Some years ago, my oldest daughter was a little over three years old,
she was one energizer bunny and always left trails of toys to pick up,
spills to clean and so on. There was this day she had scattered her toys
and I told her she was going to get into big trouble. I was upset that
she had added to the many chores I had to do that day and she just came
smiling totally oblivious to the fact that I was upset about what she
had done. She started singing this song; "He still working on me, to
make me what He wants to be..."
I looked up in amazement and was
not sure what to say, I smiled and said, "sure He is working on you, I
just wish
He will hasten His work before stress kills me". That has taught me a
lesson in relating with people generally. How often do we wish God will
just finish His
work in our spouses, children, colleagues, siblings speedily?
We
are all work in progress, it is interesting how we expect perfection
from others when we are far from being perfect. It is funny how you know
what others should do but not what you should do. When you consider a
couple who have issues in their relationship, the man knows what the
woman is supposed to do, how to speak, act and function as a woman. The
woman, knows what the man should do and how he should treat a woman but
not what she should do as it concerns her husband.
Criticism is
very easy but making your own mark is what God expects each one of us to
do wherever we find ourselves. The scripture that has caught my
attention all weekend is from Mark 9:50 KJV
"Salt is good:but if
the salt have lost his saltness, where with will ye season it? Have
salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another".
Characteristics,
usefulness and importance of
salt will be a topic for another time soon. You need to take ownership
and responsibility for your actions, always tell yourself "I am
important in my relationship, so much depends on me, I can not afford to
point the accusing finger to the other party, my partner, my friend, my
colleague. I am responsible for my actions". Have you noticed that even
the patriarchs of old all had 'issues'? Things they had to work on
while they walked with God? A few people and their issues,
=>Abraham
was barren, the father of faith, he yeilded to a flesh glorifying
suggestions by his wife but he still finished strong, the father of
faith
=>Isaac hung his blessings on the agreement that his son would provide his favourite meal
=>Moses struck the rock twice instead of once, one meek man who spoke with God,face to face.
=Rahab the harlot, found her way into the genealogy of our Lord Jesus
=>Apostle Paul, the author of the most books in
the New Testament had anger issues.
What is your shortcoming? Do
you gossip, are you temperamental, are you envious or you can't handle
anyone being better than you? Do you find it difficult to submit to your
husband or authority? Do you have interpersonal issues? Well, do not be
discouraged, God is still working on you and I and we sure will be
excellent Master pieces!
Do not allow your shortcomings be your
excuses for being a pain in the neck. Here is the conclusion that I
would draw from this: Micah 6:8 KJV
"He hath showed thee, O man, what
is good: and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God".
God has high
hopes for you and I and He will not give up on us, so do not give up on
yourself, just keep improving and walking the walk of faith. May grace
be multiplied upon each one of us to please God in Jesus name. Have a
great week
ahead.
Shalom!
Monday 29 October 2012
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Much ado about communication...
Communication continues to be a major huddle to cross not only in
marital relationships but in almost every relationship we find
ourselves. You are expected to possess excellent communication skills
when you are applying for a job...If you respond in anger at work, you
are termed, unprofessional and you are not a team player. If you respond
to your friend's nasty comment you are perceived as trouble maker...if
your in-law feels disrespected by your tone of voice or comment, you are
on the verge of starting war in your home.
Why then do we not take time to check our communication skills?
"Communication works for those who work at it" - John Powell.
What do you do to improve your communication skills so you can avoid unnecessary trouble in your home?. There is a local adage that says; "there is a how of saying hello". Professionals who daily work on the art of communication tells us that body language, intonation and pitch of your voice all play important role in effective communication. When you are talking to someone, is your aim to pass a message across, vent or react negatively to a perception you generally have?. If any of this is the case, then your message will be lost in transit.
When next you intend to correct your spouse, remember that he/she has feelings, emotions,your how of communication can trigger a contrary reaction in them. For peace sake, put the shoe on the foot for a quick second before making any utterance.
Proverbs 15:1 KJV
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger".
If you are having issues in your marriage relationship and the other party has severally complained about the way you talk to them, for you to experience peace, you have to be prepared to learn how to communicate effectively.
