tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21715696430094840652024-03-13T09:13:02.150+01:00Welcome to Still Small Voice Blog...transforming and conforming you to the image of Christ!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-50359857078330650432017-09-26T14:16:00.000+01:002017-09-26T14:19:44.261+01:00Where are you?<a href="https://static.planetminecraft.com/files/resource_media/screenshot/1331/Where_Are_You_6083577_lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://static.planetminecraft.com/files/resource_media/screenshot/1331/Where_Are_You_6083577_lrg.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a><br />
Image source: planetminecraft.com<br />
<br />
<i>"Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?"<br />
So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself."</i> Genesis 3:9-10.<br />
<br />
You know, despite all that Adam said in response to God's question in Genesis 3:9, he never really answered the question. God called to him and asked "where are you?" - a seemingly simple question designed to ascertain the present location of the person being asked, right? Listen to Adam's response?<br />
<i>"I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself."</i><br />
Think about it, in what way is this the answer to "where are you"?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Picture this scenario: you were scheduled to meet up with someone for an 8am appointment at a particular place (say a restaurant). You arrived at the rendezvous early, some minutes before the time, you sat and waited, and at 8:00, you picked up your phone to call the person you were to meet with to know where he was, so as not to wait in futility.<br />
<br />
You dialled his number, the call went through but he didn't answer. You tried a few times more until he finally answered, and you say, "Hello, I'm at the restaurant we agreed to meet, where are you?"<br />
And he responds, "I saw your calls, and I didn't answer because I didn't know what to tell you since I was not there as we agreed."<br />
<br />
Can you picture the look on your face upon hearing this? Smiling? Happy? I bet not. I imagine you'd be gutted, frustrated and probably feel like squeezing life out of the fella (lol). The first thing that would probably jump up out of your mouth, with a perplexed frown on your face, would be, "what is this one saying? I'm asking where you are and you're giving me 'moonlight tales'".<br />
<br />
Why? Because he did not answer the question. The question is, "where are you?" all he did was beat about the bush and not even come close to answering the question. From his response, you cannot tell where he is, whether he is close to the restaurant, or far away, or whether he has even left home, or he is stuck in traffic somewhere. You really can't tell. He only stringed together some words which did not answer the "where are you?" question.<br />
<br />
At a literal level, "where are you?" is a question designed to determine the location of its object (the person being asked). If I ask, "where are you?" I'm trying to find out YOUR PRESENT LOCATION (whether you're at home, at work, on the road heading somewhere, in church and so on); not where you have been, or why you are where you are, or what you are doing where you are? but simply "where" - your present location.<br />
<br />
I would not expect you to give me stories; it's not a question designed to elicit 'moonlight tales'. And all things being equal, the person being asked should be able to correctly provide his/her present location.<br />
<br />
But then, we know that God KNOWS ALL things, He is omniscient - the all-knowing God. Therefore, it wasn't out of ignorance that God asked Adam "where are you?"<br />
God didn't ask Adam "where are you?" simply to determine his present location, God asking Adam "where are you?" is Him saying...<br />
"Adam, why are you not where I put you...?"<br />
"Adam, why are you not at our agreed meeting point at this time...?"<br />
"Adam, you are not at 'our spot', where we used to 'hangout', you are no longer where we used to meet and fellowship together; Adam, where are you...?"<br />
"I came to where we were supposed to meet and you were not there, Adam, where are you...?<br />
God is saying and calling out to you, "come back to where I originally put you, come back to my presence, come back to our place of fellowship".<br />
<br />
Sad thing is, until this day, many persons are yet to answer God's "where are you?" So, I ask you today, where are you? Are you where you should be, where God put you?<br />
<br />
<i>"The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and THERE HE PUT the man whom He had formed.<br />
Then the Lord God TOOK THE MAN and PUT HIM in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it."</i> - Genesis 2:8,15.<br />
<br />
Are you still where God put you - in His garden, in His presence? God is at your usual meeting point, where you used to 'hangout' and fellowship together, but He's wondering "where are you?"<br />
<br />
God is saying...<br />
"Son, why are you not where I put you...in my presence?"<br />
"Daughter, why are you not at our agreed meeting point at this time...in the study of my Word?"<br />
"Daughter, you are not at 'our spot', where we used to 'hangout', you are no longer where we used to meet and fellowship together...in the place of prayer?"<br />
"I came to where we were supposed to meet and you were not there; son, have you repented of your sins and made Christ your Lord?<br />
"Son, you have forsaken our rendezvous....in the place of living in holiness".<br />
<br />
Where are you today? Please, think about it...<br />
Have you hid yourself from His presence like Adam did because you are "naked" and "afraid"?<br />
Are you no longer at the place of prayer to meet with the Lord as you used to because you are "naked" and "afraid"?<br />
Are you no longer in the place of the study of His Word because you are "naked" and "afraid"?<br />
Have you left the faith and fallen into a life of sin because you are "naked" and "afraid" to confess and ask for God's mercy?<br />
<br />
What is your PRESENT LOCATION? IN Christ?<br />
Remember, <i>"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are IN CHRIST JESUS, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."</i> - Romans 8:1.<br />
<br />
<i>"....who are in Christ Jesus..."</i> - present tense, those whose present location is "in Christ".<br />
Get back to where God originally put you - in His garden, His presence, found only 'in Christ'.<br />
God is asking, "where are you?" I am IN Christ, you?<br />
<br />
<i>"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."</i> - Romans 10:9.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-21657054712532310852017-06-30T14:47:00.001+01:002017-06-30T14:47:57.871+01:00It's not only drunk people that are "under the influence", we all are<a href="http://www.brh.org.uk/gallery/slavery/slavedealer.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.brh.org.uk/gallery/slavery/slavedealer.jpg" width="320" height="227" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="568" /></a><br />
Image source: brh.org.uk<br />
<br />
<i>"Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"</i> (Romans 6:16).<br />
<br />
When we see and read news headlines like "man arrested for driving under the influence" or "woman jailed for drunk driving", or heartbreaking ones likes "drunk driver kills two in auto crash", and "female driver caught with alcohol with baby in the backseat"; we are pained for the victims and call for the heads of the defaulters, which is understandable.<br />
<br />
However, these defaulters are not the only guilty ones, we all are equally guilty of the "same" offence - you are under the influence, and so am I. We are not much different. If we think well and deep enough, we would realise that the defaulters are not the only ones who are "under the influence", or put better, we would realise that we all, just like them, are "under the influence".<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
With everyone of us, it is not a question of whether we are "under the influence" or not; rather we should ask ourselves - what influence am I under? Or whose influence am I under? Think about it.<br />
<br />
Indeed, every single one of us lives and operates under the influence of one thing or person. Granted, you may not be under the influence of alcohol like the defaulters above, but surely, you are under some influence of your own.<br />
<br />
To be under the influence of something or someone means to have your thoughts, actions and habits inspired and controlled by that thing or person. For instance, when someone is under the influence of alcohol, his/her thoughts and actions at that point is (to a very large extent) determined (that is, inspired and controlled) by alcohol.<br />
<br />
Such individual relinquishes control over his/her actions to the substance, alcohol becomes a sort of a driver, while the person becomes a mere passenger, probably stuck in the booth - depending on how much control he/she has relinquished to alcohol.<br />
<br />
The more alcohol content you have on your inside, the more control you give up to it, and the less you can order the things you think and do at that point.<br />
<br />
That explains why a woman, after going through the indescribable pain of carrying and birthing a child after about 9 months, would drive drunk with the same baby in the back seat! That is why, also, a father would while drunk drive with his kids in the back-seat! She has lost control; he has lost the power to control his thoughts and actions; alcohol at that point has become her/his lord.<br />
<br />
This is why Paul, in our anchor text, asked<i>"Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"</i> (Romans 6:16).<br />
<br />
The person who is under the influence of alcohol has relinquished control to it, and thus becomes its slave. Alcohol is that person's lord for the time he remains under its influence.<br />
<br />
The same applies to all of us - believers and non believers, young and old, married and unmarried, rich and poor, alike. We all are under the influence.<br />
<br />
While some are under the influence of the devil and his cohorts which manifests in alcoholism, hard drugs abuse, sexual addiction, perpetual lying, stealing, etc.; some others are under the influence of God via His Holy Spirit, which manifests in love, peace, joy, self control, gentleness, truthfulness, purity, etc. (see Galatians 5:19-23).<br />
<br />
Beyond reasonable doubt, we are all under the influence.<br />
<br />
<b>How then do we determine what influence we are under?</b><br />
Oh, that's quite simple! Jesus answered this a long time ago - He gave us the key to determining what influence we are under and whose slaves we are.<br />
<br />
In His words, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them". (Matthew 7:20).<br />
<br />
Here's more of what He said, <i>"For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."</i>Luke 6:43-45.<br />
<br />
Not only do we speak out of the abundance of our heart - we also think, act, do things out of the abundance of our heart. Your works - the things you do consistently and habitually, your actions and reactions, your choices and decisions - reveal what and whose influence you are under.<br />
<br />
So, what influence are you under? Whose slave have you become? "Of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"<br />
<br />
Bear in mind that </i>"God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."</i> Galatians 6:7-8.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-71080664521553234062017-06-25T12:28:00.000+01:002017-06-25T12:29:22.555+01:00Are you more faithful to God than Moses was?<i>"And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those which would be spoken afterward"</i> - Hebrews 3:5.<br />
<br />
Think about it: a wealthy man has a son and a servant, from which of them do you think he would expect and demand more faithfulness and commitment from? I reckon the son. The man would expect and demand more faithfulness and commitment to him from his own son than from a servant.<br />
<br />
Why, you ask? Well, the reasons are not far fetched...<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
First, the servant, unlike the son, does not have a legitimate part in the man's possessions - no matter how well he serves. If he does get a part in the man's possessions, it would be out of the man's sheer generosity, not as his right!<br />
But the son does. The son has a part in the man's possessions, not because he did anything, but simply because he is a son!<br />
<br />
Also, as a servant, he does not enjoy the privileges of the son, like intimate fellowship through quality time together with the man. He is only a servant after all. Parents don't usually hang out with their servants, do they? They usually do so with their sons and daughters.<br />
<br />
That is not to say the man (or parents generally) is wicked or anything of the sort, it's just that he is only a servant.<br />
And like Jesus said in John 15:15 <i>"a servant does not know what his master is doing".</i> The son, on the other hand, gets to spend time with the man - his father, and they share their hearts with one another. Thus, they develop a close relationship.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://joequatronejr.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/child-of-god-hands1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://joequatronejr.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/child-of-god-hands1.jpg" width="284" height="320" data-original-width="266" data-original-height="300" /></a><br />
Image source: joe<br />
<br />
Indeed, a son enjoys a lot of perks! The privileges of being a son are plentiful! Even a parent who does not have much would go out of his/her way to provide for, not a servant, but a son (and daughter).<br />
<br />
As it should be, one who enjoy certain rights and privileges should also know that he has certain obligations. You don't enjoy rights and privileges and not keep your end of the deal - your obligations.<br />
<br />
And for the son who enjoys these privileges and much more (which the servant does not), the father expects and demands more loyalty, commitment, obedience and faithfulness from him. It's his obligation!<br />
<br />
The father expects the son to be devoted to him and to give his very best for his (the father's) business...<br />
<br />
I reckon this also applies with God...<br />
<br />
We follow in the footsteps of Jesus and call the God of heaven "Father" (Matthew 6:9, John 5:17), and rightly so for He indeed is. He is our dear heavenly Father.<br />
He has adopted us as His dear children (Romans 8:15, John 1:12), and given us UNPRECEDENTED access to many rights and privileges, such as:<br />
- His Spirit to indwell and lead us (1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 8:14)<br />
- His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)<br />
- Power over all works of darkness (Mark 16:17-18)<br />
- Confidence to approach His throne and obtain help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16)<br />
- Revelational knowledge of His word (2 Corinthians 3:18)<br />
- His mercy (1 Peter 2:10)<br />
- His grace and much more....<br />
<br />
God expects and demands more - more loyalty, more commitment, more obedience, more faithfulness, more holiness, more uprightness - from us, than from the likes of Moses, Job, Noah, Elijah. Why? We are sons and daughters, they were all just servants.<br />
<br />
God has not lowered the standards of what He expects and demands of His own. Actually, the bar was raised (Matthew 5:20, read on to the end). Yes, grace raised the standards!<br />
<br />
God's standard is PERFECT HOLINESS (Isaiah 6:3, Matthew 5:48, Hebrews 12:14); and He expects and demands even more of this from us than He got from any of His servants! God, our Father as we so openly profess, expects more from us His sons and daughters - just as any father would expect from the son.<br />
<br />
- Moses, A SERVANT, "was faithful in all his house" (Hebrews 3:5);<br />
