Keep your head cool

A good friend and colleague of mine have always referred to me as a princess. Apparently I like things done a certain way. Even though I don’t ask too many questions in relation to my work and make every effort not to be seen and heard, they have always found that in their dealings with me I am very professional. So on a topic relating to her field of expertise, it seemed that something was amiss, and I asked her if she could investigate it further. No she said to me, she is never wrong; I went along and acted on the premise that she may be right. She was infuriated that a question could ever be raised concerning her work. And found this very hard to deal with. We both later found out, that there may have been a misunderstanding and she was in the end found to be wrong.

Over this period of time, I realized that it was the acceptance of our difference that makes us rather unique. And problem arises by ones inability to change. The Lord may have blessed me by causing the people around me to Favour me, but that does not mean that I therefore think that I am better than most because of what I have to offer. But rather, I am blessed because God said so, so technically it’s not my fault [I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it. No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The LORD their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them – Numbers 23:20-21]. She has seen me in my elements and of course in the best and worst of situations, and I am thankful to God that I have always been able to think to myself how would a Christian behave in every situation I have encountered. [Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter – 2 Corinthians 7:8-11]

I have started to realize that the rain has been falling now and I have been ill prepared for a while. To prepare for greatness, one needs not to be surprised by what is going on around them. And not to be surprised when from the unlikeliest of quarters one’s peace appears to be threatened – [in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his scheme 2 Corinthians 2:11]; the devil is there to steal your joy, don’t let him [John 10:10]. I should have known that during these times when I have seen the hand of the Lord so evident upon my life, surely the enemy can not be happy. But every day I wake up, rejoicing, and thanking God, and laughing at the devil taunting him on how he must have been so foolish to think he would be victorious over my life. “he” must be delusional. “he” sure thinks much of himself doesn’t he. You should see the way I laugh at him. Shame on him.

I don’t know what the future holds, but one thing I know is it is indeed very bright, or else why are people taking notice of me, yes the lady that prefers to sit quietly in the corner of the very first room on the first floor of the building. Really, are my words that important to you!!

I need to Pray

Pray continually – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints – Ephesians 6:18

For the first time in a short while, I was reminded that even though it was understandable for soldiers to take a break from prayers, it is not advisable. There are many plausible reasons which we use to explain away why we spend less time communicating with God, but I have found out, the less time you spend praying, you find yourself moving away from God.

So I had promised myself that even though I am taking a short break, I will make sure my prayer life is consistent during this time. Well truth be told, I found my self on most days rising and just getting on with things – my excuse it’s just not the same anywhere else but home. I feel like when I’m in my place here, I know I just have to pray. But anywhere else it’s like oops I forgot to pray this morning, and then try to make up by praying during the day. I am now back in good old Povo, and as I struggled to get up this morning, it was as if I could hear the Lord saying to me, ok hunni, I’ve turned a blind eye this last few weeks, but the battle is still on, and I must arise and pray without season.

I remember saying, tomorrow I’ll get back to the swing of things, but come to think of it, if your adversaries don’t take days off, the locust trying to eat away your blessing don’t take days off, then why are we entitled days off? So could you imagine the amount of damage that could be made the moment you cease to pray? I guess that has always been one of the driving forces when I intercede for others. But for some reason not for myself..

I remember this morning telling God, I will be praying in the spirit (while I still rest, after all I have just gotten back and found myself dozing off (lol)), and besides everything is wonderfully wonderful. Yet He still reminded me that I ought to pray even harder now than I have ever done. Especially if I want to continue to remain victorious.

I am now looking more robust than ever, and it is indeed a sign that for the first time in all my years, I have finally allowed God to FULLY take control of everything that concerns me. Not trying to help him out in various departments. I never have to worry if and when it will happen, because I know that because God has already said it, and because He that said is trustworthy, I believe Him and that settles it.

The drought and the winter seasons are over. I feel refreshed already, for the rain that has started to pour has revived my soul for good.

I am not a Grasshopper

“We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them” – Numbers 13:33b

It is indeed the end of a long anticipated week on my calendar, filled with so much travels and which would end with me taking a much needed break (maybe not deserved but whose checking lol). And this week the one lesson that kept coming to memory is how do I see myself? I finally made the journey to Cambridge; and enjoyed the times spent at the corridors of Emmanuel College. And even though my seminars was nicely delivered, the main highlights of the 4 day trip was the times spent with my sister, ndidi, and speaking about Jesus and the wonderful stories of the bible to a new friend and colleague I made there. I couldn’t believe how easy it was the way the name Jesus kept rolling off of my tongue even though I am supposed to be a scientist and we are after all MSR staffs.

And because I know whom I serve and who I am, Jesus will continue to be my primary message and science secondary. And because I know, that He will only ever send me where His presence will be, surely all I need do is speak His word (Exodus 33:14). All I will ever need is to know the way of the Lord, so that I may find favour with Him (Exodus 33:13).

My week has indeed been successful, not just because the way I was respected at my meetings, but because I had an opportunity to share the word of God. Lord I ask if only you can continue to equip me to boldly share Your word without compromise to professors in the academic settings. Thank you for making little 5.3inches me, look like a formidable giant. Yay, I feel 6.3 already!

“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong” - Exodus 23:2a. I am sure the people I met this week will wonder for years the kind of scientist I am supposed to represent. Someday I too think about it.

I will be away for the next two Fridays and should be back God willing the 17^th of April. Have a wonderful Easter, Truly truly, Jesus Lives, and thank God I am counted among they that know that to be true.

And always remember friends, we’ve all been created for Greatness, Lets all go become it!!

