Living on the other side of the promise

The Oxford dictionary defines promise as: 1 an assurance that one will do something or that something will happen. 2 potential excellence.

Have you been in a situation when someone makes a big promise to you, have you experienced the turmoil of emotions that ensues - the waiting, the anticipations, the badgering, the disturbance, the helplessness that comes in the waiting for the promise to be fulfilled. For some it may take a while for the person to make good on the promise, that’s if they come through that is.

I remember when I was younger than I am now, an award was literally handed over to me on a platter, but I hadn’t really been given it yet, because there were some formality, a process, a series of events that needed to take place prior to it “being officially” given to me. I remember giving a testimony in church, praising and glorifying God, and receiving and claiming it. After all it was mine; it’s just a matter of the bureaucratic process that needed to take place. When the time came for the process to commence, I was told that even though it’s practically mine, I still had to submit an application, a grant proposal, and will have to get it reviewed by the reviewer board and advisory board, and then after it all, only a couple of people “may” be awarded. I asked the organiser to explain to me again, what she meant. She told me, that all the Universities in the UK were participating, and nine have been chosen to submit an application, and only three may be awarded in the end. At which I replied, “I thought this award was practically stamped and delivered to me”. She told me, in principle yes, but it could go either way. I guess that week was probably the worst week of my entire life, and I wondered how I could go back and tell the people that “technically” the testimony wasn’t really complete, and that the award wasn’t really mine yet. You see I had declined all offers, because this award was the mother of all, it gave me access to ANY university in the world to work with, and the world was my playing field - or so I thought!

In reality many of us are in one way or the other waiting on a promise to be fulfilled. A promise made by a fellow man may not come good, but a Promise made by God, is FOR SURE to come to pass. Many of us claim the promises of Abraham to be theirs, yet they forget that Abraham had to go through a process to become the Father of a Great Nation. Even though Abraham was significantly wealthy, could you imagine having to wait for 25 years for God’s promise concerning a Son to come to pass (Gen. 12:2-3; 13:14-16; 17:17; 18:10). That doesn’t even include the waiting before the promise was given. I know, there’s no way I could wait that Long, but He did, and God called him His friend.

……………….. Many of us would have resided to say “ hmm, yeah God promised, but you know maybe we should try and help ourselves (which they did with Hagar), or like the Shunammite woman who didn’t want the prophet Elisha to make her any promises, no point getting her hopes up you know (2 Kings 4:16). Yes we know God is able, but erm, there are levels, maybe He didn’t mean it physically, maybe spiritually ehen the promise will come to pass………lol………………

Hannah was another tormented by her inability to give her husband children, but she had no idea that the Son the Lord was preparing for her was to be the very first prophet that Israel would ever have (1 Sam. 1:6; 3:20). Waiting for the promise of God to be fulfilled is never going to be an easy process. What is it that you are waiting on God for? What promise has the Lord been repeating to you that He will do for you? What is it that Lord been reminding you that is an easy task for Him to do? His word’s reassures us that no matter how long it takes we should wait (Hab. 2:3).

I was so favoured with regards to my award, I only had to wait Six months (without a Job), and even though many proposals were declined, and in reality only three universities out of the whole in the UK was chosen, the reviewers accepted my grant proposal and awarded me the money. It could have gone either way, but because of the Favour of the Lord that was upon me, He brought this promise to pass. God does not show favouritism (Acts 10:34-35), when you see Him coming through on His promises for others, you better rest assured that the promises He made to you will surely come to pass. God is more than able to do exceeding and above that which He says He will do, He is good for it. I have known Him to be faithful and true. The promise may be taking a little while to come on over, but that doesn’t mean its not coming at all.

As for me I have crossed over and have started to live life the way the Lord purposed me to live. The waiting process will never be a pity party occurrence, or a time to dabble in doubt and unbelief. I believe God and that settles it. I choose to live life expectant, knowing fully well that He has done what He says He will do. It’s just a matter of filling the paper work, and presto I’m “outer” here.

Discount on the Treno Express

Hey guys... just wanted to give a just in UPDATE..hehe.. Im off tommorrow evening to the south of Italy for a friend's wedding. I had booked my flight originally which got cancelled and redirected to a different place. The notification was in Italian and English but I couldn't get past the Italian section, so asked for a refund only to find that everyone else I was travelling with took the redirected flight and the airline have now refunded me my money. This all happened when I was taking my much needed trips in August. when I decided to rebook again the price had "quardribbled", and we still had another 300 km left to go (which means cost of hiring a car). In the end, I opted to catch a 12hrs train there and another back. Either way the cost of the journey would still be the same for the origianl flight (which when I booked in July was 160 euros)

Anywho, to cut the long story short, I went to purchase my ticket, not only did they give me the most afordable option, they also gave me 20% discount on top of it all, leaving my collegues green with envy (as another one decided to go last minute). So here I am, paying 84 euros, for a 170 euro minimum train ticket. I am really so fantastically elated overjoyous, dazzled, beside myself happyness...lol.. FAVOUR. When my collegues read the options on the ticket, says that the dicount is only limited to a few people a year, and here I was one of them. Thank you Jesus. I know I know 80 odd euros may not amount to much, but its the principle. Everywhere I go, God is just blowing up the spot. Can't wait. I LOVE YOU JESUS. You make my heart go paulina paulina..lol.. muah.. God I'm just rubbing kisses all over your face.. You are my papa..

Oya I'll post something up tomorrow God willing before I go. Ciao my people.

The Favour Factor: Transform Lives and Make a change

…..it pains me to see someone who has been blessed so, still unable to acknowledge the blessing or see her path laid with so much light… (Sisbee)

I knew a young lady once, who moved on from one blessing to another never recognizing it or being thankful for it. She moved up from being in the shadows to fame in three divine steps, whilst leaving her contemporaries to struggle with jealousy, despair, worry, and other fruitless emotions. It was as if a normal occurrence in her life, which translated to a miracle in the life of others, was always treated with such indifference.