- Of Job, ANOTHER SERVANT, God said, "My servant Job... a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shunned evil." (Job 1:8);<br />
- Noah, ANOTHER SERVANT, was called "a just man, perfect in all his generations... [he] walked with God." (Genesis 6:9). Also, "according to all that God commanded him, so he (Noah) did". (Genesis 6:22).<br />
<br />
Yet, to none of them was it said that they would be <i>"partakers of His holiness"</i> (Hebrews 12:10), nor that they were <i>"children of God...heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ"</i> (Romans 8:16, 17), neither were they called <i>"the temple of the Holy Spirit"</i> (1 Corinthians 6:19)...<br />
At best, they were servants, or children of Israel, not children (son or daughter) of God.<br />
<br />
No responsible father would lower the bar/standard for his children!<br />
No serious father trains the servant harder than he trains the son!<br />
God will not accept less from us than He demanded of say the Israelites! His standard of holiness, separation and devotion remains; it stands sure!<br />
<br />
<b>What does God expect and demand of us His children?</b><br />
1. "You shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, with ALL your soul and with ALL your mind." - Matthew 22:37.<br />
<br />
2. "Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:17-18.<br />
<br />
3. "Fear God and keep His commandments" - Ecclesiastes 12:13.<br />
<br />
4. "that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Romans 12:1-2.<br />
<br />
5. "whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." - Philippians 4:8.<br />
<br />
God help us as He always done. May His grace continue to enable us to grow into His true children who He, our Father, would be proud of and well pleased in. In Jesus' name. Amen.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-33699849355638734392017-05-10T11:58:00.000+01:002017-05-10T11:58:00.315+01:00Choose this day whom you shall serveIn whose arms would you rather be,<br />
On whose shoulder would you rather lean on,<br />
In whom would you rather trust,<br />
In whose hands would you rather place your life,<br />
At whose feet would you rather lay,<br />
Who would you rather trust with your future?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
In the one who loves you without bounds - no limits love,<br />
In the one who gave Himself for you,<br />
In the one who has the best thoughts and plans for you,<br />
In the one who went beyond the limits of human suffering to see you saved,<br />
In the one who bypassed natural laws and defied natural wisdom to save you,<br />
In the one who took a massive "pay cut" (by becoming mortal) just to ensure you have a chance at eternal life?<br />
<br />
Or the one who mission is clear - to steal, kill and destroy,<br />
The one who goes about like a roaring seeking whom he would devour,<br />
The one who has been lying from the beginning and is the father of lies,<br />
The one who is set out to ensure you miss out on eternal bliss and glory in God's presence, but to end up in eternal torment, regret and gnashing of teeth, never ending and, worse, separation from God.<br />
<br />
Before you this day are two choices - life in Christ or death in sin,<br />
The difficult/straight path or the broad way,<br />
The narrow gate or the wide gate?<br />
Choose for yourself this day whom you shall serve.<br />
Me? I will serve the One who loves me more than I can ever know, the one who loves me with a boundless love.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mtccary.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/eCatholic-stock-photo-102-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.mtccary.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/eCatholic-stock-photo-102-1.jpg" width="320" height="190" /></a><br />
Image source: mtccary.org<br />
<br />
<i>"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for<br />
yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods<br />
which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”</i> (Joshua 24:15).<br />
<br />
<i>"For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your<br />
God, and Him only you shall serve."</i> (Luke 4:8)<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-24860173235378929572017-05-02T11:50:00.000+01:002017-05-10T00:00:13.736+01:00Reflections from my "encounter" with Daddy G.O. (Pastor E.A. Adeboye)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBgTxWot2val-4VE4D8HKr9vDf4tnZcFUet8DGg0KApAPehyphenhyphenLbJ6hVcQ_vbs0lMTt3mXT7YxHO1-_wwHcfkI6uTBpWZH5ea_YJ-Ca3DMVzJZKV4QycfrawQmfEDbVbcIj_ZNIlwPoaVRf/s1600/Pastor+Adeboye+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBgTxWot2val-4VE4D8HKr9vDf4tnZcFUet8DGg0KApAPehyphenhyphenLbJ6hVcQ_vbs0lMTt3mXT7YxHO1-_wwHcfkI6uTBpWZH5ea_YJ-Ca3DMVzJZKV4QycfrawQmfEDbVbcIj_ZNIlwPoaVRf/s320/Pastor+Adeboye+2.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They say that if you see a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tall</i> tree standing, it means that it has a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deep</i> root. It is also true then that if you see an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unusually</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tall</i> tree standing, then it must have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unusually</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deep</i> root. The same could be said of us humans.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I often wonder when I observe great personalities what they did and still do that propelled them to the height they have attained. I wonder: what is it about these great people that distinguish them from the crowd? Observing from afar or simply reading about them sometimes may not reveal these unique things about them. Sometimes, you just need to “have a personal encounter” with them, and then it hits you unmistakably!</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I would say I had such “personal encounter” on Easter Monday with one of the greatest men of our time, someone I admire a lot– Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), widely known and fondly called “Daddy G.O.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I spent much of Easter Monday (April 17) with other members of my Church as we embarked on a Retreat to the Redemption Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (that place is magnificent!). It was indeed a refreshing time, the kind of experience that lives with you forever! It wasn’t meant to be a “fun getaway”, no! It wasn’t a time to sight see, or be wowed by the almost unbelievable work going on at the Redemption Camp (with the near completion of the enormous 3km by 3km new auditorium). Nah! It was none of these! It was a spiritual exercise; a separation from the “busyness” of everyday life to seek definite answers to lingering problematic issues in our lives, which made the Redemption Camp fitting. (Answers, don’t we all need them?). It was perfect way to spend the holiday if you ask me!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We had a prayer session in the new auditorium, before we headed to the Open Heavens International Centre (OHIC), on Holiness Road, also on Redemption Camp.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For those who may not know, the Open Heavens International Centre (OHIC) is the first house Pastor Adeboye lived in on Redemption Camp. Segments of the OHIC include a conference/welcoming room (where Pastor Adeboye welcomes visitors via a recorded video), a gallery showcasing his life and times, awards and honours; his bedroom as well as that of his wife (Pastor Folu Adeboye, fondly called Mummy G.O), his prayer room (where visitors are allowed to pray for some minutes), his personal library (with Daddy G.O’s sermon notes from as far back as 1981! No kidding, I saw one with my eyes!), a souvenir shop where tens of his books are sold (I honestly didn’t know Daddy G.O had authored that many books!), as well as a testimony room. You should totally visit the centre.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The OHIC tour turned out to be more than I imagined. I gained insight into Daddy G.O’s life! I would say I "met" him personally here. More than that, I was inspired! I gleaned wisdom. I was challenged. There are lots of lessons to learn from Daddy G.O’s life, some you probably already know.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I saw my own failings…my own inadequacies. I saw I was not living up to my full potentials. I saw I could be much, much more than I am. I could do much more than I am. I saw that nothing, I mean absolutely nothing, in form of an obstacle is big or strong enough to stop you from achieving anything as long as you can dream it. I saw that there is no height God is not prepared to elevate the man that would walk with Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I reflect on the whole experience, one lesson sticks out for me – you can achieve anything if you want it badly enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These questions/ thoughts have challenged me as I reflect on the experience: how hungry am I to fulfil my lofty dreams?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do I want it bad enough that I am ready to give it all that it requires and more? </div><div class="MsoNormal">How much do I want to fulfil God’s big dreams for me?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Is my desire to become great big and deep enough?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do I really have that burning desire? That burning desire that consumes every and any obstacle on the way?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is one thing to want something, but it is an entirely different thing to be hungry enough for that thing to the point that you are prepared to give all it requires and more to have it! That is the key trait I reckon stands Daddy G.O out! Pastor Adeboye, I gleaned, is a man that’s ready to give his all in the pursuit of a goal, driven by a burning desire that will not take ‘no’ for an answer. He has that attitude that does not believe the existence of the word “impossible”. Besides, impossible is an opinion, not fact!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many of us claim we want to achieve greatness, we say we want to fulfil purpose, we want to achieve our lofty dreams, but are we ready and willing to give all that is required to make those dreams reality?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This trait is what separates the average from those who go on to attain greatness. </div><div class="MsoNormal">This attitude is evident throughout the life of Daddy G.O – from when he was a young lad who wanted to get an education even though he was well aware his parents could not afford it; so much so that that he starved for three straight days just to get his wish, to his incredible drive to make it to the sports team in university (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) so he could benefit from the free accommodation and tuition the sports boys and girls enjoyed (as that was his only “ticket” to remaining in school).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Even now that he seems the man is all accomplished, he still has that drive, that burning desire and he pursues every goal with all he’s got! The nearly complete 3km by 3km new auditorium (which is absolutely mind blowing!) on the camp ground is testament to his drive in recent times. What seemed a mere dream a few years ago has become reality!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-69063043763184461772017-04-25T15:07:00.001+01:002017-04-25T15:36:11.237+01:00Some thoughts on dressing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14AvEUadMnP2JpTAh1H6huvjt_MDrDzPkC0MyP30peSgnXuA9rzaJi526uHhYx-Bbs_6cC5Z468-SxWayO598BRjJSTtzP6UZRzbyi69PONzLSbLp8SSEOeQoCoR8ToskK7ZtpXgYsVAh/s1600/Dressing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14AvEUadMnP2JpTAh1H6huvjt_MDrDzPkC0MyP30peSgnXuA9rzaJi526uHhYx-Bbs_6cC5Z468-SxWayO598BRjJSTtzP6UZRzbyi69PONzLSbLp8SSEOeQoCoR8ToskK7ZtpXgYsVAh/s320/Dressing1.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Image source: pinterest.com <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Seriously, there is nothing impressive about someone dressed indecently, though people may look at such one with admiring glances. Actually, it’s not admiration. What is happening is that those people who “admire” you imagine you as an object that can satisfy their lustful passions (this applies to both guys and girls).</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know people say how you dress does not really matter, that what matters is the state of your heart. Well, I agree. It’s true, <b>the state of your heart (your inner man) is what really matters, much more than your physical appearance</b>. The inner man (the spirit) is what is renewed and edified by the Word of the God, not the physical flesh. Indeed, it is the inner man that will survive/live on beyond this world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But. Truth is, when the heart (our storage tank) is full of something, it will “pour” out; it will certainly find expression. As Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, the things we say and do come from the <i>abundance</i> of our heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also, the Bible says in 1 Samuel 16:7, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>What does this teach us?</i> Well, a number of things. One is that if we only have to deal with God in this life, we would have fewer problems because He sees our heart and knows us more than we can ever know ourselves. But then, as we know we have to deal with people also, and as the text explains, <b>man looks at the outward appearance</b>. And what man sees as he looks at outward appearance affects his thoughts and judgment, even his emotions – it affects everything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This tells me that the way I dress is not just about me, and that I must consider others as I decide what to wear. Granted, what I wear is entirely my business. It’s my body, after all. But I am not Mr Invisible! I don’t go about in an invisibility cloak, such that people can’t see me, and thus, can’t be affected by what I wear. They will see me and they will be affected, whether I am aware of it or not, by what I wear. I can make them start thinking unholy things, or I can do otherwise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is important we know that how we dress is more than covering our bodies and fashion, <b>dressing is communication</b>. So cover up, bro; cover up, sis. Dress decently. Be mindful of how it affects others, it communicates a message about you to them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interestingly, when you dress decently, you kind of “force” people to appreciate/admire you not for your curves, abs, figure, or any other physical feature (regardless of how aesthetically appealing those features may be), but for your character – for who you really are! People will be “forced” to see you as a human being (a creature that is more spiritual than physical), not as an object to fulfil/satisfy their unholy passions. They will be forced to pay attention to the person behind all the makeup, jewellery and accessories, body-hugging dresses, and all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying we should not look good. I am not saying we should not wear nice clothes. By all means look good. Look great, even! Wear nice, trendy clothes and pieces. Accessorise. Look great! Go for it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But. In all these, be decent! (This doesn’t really apply to you if you can go “invisible”. Lol).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sis, don’t let your dressing be the reason some guy starts having immoral thoughts and imaginations, thereby committing sin in his heart (Matthew 5:28) as you walk by.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bro, don’t, by your dressing, be the reason some lady begins to imagine unholy things.