BREAK THE PATTERN

October 9, 2014

A pattern is like a way people do things and it keeps going on and on for years. Before now, I used to write down my beautiful ideas and in most cases, I would file the ideas and that ended it. Execution never happened. I thought about everything and I realized that my father used to do same thing. When I was growing up, I discovered so many bright ideas written down but filed away in his drawer. Those ideas never saw the light of day and I tell you, they are obsolete now.

Sir, whether you believe it or not, there are some things (good or bad) that you are doing that you unconsciously inherited from your either your father or mother or both of them. In my own case, the bad one I inherited was fear of what if it doesn’t work. I was always scared of doing what needed to be done because I didn’t want to be tagged a failure. Maybe Solomon might not have become a lover of too many strange women but looking at his parental pattern, you will discover that his father loved women.

Seeing his father’s lifestyle, Solomon took it to the highest level. Bible records it that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. This eventually led to his destruction despite the colorful future he had. Sir, if you will not break that deadly and dangerous pattern, it will not allow you become the best God created you to be. Maybe yours is the wrong mindset of resources are scarce or money is only found in the mouth of the lion or whatever wrong pattern it is.

The scriptures says, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” To shock you, since I broke this pattern, I can’t remember failing, I can only remember learning and progressing. If the pattern or lifestyle didn’t make your father or mother a better person, please break it before it breaks you.

Enjoy!

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DO IT

October 8, 2014

Some years ago, God gave me an idea which I delayed doing for a while. On a certain Friday, that is like three weeks after the conception of the idea, I concluded I was going to execute the following Monday. However, on the following day which is a Saturday, I was just driving around when I saw a very big signpost advertising the idea I was still planning. I felt like hitting the signpost. I couldn’t forgive myself for a very long period of time. I then realized that many of us are like that, we procrastinate a lot even when we have God’s go at something, and as a result, we end up losing out.

God’s agenda for man is transformation, which is why someone said whenever God drops an idea in you, there are like nine other people that God has given same idea to. The person to take it serious and execute with a sense of urgency while following God’s timing becomes the one that would be celebrated. Sometimes ago, I was in a car with some set of people and I sensed the urge in my spirit to share the gospel of Christ with them but I kept waiting for the perfect moment. Suddenly, one other guy just opened his mouth and started sharing Jesus with us all.

I felt very bad knowing that each time there is something to be done that would lead to the transformation of man and it is not done, I am depriving myself of the reward that is attached to doing it. I understand that, sometimes you might want to ensure your game plan is foolproof, but my personal advice is that you don’t because of that delay the execution. I am sure you have heard the saying that delay could be dangerous. Isaac could have decided to hold on with planting considering there was famine but he didn’t because he knew that when God is involved, failure isn’t an option.

Be sensitive!

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DREAM BIG

October 7, 2014

Someone said if you don’t have a dream, then you don’t have any expectation. In the event that you now have someone like Bill Gates as your biological father, I am certain your dreams would make other little friend of yours feel intimidated because you would want to play it big because your father is big. Right? It becomes very easy for me to dream of becoming a governor if my father is a kingmaker in the state where I want to contest.

As believers, we have a loving Father whose wish above all things is that we prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers. To crown it all, we have a Father who has the heaven and the earth in His hands. As a matter of truth, Bible says that with our Father, ALL things are possible. In order words, no matter how big your dream is, you have a Father who can make it come to pass.

That your dream is not coming to pass is not because God cannot make it come to pass, it is because you don’t believe enough. The moment Peter saw Jesus walking on waters, he dreamt it and as long as he believed the word of Jesus that he should come, he started walking on waters but the moment his “beliefometer” reading dropped, he started sinking. Maybe your dream is so big, it gets you scared sometimes, don’t thrash it, trust in the power of the Almighty to help you.

It is a crime or maybe an act of stupidity and mediocrity to ask for a bicycle on your birthday when your father happens to make airplanes. God is interested in showing His mightiness through you and I, but He cannot do anything without you asking (Jas 4:2). That dream of yours can and will happen if and only if you will just believe that God is able to do all things.

Your big dreams will come to pass because you have a very big God.

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GOD LOVES YOU

October 6, 2014

Naturally, no father would ever love a disobedient child. You can imagine having a child that is always going about town causing trouble and breaking people’s head, whereas his father happens to be a lawyer or medical doctor. However, our heavenly Father has a different perspective. As a matter of truth, He is more interested in people who have one flaw or the other. I do tell people that God is interested in people with a messy life to show them His unimaginable mercy.

I am always thrilled each time I read the story of the woman that was caught in the middle of adultery. When the accusers brought her to Christ, they didn’t bring the partner she was committing the adultery with (after all, one person cannot commit adultery without a partner). When Jesus saw her, He was moved with compassion immediately and told the accusers to stone her if and only if they have never sinned. (John 8) This goes to show that no matter how dirty you might think you are, or people think you are, Christ loves you that way.