Meaning what you say...do your spouse ever complain that you pass mixed messages? That means you are not communicating well. You say something but your actions and body language do not show that you mean what you say. For example, when you agree on responsibilities around the house, do you say things just to appear as if you agree with your spouse? Do you work at improving lapses? You come in late, your spouse is always very worried until she sees you yet, you will always "hang out with the boys after work" and you know that will definitely make you get home late. If you have to hang out with friends, make sure you inform your spouse so they know not to worry...
Agreeing to run errands without letting your spouse know can result to nasty attitude or response. If you have to help someone out, run an errand or attend an impromptu function, then always let your spouse know. Being a person of your word and avoiding tardiness once you have agreed to meet up somewhere all contribute to effective communication.
Effective communication involves selflessness and willingness to hear from the other party. So as we work on how to better communicate, we need to communicate with God to help us out. Ciao and keep working at it.
Why then do we not take time to check our communication skills?
"Communication works for those who work at it" - John Powell.
What do you do to improve your communication skills so you can avoid unnecessary trouble in your home?. There is a local adage that says; "there is a how of saying hello". Professionals who daily work on the art of communication tells us that body language, intonation and pitch of your voice all play important role in effective communication. When you are talking to someone, is your aim to pass a message across, vent or react negatively to a perception you generally have?. If any of this is the case, then your message will be lost in transit.
When next you intend to correct your spouse, remember that he/she has feelings, emotions,your how of communication can trigger a contrary reaction in them. For peace sake, put the shoe on the foot for a quick second before making any utterance.
Proverbs 15:1 KJV
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger".
If you are having issues in your marriage relationship and the other party has severally complained about the way you talk to them, for you to experience peace, you have to be prepared to learn how to communicate effectively.
Meaning what you say...do your spouse ever complain that you pass mixed messages? That means you are not communicating well. You say something but your actions and body language do not show that you mean what you say. For example, when you agree on responsibilities around the house, do you say things just to appear as if you agree with your spouse? Do you work at improving lapses? You come in late, your spouse is always very worried until she sees you yet, you will always "hang out with the boys after work" and you know that will definitely make you get home late. If you have to hang out with friends, make sure you inform your spouse so they know not to worry...
Agreeing to run errands without letting your spouse know can result to nasty attitude or response. If you have to help someone out, run an errand or attend an impromptu function, then always let your spouse know. Being a person of your word and avoiding tardiness once you have agreed to meet up somewhere all contribute to effective communication.
Effective communication involves selflessness and willingness to hear from the other party. So as we work on how to better communicate, we need to communicate with God to help us out. Ciao and keep working at it.
Monday 22 October 2012
80/20 or 20/80 Need and Want
I got this from a loved one and I can not but post it. Enjoy and let me have your comments. Blessings.
I am not sure if you have seen the movie "Why did I get married 1&2? If you haven't that's a nice one to get and watch with your spouse...
I am not sure if you have seen the movie "Why did I get married 1&2? If you haven't that's a nice one to get and watch with your spouse...
I will vote this as the best mail on the facts of life
Enjoy what you have because you’re blessed.
|
God Questers
Proclaiming affiliation with God, church or fellowship has become
common place these days depending on what it will get you,how it will
enhance your rating or public relations. We all speak the Christian
lingo and even people who do not have any idea of what it means to
belong to God will say things like "I reject it in Jesus name", "It is
well", "I am blessed" because these all spell positivity.God is still God, very much the same, holy and His standard will never change.
God expects each one of us to draw near to Him with hands that are
clean and hearts that are pure. Little wonder the Psalmist asks the
million dollar question in Psalm 24:3-6
"Who can climb Mount God?
Who can scale the holy north-face?
Only the clean-handed,
only the pure-hearted;
Men who won't cheat,
women who won't seduce.
5-6 God is at their side;
with God's help they make it.
This, Jacob, is what happens
to God-seekers, God-questers"
Who can scale the holy north-face?
Only the clean-handed,
only the pure-hearted;
Men who won't cheat,
women who won't seduce.
5-6 God is at their side;
with God's help they make it.
This, Jacob, is what happens
to God-seekers, God-questers"
There are few things that I noticed in the above scripture
verses; criteria for ascending into the place where God is, not just
mouthing things that sound nice to the ear or that make us acceptable in
certain circles.