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don’t present yourself as an object – as an avenue for someone to let off their lustful passions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dress nicely? Yes. Look trendy? Absolutely! Accessorise? Go ahead! Be fashionable? By all means! But. Ensure you look absolutely decent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What does mean to dress decently?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’ve been talking about dressing decently, but what does it mean to dress decently? You may be wondering. Well, truth is, there is no singular, all-encompassing definition of what it means to dress decently. What is considered decent in one setting/culture, may be considered outrageous in another. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For instance, what is considered modest in the United States of America (USA) and other Countries of the West could be seen as offensive in African culture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Despite this, we can reach an agreement on what decent dressing is. Here’s where the Holy Spirit comes in; He is given to us to be our guide and our teacher, leading us into the truth. You can’t go wrong if you walk in the Spirit!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some questions we can, and should, ask ourselves concerning what we wear</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do what I wear, and more importantly </span><i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">how</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I wear them, please God, knowing that He is perfectly holy?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do what I wear and how I wear them show that my heart is inclined towards God?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do what I wear and how I wear them show that I am focused on, and preparing for, the unfailing Second Coming of Christ?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do what I wear and how I wear them show that I am conscious of, and walking in, the Holy Spirit who indwells me?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do what I wear and how I wear them offend the sensitivity of others, feeding their minds with negative thoughts?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What would the majority of people think about what I wear and how I wear them? (I know we shouldn’t live to please people, but then you can’t bin all people say. God speaks through people sometimes. Remember, Jesus grew in favour both with God and with men – Luke 2:52).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Scripture teaches us that we can cause others to fall through our actions (1 Corinthians 8:7-13), dressing is most certainly one of such actions! Yes, your dressing doesn’t justify you before God, neither does it make you lose your salvation, but like Paul said: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” </i>(1 Corinthians 8:13). <b>If what you wear and how you wear it will make someone to sin, then make a change</b>. Be mindful of how you dress. Be decent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A new way of dressing</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dress like the image of God – because that’s who you are!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dress like a child of the Most High – because that’s who you are!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dress like someone who has been called out of darkness into God’s amazing light – because that’s who you are!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dress like someone who, though is in this world, is not of this world – because that’s who you are!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dress like someone who has the Holy Spirit dwelling in him/her – because He actually lives in you (unless, of course, you are yet to accept Jesus’ proposal which you should do now…He’s waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe He died and was raised to life for you and confess Him as your Lord and saviour).</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style> <![endif]--></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">I will conclude with a quote from <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/dress-modestly.html" target="_blank">Gotquestions.org</a> on the topic of dressing decently (<b>emphasis mine</b>):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">"</span><span style="background-color: white;">Modesty in the way we dress is <b>not just for church</b>; it is to be <b>the standard</b> for all Christians at all times. <b>The key to understanding what constitutes modesty in dress is to examine the attitudes and intents of the heart</b>. Those whose <b>hearts</b> <b>are inclined toward God</b> will make every effort to dress modestly, decently, and appropriately. Those whose <b>hearts are inclined toward self</b> will dress in a manner designed to draw attention to themselves with little or no regard for <b>the consequences to themselves or others</b>.</span>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br />
</i></span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br />
</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-74248361895705298812017-04-18T14:23:00.001+01:002017-04-18T14:23:41.398+01:00Do with me as you please Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliD3-toH_8oiryzyAREIfnT_4ZfNmnGgjKA8jTMH6HJWOi50L-E-Ce4hTkiKDW2W-528fhPlwqtOrH8nXpL3nVkQs-0CWsWGzn8owgVAk8_crzH1J-oUmw0ONSSSjKQjISpj93JJG4ONZ/s1600/take-my-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliD3-toH_8oiryzyAREIfnT_4ZfNmnGgjKA8jTMH6HJWOi50L-E-Ce4hTkiKDW2W-528fhPlwqtOrH8nXpL3nVkQs-0CWsWGzn8owgVAk8_crzH1J-oUmw0ONSSSjKQjISpj93JJG4ONZ/s320/take-my-life.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Like the artist as he sculpts a statue, Lord chisel me into your image.<br />
<br />
Like the potter as he works with clay, mould me to your vision.<br />
<br />
Like the carpenter as he drives nails into furniture, Lord hammer me into shape.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Like the seamstress as she fashions dresses, Lord weave me into your image.<br />
<br />
Like the builder as he lays bricks in place, Lord set my life up as you please.<br />
<br />
Lord take my life and let it be<br />
A pleasing sacrifice to thee<br />
Wholly and completely I surrender to thee<br />
To your will...your plans...your leading<br />
To all that you would have me do.<br />
<br />
Lord, I want to fulfil the very purpose you made me<br />
Lord, I make you my anchor<br />
My hope for all time<br />
From now to the end of days.<br />
<br />
Just as you held nothing back<br />
So I do again today and for all time<br />
I surrender all, holding nothing back<br />
Take my life and let it be<br />
Do with me as you please Lord.<br />
<br />
Help me to always please you<br />
Help me to always do your will<br />
Even when it is not convenient<br />
Even when it proves costly.<br />
<br />
For you O Lord are exalted<br />
Above all else, you are glorified<br />
None else is deserving of my worship<br />
None else is deserving of my devotion.<br />
<br />
For all time Lord, I want to worship you;<br />
In the fullness of your grace and mercy<br />
Please accept imperfect, flawed, mortal me<br />
And my token of worship this day.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-48560659654781557062017-04-03T16:35:00.001+01:002017-04-03T16:35:14.647+01:00Quit dwelling on the negativesYou know, there are certain not-so-good things you sometimes remember about your life and/or loved ones that can spoil your mood for the whole day. The worse thing about these negative situations that we're not happy about is that, though we wish we could, we can't help the situation. We're not empowered enough to help the situation. I have come to know what that feels like.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
But what I have learned to do is that instead of dwelling/focusing on those negatives (the things that are not working so well in my life); I switch to faith, proclaiming God’s word over that situation!<br />
<br />
Admittedly, it can be hard, with the reality of the situation staring you in the face and demanding an answer; but dwelling on the negatives will leave you drained, make you anxious, instil fear in you and, worse, make you feel like one big failure! It’s not healthy to dwell/focus on the not-so good things!<br />
<br />
That’s not all, dwelling on the negatives will make you lose sight of the things that are actually going well for you and yours!<br />
<br />
See, we must realise that the devil wants to get us believing it is all doom and gloom, that nothing is working well for us and it will all will end in one big disappointment. But truth is, it is NOT all doom and gloom, it is NOT all negative, it is NOT all bad; certain things are definitely going well in our lives to the glory of God.<br />
<br />
So let’s decide to from today start dwelling/focusing on the good and great things God has done for us, the things that are going well for you and your loved ones! <br />
Allow that swell your faith, believing that if God could do this and that, He definitely can also bring you out of the not-so-good situation.<br />
<br />
Quit dwelling on the negatives! Quit focusing on only the things that are not working fine in your life - it’s a highway to fear and faithlessness; anxiety and self pity; depression and, in the extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.<br />
It does not bud well for both our emotional and spiritual health.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://d.justpo.st/media/images/2015/01/c4e0b0ae71d036d2db471b85889918e5.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://d.justpo.st/media/images/2015/01/c4e0b0ae71d036d2db471b85889918e5.png" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
Image source: justpo.st<br />
<br />
Think possibilities!<br />
Think a bright and beautiful tomorrow!<br />
Dwell on the positives!<br />
Re-imagine your current not-so-good situation, picturing how you would feel when all become well, start now to feel that way.<br />
And most of all, let the Holy Spirit in you paint the picture of God's planned future for you in your mind; you'd find the joy, strength and faith to keep going.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-40972845032559952312017-03-30T12:11:00.000+01:002017-03-30T12:32:18.798+01:00This thing called laziness<a href="http://www.notable-quotes.com/l/laziness_quote_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.notable-quotes.com/l/laziness_quote_2.jpg" width="320" height="192" /></a><br />
Image source: notable-quotes.com<br />
<br />
<i>“Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, and for lack of justice there is waste”</i> – Proverbs 13:23.<br />
<br />
One very important life truth I have learned is that everyone, I mean every single human being, is given a wealth of gifts, resources and opportunities in his lifetime to succeed. If anyone ends up poor in life, it is not because of a lack of opportunities or that God didn’t bless such one with natural gifts that could be translated to wealth or, at the very least, a comfortable life.<br />
<br />
A lot of times, the reason many end up in poverty is laziness. Granted, there may be other factors that contribute to one’s condition, but ultimately, it comes down to what the individual did or, put better, failed to do, as a result of laziness.<br />
<br />
The Scripture (especially the Book of Proverbs) has quite a lot to say about laziness - from the nature of the lazy man to how he will end up as he continues in his laziness.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>THE NATURE OF LAZINESS</b><br />
First, let’s see how some dictionaries define laziness…(emphasis mine):<br />
<i>“The quality of being UNWILLING to work or USE energy”</i> – oxforddictionaries.com<br />
<i>“AVERSE or DISINCLINED to work, activity or exertion”</i> – dictionary.com<br />
<i>“NOT LIKING to work hard or to be active”</i> – merriam-webster.com<br />
<br />
All of these definitions have one thing in common, let’s take a look at it:<br />
<br />
<b>THE LAZY HAS AN ATTITUDE PROBLEM</b><br />
Oxford Dictionary calls the lazy person, “unwilling”; dictionary.com says he is “disinclined” or “averse”, while Merriam Webster puts it as “not liking” – all pointing to the lazy person’s attitude, not physical state.<br />
<br />
It is not that the lazy person lacks the energy to do work, it is his attitude towards exerting work that is wrong – that’s where the problem lies.<br />
<br />
For me, laziness is the attitude, the mindset that avoids work, especially work that makes you go out of your comfort zone; work that is mentally and physically exerting.<br />
<br />
Laziness is the opposite of diligence, which I define as consistent hard work. Hard work, as the name suggests, is hard; this explains why only a few of us are able to do it consistently overtime, and those few are the ones who rise to very top of the ladder in life.<br />
<br />
Laziness shirks hard work, both of a physical and (more importantly) of a mental nature.<br />
<br />
<b>THE NATURE OF THE LAZY PERSON</b><br />
Let’s understand the nature of the lazy person; that is, the characteristic traits of the lazy person so as to ascertain if we have such traits.<br />
<br />
<b>THE LAZY PERSON GIVES UP TOO EASILY</b><br />
If the lazy person tries at all, he gives up too easily, at the first significant hurdle. Who achieves great success without overcoming great hurdles?<br />
<br />
Giving up too easily, at the first hurdle, shows that you do not want to exert yourself too much; it shows that you do not want to push beyond the boundary of your previous limits. It’s a lazy mindset to want to remain within the confines of your comfort zone, and not give that extra that turns ordinary into extraordinary.<br />
<br />
Want to achieve great success? Then be ready to overcome great hurdles! Want to achieve unprecedented success? Be ready to face unprecedented hurdles! That is the rule of life.<br />
<br />
<b>THE LAZY PERSON HAS READY-MADE EXCUSES</b><br />
As a consequence of his mindset that shirks hard work, the lazy person has ready-made excuses to explain his failure.<br />
<br />
I don’t know anyone who would pay a premium to attend a seminar or conference where a bunch of failures would dish out the excuses for their failure in life! Or do you anyone who would? I don't think so. That’s because nobody is really interested in excuses. Nobody is really interested in why someone failed, rather they are interested in tips and secrets of success, not excuses for failure.<br />
<br />
Even if you are interested in someone’s excuses for failure, you’re probably doing that out of sympathy for the individual’s plight.<br />
<br />
I am not implying that there are no challenges that are significant enough to make someone fail in his/her attempt to attain success, by no means! Challenges are real, and they can hinder us from attaining our goals; but challenges should not stop nor deter us; rather, they should drive us to become better, stronger and wiser to overcome them. Challenges are for overcoming; shun excuses!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://commentsmeme.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Laziness-Quotes-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://commentsmeme.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Laziness-Quotes-18.jpg" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
Image source: commentsmeme.com<br />
<br />
<b>THE LAZY PERSON’S BIGGEST PROBLEM</b><br />
The problem of the lazy person is not that he does not want to work, but that he does not want to do work that is physically and mentally exerting, work that pushes him out of his comfort zone (what he is used to).<br />
<br />
When it comes to getting work done (especially seemingly hard work), I have realised that the hardest part is deciding and determining in your heart to do the work; once your mind is fixed on doing the work, the actual doing part is easy. When your heart is fixed on getting it done no matter what, the mental, as well as other resources, you would require to actually get it done would become available to you.<br />