With Friends like These

"Have pity on me, my friends, have pity” – Job 19:21a

“And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” – 1 Samuel 23:16

I’ve been reading the book of Job now for a little while, and even though so many lessons can be learned from this man’s life, the one that has always ministered to me was the kind of friends he had.

I remember a time in my life (many years back now) when I had relocated to Manchester to start a new phase in my life and how my meeting with a young woman by the name of “Joy” changed my LIFE for Good. I had just invited the Lord Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour yet again and was getting to know what all that involved. Then I met her, there was something so vibrant, so wonderful, so successful, so powerful about her that I said to the Lord Jesus whatever she has I want it (and if you can double). Like Elisha did in the time of Elijah, I had recognized that she was no ordinary person, and made plans quickly to find out. Every time I would listen to her talk about her love for Christ, and her life exemplified what she spoke. I’m sure she might have had her weak moments, but I had never met anyone with greater faith and walk than this young woman, and knew that if I was going to succeed in getting what she had, I had to partner with her, and not too long after asked her if she could be my prayer partner. One of the many lessons that the Lord used her to teach me was on regular bases she would ask who are your friends Life of a stranger? Till today a question which on a daily basis I ask myself, and a mental inventory I still continue to check.

If David’s friends in the Kings palace at the time of the reign of King Saul (1 Samuel 16:21-22) had known the man that David was and who he was to become (1 Samuel 16:12-13); if they had known that the man they had pursued who in fleeing for his life went and hid in a cave; if they had known that the Lord had chosen David as His priest and ruler of His people; If they had known that David was to become a King, a man that God would call a man after His own heart; If they had known that his name will forever be remembered for generations to come; if they had known that he would have a son who was to become the wisest and wealthiest man ever known; if they had known that this man would write Psalms that will continued to be an inspiration to all that studies it; if they had known the anointing that was upon this man; if they had known that though he may look young and may have been successful in a few battles, that he was a man that God had chosen to be His mighty man; I somehow don’t think they would still be enjoying the comforts that King Saul had to offer and joined in the hunt to kill and destroy such a man.

If Job’s friend knew that the man they were mocking with their words, and whose condition was of no fault of his but a consequence of his ‘jobless” accuser who had nothing to do with his time but to roam through the earth going to and fro in it looking for people to accuse (Job 1:6-11); if they had known it was an opportunity that Lord had allowed to come into his life, so that He would bless him abundantly greater than what He had previous; since all that he had before was small in the sight of God and God was looking for an opportunity to increase him even greater (Job 8:7); I somehow don’t think they would be too quick to tell him what their heart had been harbouring all this while throughout their friendship; because indeed out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).

So dear friends, who are your friends? Don’t act surprised when instead of encouraging and comforting you in the day of adversity with God’s word, someone you thought was your friend appears to be doing the exact opposite. Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend – Job 16:19-21. If the Lord Jesus (whom for sure we have wronged), still cries to God pleading on our behalf, on what basis does a fellow man have to bring any accusation, or to stand in judgement against another. For we have been sent to encourage one another with the truth (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; 10:25), not be quick to judge (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37). Jonathan was such a friend to David (1 Samuel 19:4; 20:18-23; 42), a friend whom always spoke to him truthfully and was always there when David needed help (1 Samuel 23:15-16). Men and friends may look at your outward appearance or current circumstance but it is not enough to know the worth of man (1 Samuel 16:7)

If you knew what the Lord has prepared for you, you will be able to discern who your friends are because your real friends will never stand in your way of fulfilling the purpose for which the Lord has created you especially for. I thank you Lord for the men and women Lord that you have connected me with, whom Lord You have used to bring a much needed blessing upon my life. Today Friends, I thank God for you.

Living in the illusions of the Future: I was blind

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps – Prov. 14:15

Journeying to the future born out of one’s imagination is by no means an easy feat, but when you’ve lived in it for too long, you can’t help but wonder why your present leaves a blazing trail of blunders; which then becomes tantamount to what we now perceive as the past. I have been such a fool, whom from a young age lacked appreciation of the present, living on what the imagination of future had to offer.

“At a very young age, I longed for when I would be in my teens, the age I knew for sure all my desires and dreams would come true (I know many do, but mine was unlike the others). O yes, how I longed to wear those coloured shoes, have my nails painted, and wear those earrings mum forbade me to wear. I am now in my teens, struggling with my exams, forgotten completely those coloured shoes, hair styles and nail polish colour, and longed instead for when I will be in my twenties, how I will have that man, you know the one that looks like that one in the magazines (J) with that certain hair cut style, and how wonderful my life would be, as we stroll in the Amazon forest, and write stories, that will be our legacy for years to come. I am now in my twenties, trying to finish my first degree and Ph.D, and now longing for a new destination. O how wonderful my life would be when I get there”. Always how “wonderful my life would be when I get there”. Isn’t it a wonder then why stories told by others became more fascinating than mine?

Then one day, last month, this month, last week, this week, today, this time, as I pondered on how to tell him, my attempted journeys to the future which has left a trail on the present, how I’ve been a fool and lacked discernment, how I’ve believed the stories of others instead of the story about me, I couldn’t help but wonder, was it all worth it. Was it worth disregarding today’s present, the future of the past, the story the Lord had written concerning me, for a nightmare that was only believable in my imagination; a dream in itself worthless that only visited me in my sleep.

The Lord had blessed me greatly indeed; even more so now, but I was blind, and was too zealous for the images of the future. In my haste to live in it, I threw caution to wind, cared nothing of the present, if only I could get closer to the future. If only I had taken care, the future, now the present would not have been a nightmare of sorts; but for God who in my chase of the dream, comforted me in the aftermath. Today I watched you smile as you gently reminded me of yet another present blunder, and how you spoke so highly of me yet to another. Dear Lord, how could you continue to speak so highly of me, when I’m still struggling in the mire of the past present? Why was the illusion of the future more alluring than the living of the present? How did I miss the present completely all my life, only to find the future present, with a trail that leads deep into the past. What was I looking for? How did I allow myself to be distracted from the goal the Lord Jesus set before me? - But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful – Mark 4:19; But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness - James 3:17-18; For it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is – Ephesians 5:14-17.

