What is your perception of the role of your husband, and is he therefore responsible for falling short in difficult times.

Friday, July 31, 2009

What Lies Underneath

It’s the first time this week the burrow seemed clear. A fine day I’m sure filled with so much possibilities, said Mr. Mouse, as he tried to take a peek out of his hole onto the distance. He needed no further convincing, and decided the time to step out and go yonder was now, and the day no longer to be wasted was today. As he struggled to walk on the snow covered undergrowth, deep inside the forest on a mountain peak, he couldn’t help but wonder if it may have been too soon to wonder out, for it had all of a sudden turned too cold, and his fur no longer as strong as it used to be against the wind. As he moved along, a van came alongside, swerving from one side of the path to the other albeit slowly in front of him. He observed, the two wheels on the left was completely eroded, and the two on the right had been replaced with the smaller emergency proxy – “I’m sure you’re only ever supposed to have one of these he thought”. The body covered in sooth, and out of the exhaust came black smoke. Immediately Mr. Mouse gave a hot chase, even he knew that he could outrun this van, for he thought to himself any moment now this van is heading for a disaster. As he came close to the driver’s side, he called out to the driver. The driver saw him acknowledged him, and made an attempt to stop the van. He had pressed on his breaks, which was unresponsive, but technically wasn’t needed; and he watched it roll to halt. They exchanged greeting, after which Mr. Mouse went on to ask him - “are you aware that your van is in a really bad way”? The driver replied, “I didn’t think it was that obvious”. Mr. Mouse continued, “I can be of help”.

The driver moved with the concern of Mr. Mouse, decided to oblige him. He set down his cargo, and they both started to work on the van. As they took the body parts off, they found that the base that should have acted as a shield had eroded away, and the main wafer type content insulator had been half eaten. “No, this will not do” exclaimed Mr. Mouse, “this will not do at all”.

The driver suggested an alternative, but it just was not enough. No no, Mr. Mouse insisted, it must be new. No, no, it must be clean. “I know a place” said Mr. Mouse. You need a complete rectangular base that is made of steel with winged edges - this will prevent any thing from penetrating in. I know too where to get four brand new wheels and a warm spring where we can get fresh water to wash out the dirt from the van including the cargo. This way whatever is left of the soft wafer part of the van could be protected from any further damage”. The driver excited at this followed Mr. Mouse and did as he suggested. His cargo washed of its dirt, was returned to him of greater worth than when he started; for it had become so clean and sparkled so.

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We awaken in the morning wearied and burdened so, but thinks as long as we stay away from people and hide our emotions, no one needs to know what is going on underneath. We think that because it is hidden deep within, it won’t affect the exterior part of us. *erm* wrong!! If everything is not ok, then it really isn’t ok and it’s time for us to find out how we can improve our lives.

We need to first admit to ourselves that we are broken. The outer appearance of the van was in a bad way, because the base had rotted with the worries of life and penetrated the heart. And we know the heart is vital for the maintance of the body. For many of us, our heart is almost on its last lap, and at any moment about to go belly up. But that’s because our shield that should be acting as our protection is not as strong as it should be. We have not bothered to build on it, and to make sure that nothing comes any where near it. And for those of us who have not tried Jesus, I beseech you to try HIM, and see if He is not more than able to shield you in times of trouble. There used to be a time when I battled with my emotion as I saw myself unworthy and therefore not fit to be forgiven or to be called His child. But instead of remaining in my sorry state, I kept being reminded that He has forgiven me all of my sins, and I have been immersed and washed in His blood. I believe that in itself is more than enough when life’s burden or worries tries to bring us to the point when it seems all hope is gone.

We have to be prepared to be open to take suggestions. The driver would have thought, *erm* what does this horrible looking stench living, not fit to be spoken to Mouse have to tell me, and would have missed an opportunity that would have brought a much needed change in his life. The bible tells us that it is a wicked man who puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways (Prov. 21:29). If in need and help is offered accept it. It also says in Prov. 20:18; 24:6 (Make plans by seeking advice…. for victory many advisers). Isaiah 9:6; Prov. 12:16; 9:9; 1:8 - listen to good advice.

I also find talking about the things that are eaten away in my heart brings me a much needed relief. So again we need to find a spirit filled person to encourage us along our life’s journey. Especially one who is accustomed to your way. For example, I have two prayer partners, my mum and my girl friend. Both of which are spirit filled and always ready with the word from the bible to encourage me. I also have my pastors and network of Christian friends who I know are on their knees day and night praying on my behalf. If you don’t have one or have yet to find one, I am more than happy to be of help. But know this that the Lord God Loves you and whatever you are going through is not just for you alone, but to be an encouragement to the people He is sending you to.