On another occasion, Jesus was seen eating in the house of a tax collector. Ordinarily, tax collectors were seen as dubious and chronic sinners but because Jesus has said that He has not come to call the righteous but to bring sinners to repentance, he never bothered whether he was eating food made from bribe money. May I tell you that God doesn’t hate you, He only hates the sin you are meddling with. Never forget that you are the reason why Christ died, so if God hates you, it means the horrible death of His only begotten Son would be in vain which is “impossicant”.

God is not interested in you dying a sinner. Scripture says the entire heaven rejoices whenever a single soul comes to repentance. The loving arms of Christ are wide opened, don’t leave them hanging. Embrace the love of Christ.

Peace be with y’all.

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STAND YOUR GROUND

October 5, 2014

Can you imagine what an unemployed and desperate young woman would do, if asked by an employer during the final stage of a job interview to sleep with him? I tell you sir, it takes the grace of God for that woman not to do it especially considering she needs the job and come to think of it, no one would know. On a daily basis, we are always faced with circumstances that would require we stand our ground in God or shift base especially as related to our personal or spiritual values.

A young man by the name Esau in Gen 25 came back home one day from the farm famished, he was almost fainting. Suddenly, he saw his younger brother with some red pottage garnished with correct crayfish. Before he could be given a small portion, he had to sell his birth right to his younger brother. This wasn’t something he wished to do, but because of the situation he found himself, he had to shift base and that did cost him his future. Peter promised to be with Jesus no matter what but when he saw death face to face, he denied the master.

On the other hand, in Gen 39, a young man with good prospect was presented with a so called juicy opportunity when the wife of the most powerful man in Egypt – Potiphar asked him to sleep with her. He knew that if he slept with her, he would be highly placed in the palace and well respected but he said, “because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” For Joseph, as much as he would have loved to have the queen as his sugar mummy and godmother, the fear of God in him made him stand his ground.

No matter what you are faced with, do not compromise with sin. Temptation will come but remember God has given you enough strength to stand your ground.

Remain blessed!

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MONEY COMETH NOW - 2

October 4, 2014

Like I clearly pointed out, most of the people that are busy running after money most times end up not having as much as they desire. This might want to make some people think that sitting on the same spot, waiting for that day that heaven would rain down money is a sure way to get rich. Personally, I have discovered that there is a principle that makes making money easier and faster which is becoming a problem solver.

Praying morning, afternoon and night might not bring you wealth, but I tell you sir that anyone (whether righteous or unrighteous) that consciously solves the problem of others would NEVER lack money. Biblically, Joseph amassed great wealth for himself and Pharaoh by solving the problem of hunger for the inhabitants of Egypt and other neighboring countries. The Bible records it that even when the people had no money, they had to give their lands in exchange for the solution that Joseph had to their problem.

Money sir/ma, is not always a free gift but it is always a reward for a service rendered. There are various issues around your community, state, country and even continent. The odds are that for someone close to you to have such problem, it means there are still some other people you don’t know who have same problem. The one that takes the initiative to solve that problem becomes the one that would be rewarded with money and more money. Dominos solved the problem of home delivery of pizza and today, the brand is fast expanding.

You can now do your shopping without leaving the comfort of your homes and offices through online stores. They are solving your problem and in turn making their money. Scripture says give and it shall be given unto you. If you refuse to give, you will never get. The more solution to human problems you give out, the more profit (pressed down, shaken together and running over) you will get.

Be wise!

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MONEY COMETH NOW

October 3, 2014

The biggest lie anyone can ever tell you is that money matters isn’t a big matter. Sir, from experience, the issue of money is a very big one. There are countless numbers of marriages that have been shattered because of money. Money issues have opened the door of the prison to many bright young men than other crimes. Many have compromised their faith because of cash. Many beautiful women have sold out their glory on the platform of prostitution because of money. Friendships and relationships break more because of money issues than any other kind of issue.

I am sure you have heard the word of God that money answers all things. (Ecc 10:19) As carnal as that might sound, it is the truth sir. When I hear people “downtalk” money, I always ask them, “Why are you seeking for a job that pays very well?” As believers, we need to understand that money is not a problem, what God warned us against is the love of money. Wouldn’t you give more offering if you were richer? As a result of that, wouldn’t your church be able to do more outreaches? Don’t you think when that happens, more souls would come to Christ and the bigger the rejoicing in heaven.