Her Complain:

Every now and then she would ask God, “Why have you created me to only know pain, to question my life's turn of events and in the midst of it all, loose sight of YOUR path for my life. To seek refuge in all the wrong places compounded again with the already fragile state of mind. She would continue with, “What is the point of all the excellence and promotions. I did not ask for wisdom or wealth, but you gave me those in abundance. Still the one I desire the most, “You” have in all these years yet to give me”. Grumbling had become a normal way of life for her, but this did not stop God from making her life a shinning example. A blessing she neither welcomed but rather saw as a cross to bear. A load too heavy to carry. Can you imagine pretending to be happy, when I’m slowly crumbling inside? How can my life be envy to so many people?

God’s answer:

Then one morning as she woke up, like the days previous, ready again to read out her questions, before she spoke, she heard, it was now her turn to be questioned concerning what she’s been doing with her gifts. The Lord asked her: why do my blessings not please you? I gave you life, so that your life is filled with hope and joy and all manner of praise worthy things. I gave you health, so you could enjoy the abundant Life I have stored up for you. I gave you wealth, so that you will know no lack and wisdom so that you will continue to be the head and above in everything your hands find to do. I fearfully and wonderfully made you, which is why when you step out, people take notice of you. You see, it’s not your fault that they have to take notice, it’s just the way I planned it. Before you had need of anything, I had already made provision for them. I realise that sometimes it may take a while to get to the one you desire the most, but you see it’s a process. A conveyer belt system, an ordered series of events to prepare you for that destination. Everything you’ve been given up until now, is a build up to the ones to come. Including “That one” you’ve so vehemently accused me of withholding from you. I don’t think you realise how much I love you, how important you are to me, and how it pains me of your lack of appreciation. I understand that some negative things have and will continue to happen in your life, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t factored it in my plan. Every gift I’ve given you was never for you and you alone, but to be used to transform lives and bring a much needed change in the lives of the people I’m sending to you. The Life I created you for is greater than the life you are living, but it was good for you to ask. It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that “you” are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is your stability and faithfulness - Lam 3:22 - 23. In these days he has shown his favour and taken away “your” disgrace among the people - Luke 1:25. He is watching to see that “His” word is fulfilled (Jer. 1:12), and "You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you." - Numbers 11:23. He continued on to say “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:5).

Each one us have one complaint or the other which we’ve already spent a considerable amount of time presenting to God, forgetting there are people whose lives are dependent on the trials we've overcome, none too small in the eyes of God. It is time to go to ‘Galilee”. What are we doing wrong in our lives? Have we in the waiting for “that answered prayer” forgotten to give thanks to God for the others? Are we struggling with the glass is half empty concept. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we can see how good the Lord has been to us. Not just the small things even the great ones. To always count our blessings, because in doing this we see that the positives outnumber the so called negatives. Today I am alive to testify of God’s goodness and greatness in my life - They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death – Rev. 12:1. My future greater than I can ever imagine. I think when we magnify God, and remember how great our God is then living for ourselves will be easier to let go. Living for God, trust me is so much hassle free. We don’t have to worry about the things He’s done or not done for us, but the things we can do for Him. Like the Psalmist says I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken. I too have that testimony to tell. There are people waiting for their lives to be transformed through your testimony. This is the time to Transform Lives and Make a change. Let us never be found wanting.

So I think I can Fool God

So I was querying God recently, trying to ask Him why others seem to get away with certain things, and the moment I do it, my own lands me into great difficulty.

So the Lord replied saying to me in - Galatians 6:5-8 - for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. – Luke 16:15; 1John 2:15-17 –

Romans 6:1 - What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?

As in, next time Life of a Stranger, query other things, not when you are DEAD wrong.

So because there is grace we have used it as a licence to do however we please. Yet this is wrong. Yes we may be in a dispensation of grace, but does that mean we should use it to sneer at God, mock God, and disrespect Him however we please just because He is quick to forgive. So, because we know there is Grace we have forgotten God is the same yesterday today and forever, and have forgotten so quickly, He is the same God of the Old Testament. Just because He is merciful and gracious and slow to anger (Ex. 34:6). But it doesn't say that our actions will in the end not bring God to wrath. Forgetting we can experience the judgement of God if we continue in our ways. That even though He is a God who wants to bless me, and protect me, if I deliberately continue in my sin, as in the sin is now premeditated (i.e. planning my repentance after the sin, intentional sinning), when the outbreak comes I shouldn’t complain why stuff is happening to my life.

Is as if, we are not afraid of God, when we ought to be working out our salvation in fear and trembling. Can you imagine, after you received the knowledge of truth, and continued to sin deliberately, why shouldn’t we expect dreadful judgement. Let’s just say, Fear almost caught me. I quit my whining on the spot, and started singing awesome God, mighty God, I give you praise… you will not hear any more moaning on this blog again biko..

Thank God for Grace. It’s so funny how quickly we have forgotten how way back in the day when it was only the high priest that were allowed to go to the holy place, they would tie rope to their waist just so that if the bell was still jingling, they knew the high priest was still alive and when the bell stopped they knew he must have died, and would pull the rope to get him out. We forget this is the same God, fearful God. So now because Jesus has died for our sins and we have grace we just do as we please.. omo.. carried along or not, we better have this in the back of our mind. Wow, Insulting God, insulting the Spirit of Grace. Trampling the Son of God, and treating God, like someone we couldn’t care less about. We need to start asking God for forgiveness. As in my eyes opened even wider.

Grace is a restraint a reason for us not to sin, and not a reason for us to sin - Lam 3:22 - 23 - It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.

I know this post is like all over the place, it’s just that I had forgotten, and needed a reminder. I really thank God for loving me to enlighten me so.