Be prepared to cast your load upon the waters. Like me for example when I want something so badly you’ll know cause am all up in your face and everything, and I find that when I try to force it to be mine, *erm* it just breaks apart. So I’ve learnt to just let it go and let God. If this thing is meant for me, it will come back to me better than I started out with. It’s like saying Lord I want YOU to give me this, not me forcing it to be mine. Like the denim jeans example, if you force yourself into it, it will rip to bits, but when you finally fit into it, you’ll won’t know how it all happened (I am speaking from experience, I fit into them all now :)).

So don’t suffer in silence, and you are not an island. Wherever you hide yourself God is more than able to find you and send help to you. He loves you too too much, this time is only the refinery stage, and you’ll see the end result sooner than you think. You are just Fabulous.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Dedicated to U

Did you ever think you would ever get this “blessed”? It’s been a long road to get to this point. During the journey, there was never a time I really believed I would see this day. I had all but given up, because even the light at the end of the tunnel, appeared too many a times as a mirage. And for so long, I had all but decided to walk in the darkness and forget that a day like this will ever come to pass. Then one day, just one day a change came. My change came. Our change came. Just like it did in the time of Joseph, how a prisoner, a foreigner, went from the prison gates to become ruler in the nation of Egypt, a country not his own; all in a space of day (Genesis 41:1-57). Such miracles still happen even now, and it did happen to us.

Today I watched my baby brother graduate from the School of Medicine. Today, I watched him sigh a sigh of relief. It finally happened didn’t it? Oh Yes it did. Today I continue to be amazed, and continue to be reminded that the difficult roads will not always remain the same. Because all it takes is one day. Just one day. Your change will come. My change will come. And I will continue to wait until my change comes.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Wonderful is your Name!!

All of my Life, I have never Known God to fail. That is indeed a FACT and the TRUTH. From the time I was very young and up until now, I have never known God to fail. I am here, alive, healthy and well aren’t I? The Joy of the Lord that supersedes all things is with me. And my cup continues to run over. He is faithful and more than anything His love is so unconditional. Wow, this awesome God how else can I describe you but to say How wonderful is your Name!!

Sometimes it is good to just praise and glorify Him irrespective of what He has done or not yet done for you. Because the knowledge that He is, is enough to deserve all our praise and thanksgiving. Sometimes it is good to tell God, how magnificent and good He is. His ability to be magnificent is not dependent on the number of prayers He has answered, but simply because He is.

I am in the office and just feel like breaking out into a dance. DEAR GOD!! You are indeed the Living God. How excellent is Your Name. DEAR God!! You are JUST too much. Words leave me but I have to tell you this Lord. I really enjoy just being with you and just writing Love letters to you. Because truly Lord I love you (please try and forget those times I shout at you lol - I don’t mean it sometimes, just that.. well Lord You understand lol). I have fallen short of my walk, and messed up Lord on countless times, yet Lord You have continued to be so wonderfully faithful to me.

Thank you Lord for ALL you’ve done for me… You are indeed the Lover of my soul. You are indeed beautiful beyond descriptions; you are the only one I adore. The world will disappoint me, But You God, You are closer than a brother. You dig and stay put. God You just don’t joke with me… wow Lord, who am I that You love me like “shegge”!! What shall I ever render unto You my wonderful Lord? You own the whole world, including all the cattle on a thousand Hills. But Lord since you Love Obedience over sacrifice, I choose to declare to the whole world today, that I choose to obey the word of the Lord in all facets of my life.

Dearest Lord, always nudge me when I go astray so that I don’t wonder too far away from Your wonderful embrace. Your Grace is more than enough for me. Thank you Lord for being all that to me.

Friday, July 10, 2009

None of these things MOVED me!!

NOTHING in life is that important to miss HEAVEN. And No one is that important to cause you to miss heaven, not even your friends - But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God– Acts 20:24.

Our natural eyes may remind us of the situation/s surrounding our life, that nothing is ever going to work out, or that it is as bad as it gets. But you need to get to a point in your life to say the words “and so, what difference does it really make”. Because any form of disappointment in your life cannot last for that long, because as long as the Lord lives your Joy will come, that is for certain (Psalm 30:5b). And no matter what, ALL things work together for your good to them (us) who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). I am not saying that the disappointments are from God, no, I am saying the disappointments helps you realise what you are made of. If you are made of strong metal, the storm cannot break you. Instead it makes you stronger. And if you are made of straw.. well lets pray that none of us is made of straw.