<br />
<b>SCRIPTURE ON LAZINESS</b><br />
Scripture abounds with evidence that God dislikes laziness, especially in His children. He is not a lazy God, and since like begets like, we His children must not be lazy.<br />
<br />
Scripture shows us how the lazy is, what he does, or put better, what he fails to do...<br />
1. Our anchor text (Proverbs 13:23) is one of such Scriptures…<i>“Much food is in the FALLOW GROUND of the poor, and for lack of justice there is waste”</i>. (emphasis mine).<br />
<br />
2. Also, Proverbs 12:27, <i>“The lazy man DOES NOT ROAST WHAT HE TOOK IN HUNTING, but diligence is man’s precious possession.”</i> (again emphasis mine).<br />
<br />
3. Again, <i>"The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing"</i> (Proverbs 20:4); similarly, Proverbs 22:13 says, <i>"The lazy man says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets"</i>.<br />
<br />
1) the lazy had fertile land ("much food is in"), but left it "fallow" (uncultivated, undeveloped), and as a result, ended up poor; 2) the lazy failed to "roast" (that is, develop, process) what he took in hunting (the natural endowment); 3) the lazy shirks hard work and fails in his mind even before he makes an attempt.<br />
<br />
Further, Scripture admonishes us repeatedly against the dangers of laziness and how the lazy will end up...<br />
<br />
1. <i>"The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labour."</i> (Proverbs 12:24).<br />
<br />
2. <i>"The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich"</i> (Proverbs 13:4).<br />
<br />
3. <i>The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway"</i> (Proverbs 15:19).<br />
<br />
From the foregoing texts, we see that the poor person did not end up poor because he lacked talent, energy, resources or opportunity; but because he failed to diligently cultivate and develop them to attain success and wealth. He lacked the attitude of diligence.<br />
<br />
Put simply, the lazy, like the diligent, is given plenty by providence; he will, however, end up with little or worse, nothing unlike the diligent.<br />
<br />
<b>THE PLACE OF GRACE IN ATTAINING WEALTH AND SUCCESS</b><br />
With all this emphasis on diligence and hard work, what then is the place of grace in attaining success in life as a child of God? You might be wondering. Good question!<br />
<br />
Yes, as Scripture says, we are <i>saved by grace through faith, not of works, lest anyone should boast</i> (Ephesians 2:8). Indeed, we are <i>saved by grace alone</i>; saved (that is, rescued, delivered, freed) from sin and its consequences (including languishing in poverty, helplessness, hopelessness and fruitless efforts); but Scripture never said we become wealthy or successful in our endeavours <i>by grace alone</i>; but by diligence.<br />
<br />
Even though we have been freed from the shackles of poverty by grace, we do not move from there to abundance unless <i>by diligence in work</i>.<br />
<br />
Kick laziness out of your life today, change your attitude towards work; it is by diligence that we enter into the abundance that grace has made available to us.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-5530234660500595072017-03-13T11:30:00.000+01:002017-03-13T11:30:30.834+01:00He came for the lost<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/15/66/b3/1566b3feb1d865c0eea289b7f994d51f.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/15/66/b3/1566b3feb1d865c0eea289b7f994d51f.jpg" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
Image source: pinterest.com<br />
<br />
<i>"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost"</i> - Luke 19:10.<br />
<br />
<i>When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance"</i> - Mark 2:17.<br />
<br />
Do you feel unworthy of God's love?<br />
Do you feel you're not good enough for God?<br />
Do you sometimes feel that your sins are just "too much for God to forgive"?<br />
Do you sometimes feel that a holy and perfect God wouldn't want to have any business with sinful you?<br />
Or that there's no way back for you with God?<br />
Do you sometimes think to yourself 'maybe I'm not good enough for God to work in and through me'?<br />
Do you sometimes consider your lifestyle, compare with God's standards in His word and see a huge difference?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Well, I have news for you (it's not really NEWS, though)...<br />
You are actually the one God is seeking!<br />
You are the very reason God sent His son Jesus to earth!<br />
If you were perfect, and could keep up your perfection all by yourself, then God wouldn't bother sending His son to bleed and die; you wouldn't need Jesus or anyone else for that matter to save you.<br />
<br />
But because we (all humans) are not perfect...<br />
...because we're weak men and women, and are full of flaws and sins reigns in our mortal bodies, God sent Jesus to earth for our sakes...to help us overcome our weaknesses and sins, and lustful passions that beset us<br />
...to pull us out of darkness and into His marvellous light by His saving grace.<br />
<br />
We are His "target audience", the ones for whom He specifically and specially came to earth to save.<br />
Yes, Christ did not come for the ones who have it all perfect, but for people like you and me with all our dirt, filth, brokenness, flaws, sins, mistakes, imperfections, and tainted past...we are the ones He left His heavenly throne for. No matter how "dirty" you may feel, He says in His word...<br />
<i>"Come now, and let us reason together", says the Lord, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."</i><br />
<br />
So, if you feel you are not perfect, that you're not good enough, that you've done so many "bad" things in your life, that you're unworthy, then you are exactly the one Jesus came to seek, to reconnect you to God.<br />
You are the one God is seeking so He can lavish His inexplicable and incomprehensible love upon you on an intimate fellowship with Him.<br />
<br />
What He expects and requires of you?<br />
No, He doesn't expect perfection in all things from you. And no, He doesn't expect you to not make mistakes.<br />
He requires only one thing - to love Him with all your heart, mind and soul. Yes, He expects you to make mistakes, He only requires that you hunger and thirst after righteousness.<br />
<br />
<i>"For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved"</i> - John 3:17.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-81772935011433684532017-03-07T11:30:00.000+01:002017-03-07T11:30:17.517+01:00Nothing I have is truly mine<a href="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/17191685_1289576747744951_585837271053169624_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=a06f516167aec83e62e834f0d0216ef6&oe=59324324" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/17191685_1289576747744951_585837271053169624_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=a06f516167aec83e62e834f0d0216ef6&oe=59324324" width="320" height="199" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>"Nothing I have is truly mine"</i> goes the lyrics of that song that many have come to know and love.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Indeed, nothing I have is truly mine... not the life, not the talents, not the time, not the abilities, not the strength, not all the creativity, nothing! None of it is really mine, I am but a steward.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, I have to account for all I have received...surely, I must account for it all to my Master Jesus.<br />
I will have to account for the opportunities, the youthful energy, the relationships, the grace, the time, the gifts and abilities.<br />
<br />
He'll pop the question, "what did you do with all that I gave you?" Oh! May I not give Him a blank stare, with nothing meaningful to say in response.<br />
<br />
When I am done accounting how I spent (or wasted or invested) my life and all that came with it, would I receive, <i>"well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Lord"</i>? <br />
....Or would it be, <i>"you wicked and lazy servant"</i> and then I would be cast into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth?<br />
<br />
Dear Lord Jesus, please help me, let it be the former, let me receive praise from you when I have accounted for all you have given me.<br />
Help me be a profitable servant, help me be that servant who will make a significant return on your investments on my life, let me not be termed "wicked and lazy", but "good and faithful".<br />
Help me use my life, abilities, influence to win souls to your kingdom. In Jesus' name.<br />
<br />
Because really, nothing I have is truly mine.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-31741205938132061962017-02-25T13:57:00.000+01:002017-02-25T13:57:12.227+01:00Look up to the One who looks up to no one <a href="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16998880_1279408775428415_8846085448706589_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=0496105839800814d3ec82c59a61dcae&oe=5931A7F3" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16998880_1279408775428415_8846085448706589_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=0496105839800814d3ec82c59a61dcae&oe=5931A7F3" width="320" height="249" /></a><br />
Image source: ronniemurrill.wordpress.com<br />
<br />
In life, when we get to our wit's end, we seek help from others who are higher, and as such better placed than we are to help us out. That could be in form of a doctor, a mechanic, an electrician, or other professionals (even a pastor) depending on the nature of the problem we're faced with.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
But what happens when those in whom we believe we can find help are unable to provide the help we need, because the problem is beyond them, too? We then seek help from someone even higher, don't we?<br />
<br />
<b>I would rather look up to someone who looks up to no one</b><br />
<br />
<i>"I will lift up my eyes to the hills—<br />
From whence comes my help?<br />
My help comes from the Lord,<br />
Who made heaven and earth.<br />
He will not allow your foot to be moved;<br />
He who keeps you will not slumber.<br />
Behold, He who keeps Israel<br />
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.<br />
The Lord is your keeper;<br />
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.<br />
The sun shall not strike you by day,<br />
Nor the moon by night.<br />
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;<br />
He shall preserve your soul.<br />
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore</i><br />
<br />
God is higher than all, and no problem is beyond the jurisdiction of His power. Indeed, as Scripture says, nothing is too hard for the Lord (Genesis 18:15).<br />
<br />
Why not look up to the One who looks up to no one; look up to the one that is higher than the highest! Look up to God, from whom your help comes! <br />
<br />
Look up to God...not to the wealthy uncle, or nice boss, or some godfather/godmother in high political office, or the influential friend...look up to the Lord. Let Him be the source of your help...because<br />
<br />
<i>"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."</i> (Psalm 118:8-9).<br />
<br />
Granted, God will not come down from heaven His throne to help you personally, that's not how He works! Instead, He'll work through men and women to bring all His glorious promises to you to pass.<br />
<br />
He'll order your steps such that you meet the right people, in the right contexts, and establish the right relationships, through which He'll cause the performance of His word. Besides, the king's heart is in His hands, and He can (and will) do as He pleases with it (Proverbs 21:1).<br />
<br />
He'll make you have so much favour in the sight of "kings" that they'll almost beg to help you, not the other way round. Just stick to serving the Lord with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your spirit, with all your soul, with all your might and with everything you've got; He's got it all figured out.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-10100030805316944652017-02-22T14:14:00.000+01:002017-02-22T14:14:06.445+01:00Picture quotes to reflect onThey say a picture says a thousand words (but that's not literally and scientifically true, is it? Just kidding). Well, here's some picture quotes with insightful words to reflect on...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16865123_1276341102401849_5410676265616780505_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=2f1fa2b78c5f8512cff3595cb2c98886&oe=5943DDDC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16865123_1276341102401849_5410676265616780505_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=2f1fa2b78c5f8512cff3595cb2c98886&oe=5943DDDC" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16832122_1276339115735381_3722496554216914374_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=385fc71f80729ab5d5519189952ff1b5&oe=59408BBF" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16832122_1276339115735381_3722496554216914374_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=385fc71f80729ab5d5519189952ff1b5&oe=59408BBF" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16681631_1276339245735368_4195007406406402967_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=9ba279957be3038e577daa361264b59d&oe=58FDBB21" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16681631_1276339245735368_4195007406406402967_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=9ba279957be3038e577daa361264b59d&oe=58FDBB21" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16904970_1276351552400804_1154340363177128707_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=6fee4c403b68bbb0447db4a60324230c&oe=59270606" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16904970_1276351552400804_1154340363177128707_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=6fee4c403b68bbb0447db4a60324230c&oe=59270606" width="320" height="180" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16681782_1276341362401823_40177339803669680_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=1c396593bbe86a99ddd83f5f2b123810&oe=592934E1" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16681782_1276341362401823_40177339803669680_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=1c396593bbe86a99ddd83f5f2b123810&oe=592934E1" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16825871_1276341652401794_8343431841203237929_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=0adb0bd6ab63777a41825331984b0b86&oe=5944FA86" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16825871_1276341652401794_8343431841203237929_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=0adb0bd6ab63777a41825331984b0b86&oe=5944FA86" width="320" height="199" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16797434_1276389139063712_7177347989220835478_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=0dd6d6a94af017895db5f0e62e209815&oe=593E120F" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16797434_1276389139063712_7177347989220835478_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=0dd6d6a94af017895db5f0e62e209815&oe=593E120F" width="320" height="214" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16904791_1276420245727268_5922472388114773476_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=92a9ad80e55905389d2b405bb9c3662c&oe=59331CC2" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16904791_1276420245727268_5922472388114773476_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=92a9ad80e55905389d2b405bb9c3662c&oe=59331CC2" width="320" height="192" /></a><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-32475054282344050082017-02-06T11:20:00.000+01:002017-02-06T11:20:03.138+01:00What frequency are you tuned in to: the 'what ifs' of fear or faith? <a href="https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16463719_1259441327425160_6651882484427829739_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=8e8e6b375dd2f90debf8e59067a29a44&oe=5900355E" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16463719_1259441327425160_6651882484427829739_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=8e8e6b375dd2f90debf8e59067a29a44&oe=5900355E" width="320" height="199" /></a><br />