Today Lord, I ask you to forgive me, in everyway I have sinned against You. Heavenly Father, today I start again, I rededicate my whole life and being back to you. You and you only have I sinned against. Blot out my transgressions before me, and remember them no more. Help me Lord to treat the blood of Jesus with Reverence and Holiness. Be merciful unto me, and continue to be a light to my Feet, so that I may know the way I ought to go. I know the truth Lord, and I pray that you help me NEVER to continue to sin deliberately. In Jesus Name. Amen

Amazing God, Amazing King

I woke up this morning with this song in my spirit and kept singing it all the way to work. It really got me thinking what really qualifies God as amazing in ones life. Let me give an example, I returned to Goteborg again this week even though some time ago during the early years of my study I had the opportunity to visit it with my cuz and her colleagues from Harvard. For me it was one of the best cities I had been to, and the roads appeared to be never ending (we were always walking). We stayed in the Hotel Gothia Towers, and on the west end 20^th floor having breakfast on the 23^rd which was only allowed depending on the floor level you were staying. I spent a little money on an outfit which I wore when I went to pick my sister’s things when she was finally leaving university for the great big wide world. Her friends thought the outfit was amazing and my sister never forgot it.

Fast forward to the present time. The experience was no different with the previous (or so I thought), only that I went with colleagues of mine, who were experts in their field of science and already had a preconceived idea of what they felt was beautiful and what was not. The city is not an old one, so no buildings that date back to the middle ages, and no significant art work that might inspire them. Nevertheless, they were not overly impressed with the city and didn’t think it was a place for them to come back to. When they asked me what my view of the city was, it took me more than a second to answer them. The fact may have been, since the five years I last visited the city, I may have been to other cities each of which I felt may have been more amazing than the other. In any case as disappointed as I was, it got me thinking. I wondered what made this visit any different to the first.

Going back to my topic today, as irrelevant as the example I’ve given may be, it really got me thinking. For some of us, our view of God is the amazing things He’s done or does for us, the memories of the significant breakthroughs that have brought us to where we are today. But, when the opportunity arises for us to face those same situations again which we once overcame in our past, the fact that we didn’t do as well as we did before or did terribly, automatically translates that God is no longer amazing to us. We begin to allow the insignificant become significant. We begin to grumble at God, saying “after all, if He knew we weren’t going to overcome it, then why put us through the whole emotion of being hopeful. Better still, He has the power of taking the situation away completely, so why allow us to face it a second time; why allow us to go through it, when He knew we were going to fail anyway…. Wouldn’t it have been better for us to be of good cheer, while reminiscing about the old memories, instead of allowing our minds to become defiled with the new ones that “kinda ruins” the old.

I remembered telling my colleagues, it would have been better with the old memories, but now I know better. I am not disappointed because this visit was nothing compared to the old visit. I am glad that I had the opportunity to go through this experience again, and know that the city wasn’t beautiful because of what it had to offer, it was beautiful because I choose to believe it was. I choose to believe that whatever comes my way that God is still amazing. I think that ought to be the stance we take in life. God is not just amazing for the things He does for us, He is simply amazing because of who He is. He is God. He was, is and will be forever God. I think that pretty amazing don’t you think?

BREAKING NEWS:

I'm falling inlove with me all over again. He reminded me again what He told me three years ago, that the Life He created me for is larger than the life I'm living. And He also said - "You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you." - Numbers 11:23 - I feel like it's my birthday already.

I don't know what to make of all this, I'm wondering, Is there a "Bently" waiting for me, or am I about to be transformed to a billionaire. I feel like something is about to be birthed in my soul - Transform lives and make a change, He said. Ok here I am. Ready for action. Oh and I'm wearing my purple chequerd top, with silver line and brown tint. Yay.. Loves it.

Jeremiah 1:12

What word has God spoken to you lately that the enemy been contending with. Yesterday the favour of Lord was so magnificent that I went home and woke up feeling too wonderful.

I will be away again for a week on a meeting in Sweden. I'm really looking forward to this trip. Can't wait to visit another country, after my three weeks break.

Remember Jer. 1:12 - The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."

Once He has spoken, twice have I heard.. it is indeed well with my soul.. Yay.. God has been moving me unto new levels and relms in my relationship with Him. He really has been showing Himself victorous. In not too far, I have a testimony to share. And indeed the Lord has been so good to me.

What the Lord Has done

Luke 1:25 -

The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favour and taken away my disgrace among the people."

About love, commitment, feelings, relationship, maturity e.t.c.

Love is not just a feeling, it comprises of it. Feelings aren’t the evidence of love. Love is an exercise of ones will—a decision you deliberately and consciously take based on knowledge and understanding to stick with the object of your love (a woman or man) no matter what happens; this decision will eventually open up a flood-gate of strong feelings.

Because of your commitment to someone, when feelings disappear momentarily, you can stay in there till the feelings return. So if someone tells you I don’t have feelings for you again, lets take a break, then he either doesn’t understand what love is or never loved you in the first place or probably thought he really loved you and mistook a fleeting passion for a strong deep undeniable love— one that should come with the strength to stick it out in moments of dryness of feelings.

There is something I always say, Love is the most used word but the scarcest of true experience; most people say I love you or think they love, but in actual fact what they mean by “I love you” is actually, “I love the way you make me feel”, so in other words if you stop making me feel this way, then I will stop being there for you—which is lack of commitment. Now think about it, If your ex has walked out of your life, and tells you he can’t be committed now, really though not deliberately, he causes you pain yet in your heart of heart you still love him. Now! That is true love, commitment no matter what, but sadly Men have a problem acting this way, they are usually “Wonderful Committed Beginners” but never can sustain, so they say I’m afraid of commitment; such men need to Grow up.