Dearest Father, for so long now I can’t quite remember the last time I said thank you for my awesome life, my job and the opportunities You’ve given me in the last three years to see the world that You created. All I’ve ever done is bicker, whine and complain. I don’t remember the last time I said thank you especially for my life that you have enabled me to live in peace, and the “protection programs” you’ve signed me up for. I can’t remember the last time I took the time out to say thank you for my health and the life of all my family, friends, loved ones and colleagues. You have hedged me in so and have refused to allow sorrow near my abode and for that Lord I want to say thank you.

Dearest Saviour it is my desire to do Your will and have an understanding of all that it requires (Ephesians 5:10). Thank You Lord for helping me to realize that my life ought to reflect a life firmly based on Your word (Joshua 1:18-19; Romans 10:16-17; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16; John 14:26), and to be vigilant of the words of others (Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient – Ephesians 5:6). I thank you Lord for my present, because I know I don’t need to plan about how I will live in the future, because You Lord have already taken care of it.

So Today, I am declaring to my Lord Jesus where I have gone wrong; that I am now able to recognise real change and true deliverance; that the vision of the brightness of the Lord Jesus is ever before me; and that because I remember where I am coming from I am ready to appreciate where I am going to. And therefore, if there is any out there, who cannot handle the ashes of the past present, I’m leaving it with “yall” in hot pursuit after the Lord. Halleluyah for the Lord has lifted me.

Come and Join me Sing Halleluyah

"What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention” – Job 7:17

Who is he that dares to say that God does not answer prayers or He’s in the business of helping others but not you?

Ok erm, I may at one point in this life of mine brought such an accusation before the Lord, which right now I repent of and ask the Lord to forgive me of (for all the times in disappointment wondered if You are really good to me, Lord I’m sorry).

Some times it is good to challenge God and ask for fruits of answered prayers. Sometimes you may have been waiting on Him for something and for years you feel like you are just knocking your head against a brick wall; and maybe since it appears that the prayers are not being answered, maybe it’s time for you to just accept it’s never going to happen.

So as I was entering this awesome month of March, I said to the Lord, that I wanted Him to crown my prayers with testimonies; that I wanted to see signs of answered prayers in my life. I asked the Lord that the prayers that I’ve been seeking Him for, that I wanted the beauty of honoured prayers in my life. I wanted to see, and people to see that there is glory and beauty that comes with honoured prayer requests upon my life. I had said to God that I wanted to know if my prayers were not just bouncing back unnoticed.

And just when I least expected it, the Lord embarrassed me with more than I could imagine or envisage. And it’s only the first week in March. Wow, this God is really fast.

Mighty God, if I had known, I would not have despised my life to the point of death (Job 7:16). For Lord you are indeed God, and truly there is no God like you dear Lord. You have shown me on so many occasions that you are not an unfair God and that each and every one of us, You Love with the same passion. And that Your will for us is of Good and not of evil, and for us to have a wonderful life lived in fulfilment of purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). Thank You Lord for just being You.

I thank you Lord, because I know that for the rest of this AWSOME year of 2009, I will be singing halleluyah. Praise be unto Your Holy Name, for the Great works that You have done, and the countless more that You keep doing.

Can I open my Gift Now?

Have you been in a situation when you know something is yours, but you can’t just go and take it but you have to wait until it’s been given to you - this is not the bit where you might have to apply the verse of the bible where it says yes, you know: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force – Matthew 11:12; no this is more on the area where the Lord has said to you I have heard your prayers you just now have to wait for it. In other words, you can see it, you can sense it, you can just about touch it, but you can’t have it just yet.

But you say, how do you know He has answered your prayer, the word of the Lord said in Daniel 10:12 - "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. He says whatsoever you ask in the Name of Jesus (John 14:13), shall be given unto us (Matthew 7:7), BUT we must have the right motive and not asking for things that will feed our selfish nature (James 3:16; 4:2-3).

But you might ask like what? Have you forgotten His promises in His word? The word of God says that since God’s spirit testifies with our spirit that we are His children (Romans 8:16), and through Jesus we are now co-heirs (Romans 8:17), then He is our Great inheritance. I mean He owns the whole world right, and He has made promises to us that He is more able to fulfill. That is to say that SINCE God is our portion and is all-sufficient, then this is an all-sufficient inheritance. God is eternal and unchangeable, and therefore our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled and can never fade away.

Can I have some examples you may ask, well think about the Lords prayer for example, that is just loaded with promises. Because the Lord is your shepherd, YOU SHALL NEVER BE IN WANT (Psalm 23:1). So you know that whatever is happening in and around the world’s economy can NEVER affect you and so if for example you are that someone looking for a permanent position you don’t need to worry if God will make a way FOR YOU, because Just there tells you why HE WILL make a way FOR YOU. And if you are struggling with some kind of infirmity, He said you will be in good health and prosper as you soul prospers (3 John 1:2) and with long life He will satisfy you (Psalm 91:16; Deuteronomy 30:19-20) – therefore that sickness has got to go, and you don’t have to worry about untimely death. Don’t let the enemy tell you about the examples of others that did not reach their potential, because your case is different, you are not like the others you are different (1 Peter 2:9). Peter and James were faced with the exact same problem (they faced death in Jail), James died (Acts 12:2) and Peter survived (Acts 12:5-11), because He already had a word from God upon his life, so hold on to the word of God on your life (John 21:18-19).