<br />
The 'what ifs' of fear...<br />
What if you try and you fail woefully?<br />
What if you invest that money in business and it all goes down the drain?<br />
What if this sickness will lead to death?<br />
What if after studying hard you still fall short?<br />
What if your marriage deteriorates further?<br />
What if something goes horribly wrong on the way?<br />
What if the board thinks your idea is rubbish?<br />
What if you lose this job?<br />
What if your kids never change and continue their wayward living?<br />
What if you are rejected and your business goes bankrupt?<br />
What if it all goes horribly wrong?<br />
<br />
These and the likes are the 'what ifs' of fear...this is what you hear when you tune in to <b>The Fear Channel</b>...this frequency plants seeds of doubt, unbelief, depression, worry and complaining in you...<br />
<br />
...but scratch all that...let's tune in to a different frequency - <b>The Faith Channel</b>, I particularly like this channel...this frequency plants seeds of hope, belief, desire, inspiration, motivation, confidence; you hear things like...<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
What if you try and succeed beyond your dreams?<br />
What if you invest that money in the business and record huge profit?<br />
What if you get well and enjoy divine health?<br />
What if after studying you come out with exceptional grades?<br />
What if your marriage changes for the better?<br />
What if the journey goes smoothly?<br />
What if the board thinks your idea is great and bankroll it?<br />
What if you're promoted and get an unprecedented raise?<br />
What if your kids become reborn and live Spirit-filled, Bible-based, heaven-focused lives?<br />
What if you make a huge sale and your business starts recording profit?<br />
What if it all goes incredibly well?<br />
<br />
Just as there are many different channels on your radio, and you have the luxury to choose which one you tune in and listen to, so also you have the power to choose which frequency - whether fear channel or faith channel, you tune in and listen to.<br />
<br />
Now, take a moment and reflect, what if everything turns out well? Picture that possibility in your mind. Picture you taking delivery of all God's wonderful promises!<br />
...Hold on to that picture in your heart; don't let it slide! How does the you in that picture feel? Positive? Upbeat? Optimistic? Confident? Hopeful? Grateful?<br />
<br />
How do you look in that picture? Happy? Fulfilled? Loving? Healthy? With a smile?<br />
<br />
Starting today, practice being that person you see in the picture in your heart!<br />
...think like that you...talk like that you...walk like that you...smile like that you...act, help, give, worship and love like that you...in the picture when all your dreams come true.<br />
<br />
But know that no matter what you face, or what faces you...God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the Spirit of power...of love...and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)...and of adoption, thus, we can call Abba Father (Romans 8:15).<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-42192374575772937342017-02-02T14:54:00.000+01:002017-02-02T14:55:54.853+01:00Make space for grace in your life<a href="https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16387342_1256306114405348_8381216027201250111_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=a32361a65b702489765034396f14a55f&oe=5917A44C" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16387342_1256306114405348_8381216027201250111_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=a32361a65b702489765034396f14a55f&oe=5917A44C" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” </i> – Hebrews 4:15-16.<br />
It’s hard trying to help someone who’s hell bent on doing it all by himself/herself. <br />
<br />
Picture it, you want to help the person, and he/she goes, <i> “I’ve got this, thank you” </i>; you try again to help in another situation, and they go, <i> “I’ve got this, thanks for the offer.” </i> Really, how do you help such persons? You try to offer your help, but they don’t make the space for it. It’s frustratingly difficult; especially when it’s apparent the person needs your help.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
You know, some of us are like that with God; we don’t make space for grace. We sometimes seem so hell bent on doing it all by ourselves that we don’t make space for His grace. We so much trust in our hard work and strategizing, that we push grace to a corner. Although, we don’t verbalise it, we through what we do (or put better, what we fail to do) kind of say <i> “Thanks, but no thanks” </i> to God.<br />
<br />
<b>His grace is available, and sufficient</b><br />
<i>“And He said to me, “MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” </i> – 2 Corinthians 12:9.<br />
<br />
Indeed, God’s grace is available and sufficient to help you. I think we sometimes fail to realise that His grace does much more than giving us new birth (i.e. salvaging us from sin and eternal death); it does a lot more than that.<br />
<br />
If you want to experience God’s best in your relationship with Him, you will have to learn to create space for His grace to help you. You don’t have to do it all by yourself, by your own strength, by your own hard work, by your own strategizing, no. His grace is available. Learn to <i>trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding</i> (Proverbs 3:5).<br />
<br />
He says, <i>“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”</i> What a beautiful invitation! An enticing promise is even attached to it! All it would cost to accept this rest that Christ offers here is to <i>“come boldly to the throne of grace…”</i> Grace offers rest from all fruitless toils in the bid to make things work…rest from labouring to please Him…rest from labouring to no avail in your business, academics, family, etc.<br />
<br />
<b>His Grace is no excuse for laziness or slackness</b><br />
The availability and sufficiency of God’s grace is not an excuse to be lazy, slack or do shoddy job, by no means! Grace is a multiplier of what you put in. If you multiply zero (0) by 1000, what do you get? A big fat zero! And if you multiply a shoddy job by say 10000, what do you reckon would be the result? Grand-scale failure!<br />
<br />
So, despite the truth that God’s grace is available and sufficient, we have to be diligent in whatever we do (Proverbs 10:4). Jesus had all the grace there is, yet He had the <i> “custom”</i> of going to the synagogue to read (Luke 4:16).<br />
<br />
Folks, we do not need to toil alone, there’s an outstretched hand of help called grace that can help in time of need. Make space for grace in your life.<br />
<br />
<i>How have you learned to make space for grace in your walk with God? Do share with us.</i><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-35227888829674534532017-01-24T11:40:00.000+01:002017-01-24T11:40:00.575+01:00What Is Stored Up In Your Heart?<a href="https://godsvisionlegon.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/guard-your-heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://godsvisionlegon.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/guard-your-heart.jpg" width="320" height="180" /></a><br />
Image source: godsvisionlegon.wordpress.com<br />
<br />
<i>“A good man brings good things out of the good STORED UP in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil STORED UP in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of”</i> - Luke 6:45 (NIV).<br />
<br />
Are you likely to be surprised when you open a trash can and it smells awful? I reckon you are not very likely to be surprised because you quite expect it to smell bad. Right?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Or are you likely to be surprised when a drainage is opened and it smells bad? Not so much. Why's this? Because of the trash and filth that have been stored up in them overtime.<br />
<br />
However, I think you're likely to be surprised if you open up your refrigerator, for instance, and find that it smells awful like the trash bin. Right? Why? Because you've stored up fresh consumables in there, so you don't expect it to smell bad.<br />
<br />
Just as you'd expect a trash bin to smell bad (because of what's stored up in it), and your refrigerator to smell fresh (as long as there is power to keep it cool), so it is with us humans.<br />
<br />
A good person thinks and speaks good things because that's what's stored up in his heart, so too a bad person thinks and speaks bad things according to what is stored up in his heart.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16105571_1238979899471303_3838834819645440204_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=2e334aab95b2b7a257df8f9dd0b2baca&oe=591F4EC1" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/16105571_1238979899471303_3838834819645440204_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=2e334aab95b2b7a257df8f9dd0b2baca&oe=591F4EC1" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>What is stored up in your heart?</b><br />
<i>"YOU WILL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. THEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YOU WILL KNOW THEM."</i> - Matthew 7:16-20 (NKJV).<br />
<br />
In the same way that water or a mirror reflects the face, so do the things we do and say (our works, our fruits) express/reveal what is stored up in our heart.<br />
<br />
Indeed, we will know what's stored up in your heart - whether it's good things or bad things - by your words and actions, as what you vomit is a function of what you have taken it. As we playfully say here in Naija (Nigeria) that you can't eat eba (cassava pudding) and vomit salad. For where that one dey happen? (that can't happen!).<br />
<br />
Not only do what we do or say reveal what is stored up in our heart, but also HOW we do or say them.<br />
Our conduct, deeds and words reflect and reveal what is stored up in our hearts...no wonder Scripture admonishes to "guard your heart with all diligence".<br />
<br />
<b>Store up good things in your heart</b><br />
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is<br />
lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or<br />
praiseworthy—think about such things" - Philippians 4:8 (NIV).<br />
<br />
Scripture explicitly teaches how to store up good things in our hearts - by thinking good thoughts. Thoughts are indeed tangible resources in the spiritual realm. What we think of consistently overtime, take on flesh and become physically tangible.<br />
<br />
We store up things in our hearts through our "receptors" - that is, our eyes and hears. The eyes and hears are our heart's channels of receiving information<br />
<br />
So, from today, be deliberate about what you store up in your heart... whatever is noble...right....pure...lovely...admirable...excellent or<br />
praiseworthy—think about/on such things.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-17777909861683585752017-01-09T12:15:00.000+01:002017-01-09T12:15:00.780+01:00Give it timeI came across this beautiful piece and thought I should share it here on the blog...it's titled: "Give it time"...and it contains some insightful and thoughtful truths.<br />
<br />
Motive is a like the root of a tree, it's the source of a person's behaviour/attitude; but since it's under the ground, it can't be seen. But TIME is indeed a revealer of motive. TIME strips almost everything of its secrecy, of what it's concealing...<br />
Time reveals hearts...<br />
Time tests character...<br />
Time questions your faith and belief...<br />
If you can pass the test of time, you bear the tag, "tested and trusted".<br />
So, GIVE IT TIME<br />
<a href="http://images.google.nl/url?q=http://wallpapercave.com/wp/AYQhetv.jpg&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwj1ubSb7LLRAhXorFQKHQVhBdMQ5hMIBA&usg=AFQjCNHzm057nGo_sQEygi5oD5s9sopBeA" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://images.google.nl/url?q=http://wallpapercave.com/wp/AYQhetv.jpg&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwj1ubSb7LLRAhXorFQKHQVhBdMQ5hMIBA&usg=AFQjCNHzm057nGo_sQEygi5oD5s9sopBeA" width="320" height="213" /></a><br />
Image source: wallpapercave.com<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
****<br />
When someone comes and tells you, "I can't sleep without you, I love you the way you are and I can put up with your good and bad attitude", before you commit your heart to such a person, please, *GIVE IT TIME*.<br />
<br />
When You just met someone today and feel like marrying him/her tomorrow, before you do, remember you need to *GIVE IT TIME*.<br />
<br />
When you visit your uncle during a vacation for 2 months, don't be carried away that they serve you your preferred food and give you hot water to bath during your first two days don't start making arrangements to relocate to their house, *GIVE IT TIME*.<br />
<br />
When a brother visits you and wakes you up by his shouting of prayer from 12 am to 6 am, please don't shut him down, first *GIVE IT TIME*.<br />
<br />
When someone joins your fellowship in the first year and he is in every group/dept, please don't rush and make him a leader, rather *GIVE IT TIME*.<br />
<br />
When you enter a new environment and everybody worships you and eat your mess don't be carried away just *GIVE IT TIME*.<br />
<br />
When someone comes with a new business with unbelievable promises, please before you involve your money, first *GIVE IT TIME*.<br />
<br />
When you see a new church in town and you hear their waves, before you conclude about how hot they are, first *GIVE IT TIME*.<br />
<br />
Finally, when you are in a cross road of decisions, you don't know what to do, ask the people or person involved to please *GIVE YOU TIME*.<br />
<br />
You can be good in giving people tests and trying out who they are. <br />
<br />
Some people know how to pass them all but the test of time they will fail.<br />
<br />
Time tests Love and proves it.:-<br />
<br />
Time tests businesses and authenticates it.<br />
<br />
Time tests spirituality and reveals it.<br />
<br />
Time tests friendship and uncovers true friends<br />
<br />
Time, a good tester.<br />
<br />
Don't say that the utilities in your area is now the best until you have *GIVEN IT TIME*.<br />
<br />
Your uncle or Father told You that you are useless and worthless and can't amount to anything, just laugh it away and ask them to *GIVE YOU TIME*.<br />
<br />
*Quote me...*<br />
<br />
<b>Consistency with time is the true test of Efficiency</b><br />
<br />
*Time is a TESTER*.<br />
<br />
*Time is an AUTHENTICATOR*.<br />
<br />
*Time is a REVEALER.*<br />
<br />
*TIME IS STILL A MATTER*.<br />
<br />
Thanks for giving this long post TIME... <br />
<br />
A painful moment brings quietness & quietness gives inspiration for good thoughts, when all is well you don't think of "what next"... Just *"Give It Time"*<br />
<br />
When you pass it around and no one comments, don't assume it was ignored, *GIVE IT TIME*.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-12640418474201498952017-01-05T12:15:00.000+01:002017-01-05T12:15:04.070+01:00Naïve faith: Faith like a child<i>"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it"</i> (Mark 10:15).<br />
<br />
Reading John's account of Jesus feeding the Five Thousand (John 6:1-14)... I think the young lad whose 5 loaves and 2 fish were multiplied might not have been the only one in the multitude who had some food on him. Possibly, a few others in the multitude also had some bread and fish, but they did kept it for themselves, except for the kid. (See how his selflessness blessed everyone.)<br />
<br />