Feelings are fickle; they are like fire, if you don’t keep putting wood (fuel) it will go out. What is wood in this case? Doing for the other what he likes and not quarrelling too frequently.
If the feelings are not there or dies, it’s because you have made up your mind not to be committed; you must tell yourself I may not feel like it now but I’ve made a commitment, so we are going to work this out, now my African queens this is very hard work and it takes being unselfishness in the relationship to achieve this. Then you’ll find the feelings will come back, so instead of a crisis breaking you up, it makes you stronger; you work out your issues and in so doing you understand each other better. Love now grows because you now understand your partners sensitivities, you are more like a team, you deal with issues together, not take off when you encounter challenges, BECAUSE YOU HAVE BOTH MADE A COMMITMENT TO STICK TO EACH OTHER, PERIOD!

Love takes a lot of perseverance and patience to grow and be sustained. So when you see couples in-love, understand it wasn’t always like that in the beginning they worked together through the challenges and storms and made it to the other side of a now enviable relationship. So really the key is finding som1 who loves you enough and who you believe in enough to weather the storm together and get to the other side of the storm, which is a Beautiful Enviable Relationship because—once again—of commitment.

Love is not just about feelings; it is actually, about a decision to be committed. It gives the strength to stick with that one person. Love mixed with maturity, which is actually a proper view point of what life or love is makes you have the ability to see the quality and heart of the one you love, beyond their physical appearance. Because even the bible says for this reason a MAN (not a boy) will leave (not a mama’s boy still hanging unto mummy’s apron)—these are two prerequisite for a good husband.

Boys not men chase you out of an initial excitement, but when you as the lady returns that feeling, they get scared because they aren’t ready for a lifelong commitment relationship. They want to keep humping around, living the single life or whatever their individual reasons may be. It means in the beginning he didn’t really think about what he was feeling or wanted before leading the woman on and this a marked trait of Immaturity— a real mature man should think before he jumps.

A relationship where each persons needs are not being met, will die. Also, a relationship where there is constant bickering and quarrelling will kill feelings and may eventually end the relationship, so avoid Quarrelling but by all wisdom please let your feelings be known and agree on the best way to resolve conflicts.

Commitment means I can no longer have space. My life is now shared with another. I’m now accountable to someone else and can’t really make decisions, especially ones that will seriously impact on the relationship e.t.c changing location.

ADVICE: Women, hold your excitements about a man till you’re sure about him, and then let go. (For the Immature man who hasn't grown up, i mean)

ADVICE: Women, if you use the behavior you should have during marriage on a relationship, you’d ruin things. If you act like you’re married to a man while in a relationship, he gets scared and runs away. To know how your partner wants to be loved, watch how he shows you love. (For the Immature man who hasn't grown up, i mean)

A good man will welcome a woman's sincere love, embrace her when she returns affection and holds onto her no matter what; even when the fear (that most men feel when they meet a potential) arises. We men all feel that fear to whatever degree, I did, even couple months to my wedding. One just has to hold on long enough, and let go of the fear of commitment.

So my African queens if a guy doesn’t want you—however he tells you, or makes you know he isn’t ready to commit to you—Let the guy go. He isn’t worth your time and it's most of the time HIS LOSS (which he usually realizes late). If he really wants you, he will come for you when he gets his act together and realizes the mistake he has made.

So say to yourself, NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ME. I’M BEAUTIFUL BY ALL STANDARDS, because what break-ups tend to do is mess up our self-esteem, but refuse to give in to that, get up, pick up the mistakes made, make corrections, move on, because there is someone out looking for you just the way you are.

Above all, Let GOD lead the way. A man without the fear of God in him isn't right for any woman; For he will surely hurt you.

By An Anonymous Ibo Guy (a great friend of nma - my adopted cali chicka friend..)

(Ladies he's married- ain't that something...)

side note
Where there is the Love of God, there is no fear. God is Love, so a man born of God, born of His Spirit has His likeness within him. He has the ability to Forbear, be Kind, forgive, shares the burden of others, thinks less of self but of others, regardless of how difficult it may appear. However, a man who displays none of this, is born of self not of God. Flee from such a man...

Away not for much longer

I took some much needed time off from work and life in general to spend some serious time with the Lord. And as always He has been faithful. I am refreshed, revived, and godwilling "burning" for the Lord. I hope to update as soon as I get back to base. It is indeed well with my soul.

So how have you all been?

When Hope dies

The Oxford dictionary defines hope as: 1 a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen. 2 a person or thing that gives cause for hope.

What happens when hope dies? I’m sure many have faced this a time in their life, and many may be going through such a familiar situation. I am reminded of this excerpt my brother ugo sent to me once when I too had to deal with such familiarity:

“Greater than the death of flesh, is the death of hope, the death of dreams. Against this peril we must never surrender. The future is all around us waiting in moments of transition to be born in moments of revelations. No one knows the shape of that future or where it will take us, we know only it is usually born in pain.

Jesus said "... in this world you will have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world..." So it would seem any fear, doubt and confusion stems from our reliance on our selves and ability. Despair creeps in when the task ahead of us is greater than what we and the resources we can call upon are capable of. Therefore, it seems that if we can empty ourselves of us and fill it with Jesus then our troubles of little consequence. Because we have rest for our souls not just for time but for eternity.

Pain is temporary, Victory is forever. In Christ we have that victory if and if only we trust in him”.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see - tries to define what hope is through faith. But what happens when the certainty is no more or when your hope dies, I am reminded that as children of God, we are blessed to have the knowledge that our lives are in the hands of God and whatever happens to us does not take God by surprise. And so we do not wail like people of the world of whom the death of hope truly is the death of dreams. We are consoled with the fact that every situation we face is a chance for God to be glorified. A chance for God to do the things that make him God. If only we can but see past the death of our dreams, and see the realization of one considerably better than what we had originally hoped for.