And the Lord honours His words more than His name. Remind Him of His words, because He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). Do not forget His words. Regardless of what you are facing He says, His presence is with you and He will give you rest (Exodus 33:13-14). Your light will break forth like a dawn, wow I am so excited [have you noticed the way the dawn breaks? Think about it, then you J - Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard – Isaiah 58:8]

I don’t know about you, but I for one I have been redeemed by the Lord and the shout of Kings is with me (Psalm 107:2). Remember the eye of the Lord is upon they that fear Him (Psalm 33:18), and He will visit you, and when He comes He will make His goodness pass in front of you to see (Exodus 33:19 - Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion”). None of these things moved me. Disappointments will not move me. We refuse to bow and let life’s problems derail us. Our look of helplessness will no longer betray our worth, because we know who we are. And because we bear the mark of the Lord, we will not be moved.

Our spiritual eyes has to look through the lens of faith and continue to remind our hearts that no matter how bad it seems, God is still able to do abundantly more than we can ever ask. However, our journey, on the road to heaven requires a great deal of cooperation from us. And only those who have made up their mind to follow Jesus regardless will make it to the finishing line. It is not going to be easy but believe me it is going to be worth it.

Dear Lord If I have found favour in your sight, go with me, forgive me my sins and take me as an inheritance. For I am even more resolved to follow His lead. Yes Dear Lord, lead the way, and I will follow.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Just for a moment more!!

You cannot afford to give up now. You’ve come too far. Let’s keep walking; we are so close to the end I can just smell it”.

Peggy and her four friends after days of endless walking had found themselves in a farmland belonging to farmer Jed. It was spacious, comfortable and there stood in the middle this GREAT tree. It stood out when compared to the rest and had branches you could rest on. On seeing this, Melinda turned to the group and suggested they stopped in for the evening and maybe stay for the night. Then just maybe they would alight early the next day for their journey home. Peggy a little uncomfortable with the idea tried to encourage her and the rest of gang to continue, urging Melinda “You cannot afford to give up now. You’ve come too far. Let’s keep walking; we are so close to the end I can just smell it”.

It was as if her suggestion was falling on deaf ears as her friends were reluctant to carry on and didn’t find anything wrong in stopping in for a short while, even if it was for the night. Peggy remembering the many years the group had been friends for succumbed but insisted that before the clock struck 4am they must be on their way. For they did not know what manner of man the farm belonged to. At 3.30am the next morn, Peggy was already awake and tried to wake the rest up; Tisa and Clarisse were prepared to follow Peggy, but Melinda chose to sleep in for a little while longer, whilst Federica opted to follow Melinda in her lie in.

As Melinda and Federica lay snuggly under the shade of the beautiful tree, the rest of them began to set off. They had just barely left the position of the tree when they realised that farmer Jed and the rest of his workforce were awake and busy working on the farm; and saw that every intruder farmer Jed’s crew came into contact with they shot at for trespassing. Peggy on seeing this feared for their life. And as they turned aside they found that they were standing close to a moving mower cart and made haste to follow the cart. They were able to follow it unnoticed by farmer Jed and his group and were just able to make it out of the farm land alive.

As they got off the farm, they wondered what would become of their friends, and Tisa and Clarisse praised God for listening to good instructions.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You can’t help but wonder how close to our breakthroughs we are even when it appears the end is still so far away. Sometimes we get distracted and sidelined, which sometimes causes one to try to settle for less than what God has for them. And in most cases a wasted life. Don’t be deceived, don’t be shortchanged, don’t let the enemy steal what rightfully belongs to you (The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full – John 10:10). Don’t be unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11), and don’t give up. Don’t let your body cause you to sin or prevent you from entering into your rest because of disobedience or LAZYNESS (Hebrews 4:11 - Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience). The word of God reminded us to pray until our Joy is full (John 16:24). Until what He has promised manifests in our lives we should give Him no rest until He has done what He promised (Isaiah 62:7). Saints keep praying.

And what He tells us to do we should do (John 2:5b; Hebrews 12:25). Seek His counsel early, because storms will come, but Jesus has already overcome it all (John 16:33). Seek Godly counsel and let Him guide you to a successful finish (Isaiah 28:26 - His God instructs him and teaches him the right way; Proverbs 20:18; 24:6 - Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers; Proverbs 12:16; 9:9; 1:8). As ungodly counsel will only wear you out (Isaiah 47:13)

“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” – 2 Corinthians 1:8b-9.