Christ meant every word when He said only those who receive the kingdom of God like a child would enter it...what did He mean? Only those who have faith...that naïve kinda faith....that child-like faith which, on the surface, appears stupid, yet holds on to God's every word.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.faithlikeachildinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/FLAC.flex_.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.faithlikeachildinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/FLAC.flex_.jpeg" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
Image source: faithlikeachildinc.com<br />
<br />
What do I mean? Children exhibit the kind of faith that we adults (I'm not an adult o, I'm a CHILD of God. Besides, Moses, Aaron and co were called CHILDREN of Israel even in their old age. Loool) are most times not capable of; that kind of faith that believes all things...<br />
that kinda faith that does not try to apply logic or "common sense"...they just believe...they express what we can call naïve faith.<br />
<br />
<i>Naïve: "too willing to believe that someone is telling the truth, that people's intentions in general are good, or that life is simple and fair. People are often naïve because they are young and/or have not had much<br />
experience of life"</i> (Cambridge dictionary).<br />
<br />
It is only a child that you'll promise a thing, and immediately s/he would get excited about it and start imagining having the thing, regardless of whether you're capable of fulfilling the promise or not. Even if you promise the kid an airplane, he'll go around telling his/her friends that my mummy or daddy, or uncle or aunt will buy me airplane. Any adult around who hears the kid saying that will just grin, believing that the kid has been deceived.<br />
<br />
I remember when we were kids, we used to believe we could be anything. I mean, literally anything! All we had to do was imagine it, and we would believe it would come to pass. We had that naïve faith...we believed.<br />
But as we grew, life happened (as some put it) and we lost that faith that believes all. And that affects our relationship with God.<br />
<br />
Think about it...was it "wise" that the young boy gave up his five loaves and 2 fish (which was probably his lunch!) to Jesus' disciples? They couldn't have taken it off him forcefully, could they? If so, it means he handed it to them by choice!<br />
Doesn't it seem rather "stupid" of the kid to do so? I mean, what was expecting to happen to his loaves and fish? Return to him after he gave it to the disciples?<br />
Was he actually expecting the miracle that followed? Maybe! Did he know if Jesus could multiply his loaves and fish? Probably not.<br />
He just believed. And gave up his loaves and fish.<br />
<br />
The kid didn't even try to be "smart" and say, "you can have three loaves and one fish, let me keep the remaining for myself. You know, just in case something goes wrong", like we do sometimes with God. No! He didn't do that! He gave ALL he had...in faith. Such naïve faith!<br />
<br />
I have realised that "Faith makes a fool of what makes sense...", and that GRACE takes over where LOGIC ends. Indeed, the kid's faith in Jesus made a fool of any wisdom he could have applied, because surely he eventually ate more than five loaves and two fish, following the multiplication.<br />
<br />
This year and beyond, have faith (that BELIEVING ALL kind of faith) in God and in His promises no matter how lofty they may seem. Have faith to the point that you do things that appear illogical, things that defy human reasoning on the instruction of God...like the kid who gave up his loaves and fish...<br />
---<br />
PS: if you're reading this, it means we both made it to 2017! Congratulations! A big e-hug, plenty kisses and dozens of high-fives from me to you. We're standing here only because He made a way.<br />
<br />
I'm super excited about 2017, I really am...why, you ask? 'Cos it surely will be my best year yet. No kidding. I believe it, you should too. God always, always, always has great and wonderful plans for His children, the question is: do you believe? I may not know exactly what the year holds, but I know exactly who holds the year and controls the heart of men! That would do for me!<br />
<br />
It's a question of your faith in Him, not of His faithfulness to you.<br />
It's a question of what you believe about Him, not what He thinks of you.<br />
It's a question of what you confess and profess about yourself, His Word is clear and cannot be broken. He loves you to bits, and has great thoughts and plans for you...that applies even in this 2017 and beyond!<br />
<br />
So, get excited about this year, raise your hopes up, have some doses of "Faith Pill" (His Word) and get really "high on hope and faith".<br />
<br />
Many cross over into a New Year physically, but remain in the past year (and/or years) in their minds, worrying and thinking about the failures of the previous year(s).<br />
<br />
This year please, don't do that to yourself! The past year (s) is/are BEHIND you, leave them there - in the past. Focus on what's to come! Anchor your hopes on Jesus, He doesn't disappoint (He's never disappointed me! Ever!).<br />
2017 will be your BEST YEAR YET in Jesus' name. (Did I hear an 'Amen'?)<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-33366248315723186902016-12-31T23:29:00.001+01:002016-12-31T23:41:13.966+01:00Relax, God's got 2017 figured out for you<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hi, welcome to 2017! Happy New Year to you and all that are yours!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Excited as I am for the New Year? You should, because it's going to be your<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>best year yet.</b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">And no, I'm not saying that just to make you feel good. Nah. I mean it and I believe it. It shall be your<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>best year yet</b>. You should believe it too regardless of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>what you see, or what the news reports say about 2017, or the projections of economic 'experts'.</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It shall be your best year yet!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 150%;">"...but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it"</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 150%;">- Hebrews 4:2.</span></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I woke a few days ago, and as I was thinking about the upcoming 2017, a scenario I have grown to know well greeted me. It is a scenario that plays out in many homes nearly every day, and I believe you can relate with it. If it did not play out in your own home while you were young, it surely did in a relative's, neighbour's or friend's home.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 150%;">What's this scenario?</span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Picture this: It's a weekday (say a Tuesday), and daddy and the kids have to go to work and school early respectively. But before they (that is, daddy and the kids) wake up to start preparing for work and school, mummy is already up. She got up long before everyone at 4:30am to start preparing and putting things in place for the day - cooking, sweeping, cleaning and all. When daddy and the kids wake up at 6:00am, mummy has everything sorted - down to even daddy's shirt, suit, tie, jacket and shoe for the office, as well as the kids' school uniforms - it's all ready.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">How about breakfast, you ask? That's ready, too. It was the first thing mummy took care of as she got up. Daddy and the kids have little work to do to get ready for the office and school; all they have to do is have their brush, bath, get into their clothes, eat and they are ready to go! Easy, right?</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Well, in the same way that mummy gets up early to start the day, such that when the kids wake up, they have less to do as nearly everything is set; in the same way, God has <i>"got up early"</i> and gone ahead of you into the New Year! He has put all in place so you can have your <b>best year yet</b>. It's all sorted.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">So, don't be anxious about the New Year! Give no room to fear; do not dread what's to come in 2017! God's got it. </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Don't say: who knows what 2017 will be like? </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Instead say with conviction: 2017 will be my <b>best year yet</b> because my Father has already gone ahead to put people and things in place for me.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I believe 2017 is another 365 days for us to <b>win, win, win, win and win some more!</b> We have nothing to dread in 2017. Remember, He has not given us the spirit of fear...but of power, love and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). For me, I will be a year of <b>open doors, plus the wisdom to handle them.</b> What do you believe?</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Yes, there will be challenges on the way, there'll be hurdles. No doubt about that. As long as we're moving forward, we'll face challenges, that's nothing new! Joseph faced hurdles, the Israelites (God's called out ones) faced hurdles, even Jesus faced hurdles. But hey, they all overcame.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>We may not be immune to facing challenges, but we're immune to FAILING. We are immune to falling and remaining down because victory is ingrained in our DNA as God's children.</b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Our confidence and assurance of a great New Year is based on the fact that <b>He that is IN and WITH us owns the universe (Psalm 24:1) and controls the hearts of men (Proverbs 21:1).</b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>What we can do to get ourselves ready for the New Year?</b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">In preparation for the new year, here's what we could do.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Go into your secret place, seek God to know His thoughts and plans for you this coming year. When you discover them, run with that <b>in faith</b>, stick to the plan He's shown you throughout the year no matter what you face along the way, and His grace will come through for you.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">So, relax, <b>God's got this New Year figured out.</b> You got nothing to fear.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-87170068848951707232016-12-23T12:03:00.000+01:002016-12-25T10:56:45.470+01:00One last surprise awaits you!There may only be a few days left to the end of 2016, the remaining few days translating to only some hours (it may seem), which appears to not be much time for something great to happen this year.<br />
<br />
But trust me, and I really believe this, there's still, at least, one last surprise left for someone somewhere who is still holding on to God's promises!<br />
<br />
There's still, at least, one last surprise for someone somewhere who still believes...for someone who hasn't drawn the curtain on the year, and say, "that's it for 2016"!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<i>"To Him who by means of His power working in us is able to do much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of:"</i> - Ephesians 3:20 (GNT).<br />
<br />
God, indeed, is able to do MUCH MORE than you or I can think, imagine, pray about...even if it's only days left till the new year.<br />
<br />
Is there something you're trusting God for this 2016?<br />
Is there some promise He made to you regarding this year that is yet to see the light of day, ensure you do ALL He asks you to do...then, trust Him to bring to pass.<br />
<br />
Personally, I still have some things I am expecting from Daddy. Yes, I realize it's only days till we all chorus <b>"Happy new year"</b>, but who says it can't happen in the remaining days! Besides, the Lord controls the time and days, as well as the hearts of men...so why can't it happen in the 8 days left?<br />
<br />
So, I refuse to draw the curtain on the year just yet...<br />
I refuse to say, "well, maybe it's not happening this year, let's look forward to 2017", no!<br />
<br />
Rather, I choose to believe...and hold on I choose to believe that, according to His word, nothing is too hard for Him!<br />
...because I know He can do MUCH MORE than I can ever think...imagine...ask...desire...hope...dream...envision. He can do SO MUCH MORE than my, and your, mind can grasp.<br />
Again...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jtcc.edu/uploads/jtcc/news/STILLTIME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://jtcc.edu/uploads/jtcc/news/STILLTIME.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He is able to give you...one last surprise! You only have to <a href="http://stillsmallvoiceblog.blogspot.com.ng/2016/04/ssvblognuggets-what-do-you-believe.html" target="_blank">believe</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-25859438605747717522016-12-14T12:29:00.000+01:002016-12-14T12:29:00.382+01:00For when you feel like giving up || Becky OlorunpomiIt may surprise some, but Jesus actually almost gave up on dying for humanity...<br />
As the time drew near for the fulfilment of His purpose on earth, He must have had a glimpse of the sorrow, suffering, pain and all of the sacrifice...and He almost gave up.<br />
But thank God He did not! God encouraged and strengthened Him, and He went on to pay the ultimate price for us all.<br />
Similarly, sometimes, we can come to a point in life where what lies ahead seems too daunting; we need not fear or dread, all we need is get into "Gethsemane" and draw some strength...Becky shares more insight with us in this wonderful piece...<br />
****<br />
<i>"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground"</i> (Luke 22:41-44).<br />
<br />
Whenever I read this verse of Scriptures, I get amazed. And here's why....<br />
If there ever was anyone in life who understood his purpose on earth perfectly, it was Jesus.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>He didn't need any tutelage, mentoring or counselling on that</b>. He knew so well why He descended from Heaven to earth - to redeem mankind by laying down His life. It was well written and clearly stated in Scripture (Genesis 3:15); angels declared it, prophets foretold it, everyone was expecting Him (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:21-32).<br />
<br />
Finally He came and from childhood, He consciously walked in purpose. Several times He told any and every one He encountered and all who cared to listen about His purpose on earth. He even chose and trained a few men - twelve, precisely - who would continue after He's done. All these point to the reality of walking in His purpose… who has ever been so sure of his calling like this?<br />
<br />
Everyone around in His time knew why He came as He made His manifesto clear...the blind, the lame, the deaf and dumb, the leprous, the prostitutes, the dead, the outcast, the demon-possessed, the rich, the poor, the educated and non-educated, even those in the authority were not oblivious of His assignment.<br />
<br />
He was so sure that He knew the right time to launch out. He knew when it wasn’t time. Many times, He hid from physical attacks and assaults because His time had not come yet. He told His mother, brothers and disciples when the right time would come and prepared everyone for His assignment. He also gave them the assurance of the aftermath of His purpose. He even knew when the time was near. He was such a perfect man who knew what He wanted from life and how exactly to achieve it.<br />
<br />
But while preparing for the final actualization of His purpose, He got to the <em>“Garden of Gethsemane”</em> and almost turned back. He almost gave up. I wouldn't know what He saw, I wouldn't even know why He had to say that prayer (our anchor text), but I know (because I read it in the Scripture) that He almost gave up. It took The Father to send an angel to strengthen, encourage and motivate him.<br />