The realization that such a monumental disappointment is an opportunity for the greatest dreams we can ever dream of to be manifested. And so even though it may be hard to believe that one could ever get past this stage, I am here to tell you that you will. A man may fall many times, your hopes may die many times, but if you are ever to realize the greatest dream of your life, you may have to choose to keep standing. For as long as we are in Christ, as long as God is on the throne, the death of our Hope is that opportunity we have been waiting for. To always bear in mind, that death of hope is a process of transformation, a transformation tailor made to suit our individuality. I truly believe it. My hope may have died in the physical sense, but like Lazarus whose death was an opportunity for the people to see the wonders of God, to see God transform their hope from death to life is at work even in us right now. And with this in mind, we ought to be eager to see what God would do in such a situation. A chance to get excited again at the power of God. A chance to re-focus our minds, heart and direction towards God.

But I ask you this, was your “hope” a stumbling block between your relationship with God? Was it taking you away from the things of God? Did your hope enslave you when you were supposed to master it? Did your hope in any way bring a gap between you and God? I too have found that in the situation I encountered, that the death of hope was a time for me to find out where I may have missed it, and in so doing try to retrace my steps back to God. That the death of Hope was the only way for me to reconnect myself back to God. Because at the end of the day we need rest for our souls not just for time but for eternity.

Nevertheless, the death of hope is never about a time to throw a pity party, but as children of God a chance to focus our lives and trust in Him, if ever we have lived in doubt. A chance to know without a shadow of doubt that He is, and will forever be in the business of transformations and restorations. A chance to feel like “Job” did (both parts), a chance to feel like the Psalmist in psalm 126: and I quote - When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." 3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Mehn… I’m excited, I don’t know about you, but I just can’t wait to see what God is about to do. I have found myself a very comfortable seat as I watch it all unravel - For I am entitled to hope.

Values!!

What is my worth?

Im I more valuable than rubies?

Does my cost outweigh that of the diamond?

How precious Im I?

Today I am reminded:

Greater than the death of flesh, is the death of hope, the death of dreams. Against this peril we must never surrender. The future is all around us waiting in moments of transition to be born in moments of revelations. No one knows the shape of that future or where it will take us, we know only it is usually born in pain.

Jesus said "... in this world you will have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world..." So it would seem any fear, doubt and confusion stems from our reliance on our selves and ability. Despair creeps in when the task ahead of us is greater than what we and the resources we can call upon are capable of. Therefore, it seems that if we can empty ourselves of us and fill it with Jesus then our troubles of little consequence. Because we have rest for our souls not just for time but for eternity.

Pain is temporary, Victory is forever. In Christ we have that victory if and if only we trust in him.

I will trust you Lord.

...........................

Today I thank God for the life of my younger brother who is now in the states back from his missionary work in south america (mixing medicine with the word of God). I thank God for His ministry, isn't it wonderful to have a doctor who is saved treating you. Im so glad that God is using him in such a powerful way. He consoled my troubled mind with the message above reminding me that I have greater worth even if I were to forget for one second. I miss him, can't wait to have him back on the shores of europe.

Trully it is well with my soul, my God is a God who is Faithful and good. He trully is amazing and his love I am yet to fully digest. Sometimes I worry how it is that He loves me so and favours me. That even though I may walk throught the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Indeed, psalm 23 has come alive to me. It's not just another bible chapter, but the simple truth. Halleluyah, praise God, for all I know is that YOU are God, and trully I am in awe of you. Your peace oh God has always been with me, and will continue to be with me all the days of my life. I love you Lord. You are great..

Never Settle For less

I remember in high school I was pretty rubbish in Physics. Lets just say I was pretty rubbish in most things, but my physics teacher for some reason known only to him believed in me, even with my very poor grade (too ashamed to prefix.. I know ayo, you’d probably try). But he still believed in me. Told me, I was one of his finest, brightest and most inspiring student. Well let’s just say I worked even harder, exhausted my limit, and even though I never got the high grades, he never stopped believing that I could and would. I didn’t make the grade I needed to study the course of my choice at university level, but I still got into uni, and never forgetting the belief “Mr. Bancroft” had in me, I worked like there was no tomorrow. In the end I made a First class honours, but when I went back to my high school to tell Mr. Bancroft that I made it, that I made a First in Pharm. sci, majored in Organic and Medicinal chem., he was no longer working in the school or was he around to see the seed he had sown all those years ago germinate and bloom. He had retired for health reasons. I was never able to tell him, that because of the way he believed that I could soar like an eagle, that the sky was the limit that was attainable to me, that regardless of what circumstance, difficulty, ill equipped as I was, that the light at the end of tunnel was a destination I could get to. I was immediately offered two scholarships (one from Pfizer and the other from BBSRC) to study for my Ph.D immediately after uni, and received my Ph.D by the age of 25. I think this is a pretty good achievement for an “F grade” student..lol..

Today’s topic is not about me or my physics teacher, but about you and your instructor known as Jesus.

The Lord did use Mr. Bancroft to spur me on, but what if there wasn’t a Mr. Bancroft, there will always be God. He is forever by our side willing us to try just that bit harder. The Lord who created us, who has already endowed us, the ability and all the necessary skills to get to the finishing line. The thing is we need to have it always in our fore mind that He is always there encouraging us that we can, and we will get there. Never to forget that if no one believes in you, the fact that God believes in you is all you need. That you have been created for greatness, to be the head, to be rulers, you are royalty, to be able to tell the difference between what’s fake and what’s real. To remember that the people you surround yourself with must agree in your ability to attain greatness. That anybody who tears you down, or talks about your negative qualities, does not deserve to stand with you. If Mr. Bancroft had gone on and on about my “F” status, and how he saw no future in my “F” (Failure) being transformed to “F” (First class) then I doubt I would have believed that I could. I am here to tell you, Never settle for less. Never settle for mediocrity, never settle for ok. Never settle for quitters. You are created in the image of God, and He is not a quitter.