Keep trusting God and He will see you through. But remember faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Keep persevering and He will grant your labours with success. You are not labouring in vain (Hebrews 6:10). You have not come to the mountain of the Lord to gloom and darkness (Hebrews 12: 18-24). No, you have come to the Living God, who is more than dependable.

It is closer than you think!! Don’t let you story be like that of Melissa and Federica. Let your testimony be like that of Peggy and friends.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Hi my Name is David!!

The oxford dictionary states that Evolution is: • noun 1 the process by which different kinds of living organism are believed to have developed, especially by natural selection. 2 gradual development. 3 Chemistry the giving off of a gaseous product or of heat. 4 a pattern of movements or manoeuvres.

After the short 7.40am bus journey to the train station, I looked forward to my quiet time inside the train. I had hopped that the train would be on the empty side so that I would be able to pray over the songs I was going to lead the worship service with, and ask God for His fresh anointing. The fast train to Verona is just a little over an hour and thankfully today (like it has been the past three Sundays) was on time. As I walked along the carriage way looking for a prime spot, I spotted an almost empty carriage and a sitting place with a tall man fast asleep. His feet spread over the chair of my choice, and so I smugly told him in English, please could you take your feet off my chair.

I was shocked that he did, woke up immediately and sat up, then said to me:

Is that train opposite going to Venice

I was surprised he spoke English, sounded American, at which I replied, “yes it is but it’s a very slow one and stops at every stop. But this train takes you straight to Verona, and you can change over for the fast one to Venice

Then he replied, “I would have been surprised if they put me on the slowest one

I was thinking to myself, please go back to sleep, I need to spend some time praying over my songs, because I need the anointing of God to flow in today’s service. But instead, he just kept talking and talking and talking. Fifteen minutes into the journey, he had given me a brief history of himself, and he was a young American footballer playing in the European league and after his two years in Bolzano (North of Italy – German speaking region), he was now playing for Barcelona (in Spain). Great, but that didn’t stop there. And at no point did it occur to me to try and witness to him. All I was thinking about was me, my worship service and my songs. I kept hoping there would be one of those “awkward moments” but he just kept talking..lol.. And finally after twenty five minutes of him jabbing away I finally said to the Lord, I give up Lord. Maybe after the train ride, on the next bus ride to my final stop, just maybe I’ll have a bit of quiet time to pray over my songs and for more of His anointing.

He spoke about, culture, life, education, women, beer you name it, I heard it all that morning J, and it wasn’t even 8.30am yet. And all I did was listen to him. I was able to tell him what I was doing too here in these northern regions of Italy, but the conversation was more his sided J.

Then finally, with only fifteen minutes left of the journey, he asks me what I was going to Verona to do, that was when it all started. I told him I was off to church and told him a little about my church. Then we introduced ourselves. His name was David, and mine Lifeofastranger.

I’m not quite sure what to call myself. I am Jewish and my family are devout. Problem is I’m not quite sure about all these things to do with God. How is it you can believe in God, as opposed to evolution?

Then I asked him, how do you think the world came to being today?

He had spent his first two college years taking classes in physics at the University of North Carolina (in Chapel Hill), and replied saying, “gaseous particles that soon came together to become water and small life forms started to form”.

I smiled at him and asked him, so what then gave off these gaseous particles?

Which I quickly followed with, for a product to form there has to be a reaction involving reactants. There has to be an initial event that created the reactants which were once products. And therefore if these gaseous particles are a result of - gradual development, giving off of product, a process, a pattern – these are all events that can only be initiated from an origin. This transformation leading to a product must have a beginning. And therefore, how did that beginning come to being?

He smiled too and said, “I give you that

He moved on to ask me about the mendacity that is the world we live in today. Would I say that it is ok for one to have it all and another none? A man could have all that money, car and house. And another just working in a bar, corner shop, or a bin collector.

At which I replied, why is it so important to you how others live? How do you know if the man who is working in the corner shop is not transforming the lives of others that live in his community? Or the need that the bin man is meeting by collecting one’s refuses. You don’t know the purpose of a man; you can only know the purpose that is yours. The life and purpose of a man can only be revealed to that man, and because we are only privy to ours we can only act as a spectator, but not to use it as a yard stick to measure ours or judge what is happening around us.