So going back to the title, I’m sure this is a common dilemma for many of us who are impatient with the Lord, and the Lord is having to teach us on the lessons of waiting joyfully. Yep you heard it. You know the Lord SAID He has blessed you with this awesome gift, You desire it, You crave it, You want it, You dream of it, but it’s as if like a naughty school child you are told to wait until the time when He hands it to you, not that you should go and take it yourself. I have to be very honest with you all, but this is the dilemma I have found myself in. Ma per che? I have said to the Lord, many times, why Lord? Then He said to me, that there is a purpose in the waiting and there is a consequence of action. That I should not be concerned about the way the Lord will bring about the promises or the duration but the fact that He will do it, because He said he would. And since our ways and thoughts are CLEARLY different from His, God does not do anything without a reason (Isaiah 55:8).

He showed me the example of Abraham’s 25years wait (Genesis 21:1-5) and the 40yrs that the children of Israel spent in the waiting – for what reason DISOBEDIENCE. Twenty five years previous in Genesis 12:1-5, Abraham had heard the word of God, believed the promises of God and set out with his possessions for the Land the Lord would show him. And even though throughout the time, the Lord always visited him and reminded him of His promises to him (except of course the thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael), and we know that nothing is too hard for the Lord (Gen. 18:14), Did you notice that by time the young man came (Isaac), Abraham had to part with Lot (you know God did say leave your country, your people, your father’s household and go to the Land I will show you – He did not say take Lot with you – Genesis 13, 14). Did I detect a hint of disobedience? oh and we shan’t forget the Ishmael debacle (that extended it by thirteen more years). And then there was Sodom and Gomorrah just near by, and you just know they “gats” to go, it won’t make for a good surrounding environment to raise up a proper child (afterall we are supposed to be at peace with our neighbours – could you imagine having them as your neighbourhood). And we already KNOW the story of the Israelites.

So after weighing all this very significant discoveries, I didn’t need to be a genius to figure out that disobedience is proportional to the delay in promise. And so I thought to myself, if I want to open my present this time next year, I had just better sit and wait and do as God has told me to do. Cause I for one have wasted already enough time, just by carrying on with my disobedient ways.

So there it is, I should not be concerned as to when I can unwrap my gift, I just have to believe it is there and just have to keep on praying (you know praying is also a way of communicating with God, its not all about give me, give me, give me), until the day He will say to me, go right ahead Life of a stranger and open it. I am so excited right now, just the thought of all the wonderful things the Lord has stored up for me just gives me goose pimples, and BELIEVE ME, I know this God to be faithful and true. The Kind of things He does, truly takes my breath away. I just don’t have enough words to say it all; all I know is GOD RAWKS my world. He truly is an awesome God, and NEVER have I known Him to be late. Oh yeah, He’s always on Time too. So dear family, DO NOT FOCUS ON YOUR AGE; God doesn’t care how old you are. Don’t let the waiting get the better of you, or even the problems, cause they too are a sort of transition period, for the Lord uses them to build our characters and imperfection. If I were you, I’ll just start bursting out into songs of joy, rejoicing in the Lord, because if you knew the kind of BIG BOY you’re dealing with, you will never ever again loose sleep over gibrishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I have started to imagine for myself... , well don’t ask me mine go right ahead and start imagining for yourself.

And don’t forget to search your life and rid your selves of anything that you know may be hindering the promise of God being fulfilled in your life. The Lot, Ishmael and Sodom Factor are gone Lord, and I have found for myself a very comfortable sit. Surely it is Now!!

A Return to Sender

“Spurred on by the king's command, the couriers went out, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered” – Esther 3:15

I remember a time not too distant now when the negative and hurtful things that people did, or do affected me. But when I realised it was to my detriment and the effect it had in my life didn’t in any way reverberate back to them, I realised it was an exercise in futility. We all remember the story of Mordecai and Haman, one a Jew who refused to bow down in fear or reverence of the other. And how this burned Haman, for he was a man of so much wealth and decorated by the king (who was ruler over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush – Esther 1:1; 3:1). And for this single reason hatched a plan not just to destroy him, but also all the people of his race (Esther 3:1-15). It is interesting to read that when he thought he had succeeded in wining over the king and effecting his plan, that was indeed the time that the Lord had raised help, for her steps had previously been ordered of the Lord to find favour with the King and the palace people for such a time (Esther 4:14b). It’s even more interesting how the plans of destruction that Haman planned for Mordecai was visited upon Haman.

My story today will indeed be a short one, but should serve as a reminder why we ought not to loose sleep, over any situation or circumstance we find ourselves in. And as we have read, that it’s imperative that we know that yet before we encounter such situations and oppositions, that the Lord has already made provisions for the solution. And He has shown us that the solution to our problems is already resident and present in our lives even before the problem arises (Esther 2:1-23; 3:1). Is anyone of us going through something right now, I am here to encourage you that your solution is with you, and that this problem is not worth loosing you joy over. Never to forget the purpose for which the problem was sent; to steal, kill and destroy your Joy (John 10:10) which the Lord Jesus came to give you to the full. Don’t let that happen.

And if we have in anyway been engaged in dispersing unwholesome behaviour towards others, let us repent of it and seek the forgiveness of God. Dear Lord, I ask thee to forgive me merciful saviour for all the times that I have knowingly and unknowingly hurt the lives of the people around me. Dear Lord, have mercy upon my life and please remove from my life the punishment that the consequence of my action incurred. Thank you Lord for forgiving me in the wonderful name of Jesus I have prayed Amen.