I was not able to thank Mr. Bancroft, but like the Ten lepers healed by Jesus, if no one comes back to thank Jesus for what He’s done for them, I would like to be that one that came back to thank Him. To always be in an attitude of thanks. I know now that the Lord used Mr. Bancroft to will me on to the finishing line of academia, and for this Lord I thank you. If I had believed in my current situation in high school, I probably would not have become a Fellow of science, and an academic working for Microsoft research supervising Masters and Ph.D students within 3 yrs of my graduation. But I stress on believing that I can and will. You might have been called all manner of names, rejected, have had to overcome one hurdle or another on your way to the finishing line, but one thing I know is that you have been called: CHOSEN, HIS, BELOVED, SOUGHT AFTER, FRIEND, Great man/woman, man/woman after God’s own heart, Friend of God. That your life is not in the hands of any ordinary man, but you have been ingrained in the palm of God’s hands. I no longer believe in the FACT, I only know the Truth. And the simple truth is that I have been created for my life to bring Glory to God. And whatever point I am in my life I can only get better, the direction can only be upwards.

So I challenge you all, will you continue to let the shadows of your past failures, shame, unfruitfulness continue to chase you or will you make a stand for it and choose to see past the Fact, and strive on until the Truth manifests in your life. What will your legacy be? The choice is really up to you.

As for me, my mind is made up. I will be a fool to settle for anything less than what God has for me. I am not about to give up now.

Stumbled upon a miracle

stumbled upon a miracle

I really wasn’t expecting any more goodies

My life had dried up

I said those prayers albeit mechanically

I had my share of crisis

A lot on these shoulders

A man who was never a boy

For love not fear was why I cared

I lived to make them proud and I did

Resources depleted.

Bad decisions

The bane of every man

The pieces started coming together

Refusal to let go

My terrible pain akin to addiction

I let go- totally

They said it would be a sword

A spiritual one

How true they were

In a sense. I was in Chains: a prisoner of unrequited love

Suddenly I was free

Tunnel vision. No more I see the designs. Clear patterns now

It came when I didn’t expect

This miracle I stumbled upon

Like all things that are meant to be: no plot, no ploy no scheme, just bliss

The man two thousand years ago who came and healed and cleansed

Did so as simply too

I believe that it is so

The simplicity of my miracle

I don’t confess to know it all

I admit to have it all

But I can tell you what I read

I read: 1 Corinthians 13:4

From a book inspired by the man

It will keep my miracle intact

Living in God's Divine Will

I am wondering, if there are people out there, who are of the view, or use the excuse that whatever God has written for them it is permanent regardless of whether they act or not.

I ask you this question, when His season to bless you comes, and he harkens to you, reveals His words and plans to you, sends His prophets to you, advising you to stand up and walk into His blessings, do you still sit where you are, citing that because He is a God whose plans are irrevocable, He will make sure what He has for you comes to pass, whilst you sit and not do as you’ve been told / warned. Do you still expect God to then bless you when you think is the right time, after you have refused to listen to Him When He asked you to act!

His words give us examples of people who waited on Him and when it was their time to get up and Go they did. To name a few, people Like Abram (Gen. 12:4), who later became Abraham because He struck out when God told him to. People like Joshua, who of his generation (with Caleb) saw the Promised Land (Num 14:38; 26:65; 32:12). People Like Jesus' disciples. In Noah's time (Gen. 6:8), he listened and acted, but the people around him could have been saved if they believed and acted when warned. There too was the example of the two thieves hanging on the cross next to Jesus, one recognised his season and the other didn't. These aforementioned walked into their destiny thereby fulfilling the purpose and plan God had for them.

So I ask you again, which one are you? Think about it? Why then do you complain about how others seem to be fulfilling their purpose in God, while you do like the Israelites did at the time when Herod asked them the question about where Jesus was to be born, when He was already born and living among men (Matt. 2:4).

As for me, I have made up my mind, not to be disobedient and be watchful in prayer for when the Lord bids me to act. Because only when I partner with Him in agreement will I know when to and when not to act.

A Time of Thanksgiving..

Philipians 4:4-9

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Amen

The Joy of my Salvation, the Joy in Christ, which is totally independent of my circumstance and situation has been restored unto me. Thank You Lord for a quick response. Thank you Lord for an EXPRESS answerd prayer.

I am whom God says I am

Its been a while now, I had forgotten whom God says I am. I had forgotten how He made me an everlasting Pride and the joy of all generations. How He has become my everlasting light and how my days of sorrow would end. How because he helps me, I will never fear shame and disgrace. That this is not the lot for me and my family. You see I may not have been faithful to him with somethings, but if He were to search my heart He would see how trully sorry I am.

I thank you Lord for making me into a light, I pray that my light will wane nomore, for you are my help in times of trouble. Oh Lord do not delay help me Lord, my heart is overwhlmed, help me my God who is steadfast and never late. I cry out to you Lord, only you Lord are able to deliver me from this.

Lord I'm still holding on. Challenge now is for how much longer. You showed that I am that light that shines through that darkend path. And without my light, journey through that path will be impossible. Challenge now is will I be able to arise and shine through that darkened path. Challenge now is will I be able to want to. I am almost tired. I dont know which way to turn. I feel this intense crushing feeling. My heart can't appear to take all this anymore, but it has to. I call to you at midnight knowing you alone are attentive to me. I don't want to end up in the hospital again Lord. I have to wait for you Lord because I can see you in my horrison. I have to trust that you will arise on my behalf. People at work are noticing my light appears to be fading. Holy Spirit Strenghten and reinforce me. Help me now.

Lord you are indeed a God that answers prayers. A restorer of that which was stollen. Heal my heart O Lord. Help me to see what you have in store for me. Remove my blindspots and rebuild my trust and hope. Help me not to hold on to the past. Help me to see past my hurt. To see into my future, that which you have carefully and beautifully created for me. Thank you Lord of hosts. Thank you mighty deliver. Thank you wonderful Father. You have been my only hope, my only source of strength, my Lord my God.