He nodded his head, and gave out a smile. And as my heart continued to race faster, I realised we had reached our final stop, Verona. As he stood to bring down his belongings from an overhead compartment, he said to me what do you think of Obama?

I smiled yet again. And said, I admire the lessons that have been learned from Obama’s rise – that it doesn’t matter how long it takes, change is going to come. But whatever difference, bad or good he makes around him, will only be accredited to him to his account. But you see, because we all have our own individual purposes, nobody is going to help us build our accounts, only us. Then I asked him, what are you doing about yours? Because when we get to heaven, God is not going to ask you, “yo what do you think of Obama”, He’s going to get YOUR Life’s CV out and ask you what you did with yours. So stop watching the mendacity that is in the world today, or the successes others make out of their lives, what really matters is “what did David do with his”, and how was he able to use it to transform the lives of the people / the community around him. What did David do with his “tenure”, and what Legacy did he leave behind. To BE sure his LIFE’S CV is going to be read out ON THAT DAY. Make sure it’s Filled out.

As we stepped off the train (the doors in our carriage and the one before us wasn’t working so we had to walk to the third carriage to get off the train talking as we walked along), as he was about to bid me farewell, he held my hand and said, “this has been the most intense, and educative morning he has ever had”. We said our goodbyes and immediately he started to run for his platform for his connecting train to Venice, for his return flight back to Barcelona. I may never see him again.

But as he went, I couldn’t help but ask God to help him. After his time in Barcelona he plans to move to North Korea to teach English. I don’t know what plans God has for him, but I pray that I was able to sow enough seed to help him in that journey. My interrupted quiet time was an inconvenience to me, but I’m sure it was not to David.

So let me pose the same question I posed to David to you. What are you doing about your Life?

The Lord reminded us in our Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3) and in Matthew 6:34 – the importance of each day, therefore make the most out of what you’ve been allocated, and Let the Lord our most wonderful and worthy saviour guide you as you work out your faith with Him. Let Him continue to order your steps (Psalm 37:23; 17:5) and help you to finish the race well (2 Timothy 4:7). Press on for the prize in front is worth the race (Philippians 3:13-14). Make a difference. Make your life count. You have been created for greatness. Go become it!! You are created beings not evolved beings. Therefore initiate the process of evolution. Transform your environment – it may be a gradual process, it may take a long time, but don’t let that stop you. Release what you are made of. Let the result be a change that can never be stopped. GIVE scholars of the result of your evolution something to debate about.

I caught my 9.17am bus, and was in church by 9.50am. And the worship service was more than I could ever have prayed for.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Does He want to?

I will sing of the goodness of Jesus, and even so for all He has done for me. This week (more so than ever) I’ve been in an attitude of gratitude and there is this overwhelming sense of peace that has followed me throughout this week. It’s not an easy task to leave it all to Jesus (I should know, I preach more than I practice), and sometimes after thinking yes, God can do this, I sometimes wonder but does He want toJ?

I am not only reminded that He can and will, but that He truly wants to. He wants to see me blessed; He wants to see me attaining the Heights that He has created me to reach. He wants to see me be an encouragement to others who may be passing through a situation similar to mine, Oh yes He wants to display me to the world that God my Father, is not just any ordinary man.

So next time you are in doubt, consider this, do you think your earthly father would like to see you his beloved child begging for bread? How do you think your earthly parents would feel when they see you in considerable pain? ---- How much more God, giver of life? {I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread – Psalm 37:25; “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” - Isaiah 49:15}

There are many things that God wants to do for us, but He needs an Invitation. He says I stand at the door and knock – Revelations 3:20 – He is a gentleman. He wishes to be invited. And He is closer to you than you know (James 5:9). He is always ready and willing to be all that you want Him to be in your life. Thing is, are you willing to try Him, challenge Him? I’ve tried Him, would you?

I don’t need to be told anymore of His capabilities. I have tried limiting God, and that didn’t work. I have tried expected things, but instead received far better, greater, above and beyond the unexpected. I know now that He delights to hear from me, and that indeed is a privilege many are not accustomed to. And for these reasons I am even more persuaded that my God who is GREATLY to be praised wants to see me fulfilling His divine purpose for my life.

What of you?

Friday, June 12, 2009

A simple thought!

So He finally shows up, and you seem to think well He’s not showing out. It’s as if the prayer has been answered but it’s not like the way you expected / wanted it. You can see the manifestation of the answered prayer, but it didn’t come with all the trimmings that you expected.