<br />
I imagine (I always imagine how the conversation went) the angel saying, <em>"Son of God, You have come too far to back out now. You are the only One who could do this, so please endure."</em> And showing Him the glorious rewards that awaited Him after the suffering, I imagine the angel adding, <em>"See these glorious rewards awaiting you, Son of God. Please don't let these images of God perish in their sin. You can do it! You can do it!!! We know you can do it!!!"</em><br />
<br />
Wow! What an emotional passage of the Bible!<br />
As a child of God, there will be times you'll be in the Garden Of Gethsemane where you would almost turn back from your purpose, calling, ministry, marriage, and whatever it is the Lord has called you and sent you to the earth to do.<br />
Some of us have just gotten to that Garden while some have been in that garden several times. Every child of God has that “Gethsemane Experience” and only those who come out of the garden strengthened, encouraged and motivated succeed just as Jesus Christ did, and went on to fulfil His purpose.<br />
<br />
So are you tired of forging ahead? Are you even confused of exactly what your purpose is any longer?<br />
You are not alone in this; even your Saviour, Master and greatest Mentor once wore those shoes and He knows exactly what you're going through and how you feel.<br />
<br />
And you know what? You have a better companion now who can strengthen you - the HOLY SPIRIT!<br />
<br />
All you need to do is ask for His help and direction. He's willing and will be glad to strengthen, encourage and motivate you to move on.<br />
<br />
You have come this far and you cannot just back out now. Don't give up. Don't rush out of the garden, get all the strength, encouragement and motivation you need so that when you are out of that Garden, you’ll be strengthened enough to fulfil your destiny. You can only succeed in fulfilling destiny when you have refuelled. SO, DON’T GIVE UP! See you at the top.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15259298_1189415031094457_7257043893300491228_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15259298_1189415031094457_7257043893300491228_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9" width="320" /></a><br />
Becky Olorunpomi is a writer and speaker. She's a reporter at the Fountain of Life Church office, Ilupeju. She is also the convener of the annual Singles Summit which also has a Facebook page (Singles Gist). She obtained a BA in English and Literary studies as well as a PGD and MSc in Mass communication. You can follow her on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/bodex4mama">@bodex4mama</a><br />
<br />
<em>Have you ever had a "Gethsemane" moment? Do share with us. Thanks.</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-21064191057631134482016-12-12T12:39:00.000+01:002016-12-13T21:39:36.439+01:00Don't draw the curtain just yet, a lot can still happen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://jtcc.edu/uploads/jtcc/news/STILLTIME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://jtcc.edu/uploads/jtcc/news/STILLTIME.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Image source: jtcc.edu</div><br />
<i><div><i>"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"</i> - Genesis 18:14.</div></i><br />
As I begin to write this, time check is 6:23 am on Monday, December 12, 2016; and since there are 31 days in the month, it means that there are still 19 more days and about 18 hours remaining before the month and, by extension, the year runs out.<br />
<br />
What does this mean? Let me break this down further...<br />
<br />
Each of those remaining 19 days in 2016 has 24 hours in them, (including at least 12 hours in today, depending on when you read this)...right?<br />
<br />
Now, that's 24 hours multiplied by 19 days, which gives you 456 hours.<br />
<br />
Also, each hour in the 456 hours left in the year has 60 minutes, true?...that's 456 multiplied by 60 which gives us 27,360 minutes...<br />
<br />
Should I go on breaking it down further?<br />
<br />
Each minute in the 27,360 minutes has 60 seconds...that's 27,360 times 60; do the math, what do you get?<br />
<br />
A whooping 1,641,600!<br />
<br />
That's at least, One Million, Six Hundred and Forty One Thousand, Six Hundred seconds still left in the year...<br />
<br />
What's the point of all this?<br />
Who says 2016 is gone and nothing can still happen?<br />
Who says it is over when the Lord hasn't said so?<br />
<br />
Who says that thing you've been chasing and asking God for since the beginning of the year cannot happen within the remaining days of this year?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>There's still time</b><br />
<br />
If you ask me, there is still a lot of time for something great to happen for you this 2016. So, don't lose your hope just yet...<br />
<br />
Don't back down just yet...<br />
Don't give up just yet...<br />
Don't draw the curtain on the year just yet...<br />
Something great...scratch that...A LOT of great things can still happen for you this 2016...you just have to BELIEVE.<br />
<br />
How do I know this?<br />
Answer this: Is anything too hard for the Lord?<br />
<br />
Zacchaeus was a man that sinned all his life, cheating others to enrich himself...until one day, yes ONE DAY, it all changed for him and his household. One day, HE ENCOUNTERED SALVATION, and EVERYTHING changed....from inside out. Just. One. Day. And we have 19 more days...<br />
<br />
The Samaritan woman that Jesus met by the well in John 4 had, for the most of her life, been thirsty, lost, confused, lacking direction; she had had five husbands (that should be a record of some sort!) ...until one day she ENCOUNTERED THE LIVING WATER and EVERYTHING changed for her. ONE DAY. And we have 19 more...<br />
<br />
<div>Saul, who later became Paul and went on to write 13 (14 if you count Hebrews) books of the New Testament, was a Pharisee, a hater and great persecutor of Christians, a murderer until one day he ENCOUNTERED THE LIGHT FROM HEAVEN and EVERYTHING changed for him...<br />
<br />
I could go on...<br />
<br />
One day is enough for God to change EVERYTHING for you and your household... One day - 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds...that is a lot of time.<br />
<br />
And we have 19 more days - 456 hours, 27,360 minutes, over 1.6 million seconds... That, my friends, is a lot of time for God to do a lot for you this year.<br />
<br />
Don't draw the curtain on the year just yet...<br />
Don't throw in the towel just yet...<br />
Seek His face again, and draw strength for one final push...push with faith this time, and you'd surely see results.<br />
Don't lose hope just yet, a lot can still happen this year.<br />
I believe it for me. You should believe it for you<br />
<br />
<i>Is anything too hard for the Lord?</i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-45179649843239692082016-12-07T12:46:00.000+01:002016-12-07T12:47:53.236+01:00How to overcome temptation || Stella NdukaifeHow can you tell true gold from counterfeit? Subject it to a test? I think so, too. If you do not put it through a real test (that is, through fire), the gold could keep "parading" itself as authentic when it's only substandard.<br />
<br />
Similarly, as God's children, we would be tested through trials and temptations...the great news however is that we can overcome every and any temptation we face.<br />
<br />
Besides, our God has assured us that He would not allow us face temptations beyond the capacity He knows we have, and that even in the midst of the temptation, He'd provide an escape route...we indeed have nothing to dread, God's got us covered!<br />
<br />
In this post by Stella Ifeoma Ndukaife (of Ella's Haven Blog), she shares with us how we can overcome temptations...<br />
****<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpm8YjKgpc4y-FNH51FQBjYQ1D_-QjURdPay-113bbcfScAZwu_7Pfl2PSVi1TSnqRtYhMJl_rUv0LtYkBr6e0BZ3bbEfJl5HQn5Hqr3Db0glF4xcP5lqa_b4ivgOjhfbld4o0UWLFlECi/s1600/temptation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpm8YjKgpc4y-FNH51FQBjYQ1D_-QjURdPay-113bbcfScAZwu_7Pfl2PSVi1TSnqRtYhMJl_rUv0LtYkBr6e0BZ3bbEfJl5HQn5Hqr3Db0glF4xcP5lqa_b4ivgOjhfbld4o0UWLFlECi/s320/temptation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Image source: revivenations.org<br />
<br />
Temptation can be said to be pressure applied to your thinking designed to create wrong emotions which will eventually lead to wrong actions. <b>It could be something attractive, seductive, inducement or enticement.</b><br />
<br />
We should bear in mind that temptation itself is not sin, it is when the act is committed or the believer yields that is when it becomes sin.<br />
<br />
As Christians with heaven as our goal, we cannot escape being tempted, but we can certainly overcome it; yes, we can have victory over temptation. We cannot escape being tempted as the devil does not want anyone to be saved from sin; thus, he prepares or manipulates temptation and sends our way to make us fall, he can use it against us.<br />
<br />
Dear friends, the good news is that God has given us the power to over temptation. Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ was tempted three (3) times but he overcame in the wilderness while for His earthly ministry.<br />
<br />
First, the devil asked Jesus to turn stone into bread, saying, <i>"If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread"</i> (Matthew 4:3).<br />
<br />
Secondly, he told Jesus, <i>"If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone"</i> (Matthew 4:6).<br />
<br />
Finally, the devil took Jesus up into an exceeding high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and said to Him, <i>"all these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me"</i> (Matthew 4:9). The devil is so canny, quoting psalm 91:11-12, which says, <i>"For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone"</i>, to back up his words. Still he (the devil) failed woefully in his attempts to make Jesus sin.<br />
<br />
Temptation is common to all, black or white, rich or poor, sinners and saints alike. As Christians aiming to make heaven, we have to be very careful in all that we do. The devil quoting some verse in the bible just to tempt our saviour should make us understand that he is quite clever and an expert at tempting people.<br />
<br />
Truth is, we cannot stop a bird from flying or hovering over our head, that is not our business, but we should not allow it to build a nest on our head, this applies to Christians and temptation. The devil can go to any length to tempt us, he will bring it to our face, he will shove to our front but he cannot shove it down our throat. God gave us the privilege of making choices, so that is the advantage the devil wants to manipulate. He will shove temptation to our face and expects us to make a wrong choice in other to destroy our destiny.<br />
<br />
The thing with the devil is that once you fall into temptation, he keeps throwing another till you drown. Take for example a Christian sister is tempted and commits fornication, it won’t end there, and if the sister in question gets pregnant the devil will still want her to commit murder by aborting the baby.<br />
<br />
<b>Sources of temptation</b><br />
The devil himself is the source of temptation, him and his agents, but they cannot do it all on their own. Remember they can only tempt us but cannot force us to sin. There are sources the devil manipulates with to tempt us;<br />
<br />
<b>The Heart</b><br />
The first and great source of temptation in the human heart, Jeremiah 17:9 says, <i>"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"</i><br />
Mark 7:21-23 says, <i>"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man"</i>.<br />
<br />
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we have to be very careful with our heart, the heart which is the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the body, is the number one source of temptation. We can find lust, fornication, pride, revenge, anger, envy, etc within the heart.<br />
<br />
<i>"And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel" </i>(1 Chronicle 21:1). The devil used the pride in David’s heart to tempt him and he fell, which caused the death of many Israelites. I believe David was probably thinking, “Ah! I have fought many battles, I have won most too. Let me count my people to see how many subjects I have.” This led to the death of seventy (70) thousand men in Israel.<br />
<br />
In our campuses and hostel, a friend or roommate might hurt us badly and when he/she does not come forward to apologise, if there is any form of pride in our heart, the devil can use it and tempt us and within the twinkle of an eye you are already keeping malice with that individual. From the heart too comes lust, you look at a man/woman, next you are undressing him/her in your heart and you’re wondering what he/she will be like in bed. Watch your heart (and thoughts) with all diligence bro! Watch your heart with all diligence sis!<br />
<br />
<b>The Flesh</b><br />
This is another source of temptation, the sin of the flesh, which led to Samson’s downfall.<br />
We can be tempted to have pornographic pictures and movies in our phones and laptops, we could feel that there is nothing wrong with it since we think we are not committing the "actual" sin. But the truth is that the pornographic pictures and movies will keep flashing over our minds and can lead us to lust and commit fornication, adultery.<br />
<br />
Take for an example, when a lady who is skimpily dressed walks by, the devil creates a flashback in our brain to those pictures and movies we have, what do you think will happen when that flashback keeps coming often?<br />
<br />
Also, when you are unduly close to someone of the opposite sex. Say you want someone to teach you MAT 201 while preparing for a test, you then meet with Chukwudi, not even in an open place, but in his room. Today Chukwudi, tomorrow Chukwudi, my sister, you are preparing yourself to be tempted by the devil through Chukwudi.<br />
<br />
This also extends to looseness during courtship, ungodly friends, neighbours and/or roommate, etc. The devil can tempt us using even our siblings. While at home you don’t go to clubs, but in school your roommate says, <i>"Chioma, I’m hosting my birthday at Adam & Eve Club, you are my roommate, so I am not accepting any excuse from you. You have to be there to cheer me up."</i> Instead of politely refusing, you start thinking, she is my roommate na, let me just go this once and see how it is." Dear brother, dear sister, remember the story of Dinah in the Bible. The devil is using that your friend as a bait to tempt you.<br />
<br />
You have a carryover in a particular course, and you think the only way to pass is to bribe the lecturer in kind or in cash or by someone writing for you? Think twice.<br />
<br />
<b>Over confidence or being self opinionated</b><br />
This is when you are so full of yourself. Have you heard of how the titanic ship sank several years ago? Thomas Andrew built the popular RMS Titanic Ship, it took him three (3) years to build and fix the ship.<br />
During an interview he was asked a question about the ship, he was so over-confident in himself that he said even God himself could not sink the ship and what happened? The ship that was built for 3 years took less than 3 hours to sink. He was so full of himself and had this over confidence that the devil tempt him to say <i>“even God himself cannot sink the ship.” </i>Just imagine! Even in a joke do not misuse the name of the Lord.<br />
<br />
<b>Believers' weakest point</b><br />
What is your weakest point? The devil can use your weak point to tempt you. If your weakest point is anger, my dear, deal with it immediately, the devil can use that to his advantage. Is your weakest point flashy cars, gadgets? Bro, <b>do something about it. Find help in God's word.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Greed and inordinate ambitions</b><br />
Someone that is too greedy is easily tempted by the devil, when you are too eager to get rich, get married, etc. You are indirectly attracting the devil to tempt you.<br />