Clean handed: do I engage my hands in filthy things? For every
stroke of the keys on the computer that links you to filthiness of any
type - pornography, sexting (art of sending sexual messages to those you
are not married to) and every other form of filth that you dip your
hands into.
Pure hearted: thoughts, ideas conceived in the mind. Guide your
hearts for out of it flows issues of life. What do I allow to flow out
of my mind contrary to the word of God? Are there idols in my heart? I
must make it at all cost even if I offend God? Our hearts are created to
be the throne of God, where He alone reigns and no other idol. It is
time to destroy every idol and enthrone the king of kings.
Men who wont cheat: Cheating will disqualify you from following
after God, from sincerely thirsting for Him. Whether you cheat in terms
of committing fraud or you cheat in terms of infidelity, you disqualify
yourself from ascending unto where God is. You ask me how many Pastors
are committing infidelity and yet preach the gospel? One thing I know is
that God is a righteous judge, no matter how smart a man thinks he is,
God is able to disappoint the crafty.That is why in your walk with God,
focus has to be on what you do and not on what the other party does. As
the saying goes, you only have control over your action and not somone
else's reaction. If a man commits sin, he belongs solely to the devil!
The devil is not fooled by your ability to dramatize, he knows those who
belong to God! If you cheat on your wife, you create an in road for the
devil to destroy God's plan for your life. Do not allow yourself to
become a piece of bread in the hands of
the enemy.
Women who seduce: You would think a Christian woman has no business
with seduction! There are so many filthy things women engage in these
days that make you wonder... A married woman who flirts with other men
or engages in an affair will not ascend the Lord's hill regardless of
how talented she is. By the way, there is no reason good enough for a
woman to have an affair. I am sure you are rolling your eyes and saying,
"if only you have the slightest clue how lonely my world is" If your
dressing suggests seduction, you have to understand that someone may be
led astray just because you want to look good. I notice that there is a
how of dressing for every occassion but not everyone is aware of this.
If you dress seductively to church showing cleavage and skin, you can be
sure that you are only making an appearance, you are not likely to get
any close to where God is. You must have heard that men are visual
beings, they get easily distracted by
what they see. That is why you need to make sure you do not cause
someone elses' downfall.
Friday 19 October 2012
But the crowd thronged Him...
When you are in a desperate situation time seems to take forever. A
minute wait seems like forever. Such was the case in the life of Jairus,
the ruler of the Synagogue...
He had gotten the attention of the miracle working Jesus, He had agreed to come and rescue the dire situation, Jairus daughter laid dying on her sick bed. Luke 8:41-56 NKJV
"And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done."
If Jairus could, he would have carried Jesus on his shoulder so there will not be any delay in getting to his daughter. But the crowd thronged Him... And the because we all have issues, the woman with the issue of blood, the crowd pressing for one thing or the other, oh if only Jesus could hurry up!
Alas! a messenger came from Jairus' home to deliver the evil report full of sadness and failed expectation, Jairus' daughter had died, even the servant encouraged his master not to trouble the Master. But in the midst of the chaos Jesus heard it...
That is an assurance that regardless of what you are going through,how many people are giving testimonies around you, how long that issue has been outstanding, Jesus will hear you. He gives time and priority to each one of us, the crowd, the woman with the issue of blood got her own miracle while so much was going on, you will get your miracle. I know you are saying "I am desperate and God seems to be slow" but He will come and He will not be delayed.
When doubters are passing nasty comments that make you feel like just disappearing to space, know that Jesus has heard you and He will make it to you. When there seems to be no precedence to assure you that God can come through in your peculiar situation, hold on, He will get to you."Our marriage is on the verge of collapse you lament, my husband has moved in with a strange woman, nobody has succeeded in getting through to him, you say" Jesus has heard you, just hold on, "my teenage daughter is suicidal for no reason" Jesus restored life back to the dead daughter of Jairus, he will not allow you to mourn yours.
Even though there are so many people pressing for answers to their prayers, God will hear you and deliver your own miracle only believe. The end of the week does not signify failure at achieving your goal, it only provides you space and time to regroup and refire. Even though the crowd throngs Jesus He will answer you.
Shalom!
He had gotten the attention of the miracle working Jesus, He had agreed to come and rescue the dire situation, Jairus daughter laid dying on her sick bed. Luke 8:41-56 NKJV
"And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done."