GEMSTONE

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly - Proverbs 3:18

I knew of a man who inherited a precious stone, sought after by many given only to a few, he neither worked for it, or deserving of it. And because He had no knowledge of its price less worth or cared for it, he threw it away as if it were a pebble and watched it flip through the stream that flowed beside his abode.

I knew also a man that was shown a mine rich with unimaginable glory. A fertile ground that required very little effort to dig up the valuables that laid underneath. After He was handed over a shovel to dig up for himself to his heart content, he sat on it instead for a while. Then he thought to himself, surely I have seen richer grounds with greener pastures. No, I shall move on to a ground that requires no digging, a ground that is seen from afar of unimaginable worth.

Oh how I remember that man, yes that man that bequeathed to me that precious stone and showed me pastures green. A Man so rich He owned the whole world.

For a while then I had no idea of His worth, and threw Him away as I moved away from Him. I will never forget the way that Lead to the truth and life everlasting which He showed me. How I thought there must be an easier way that didn’t have to be His. I had no idea that His way was a path filled with unimaginable riches, and because I was only interested in the things that “was seen” I saw no value in “working” it out through believing in Him. I had no idea that I had to first recognize that He is “the way, the truth and life”; Oh how I have suffered for lack of knowledge. I had no idea that I had to work out my salvation with fear and trembling; and that as I delved into Him, by building my relationship with Him, this got me closer to Him, oh how He longed to show me all the unsearchable things I knew not.

Dearest Lord what price less gift YOUR SAVING GRACE is; what can I compare such a gift to. Thank You Lord for on countless occasions, Your repeated refusal to give up on me, even with all of my disobedient ways. Thank You Lord for everything You did for me.

Dear Lord, if I were to make sacrifices in the same magnitude as Solomon and David did, it will not be enough to show how much You mean to me. And if I were to dance without restraint from now, even to the end of the world, it would still not fully show how much Lord I adore you. Lord sometimes I forget and limit you, but Lord thank you for loving me in spite of me. Yes Lord, You have been my God even when I didn’t care to know you, and gently you have always stood by me, even after I rejected you. Lord God You are indeed my pride, and my one true Love. You Lord mean EVERYTHING to me. I may not show it Lord sometimes, but just incase I pass through “those” days Lord, I just want to tell the Whole World that I will bless you forever for You are more than Life to me. Yes Lord You have been my Rock of ages, and I will never again throw away the priceless gift You’ve given to me. You Lord I cannot compare, and no rock or gemstone will ever be able to make me leap for joy when compared to the leap at the thought of You.

You Lord make my heart skip a beat………… And I love you dear Lord.

Anything of value takes time to form (thank you Lord for taking your time to mold me) – I just never realized I was a collector’s item (I don’t know about ya’ll, but Wow, who could imagine me God’s Collector’s item) …….

Fresh Start

I’m pretty excited this week. I feel like someone who has just won tons and tons of money from the lottery and I’m even more reassured now that my life is wonderful. I am wonderful, and I feel good. Well that’s because of what “onu chukwu – the mouth of God” spoke concerning me, and it is written in Psalm 18 vs. 43 -46: "Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places".

This week I was supposed to spend it away from the office, in Cambridge town, but because of the wonderful weather in the south of England I was stranded in a fine airport in Bologna waiting for a delayed flight which was later cancelled. I came back so late at night, cold, tired and a little grumpy. It was snowing too here but we seem to have a better way of handling this sort of weather. Well I guess all this whether Good or bad works together for my good.

I was reading the book of 1Kings and my attention was drawn to 1Kings:1-3: When King David was old and well advanced in years, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him. 2 So his servants said to him, "Let us look for a young virgin to attend the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm." Then I remembered the story of Zechariah and His wife Elizabeth, which my wonderful pastor preached on Sunday – Luke 1:5-7 - Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. I also went back to the book of Genesis 2:18 – “The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” - It was because God saw that Adam was lonely that was why He made eve so that she will help take that loneliness away by doing “stuff” together with him.

So I started to wonder, here are two old men, David and Zechariah, two wonderful men whom God called his priests (one by calling, one by birth). One in his old age after marrying so many women (for different reasons), still had no one to help keep him warm at night (even if he was a king and the queens have separate rooms, but we are told they needed someone to keep him warm, whatever happened to one of the wives doing this?); and the other married only one, both of whom were faithfully serving God in their old age even with their inability to bear children. And this just struck me. It was indeed that first decision that paved the way for the end. Choosing to marry an individual is one of the most important decisions a person can ever make. Then I thought of a very long road, with the middle coated with tar, the sides untouched, red sandy gravel, next to a deep ditch; and then I thought, imagine walking on this road with someone who’s a bit temperamental and could accidently push you off.. alarm bells. Ok so this is not such a good example, but it gives an idea of how important that one decision really is. Think about it? And the same applies in every area of our lives. Do the decisions we make have longevity? Will it stand the test of time? Are we one when faced with difficultly we feel the need to abandon project and search for another? Have we chosen to decide that come what may we are sticking with God?

I have started to see so many things so clearly, and they have all started to make sense now. It makes sense that a life of purpose is by far better than a life of existence. That my decision to choose to stand in readiness of what comes my way is harder than choosing to sit and settle for what I see around me. Sometimes I think back to the beginning, where it all started, and think of where I am now, which makes me realise how busy the Lord has been working in my life; and each day, month, year have been better than the previous. I don’t know about you but I feel a sense of urgency to make up my mind to choose to see God in every aspect of my life, regardless; because I know that because God is always by my side, my future can only get better. And even more outstanding that no weapons forged against me will prosper, so why should I settle for what is seen. And with this, my once unsteady feet, is no longer afraid. Because now I know without a shadow of a doubt that everything that “seems” to be crawling around me, was allowed to bring about the fulfilment of my promise.