The cloud is lifted. My fate have changed. My light has started to shine brightly. My colleagues have refused to leave me until I never stop laughing. Thank God for work colleagues, who are always ready to make a fool of themselves at my expense. Today is a good day. I can definately see YOU Lord in my horrison. Thank you Jesus.

Search Me O God - Earnestly I desire this LORD!!

Psalm 15:1-3

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

Psalm 51:1;4;6-7; 10-11;

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Psalm 139:1-3;7;23-24

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

7 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 84:10-12

10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

12 O LORD Almighty,

blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Is your steps Ordered?

Interesting enough I am just returning back to Italy from my Trip to the UK. It was supposed to be a dress fitting excersise plus a few confirmations. However my frustration with my dear airlines tried to cloud my journey.

After a fabulous weekend with my better half and family, I proceeded to attempt my return back to Italy. I hadn't booked my return leg of the flight because I wasn't sure which city I may need to fly out from. Never the less when the time came to book my return flight I found that it would be best for me to make my way to London and try and get a flight out from there so that I could get back at a reasonable time. I live on the mountains, so depending on where I fly in, I still have a minimum of 3hrs left prior to my final destination. So trying to get back here in the evening would mean a serious mission for me.

Anyhow, as I made my last minute dash to London in anticipation of booking a flight on arrival (of course I could have booked a flight prior to my trip to London - but then again I could so easily change my mind last minute - I know I like drama..lol..), I found on entry that the flights I wanted were fully booked remaining only the expensive seats. As I contemplated what next to do I opted to book the cheaper flight out, and decided to spend two nights and a day in London.

I am glad I did. I found that the Jesus House in Brent cross were having a 21day fast, which was ending with a thanks giving service on that monday I desperately wanted to travel. I went to the service, to say it trully was an amazing service is really an understatement. I found my self in the same situation as the last minute workers in "the parable of the workers", being blessed simply by just making it at the eleventh hour (Matthew 20: 1-16). Others have been working hard for the last 21 days as they waited on God, and here I was, just happenend to be at the right place at the right time, receiving the same blessings as those who were there from the onset.

As we went home all five of us, I spoke out loud saying, I really don't understand how this beautiful, wonderful awsome God loves me so. Who always remembers me only to bless me. Directing my footsteps to wherever He knows He will bless me the most. Even though I saw how my lovely E had lost weight from waiting on God this 21 days, I too went home partaking in what God had to offer during this time. vs. 15 of that chapter says - 'Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' - I am so grateful God is generous, cause seriously by all counts, I didn't deserve to be blessed. But He blessed me anyway. Isn't God something? I went back to Italy the next day rejoicing, still in the knowledge that I am just too important for God.

Sittin on the Dock of Life

Whenever I listen to Otis Redding (sittin On) The Dock of The Bay, it reminds me so much of my life before now. The way I started to slowly give up on the plans the Lord had for me, the purpose of the journies. I had let my self go to a point where I no longer cared if I suceeded or not.

Then one day on my way back from naples in Italy, as I laid exhusted on the train station floor, by myself, wasn't even sure if I had fainted from the lack of sleep, with the tannoy anouncements of the train departures on full blast - I heard him, three times "Life of Stranger, before too long you will have cause to praise him. Life of stranger Before it's over, you will have cause to prasie God. Life of a stranger... you will have cause to glorify God". I woke up immediately. I wondered to myself if I had just imagined it. I wasn't thinking of anything par-se. Nor was my mind engaged in anything. All I knew before then was, I was tired and desperately needed sleep. I realised it must have been God, of whom I thought had forgotten me, and I was now living the fruits of my past mistakes. I woke up dusted myself, and started praising God. A month after that encounter, I collapsed in my office all by myself almost dying until my colleagues found me after 9pm at night. God is not a man that He should lie, nor does His words return to Him void. He has spoken great things concerning me, therefore lonliness nor death was not going to take that away. I thank God for choosing me inspite of it all.

I dont know if there is anyone feeling lonley today, or feel they have nothing to live for, or it appears that nothing will come their way, so they've settled to just live and let their life continue to roll away. I am here to tell you that nothing in your life is ever destined to remain the same. I am here to tell you that regardless of where you are now, God is forever with you. Just yesterday as I spoke to my friend and how we reminiced about the time she came to visit me here on the mountains of Italy, and how I confessed with my lips, the impossibility of anyone ever finding me here. Even with the kind of faith she had, after she had looked at my surrounding and had spent some time here with me, she concured and wondered how can it ever be possible. But today here I am to testify even in the tickest of forests or highest of mountains, even in the lonliest of journies or longest of roads, God is with you and when it is your time to be blessed it will come to pass.

And so it came to pass.

Beware of Judas' Kiss!

"A kiss is done out of familarity or out of love for someone". I've found myself many atimes, whenever I meet friends kissing them on both cheeks was usually the norm. Yes familarity. Yes lovingly.
In Psalm 41:9 - "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me". I am reminded that we will always face one form of dissappointment or the other in our life's relationships. We ought not to be unaware of the devices of the enemy. To watch our close friends, people we surround ourselves with, so they don't lead us to total destructions. We need to watch and be prayerful always. Watch the companies we keep, to remember that not everyone is wishing us good progress and happyness.

"A kiss that comes from unexpected quarters, a kiss that someone that close to you could deal". We don't know the heart of the people we surround ourselves with - a heart that is desperateyly wicked, no one can fathom -Jeremiah 17:9 - People that are destroying you that are supposedly helping you - Matthew 15:18-19 - beware of them.

"A kiss that's given out of jealousy" - not everyone can stand your success. Remember, the Lord will surely lift you up, but remember not every one will be really happy with you. To remember that not everyone can stand your sucess.