If Jairus could, he would have carried Jesus on his shoulder so there will not be any delay in getting to his daughter. But the crowd thronged Him... And the because we all have issues, the woman with the issue of blood, the crowd pressing for one thing or the other, oh if only Jesus could hurry up!
Alas! a messenger came from Jairus' home to deliver the evil report full of sadness and failed expectation, Jairus' daughter had died, even the servant encouraged his master not to trouble the Master. But in the midst of the chaos Jesus heard it...
That is an assurance that regardless of what you are going through,how many people are giving testimonies around you, how long that issue has been outstanding, Jesus will hear you. He gives time and priority to each one of us, the crowd, the woman with the issue of blood got her own miracle while so much was going on, you will get your miracle. I know you are saying "I am desperate and God seems to be slow" but He will come and He will not be delayed.
When doubters are passing nasty comments that make you feel like just disappearing to space, know that Jesus has heard you and He will make it to you. When there seems to be no precedence to assure you that God can come through in your peculiar situation, hold on, He will get to you."Our marriage is on the verge of collapse you lament, my husband has moved in with a strange woman, nobody has succeeded in getting through to him, you say" Jesus has heard you, just hold on, "my teenage daughter is suicidal for no reason" Jesus restored life back to the dead daughter of Jairus, he will not allow you to mourn yours.
Even though there are so many people pressing for answers to their prayers, God will hear you and deliver your own miracle only believe. The end of the week does not signify failure at achieving your goal, it only provides you space and time to regroup and refire. Even though the crowd throngs Jesus He will answer you.
Shalom!
Thursday 18 October 2012
Carefully Placed
Understanding the fact that God has a single purpose but He has chosen
to use the variety at His disposal to accomplish it is crucial.
As a member of the body of Christ, God has deposited diverse gifts into diverse vessels so that at the end of the day all glory will belong unto Him once His goal is accomplished. Then it is important that less attention should be placed on title, positions and hierarchy. Apostle Paul used the analogy of the different body parts to show us the importance of each one of us within the body of Christ. The ears can not be jealous of the eye, neither can the feet of the head. Why? Regardless of how carefully and meticulously woven in complexity the brain is with the head, it can not do the work of the feet that are so close to dirt.
1 Corinthians 12: 3-18 The Message
12-13 "You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves—labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free—are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive.
14-18 I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less. A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge. It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together. If Foot said, “I’m not elegant like Hand, embellished with rings; I guess I don’t belong to this body,” would that make it so? If Ear said, “I’m not beautiful like Eye, limpid and expressive; I don’t deserve a place on the head,” would you want to remove it from the body? If the body was all eye, how could it hear? If all ear, how could it smell? As it is, we see that God has carefully placed each part of the body right where he wanted it".
In a family unit called the home, the man has his own functions that his innate qualities and giftings allow only to carry out, so also does the woman. Ever since I have been married and I observe a few things God has given my husband to do, I thank God for his life, I learn from him but I do not try to do things to compete with him in order to prove a point. As a woman, my husband blesses God for the grace of God upon my life and my abilities without any need to compete, discount or put me down.
Have you ever try to understand why spouses, friends, brethren and other people come into ourlives? There are people in our lives for reasons and seasons. It is important to understand the different seasons in ourlives so we can maximize the importance of the reasons why we have individuals around us. Learning from our mistakes, looking forward to apply life lessons ahead of us add to the growth,experience and maturity we attain.
I am very important in the lives of those God has surrounded me with and I live everyday to ensure that I do my bit. Let us appreciate what God has created us for, and let us focus solely on that without looking into another man's field. No matter how beautiful and expensive a pair of shoes are, if they are not your size, they are bound to disgrace you one of two ways; if they are too small they will hurt you or if they are too big they will make you fall, you will be luck if you do not lose a tooth in the process...lol
Ensure you occupy where God has carefully placed you and bring out your very best. God has given you your wife/husband for a purpose, put in your very best into their lives so that God will acknowledge your good work and promote you. If there is work to be done in your spouse's life, ask God for grace and commence the work and before you know it, you both will look back and rejoice in the fruit of your labor. You have been carefully placed, invest your best into where you are now.
Shalom!