So today everyone I have made that decision YET AGAIN, NEVER to fear the shadows of my past failures. I am super confident, and thus I have resolved never again to be afraid. I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, but what a walk. The sounds of a violent waterfall surrounded me, the walk even steeper than imagined and the path more dangerous and rocky than envisaged, and who would speak of the darkness that shielded the path. But wow I came out. I came out injury free, I came out victorious. And I came out stronger than I went in. I came out and was led unto the straight path, I came out and immediately He directed me unto my carefully planned out path. Wow Lord I made it. I made it. Thank you Lord for being by my side. Zechariah and Elizabeth made it, and even though like the parable of the labourers in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16) they might have been likened to those who may have worked from the 6^th hour since their promise came about in their old age, mine would be like those that came in the 11^th hour and I know I will get the same reward but sooner.

So dear Lord lead the way, I will be a fool not to follow. Dear Lord help me take off these high heeled shoes that may be getting in the way, so that my toes won’t pinch as I try to run after you….

Mehn this path is the bunz ...........

You Raise Me Up

Throughout last week (or if I am very honest with myself, since I’ve gotten back to base), my dear colleagues have been a little worried about me. Apparently it’s written all over my face and I look a hot mess. It’s the New Year, a year filled with so much hope, dreams, fulfillment of purpose, but it seems my soul appears so downcast. I believe You Lord, so why the gloomy look?

The mountain climb has been a little overwhelming, for the wind of thought has appeared to me more violent than anticipated, the lantern almost snuffed out, and my feet no longer as steady as it ought to be; and the first month of the year has not fully ended yet, let alone the next 11 months of the year. I have started planning how to spend the rest of the year sleeping, that way my mind will not be playing tricks on me. Surely I cannot be slightly depressed? Wake up Life of a Stranger, wake up. Today you still have a choice. Choose life and you will see if God will not bring about your captivities as if it were a dream (Psalm 126:1-6)... huh?

Let it go, Life of a Stranger.

I have fallen again this time deeper than I thought. I wasn’t expecting this. How did this happen, surely I was on the way up you may ask? Yeah I thought so too, why the gloomy view. But for a moment I took my eye off Jesus, and it happened, and now I’m back on the ring road trying to get off at the first Junction unto the straight path. I need to forget the mistakes of the past and look to the future, one so wonderfully paved with unimaginable joy. And a future that starts even now because today, this day is the day the Lord has made and I am commanded to rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118 vs. 24). The Lord Jesus tells you today He has forgiven you all of your sins, and you have been immersed and washed in His blood. That in itself is more than enough when life’s burden or worries tries to bring you to the point when it seems all hope is gone. Your SINS Are forgiven Life of a Stranger, did you hear that!! Eerm yeah

Get a grip Life of a Stranger.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize - 1 Corinth. 9:24 – Why are you giving up on the race, you were doing so well. Gal. 5:7-(You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?). YOU just need to push just that bit harder to the finishing line regardless of whatever You face. Acts 20: 24 (However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace).

But Lord, I keep falling.

And I will keep raising YOU UP until you get to the end of the race. So that Your testimony will be like that of Paul’s: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith - 2 Tim. 4:7. Dear Lord I want to and NEED to Fight this fight and finish this race well by keeping Your Faith, but for how long?

Dear Life of a Stranger, don’t be like the pace setters in the long distance races that goes into strict training, lead the pack, only to drop out before the finishing line. For as long as it takes, keep pushing, because one day the race will end and there is a prize waiting at the end of it all. And because I love you with an everlasting love, I am always with you, even in the toughest of it all (Jeremiah 31:3-4). “But I don’t want to keep holding on. I’m tired of trying. What If I choose not to, what will happen? You will miss out on EVERYTHING I have put together for you. So keep holding on. You’ll see it really is beautiful. Cheer up; you are living in the best days of your life, and what better than to know that the creator of the whole wide world has got your back. You have to go through the refiner’s fire for Holy living (Zechariah 13:9), so that in the end everything in you that causes you to fall will be removed.

Really! Ok Lord, I’ll try.

And even though the young may get tired, because you Hope in Me (Isaiah 41:30-31), I will never disappoint you, and will strengthen you. You are the apple of my eyes (Deuteronomy 32:10, Zechariah 2:8). You are most precious to me, my master piece, my most cherished possession; I gave up all just so that you can have access to me. Stop worrying about yesterday’s mistakes and the troubles of tomorrow, for today has enough trouble’s of its own (Matthew 6:34), which Jesus have already overcome for you (John 16:33). Take heart, Stay alert, stay focused, and focus on ME.

Lord You’re just so deep. That’s why you just Rawk you know.

*sigh* Kiss Kiss, I love you Lord. I feel so much better now. So you should. I KNOW I rawk……..

Yay….. Bring on February!!!.

Confused

I have to confess I am indeed one of those that like to make plans (well I don’t have much of a social life, so I guess that explains a great deal), thoroughly enjoy the planning process and look forward to the execution of the plan, but for some reason totally beyond my control, something always comes up that prevents the plan from coming together, which really unsettles me. I hate to admit this, but this has been going on for many years now. And each time am always left wondering what the point of the planning, looking forward and holding on was really about. Especially, when it appears that the seeds I plant always seems to get uprooted. A feeling that tends to overwhelm and move me to a state of confusion.

Genesis 4:6-7: Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

One thing I’ve learnt and found is that whenever am not in the word I tend not to get a firm grip on my emotions. Yet, I keep making this mistake repeatedly, as in when will I learn? I tend to worry a lot, and tend to believe the lie of the enemy. I also tend to forget that it is what Christ says about me that matters at the end, and also that making heaven is actually our most important goal in this life and everything else and the comforts of life is the extras that come when we PLEASE God.