"A kiss thats given from a loose tongue" - James 3: 5-6 - a loose tongue can make or cause those who would never want to turn against you to turn against you. Ordinarily this person would never turn against the friend, but their friend's loose tongue causes MISTRUST and hatred, which once gone is impossible to get back. Betrayal is a very terrible thing to happen in any frienship, not to be wished upon anyone. Therefore be careful whom you place your trust in. Remember, adversaries may rise up becasue you do not know the spirit of the person you are talking to. Tread carfeully people.

In order to overcome all, we ought to be spiritually alert. To learn not to open our mouth to talk everything we feel needs to be heard. To excercise God's wisdom, and find out the best ways of saying things, so that it will never be misunderstood. We need to READ and KNOW the word of God, and find out how to apply it.

Isa. 59:9 - "So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows". Gal. 6:7 - "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" - Let us endeavour not to engage in Judas' kiss. Not to be deceived, that whatever a man sows that is exactly what they will receive. There will be a mighty penalty to pay if one is not careful. Let the act go. If you are he/she that goes about digging other peoples grave with your kiss, be very aware, same can easily be done to you. This is our year of new beginings. Let us continue to keep in mind that life is so precious.

God forbid if anything were to happen to any of you, what would YOU be remembered for? Think about it.

I pray that I will never be engaged in bringing people down, be engaged in discussing or destroying the trust many have placed upon me, not to be a Judas to anyone who entrusts so much to me. I also ask us all to say this short prayer - Forgive me God for all the times that I have betrayed people that trusted me. Lord forgive me in Jesus Name. Amen.

I have a testimony to tell

Can I get you, someone to lend me just an ear?
I tell you the Lord has been too good to me,
Is my words and plea falling on deaf ears?
Come and hear what the Lord has done for me
I can hardly contain myself

I cannot keep this any longer to myself
I must speak and testify of His goodness,
I must confess of his countless mercies and grace
I must shout aloud His favours and too many open doors

I really need you to give me a min
Someone, anybody
He’s not a man to lie
His promises He has brought to pass
Plans long ago is accumulating to my now breakthroughs

I don’t know where to begin,
But I have to start from somewhere

Why oh why God have you refused to forget me
Why oh why have You insisted on blessing me so
Of my faith I am the least
Of those that doubted I was the champion
Of those that encountered resistance I was the first to make a negative suggestion

Ever ready to bow off
Ever ready to make an excuse as why the opposition
Ever ready to drink that mind destructing liquor

But your grace and mercy have forever been sufficient for me
To love and forgive me for your sake
To favour me even when it’s not merited
To favour me even when it’s not fair

Have I told you lately Lord that I love you

Away from me

Let down I think not
You are consumed with rivalry, revelry
Opulence, negligence, abhorrence

But who are You
Does these feeling exist in one
So fond of life, love
One so strong that embodies success

Disappointed, dismayed, I think so

Why must You be the bane of so many emotions
That epitomizes that which is abhorred, scorned
And ridiculed by many
Such strong passions, such pain, such hate
I’m I making sense

Why must you insists on ruining
Lives so marked
Paved, Surrounded and Deep-rooted in Love

Away from me

So its back to continental europe as usual!!

Hello everyone,

Im back from my travels.

So hopefully should be able to post more regularly than before. The Best month ever was this month of May. The Lord has been faithful, and forever good to me. I can testify of His goodness. As per usual, I am promising myself to work harder than ever, if I am ever going to get to the end of this year with some impact in the scientific community. Wish me well.

So how has everyone been?

Diamond dearest, the deed is done......

Why does TIME go so so quickly!!

Yikes its already the 24th. My goodness, what to do!!

So Lately

I should really be on top of the world, but I am slowly falling into a depressive state. My heart aches. Really. If it's not my "F" state, Its my "M" state. I was throwing up in the toilet and my bin yesterday. I feel like Im knocking against a brick wall. I am tired/exhausted in my spirit, but my body shows no signs of it.

My landlord saw me this morning, asked me if everything is well. I told him very well indeed. I came into my office slumped into my chair, my office mate asks me, its not like you to look so beaten. I tell him all is indeed well.

The funny thing is if you asked me what is trully bugging me, I have checked it, it's trully nothing major. Infact it's a non-factor. But what I know is the "devil be rebuked in my life" in Jesus Name. Amen. Prayers that have always been prayed on my behalf. The Lord has made me into a light, that glows from within and is seen from afar off, and His plans He will watch to fulfillment. He is faithful, and I cannot thank Him enough for the testimonies He has placed on my lips, for I will continually sing His praises from the roof tops, and declare His goodness in my life. For He has delivered me from the depths of the grave and made me the pride of nations. For His words reminds me that people I don't know will work for me. I claim His promises. All of it in Jesus Name.

So what is the koko of the oro, as my friend "child of the most high would say" - Lord help me not to see myself as a dissappointment to all I come in contact with. For I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and all my papers - looks like all 4 of them must be finished and published before august of this year in Jesus Name. Amen. Those people that are supposed to be working for me, I arrest them in Jesus name, and may they make my projects their priority in Jesus Name. Amen.

Going back to MT work. Thank you Jesus for answered prayers. Amen.

Itinerary

Lately, for loss of a better word, I havn't had the motivation to do anything, hence havn't had much to blog about. My life has now well and truly moved on to that next level, a level that requires all my attention. Mr # (not poetics) and I have sorted out our differences, and it's good to see him finally truly content, and in a happy place.

Work is going well, now looking for a new adventure, thankfully the next adventure I won't be doing it by myself. Seminars to prepare for, and travels to arrange. In the month of May I will be visiting Nigeria - Lagos; in the month of august Goteborg - Sweden; September USA - Santa Fe and ATL, and December back to Nigeria. Will be visiting UK on a monthly basis, So I am sending out official notice to all friends living in these aforementioned places, here is my itinerary. lol.

My students are truly working me hard. Hopefully when I have some time I will update. So how have you all been?