<br />
<b>Why satan tempts us</b><br />
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly John 10:10.<br />
<br />
The purpose satan bringing temptation our way is to steal our blessings, miracles and above all our salvation. So, he looks for every opportunity to take us away from God. He sits down, plans, calculates and develops different strategies to tempt us with and when we fall, he uses it against us to make sure we do not make heaven.<br />
<br />
In the book of Job, the devil tempted Job to curse God, but Job overcame. When he tempted Judas Iscariot however, to betray his master for 30 pieces of silver, (which is not even up to the amount paid to Delilah to entice Samson), he fell for it and at the end, Judas hung himself. The devil destroyed Judas' salvation and the hope of him seeing God face to face.<br />
<br />
The devil can come in different ways to tempt us, he can come in a still quiet voice, a cheerful way, or even in form of a good Samaritan, but his main purpose remains to steal, kill and destroy.<br />
<br />
<b>Victory for the Christian is assured</b><br />
There is victory for us as Christians over temptation, for us to be victorious we have to be very careful in all we do. We must run from every and any thing that may tempt us to sin.<br />
<br />
Be prayerful, if we have to overcome temptations, we have to be prayerful.<br />
<br />
Also, be devoted to doing God’s will. We have to love God with all our heart, and always strife to do His will. We have to bring our best, our heart to serve God no matter what it will cost us. When we love God with all our heart, we will find it hard to hurt Him and this will give us victory over temptation.<br />
<br />
Have a strong passion for God to do His will, not all that glitter is gold and not all gold glitter. We should allow the will of God be done in our life, life is a stage and men are in sizes, if it is not the will of God for you to build houses and ride flashy cars after 2 years of graduation, don’t be in a haste to look for alternative. Just relax and chill, let God take the lead. Remember, God’s time is the best. If it is not the will of God for you to get married at a certain age, my sister, relax and make good use of your time while you are single. He (God) knows the future from the start.<br />
<br />
<b>How to overcome temptation</b><br />
Abstain from all appearance of evil. If it looks like sin, you are restless in your heart or the spirit of God is ministering to you about it, my dear, do not try to justify it, it is sin. Abstain from it.<br />
<br />
Politely reject legitimate offers or favours that may lead or may expose you to sin. Sis, a guy is always giving you money to buy clothes, shoes, pocket money, etc. Is he your parent that sent you to school or is he your ATM machine?<br />
<br />
Flee from person who wants to lure you to sin. You go for evangelism and she invites you into her house, which is when she remembers it is hot and therefore has to wear a "see-me-finish" clothe. My dear, remember the case of Joseph and Potiphar's wife, Joseph did not wait to persuade her to change her mind, he fled.<br />
<br />
Part with sinful friends because they can influence you to do evil. Today party, tomorrow club, did your parent send you to school to read <i>"partyology"?</i> My dear, <b>flee from such friends.</b><br />
<br />
Depend on the spirit of God to show you God’s way out of temptation. We need the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit to guide us through.<br />
<br />
<b>Benefit of overcoming temptation</b><br />
We are developed and strengthened, if there was no temptation, we would not know how strong and tough we are spiritually.<br />
Our faith in Christ will be strengthened so as to keep overcoming subsequent temptations.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Also, we will see God face to face someday if we do not fall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPFso6FJoNoHLE8cx3JjbZ9aEEiLPSPrbYjhjLhXZzns94sZ9jxo7mIYpYWeA8EmjWy-heqv1poickMpPPGQZOM0p1vTIAp-_YbBBOeHcMTGKfpdYQIEbIZGVjrZ70kWcwdIlD-NqvtNJ/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPFso6FJoNoHLE8cx3JjbZ9aEEiLPSPrbYjhjLhXZzns94sZ9jxo7mIYpYWeA8EmjWy-heqv1poickMpPPGQZOM0p1vTIAp-_YbBBOeHcMTGKfpdYQIEbIZGVjrZ70kWcwdIlD-NqvtNJ/s320/IMG_1049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am Stella Ifeoma Ndukaife, a Christian Blogger, I love sharing the little knowledge I have about my Lord Jesus Christ to others be it in the street or on my blog. Finally, I live the life I love and love the life I live making sure is PLEASING TO GOD! She blogs at <a href="http://ellashaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ella's Haven.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-7172193720735039442016-11-30T12:30:00.000+01:002016-11-30T12:30:11.014+01:00ALL things, not only GOOD things, work together for your good || Becky OlorunpomiOne of the most important lessons I have learned in my walk with God is that He's got everything figured out. No matter how dark the night may seem, no matter how hopeless the situation appears, no matter how gloomy the future looks now, nothing takes Him by surprise. He's got it all figured out.<br />
<br />
What that teaches is that regardless of the situation, our God can still turn it around and create something beautiful out of it, if we trust Him enough to relinquish control to Him.<br />
<br />
In this post, Becky shares helpful insight from Romans 8:28, a Scripture many know well, but misunderstand to a point. It's a great read...enjoy<br />
****<br />
<i>“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”</i> (Romans 8:28). I’m sure you are familiar with that scripture...but let's dig into the text further, shall we?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I have read this portion of the scripture several times and at a point in my family, it became our watchword. But I have also discovered that many a times, we seem to misunderstand or misinterpret this scripture. At times, we interpret this scripture to be “And we know that all <i>good</i> things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”<br />
<br />
But the Bible didn't say that. This means that, all things (which includes the good, the bad, the ugly, the palatable, the unpalatable, the sweet, and the bitter) work together for the good of those who love God. This means that <b>God can decide to use any situation to bring your answer to you</b>.<br />
<br />
Whenever I read this scripture, I remember an incident that happened to me during my junior secondary school days. As a young girl, I was involved in sports, especially track and field. I was one of the fastest in my school and always came first especially in the 100 and 200 meters races. I also represented my school in outdoor competitions. And this didn’t affect my studies.<br />
<br />
When I was in my final junior class, I asked my parents to buy me a mathematical set but they couldn't afford it at that time, so I prayerfully asked God to give me a Maths set. Then we started practising for that year's inter-house sports. I was in Red house and for every practice, I always came first. Even on days when I wasn't too well.<br />
<br />
On the D-day, we were in our lanes. "Puah", the whistle blew and the race began. I had been running ahead of everyone as usual. Suddenly, I didn't know what happened, I just saw the girl behind me run past and surge ahead of me...<br />
<br />
What! How could this be? What happened? I thought as I wondered how the girl who always finished second behind me in our practice sessions suddenly ran past me and was ahead of me!<br />
<br />
This discouraged me and I stood still on the track! I was too discouraged to run any further which made every other person pass me.<br />
<br />
My house master and other officials were screaming my name cheering me to continue running, but I was too shocked and discouraged to continue. I started crying.<br />
<br />
People came around me, patted me on my shoulders and wiped the tears from my face. Even the sport officials were shocked at my display. I was later encouraged to get ready for the 200 meters.<br />
<br />
After all activities for the day, it was time for prize giving. Of course I got a gold medal and a prize in the 200 meters race.<br />
<br />
However, when it was time for the 100 meters prize, the girl who outran me and came first was given a big fanciful bucket with her medal.<br />
Then the girl who took the second position (which would have been me if I had finished the race), got a brand new Maths set!<br />
<br />
What? That was what I asked God for, I thought to myself as the tears came back, but this time I hid it from everyone. That was how I missed the opportunity to have a new Maths set.<br />
<br />
My parents later gave me the Maths set as a consolation after they heard the story.... But I never forgot that experience.<br />
<br />
Does this ring a bell........? "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."<br />
<br />
God knew that the answer to my prayer was in me taking the second position and despite the fact that I was the fastest runner in that race, He allowed a seeming failure happen so that in the end, I would laugh and ignore that seeming setback because my heart desire would have been met. But I missed it because I didn't want that "failure."<br />
<br />
In the same vein, most people ask God for things and believe that He would do them in a particular way, but when suddenly some seeming failures or setbacks which we didn't envisage begin to happen, we get discouraged and want to change it.<br />
<br />
We always want to be on top of our games. But God knows what ways to use to bring our heart desires to us because He is able to make ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR YOUR GOOD AS HIS CHILD.<br />
<br />
So when next you read Romans 8:28, <b>always know that He can choose anyway, format, style or method to answer your prayers. And all you need to do is just trust and follow Him.</b><br />
****<br />
<a href="https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15259298_1189415031094457_7257043893300491228_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15259298_1189415031094457_7257043893300491228_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9" width="320" height="212" /></a><br />
Becky Olorunpomi is a writer and speaker. She's a reporter at the Fountain of Life church office, Ilupeju. <br />
She is also the convener of the annual Singles Summit which also has a Facebook page (Singles Gist). <br />
She obtained a BA in English and Literary studies as well as a PGD and MSc in Mass communication.<br />
You can follow her on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/bodex4mama"_blank">@bodex4mama</a><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171569643009484065.post-17538770184184587242016-11-28T12:05:00.000+01:002016-12-02T18:32:36.065+01:00Stop living like no one in the world cares about you!Imagine for a moment that you know no one anywhere who cares about you, or about what you do or fail to do.<br />
Imagine for a moment that you know regardless of what you do, no one feels hurt or pained, or even concerned about how you're living your life.<br />
Imagine that for a moment...that no one anywhere thinks you've got any value, and that you're a complete write off; how would you live your life then?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
You'd live recklessly? Not minding what anyone says or thinks about you? You'd go about pleasing yourself, and indulging in what your heart desires? Expectedly.<br />
<br />
Now, scratch that thought and imagine for a moment that you know someone somewhere really cares about you....<br />
that someone somewhere loves and cherishes you...<br />
that someone somewhere thinks you are to die for...<br />
that someone somewhere thinks you are worth all he's got...<br />
that someone somewhere thinks so highly of you that he sacrificed his all just to have you... <br />
What difference would that make to how you live?<br />
<br />
You know, this saying is true...the value you attach to a thing is determined by the sacrifice you are willing to make to have it.<br />
<br />
I can tell how much you want something by what you are willing to give up to have it. Because, ultimately, life is full of options, and we have to make choices and live by them. We can't always have all. And we have to sacrifice one/some thing(s) for others.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://fb-s-d-a.akamaihd.net/h-ak-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15171170_1186756064693687_2914384867085897416_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=efe139d2aae78959c073ffddcdf8c401&oe=58CBE2C7&__gda__=1489877106_86aaf318e0026b025982b3300c33d374" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://fb-s-d-a.akamaihd.net/h-ak-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15171170_1186756064693687_2914384867085897416_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoiYiJ9&oh=efe139d2aae78959c073ffddcdf8c401&oe=58CBE2C7&__gda__=1489877106_86aaf318e0026b025982b3300c33d374" width="320" height="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Let me ask you this: if someday you realise that someone gave up all he had just for the chance of a relationship with you, would it change your approach to life?<br />
Would it change your thought pattern?<br />
Would it change how you see yourself?<br />
Would it change how you treat others?<br />
More importantly, would it change how you see that person who gave up all for you?<br />
Would it change anything...even slightly?<br />
<br />
Well, someone somewhere actually sacrificed everything... just for you....just for the chance of a relationship with you. Who is this someone? Jesus, the Christ. He sacrificed His ALL...for you and me.<br />
<br />
Tell me honestly, what value do you think He attaches to you that He gave His life for you? Based on what He sacrificed, that is His everything, do you think He thinks highly of you?<br />
Do you think He values you?<br />
Do you think He loves you?<br />
I reckon He does! I reckon He thinks you're worth dying for! I reckon He thinks you're the most valuable "commodity" on earth.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.heartlifting.org/uploads/1/2/0/6/12067180/s306233067887178230_p2_i1_w654.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.heartlifting.org/uploads/1/2/0/6/12067180/s306233067887178230_p2_i1_w654.jpeg" width="320" height="317" /></a><br />
Image source: heartlifting.org<br />
<br />
If certain individuals could lay down their lives in the struggle for emancipation from colonial forces in the 19th and 20th centuries; and others could fight with all they've got to the point of death for freedom to exercise their basic rights in revolutions...<br />
<br />
...it's because they understand and appreciate the value of independence and freedom, and as such, are ready and willing to sacrifice their lives to achieve it.<br />
<br />
Again, value attached determines sacrifice...<br />
<br />
Considering Jesus sacrificed all for you...do you think He cares about you? Oh! He certainly does!<br />
<br />
So, stop living like no one in the world cares about you, because the truth is someone does, His name is Jesus.<br />
<br />
Embrace Him today and get to know a love like never!<br />
You know what I've found in life? You think you know love until you know Jesus.<br />
You think you've experienced love, until you experience Jesus. Then you realise, you're only just starting!<br />
<br />
He cares about you, sis. He thinks highly of you, brother.<br />
Stop living like no one cares, Jesus does; He cares about you. Stop living recklessly. Stop living in sin. Stop short changing yourself.<br />
He has laid down His all for you, will you embrace Him? Devote yourself to this someone who's simply and totally devoted to you. Jesus cares. Really.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14776703/?claim=j94khu76qfz">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00675494774333191875noreply@blogger.com0