Like in the bible passage example that I gave because Cain lost control of his emotion, he lost out completely in his destiny, I wonder what kind of life it would have been. Am sure it would have been filled with so much regret. And even if we were to repent of our mistakes the damage has already been done, not just to the person but also to you, and to your relationship. I guess Cain didn’t think much of his brother Abel, lacked respect, and probably thought he was the reason for his problems. A feeling of being unappreciated and being surrounded with so much negativity. And so aptly narrated by David, in Psalm 41:9 - "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me"

My life should be a life of commitment, that my Yes be Yes and No be No. That everything I have said I would do, and given my word to do to stick to it. I am tired of having a story to tell or a reason why something I said I would do didn’t get done. I want to be able to make a difference with my life, that this 2009 will no longer be a year of planting and uprooting, and that every thing I sow will remain planted and no longer uprooted by MY hand.

So TODAY wonderful saviour, I ask thee oh Lord to help me MASTER my emotions, so that it will not lead me to a life time filled with regret. Open my eyes Lord to see what is happening around me, and understand the devices of the enemy. Help me Lord to be a committed Christian. Let my word determine my behaviour and help me Lord to do YOUR will and not mine. Let your power be revealed in my life and empower me for Holy living. That no more stories be associated with my life. For indeed I am a city on a hill. Lord this year I pray for your Wisdom as I plan my affairs. I no longer want to suffer for lack of knowledge of the devices of the enemy (Hosea 4:6 God tells us, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."). Help me Lord to be always vigilant and ready with your armour to combat the desires of the Flesh (Ephesians 6:10-17; Romans 12:1-2). Dear Lord, I want to be the man you spoke of in Malachi 2:5-6 - 5 "My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. I don’t want to take you dear Lord for granted. Not to mistake your love and your coming to my level as to do however I please. I don’t want to be contemptuous of You. I want to know what You want from me Lord, and things you don’t want from me. Dear Lord I want to live a life filled with your spirit. A life worthy of You. I know that what I’ve gone through and am going through have been a time of the sifting period (Luke 22:31-32), removing the things in me that does not bring glory to you, Lord I ask even in these times help me not to sin against you, and that my faith will stand the test of time.

What have you done lately?

Idi mma (You are Good)

In the midst of my sorrow, He granted me peace, in the midst of my confusion He gave me joy, in the midst of dishonour, He upheld me, in the midst of disgrace, He displayed me, and in the midst of my enemies, He enlarged my footsteps so that I would continue to stand head and shoulder above them – this was my testimony for 2008

Wow, it’s the New Year already.

In my last and final post for 2008 I testified of the goodness and greatness of God throughout the year of 2008. The year that the Lord was too good to me, and if I were to start testifying of His goodness and greatness, I wouldn’t have known where to begin, for the King of Glory was indeed so good to me, the Lord that only knows how to be good, was good to me, and indeed there is no one like Him, for He granted me total victory. However, Four days after the post, my favourite person in the whole wide world, the woman next to my mother, who taught me so much, and whom I lived to make proud passed away. Ever since I was a little girl, my grandmother had suffered a life filled with one illness after another. Mother told me that even as a young girl, Granma was given her last rites as a catholic, because they thought she was going to die even then. She had lost her husband at a very young age and a few years into her marriage, but that did not stop her from praising, worshiping and holding unto the promises of God (She was later honoured by the Pope as a Dame, and a woman who made history every where she went, a dynamic woman filled with the Love and Spirit of the Lord). In spite of the illnesses over the many years, she lived to see her 80^th birthday, and for that Lord I am grateful. Dear Lord, You have always been good, and only know how to do good. Thank you Lord for making me a grand daughter she was proud of, and giving me the opportunity to grow with her, for the times spent, and the many lessons I have learnt that have been invaluable to me as a young woman who intends to live a life that honours God. The journeys might not be an easy one, but we fall only to rise again stronger. Thank you Lord too for the opportunities my siblings also had, and how she was able to watch us all grow into men and women she was happy to call her own. Thank you Lord for doing us good. You Lord have indeed been the greatest healer, and indeed there is no one like you. King of Kings there is no one like you.

It is now 2009, and now the 16^th of the very first month of the year, and the Lord is still telling me that He is still a good God, and will always be good to me. He has reminded me to go to: Isaiah 46:9-10 - "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things that are not yet done." To go back to the promises He has made to me over the years, for He is watching to see that every word He has promised to me, to bring to pass (Jer. 1:12- The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching ^[a] to see that my word is fulfilled."). To re-examine them all again. That It doesn’t matter how long I’ve had them, and to keep holding onto them. For this has been a time for preparation. That the heavens have opened and the rains have started to pour, but I needed to be ready for it; to prepare for greatness. That this is no longer a time for planting and uprooting. That the seeds we have sown will remain planted, and a time we will enjoy the fruits of our labour. That this is No longer a year of fruitless efforts in Jesus Name, Amen. The seeds that we have sown, will remain planted in Jesus Name, Amen, and will be a year of our longings fulfilled. No more a year of wandering in the wilderness, but a year of divine visitation.

So Lord, in preparation of this: This year O God I ask You to search me, for this year I want to experience the manifestation of your promises in my life. This is the year I want to live a life devoid of sin, search me dear Lord, and grant me grace to remove all the things in my life that offends you oh Lord. For I need your visitation dear Lord this year, and every day of my life. I ask You Oh Lord that I may see myself the way you see me, and hear what you say about my life. My Lord and King, every corner of my life, I desire that the Holy Spirit will visit me, and continue to, and indeed find in me a habitation for God’s glory. Lord I want to honour you in every aspect of my life, in Jesus Name, Amen. Lord I pray that anything in my life and in the life of the people reading this that will hinder them from receiving your divine visitation this year, by your grace and mercy I ask that you remove right now in the name of Jesus, Amen. And that every heart may be prepared to receive a visit from heaven, and the Life of God may begin to manifest so that His people may carry His glory, in Jesus Name Amen.