As a member of the body of Christ, God has deposited diverse gifts into diverse vessels so that at the end of the day all glory will belong unto Him once His goal is accomplished. Then it is important that less attention should be placed on title, positions and hierarchy. Apostle Paul used the analogy of the different body parts to show us the importance of each one of us within the body of Christ. The ears can not be jealous of the eye, neither can the feet of the head. Why? Regardless of how carefully and meticulously woven in complexity the brain is with the head, it can not do the work of the feet that are so close to dirt.
1 Corinthians 12: 3-18 The Message
12-13 "You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves—labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free—are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive.
14-18 I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less. A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge. It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together. If Foot said, “I’m not elegant like Hand, embellished with rings; I guess I don’t belong to this body,” would that make it so? If Ear said, “I’m not beautiful like Eye, limpid and expressive; I don’t deserve a place on the head,” would you want to remove it from the body? If the body was all eye, how could it hear? If all ear, how could it smell? As it is, we see that God has carefully placed each part of the body right where he wanted it".
In a family unit called the home, the man has his own functions that his innate qualities and giftings allow only to carry out, so also does the woman. Ever since I have been married and I observe a few things God has given my husband to do, I thank God for his life, I learn from him but I do not try to do things to compete with him in order to prove a point. As a woman, my husband blesses God for the grace of God upon my life and my abilities without any need to compete, discount or put me down.
Have you ever try to understand why spouses, friends, brethren and other people come into ourlives? There are people in our lives for reasons and seasons. It is important to understand the different seasons in ourlives so we can maximize the importance of the reasons why we have individuals around us. Learning from our mistakes, looking forward to apply life lessons ahead of us add to the growth,experience and maturity we attain.
I am very important in the lives of those God has surrounded me with and I live everyday to ensure that I do my bit. Let us appreciate what God has created us for, and let us focus solely on that without looking into another man's field. No matter how beautiful and expensive a pair of shoes are, if they are not your size, they are bound to disgrace you one of two ways; if they are too small they will hurt you or if they are too big they will make you fall, you will be luck if you do not lose a tooth in the process...lol
Ensure you occupy where God has carefully placed you and bring out your very best. God has given you your wife/husband for a purpose, put in your very best into their lives so that God will acknowledge your good work and promote you. If there is work to be done in your spouse's life, ask God for grace and commence the work and before you know it, you both will look back and rejoice in the fruit of your labor. You have been carefully placed, invest your best into where you are now.
Shalom!
Monday 8 October 2012
Do It Afraid
Salvation is a personal experience, it is a process; someone leads you to the truth and you give your life to Christ and He becomes your Lord and saviour. However, after that, you have to maintain and sustain the relationship by working it out, improving communication,discovering and understanding the love of the Father.
It seems very easy to fellowship with others, mouth Christian lingo and do things just to please those around you or do it because that is how others do it. Over the years, I have found out that in walking with the Lord, you have to cultivate a personal relationship, understand how the Lord deals with you in all areas and refuse to compare yourself with others but willing to learn from everyone. You will have to go through your dying process yourself...
Phillipians 2:12 The Amplified
12 "Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, [i]with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ)".
The phase of working out your salvation with fear and trembling is broken down in this verse and I love it! May I point out somethings that speak to me here:
Work out: Cultivate, carryout to the goal, fully complete
This speaks to improving daily, determination, focus, avoiding distractions in any form, avoiding compromise, refusing to water down the truth you have come to believe and accept.
Fear & Trembling: self distrust, serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation,timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ!
This is my focus, how many of us feel comfortable about doing things that discredit the name of Christ just because we have "men of God" who do the same? How many of us are willing to give in to sexual pressure, cover up a pregnancy just to ensure we get married in church? How many times do we "cook" the books, give kick backs and follow the multitude to do wrong just because we have to "make it"? Do we get uncomfortable when we see a "brother, deacon or Pastor" beat up their wives just because the women do not listen? What are those things we would dare not touch years back but wink at them as "they wont stop me from getting to heaven" now...
Lying gets things done these days...but it is still on the list of reasons why people will go to hell, sycophancy gets you the title, slyness and hypocrisy gets you some favors...but the foundation of the Lord stands sure. For all of us who will make it to heaven, the fear (holy reverence and awe of God) must guide our everyday dealings and walk with God. Living each day as if it would be the last, a lie is a lie not "applying wisdom". If you are not going to marry the lady, do not lead her on, do not corner a man by getting pregnant for him, stop hanging out with thieves so you too can live comfortably.