It’s like you were marooned on the ocean and left to die, and the rescuers finally came, but *err* with no boats visible, as in “are you sure you came to rescue me or compound my plight”?

God can not lie (Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil?; 1Sam 16:7; Jos 21:45). He doesn’t say something and not do it. He’s not about to rescue and deliver you from the very situation you are facing, if He’s not able to bring His promises to pass. Remember that (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:20). And He doesn’t answer prayers by halves (Numbers 11:23b - "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you"). And when your time for visitation comes BELIEVE an end has come to all forms of bareness in your life.

So what if *erm*, the manifestation of the prayer is not you know, the way you expected it to be. Didn’t God say His has no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22), and there will be a satisfaction that comes with His blessing (Psalm 91:16)? Don’t watch what or how it is now, watch what God says it’ll become.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Shocking Out!!

I had seen this sight on numerous occasions, and so today’s wasn’t expected to be any different to the others. But today I was moved; my original sitting place prevented me from being positioned to see what I needed to see. Thus I was upgraded. Yay, I exclaimed, you mean to the next class? Yes maam was the reply. I was offered the choicest of seats, and I chose to seat by the window.

And as I sat down, preparing myself for the most relaxing ride of my life, tilting my head towards the right, to get properly acquainted with the head cushion, there appeared before me this blinding ray of light trying to discomfort me and at the same time obstruct my view coming through the window; no sooner had I cursed it in my heart proceeding to pull the curtains, it seemed to disappear. As I tried to adjust myself, and lifting up my eyes, I saw the clouds. It was as if it was acting as a shield, but not doing a very good job at it, because they appeared to have holes in them, and some of the rays of light had pierced though. The holes also appeared to be many, random and scattered at the same time.

The Lord had something to show me, and I was a spectator.

Then as if I were being elevated, I was lifted above the clouds and there in front of me I could see as far as the eye could see, LIGHT, but now no clouds acting as a shield. … As I marvelled at this light, I finally realised what He meant when He said I have already blessed you in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3-10).

You see, everything we need, require, desire and want according to His will has already been granted. But for some of us it seems we are not getting the fullness of that benefit; this is because there is a shield; there is a barrier; there is an obstruction; there is a blockade, which the enemy has placed, in the bid to frustrate us. But you see what he forgot, was we have a weapon. A weapon known as PRAYER. And every instant, we fire a PRAYER; it acts as a loaded gun that infiltrates the most resistant of shields. And the more we fire it, the more impact we have on the shield’s ability to prevent our breakthroughs from getting to us. And depending on how many rounds you fire, is related to the impact you have on that blockade. So to say if we want to succeed we need to be militant on the way we pray (mmhmm Militant PRAYERS).

And Because of that blood that was shed upon the cross of Calvary, we were reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:18), and so regained the authority to stand and fire at will; because God is looking for overcomers, those of us who want testimonies to share of the goodness of God (Revelations 12:11). Those of us whom through communications with God (Prayers) were able to break up unploughed grounds. Because in the end what matters, is living the Life that God predestined you to live (To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory – Colossian 1:27).

Are you ready to be Militant Prayers? I don’t know about ya’ll but am about to shock out and do some serious damage to whatever is standing in the way of my breakthroughs.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Come Share this with me

You can never grow as a person or in your faith unless you have gone through a storm / storms and realize that it was through GOD's grace and His mercy that He brought us through। And since nothing in our life just happens, and because God is the author of our life, He has already written every chapter concerning us from the beginning even to the very end. Therefore, since there is no love greater than the Love of GOD's, let us never forget that our life can only grow better under His direction.


So how fortunate that He gave him this word today again reminding us of that fact “What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory” – Romans 9:23. That what you and I have gone through or may be going through was and is for a greater purpose. Because it is entirely up to God to do as He pleases with us - 15Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? – Matthew 20:1-16. And because of what He has shown us, we ought to rejoice that He has chosen “us” to be objects of His mercy.

What you are going through will not be easy and may never get easy, but it is worth the goal in front। And the Lord Jesus is saying to you too, think of what He had to go through, which we ought not to ever take lightly. That His was never easy, but see what it meant, paying the “total” cost of our entire sins (not just mine and yours, but the whole world, those alive today, unborn, and those that died before we were born). And if we say we Love Him, we need to take up our cross and follow Him, with all this in mind. For indeed every set back is worth the goal in front.


It has been a week of mighty revelations. I pray that the good Lord who has chosen us to be objects of His mercy will continue to crown us with His glorious riches, in Jesus Name. Amen