Egyptians Are Men!

Busola sat on the balcony and watched the graduands come forward in twos for their hand shakes, from those who had completed their Ph.D, Masters and finally to Bachelors degree, it was such a beautiful sight to see. It was also very encouraging to see that these hardworking individuals have finally completed their programs. Such a day would have been a depressing moment for her before now, why you may wonder? She had experienced many challenges along the academic path and it was as if she operated in the realm of failure at the edge of success as regards academics. She had longed for the day she would finish her academic program and walk across the stage for a hand shake from the Chancellor and professors of her University.

She had the opportunity last year and it was as if a load had been taken off her chest, she can face other aspects of life without the constant nagging thought of being a failure... So also, in your case, that situation is temporal. The fear of whether God will do what He has promised to do "on time" makes us run around seeking help where it does not exist. You wonder and imagine the worst case scenario about your particular situation. "Will God do it? What if He does not do it?, Is God testing me?" God does not test us with evil. His earnest desire is that we have all things that we need to make our lives glorify His holy name. If you are in a challenging situation and you do not seem to know the way out, remember a bunch of people have experienced a similar or much more challenging situation before...

"The Children of Israel had heard from the Lord and they can see their chosen leader Moses, he had squared off with Pharaoh and his magicians and without any doubt God was with His people. As a matter of fact, God had visited Egypt in His sore displeasure capping it up with the death of every first born through out the land of Egypt. Without any doubt God was leading them and taking them to the promise land. Well, Israel was boxed in literally caught between the red sea and the choicest of Pharaoh's army.

I can only imagine the looks and expressions on the faces of the people when they saw the Egyptian army closing in on them with no other route to escape. God made a high way on the sea, a miracle that has never been replicated afterwards. Exodus 14:13 KJV

"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever".

That settled it, every Egyptian you see today you shall see them no more in your situation. Perhaps they may say we will pursue, then Exodus 14:23

"And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen." Well, the result was that they perished totally. Every stubborn enemy that wants to persist in the face of your victory shall perish in Jesus name. Walk into this week assured of the word of the Lord that cannot fail knowing that Egyptians are men and will perish at the Word of the Lord.

Becoming: A function of Diligence

BECOMING, a function of Diligence

God has deposited in each one of us the seed of greatness, we can nurture it and let it grow, we may decide to complain about why others are achieving greatness or give excuses about not having ample opportunities to be great. Whatever we decide to do, we will live with the consequence.

Greatness is not achieved on the couch of excuses, complaints or endless whining. Life will never give you what you deserve but what you decide to accomplish. Every successful marriage, career or ministry is borne out of hard work, dedication and commitment. The many offenses that you are not willing to forgive or overlook will continue to serve as your point of vulnerability. The enemy knows how to keep pressing your button of vulnerability to get you to sin or truncate your destiny.

In order to become what God has destined you to become you have to work with Him in the process, do your bit and allow Him to do His bit...Proverbs 22:29 KJV
"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men"

It is easy to wish away challenges, but everyone who will stand out must be willing to put in the effort required. Proverbs 12:24 KJV
"The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute"

God's expectation is that we will each achieve success in all areas of ourlives and we can when we choose to believe Him, His Word and the ability He has given us. Receive inner strength to achieve God's purpose for you and fulfill destiny.

Enslaved By Whims?

When I was a lot younger, I used to long for the time I will grow up and be able to do whatever I like...Whenever there was a birthday in those days, you get a piece of cake and if there is still any left after the party, it is shared and everyone in the house gets a piece. Cake used to be so yummy in those days, I recall I used to dream of a time when I will eat a whole birthday cake by myself...

 

Well, the opportunity presented itself recently during my birthday, I had a big slab of cake, begged people to take enough home with them. After the party there was still so much left that I wondered what to do with it... it was mine, my cake, a whole big cake, but I could not eat more than a piece. So what happened to the desires of those days? Well, if I tried eating as much as I desired in those days, I might end up being sick, never mind that those kind of foods do not just melt away after consumption but they find their way around my waistline!

 

A scripture came to my mind as I prepared for the week; 1 Corinthians 6:12 The Message
^"Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims".

 

There is no crime in eating as well as stuffing your face endlessly. Ensuring you get a taste of every menu item at a party is perfectly in order but is it appropriate? Buying, window shopping, pressurizing yourself or spouse over the latest "this and that" may make you feel you belong in the league of the big shots but does it add value to you? Going on vacation while maxing your credit card to do it may make others look at you as if you have arrived but what benefit is that to you? If it is new and available you must have it, fair enough but why do you attach your joy to possessing everything that you can find?