When we get too bold and indulge in sin, we can not escape the judgement of God regardless of how many scriptures we can quote. The walk of faith requires fear and trembling. So do it afraid!
It seems very easy to fellowship with others, mouth Christian lingo and do things just to please those around you or do it because that is how others do it. Over the years, I have found out that in walking with the Lord, you have to cultivate a personal relationship, understand how the Lord deals with you in all areas and refuse to compare yourself with others but willing to learn from everyone. You will have to go through your dying process yourself...
Phillipians 2:12 The Amplified
12 "Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, [i]with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ)".
The phase of working out your salvation with fear and trembling is broken down in this verse and I love it! May I point out somethings that speak to me here:
Work out: Cultivate, carryout to the goal, fully complete
This speaks to improving daily, determination, focus, avoiding distractions in any form, avoiding compromise, refusing to water down the truth you have come to believe and accept.
Fear & Trembling: self distrust, serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation,timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ!
This is my focus, how many of us feel comfortable about doing things that discredit the name of Christ just because we have "men of God" who do the same? How many of us are willing to give in to sexual pressure, cover up a pregnancy just to ensure we get married in church? How many times do we "cook" the books, give kick backs and follow the multitude to do wrong just because we have to "make it"? Do we get uncomfortable when we see a "brother, deacon or Pastor" beat up their wives just because the women do not listen? What are those things we would dare not touch years back but wink at them as "they wont stop me from getting to heaven" now...
Lying gets things done these days...but it is still on the list of reasons why people will go to hell, sycophancy gets you the title, slyness and hypocrisy gets you some favors...but the foundation of the Lord stands sure. For all of us who will make it to heaven, the fear (holy reverence and awe of God) must guide our everyday dealings and walk with God. Living each day as if it would be the last, a lie is a lie not "applying wisdom". If you are not going to marry the lady, do not lead her on, do not corner a man by getting pregnant for him, stop hanging out with thieves so you too can live comfortably.
When we get too bold and indulge in sin, we can not escape the judgement of God regardless of how many scriptures we can quote. The walk of faith requires fear and trembling. So do it afraid!
Thursday 4 October 2012
The Power of Consistency
The Power of Consistency
I woke up this morning with three words in my heart; growth, consistency and
persistence. I knew I had to string them together in the place of prayer and
meditation.Luke 18: 1-5 The Message :
1-3 "Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’
4-5 “He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’”
Growth is defined as the act or process or a manner of growing; development, gradual increase. I love the last part of the definition, gradual increase. A lot of times we want to experience growth overnight, all of a sudden. We talk about the microwave generation, put it in and its out and ready. I have reduced my use of microwave oven because I am not always satisfied with the end result even though it is very fast. Growth in itself connotes a process of increasing over time.
Consistency is steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form, solidity or firmness.
Persistence: doggedness, continued effort or existence.
God expects us to grow, increase and become better at everything we do and most especially our relationship. I was putting an equation together as I wrote this
Consistency + Persistence = Growth
How often are we in a hurry? Wanting to get to the end of the race and if what you are working at does not seem to yield immediate result, you dump it and go to the next new thing. Most times, that fails to yield immediate result and you dump and go. After 10 years of dumping and running you find out that you can not lay your hands or show any meaningful growth or productivity. Meanwhile, someone who has patiently stayed and worked at something will have result to show. This is not limited to career or business but also in our marriage relationship. How many times have you questioned the rightness of your choice in marrying your spouse? Perhaps your friend’s wife is quiet, keeps the house, hardly goes out? Your own wife is the life of any gathering, always involved in one thing or the other, you wonder why she can not be like your friend’s wife...According to your own judgement, your husband is the worse man on planet earth and you wonder why you had the misfortune of marrying him...hmmm you must have heard the saying “one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure”, if you lose your heaven ordained spouse in the name of fault finding, you will never get it right till you rest in peace.
Marriage was designed to be a life time thing and when you walk and work with God, he gives you a life time guarantee on your relationship. Every relationship will go through its own phase of challenges, learning and flourishing. You can not omit one phase and expect to get to the other because the phases are interdependent, one leads to the other just like the different phases of metamorphosis. Consistent prayer will give you the direction you need to travel when you are going through each phase. Not giving up too soon, keeping at it and believing in your mind that this man/woman is the right one God has given me and I can only grow when I have allowed patience to have its work in me.