I know I want to see the glory of God in my life this 2009. Don’t you? (Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God).

Poetic Mondays - Untitled

Am but a soul looking for the truth
In a world that could show no light
What first stirs a man's soul
The realities of death perhaps
When I was a youth
I took life for granted

the earth was playground for my free spirit

But youth grows up and with it the search for the meaning of life
But where to find it
Who could say

Nature was my guiding star
To tread the sun backed fields
And see what’s underneath my native knees

And when night fell
With its dreams I would wonder beyond the stars
Where was I to find the truth
Sure, I heard of God and his son Jesus
But I was not sure

But all the same there was something in my heart

Which said, keep looking keep looking
So the years, years went by
Old dreams went and new dreams came
Oh!!! God, my soul yearns for the truth

Was my cry, until one day
A knock on the door
I was about to say
When something came over me
Come in to my surprise

Oh!!!!!!! What a day, what a day
When the sun shone on my weary soul
A never to be forgotten moment
The day I will behold your face

..............................................................................ETN 05/12/08 - LIFE

I am curretly away on Birthday, Christmas and New year Holidays, but have scheduled posts for Poetic Mondays. Hope you enjoy them.Merry Christmas Everyone. See you in 2009 Godwilling.

Poetic Mondays - You and Me

Its my Birthday week, and I am so excited to have this posted. I am in love with poetry and with him more today than ever ( I am still away in Nigeria, hope these Poetic monday posts have warmed the heart, as much as they've warmed mine). Merry Christmas Everyone, see you in 2009 Godwilling.

You and Me

When the winds rushes over the sweeping plain
I think of your hair how long and beautiful they are
Tossed long and flowing

When I see your face smiling at the jokes I make
I see a flushed valley summer still
And a couple who wander in the heat of the day

Your eyes when they glitter and the fragment's ferment
Tell of a sea and sky and an island of sand
With the palms swaying gently, while the owls decry

You next to me
Tell of a tall young tree
In spring time a-growing and summer to come
And am alone here wishing the day you shall be called mine

..............................................................................ETN 28/11/08 - LIFE

Poetic Mondays - Angel of Love

Angel of Love

Couched I lie in your bosom deep
In scarlet walls of velvet
steep, soft, dew pearled, in the early morn
To quaff your nectar
To breathe your scent
You are outlined, most reverent
A scarlet rose in an English garden
You are indeed a beauteous thing
If long I couch
Please beg my pardon
For your beauty makes my sad heart sing
What would the artist give
To capture your tinted hues of scarlet rapture
You are my angel of love

..............................................................................ETN 05/12/08 - LIFE

I am curretly away on Birthday, Christmas and New year Holidays, but have scheduled posts for Poetic Mondays. Hope you enjoy them.Merry Christmas Everyone. See you in 2009 Godwilling.

The Lord is INDEED GOD

It’s that time of the year already, and 9days to my birthday. This year without a shadow of a doubt has been the year, when I sought the Lord in all earnest. When I entered into this year, I was told it would be a year of rejoicing, a year the Lord will send rain to my “parched” life (1 Kings 18:1). To be rest assured, and to go eat and drink for indeed there was a sound of heavy rain coming (I Kings 18: 41). I went home rejoicing, and when the time came, I expected the breakthrough to come from the troubles that overwhelmed me at the time. I also expected a loud “hullabaloo”, loud noises to usher in the opening of the heavens. Well to be very honest I expected a great deal to have happened, but when the Lord did it, and the way He did it, I could never have imagined it would happen in such a way, and gently so (1 Kings 19:11-12).

For years now I have always dreaded celebrating my birthday (I enjoyed the cakes, the attention and the presents that came with it, but the number of candles on it appeared to be increasing); and even though I had much to be glad about, and have been blessed with so much during this young life of mine, there was that particular one that eluded me so; and even though this year have been wrought with troubles (which I am here to declare to you that will not come a second time – Nahum 1:9), and bad choices, I thank God that after the wind that tore up the mountains, the earthquake and the fire, He was there, he came and is here to stay. My gentle giant.

And so as I end this Happy Friday Everyone series for this year, I would like to take this fine opportunity to thank God, for indeed He has been so so good to me. And would also ask you too to thank Him on my behalf, for He has been faithful and true, and has brought His promises to me this year to pass. Recently also, He reminded me again of things, dreams I had kept in the back burner, which I thought might have been a tad too silly. Dreams I’ve had for a while now, which at the time of their inception thought the Lord was speaking to me about. Fast forward four years later, He’s still telling me to go back to them. Because He is watching to see that every word He has promised to me, He’ll bring to pass (Jer. 1:12). So I ask you, what dreams have the Lord spoken to you and is still speaking to you about? Go back to them. Examine them again. It does not matter how long you’ve had them. Keep holding onto them.

Truly this 2008 has been a remarkable year for me, in terms of my relationship with God, my faith in Him, and my confidence and Hope that He is more than able to bring to pass everything He has said He will do. And rightly so this year like the Lord did for Elijah in 1 Kings 18:37-38, The Lord too have done for me. And not only did he answer with fire, He showed up too with an abundance of rain. Lord I thank you for WHO YOU are. And I thank you Lord for choosing to lavish your blessing on me. I guess favour really isn’t fair.

Have a wonderful Christmas Everyone, and I believe 2009 will be a superb year for all of us. As my gentle giant keeps reminding me, it will indeed be a year that we will excel. Only believe. Watch me Rise ya’ll. You had better join me too.