 

What club do you belong to by virture of the fact that God has blessed you and you can afford whatever you want? Maybe this class or club make you feel like a god/goddess and you attach little or no importance to the value of your househelp because you pay them to work for you?

 

It is permissible to look through your spouse's contact details on their phone but do you really need to upset yourself unnecessarily by suspecting every unfamiliar name on that list as a possible affair partner. Everyone who smiles at your handsome husband or pretty wife wants them you daily conclude...All things are lawful, you have a right, you can buy whatever, you can eat whatever, dress as you like even if your comely parts are exposed...

 

Why do you not constantly weigh the purpose of the endless conversations that leave you drained and feeling guilty? Break the hold of indulgence in every area of your life, ask for grace to discipline yourself instead.

 

As  you go into a new week, consider things that are purposeful, advantageous,beneficial and edifying. If it does not build you up perhaps you do not need to pursue it. Do not become enslaved by your whims.

 

May it be a glorious week in your life and mine in Jesus name.

 

Before any conclusions...

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!

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.

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 will vote this as the best mail on the facts of life

Interesting quote from the movie "Why did I get married?" In most cases, especially in relationships, you will only get 80% of what you NEED  and you will hardly get the other 20% that you WANT in your relationship. There is always another person (man or women) that you will meet and that will offer you the other 20% which is lacking in your relationship that you WANT And believe me, 20% looks really good when you are not getting it at all in your current relationship. But the problem is that you will always be tempted to leave that good 80% that you know you have, thinking that you will get something better with the other 20% that you WANT But as reality has proven, in most cases, you will always end up with having the 20% that you WANT and loosing the 80% that you really NEED and that you already had. Be careful in deciding between what you WANT and NEED in your life.             Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have. "Wow, this girl in my office is a real looker. But it's not her Wynona Rider features that got me. I'm crazy about her because she's also understanding, intelligent, tender - so many things that my spouse is not" Somewhere along the way, you'll find a woman or a man who will be more charming or sensitive. More alluring. More thoughtful. Richer. Have greater sex appeal. And you will find a woman or man who will need you and pursue you and go loco over you more than your spouse ever did. Because no wife or husband is perfect. Because a spouse will only have 80% of what you're looking for. So adultery takes place when a husband or wife looks for the missing 20%. Let's say your wife is melancholic by nature. You may find yourself drawn to the pretty clerk who has a cherry laugh no matter what she says: "I broke my arm yesterday, Hahahaha . . .." Or because your wife is a homebody in slippers and pajamas, smelling of garlic and fish oil, you may fall for a fresh-smelling young sales representative that visits your office in a sharp black blazer, high heels, and a red pencil-cut skirt Or because your husband is the quiet type, your heart may skip a beat when you meet an old college flame  who has the makings of a talk show host. But wait! That's only 20% of what you don't have. Don't throw away the 80% that you already have! That's not all. Add to your spouse's 80% the 100% that represents all the years that you have been with each other. The storms you have weathered together. The unforgettable moments of sadness and joy as a couple. The many adjustments you have made to love the other. The wealth of memories that you've accumulated as lovers. Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have. But faithfulness happens when you start thanking God for what you already have. But I'm not just talking about marriage. I'm talking about life! About your jobs. About your friends. About your children. About your lifestyles. Are you like the economy airline passenger that perennially peeks through the door of the first class cabin, obsessed with what he's missing? "They have got more leg room! Oh my, their food is served in porcelain! Wow, their seats recline at an 80% angle and they've got personal videos!" I guarantee you'll be miserable for the entire trip! Don't live your life like that. Forget about what the world says is first class. Do you know that there are many first class passengers who are miserable in first class – because they are not riding in a private Lear Jet? The main message??? If you start appreciating what you have right now, wherever you are, you are first class! 20/80 or 80/20.  Your life is yours, live it and determine your lot in life, you enjoy the decisions you made in your 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"

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. 

 

We can only make it with God's help, but we need to ascend to the place where He is with purity and holiness.This week, I pray that as we quest for God, He will draw us near to Himself and grant us our heart desires, may we not seek Him in vain. May the grace to walk with Him in purity and holiness be present with each one us in Jesus name.