Persistence: continued effort at listening, communicating, adjusting to each others strength and weaknesses as well as minding your manners, appreciation for the little things done for you all add up to help you retain your form or solidity in your marriage relationship. Little as these qualities seem, when they are lacking, over the years, resentment, disrespect, selfishness take over. Therefore, instead of working for each other's good you work to destroy the other person so you can win.
May I chip in here that in a marriage relationship, when you have your differences, quarrels, disagreements and your point is accepted at the end of the day, you have not won because it is not a battle or game, you have just successfully agreed on a way to move forward. Marriage is teamwork not competition. When you set out the goal you want to achieve and you have closed in on it, that is growth! It is not when you compare yourself with your friend, brethren, siblings or contemporaries that you measure growth. You must set goal and work hard towards it.
Consistency guides your growth when you are persistent and you are able to achieve your set goal.
Shalom~!
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Delilah - Woman on a mission
I have realized that entering every and any environment as a learner
will make you better and wiser. I also discovered that learning from
others help you avert unnecessary mistakes.
A few things I would like to share about Delilah and some positive qualities she used in caring out her devilish mission.
Judges 16:4-20
=> She conquered the heart of a destiny carrying man even though she lived in a valley
Lesson: God is able to bring you the right partner regardless of your location
=> She knew exactly what she wanted and she worked hard at getting it, she was frank and unpretentious about her intentions with Samson
Lesson: God has a purpose for your to actualize in the life of your husband, do not be distracted, focus and get it done.
=>She worked hard at achieving her goal; she pampered, pet, caressed him
Lesson: Give your husband the right treatment, do not allow another woman to win the trophy of his heart, be the best friend, lover and confident.
=>She was consistent and persistent
Lesson: She repeated the same question over and over again, she did not get discouraged by the initial tricks. She did not give up. How often do we give up when doing laudable things that can bring promotion? When we fail to get the desired result at the first attempt we throw in the towel, we need to persevere and exhibit patience.The fact that your husband has tried a couple of business ideas and failed does not mean you should allow him bury his head in shame, encourage him,back him up and nudge him towards success
=>She ensured the abortion of Samson's destiny into the hands of the Philistines (same people he was raised to destroy)
Lesson: Stand in the place of prayer to ensure the successful delivery of your husband's destiny. Delilah had her reward, how much more will you too when you ensure God's will is established in your spouse's life.
There are so many other Delilah's in this world, they are waiting to destroy what God has invested in your husband but God is counting on you as a woman on a mission to destroy the plan of the enemy. Receive God's grace to overcome.
A few things I would like to share about Delilah and some positive qualities she used in caring out her devilish mission.
Judges 16:4-20
=> She conquered the heart of a destiny carrying man even though she lived in a valley
Lesson: God is able to bring you the right partner regardless of your location
=> She knew exactly what she wanted and she worked hard at getting it, she was frank and unpretentious about her intentions with Samson
Lesson: God has a purpose for your to actualize in the life of your husband, do not be distracted, focus and get it done.
=>She worked hard at achieving her goal; she pampered, pet, caressed him
Lesson: Give your husband the right treatment, do not allow another woman to win the trophy of his heart, be the best friend, lover and confident.
=>She was consistent and persistent
Lesson: She repeated the same question over and over again, she did not get discouraged by the initial tricks. She did not give up. How often do we give up when doing laudable things that can bring promotion? When we fail to get the desired result at the first attempt we throw in the towel, we need to persevere and exhibit patience.The fact that your husband has tried a couple of business ideas and failed does not mean you should allow him bury his head in shame, encourage him,back him up and nudge him towards success
=>She ensured the abortion of Samson's destiny into the hands of the Philistines (same people he was raised to destroy)
Lesson: Stand in the place of prayer to ensure the successful delivery of your husband's destiny. Delilah had her reward, how much more will you too when you ensure God's will is established in your spouse's life.
There are so many other Delilah's in this world, they are waiting to destroy what God has invested in your husband but God is counting on you as a woman on a mission to destroy the plan of the enemy. Receive God's grace to overcome.
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