Sir, what happens if you pay the tuition of that neighbor’s child and then invite him and his family to meet your Provider? He would never think twice before following you. Money is looking for right hands to enter. People who would use it to build the kingdom of God and demolish club houses. People who would use it to put smiles on the faces of people. People who would use it to better the lives of others. May I tell you that people who run after money never get it but when you seek first the kingdom of God (promoting the kingdom with your resources), every other thing (money inclusive) will be added to you.

Selah!

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ENJOYING THE SUPERNATURAL

October 2, 2014

God’s desire is for you and I is to live a life that is beyond what every other normal person out there experiences. His desire for you is to live a life that is beyond what people of the world experiences, it is a desire for you to daily experience the supernatural power of God. Supernatural means superior to the natural. It is natural for a woman to give birth but supernatural for a sixty years old woman to give birth.

In this last quarter of 2014, may I tell you that what God has in stock for you are things that are beyond human comprehension or forecast. As a matter of truth, they are beyond your own imagination. When the supernatural begins to happen, you suddenly turn to a superhuman so much that people start asking you to take them to your God. However, it is worthy of note that for you to enjoy the supernatural, you have a role to play. It is like owning a weapon of mass destruction, you need to program it before it can work as designed.

What am I to do to provoke and enjoy the supernatural? Your faith is the activation button for the supernatural to begin in your life. When God asked His people to walk round the wall of Jericho, as awkward as it sounded, if they had refused to do it, the wall would never have fallen. When Jesus asked the ushers at that wedding in Cana to start serving the “water”, had they refused to serve, the water might not have turned to wine. When the prophet told Naaman to go wash himself in that dirty stinking river, had he refused to go, he would have died a leper.

Faith doesn’t always make sense but the product always make lot of sense which is why Jesus said with your faith, you can move mountains. If you want to enjoy the supernatural this season, you need to be a man/woman of faith.

Keep soaring!

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ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

October 1, 2014

If there is one sin that most of us consciously and unconsciously commit, it is the sin of ingratitude. It starts with our daily meals, majority of us do not even take few seconds to just give thanks to God for the food we have to eat forgetting that some people do not have to eat while some have to eat but cannot eat. We are always like a little child that his mother’s friend gave him an orange. The boy’s mother asked him, “What do you say to her?” The boy thought about it for a while and then said to the woman that gave her the orange, “Peel it.”

We are in an Oliver Twist era. We always want more which is why when we want something and it seems not to be forthcoming, discouragement and frustration becomes the order of the day. What we always forget to remember is that the things we now have are among the same set of things we once hoped for. As believers, we should be grateful each day because it is a commandment from Christ when He said in all things give thanks. For a child of God, thankfulness is not a festive thing, it is a daily task.

Shift your focus from what you do not have, start focusing on the things you have. That is the secret of happiness. You might not have what you wish to have but you now have what you never had before – things are changing. Do you know some people wish they could have what you have no matter how terrible you think it is? Remember some are in the prison wrongfully, but you are not. Some buy oxygen just to breathe but you get it for free. Be glad you can buy used clothes, some haven’t seen N200 for weeks and some are walking naked around town.

Be grateful always because it is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature.

Happy New Month and Happy Independence Nigeria!

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PLAN YOUR WORK, WORK YOUR PLAN

September 30, 2014

We have all heard the saying that he who fails to plan is planning to fail. A house plan, no matter how beautifully crafted it is will remain a piece of drawing until it is used in building a real house. Majority of us plan, but just few of us do the plan. Newton’s first law of motion says that when viewed in an inertial reference frame, an object either remains at rest or continues to move at a constant velocity, unless acted upon by an external force. Simply put, no plan works unless worked.

When Jesus started His ministry, the aim was and is still to bring the lost back to the Father. To actualize that, He recruited people to help and in Luke 10, the Bible records it that Jesus sent them out two by two to go evangelize. He worked the plan and in the end, the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name (Luke 10:17). If every believer were to accomplish what they said they were going to do, our community would be filled with change agents, happy people and billionaires.

Many people get frustrated because they have very wonderful plans but nothing is happening because they have forgotten that no car moves unless you move it. What are your plans for 2014? Group into four places (per quarter) especially using the time of execution as a basis. Break each quarter’s plan into monthly activities. Break even further the monthly activities into weekly goals and then transfer the weekly goals into your daily to-do list. Most importantly, review, reflect and rejoice over your victories for the day. This way you would not only be planning your work, you would be working your plan and your way to the land of greatness and prosperity.

Prov 21:5 says, “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. (NLT)

Remember knowledge knows, wisdom does!

Be wise!

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DIVINE REVELATION

September 29, 2014

I remember when we were in the college, I hated Chemistry as a subject but each time we were preparing for examinations, a classmate of ours who happened to be a brother to our Chemistry teacher would come to class and tell us Areas of Concentration. Concentrating on those areas made my Chemistry journey in the college smooth. The guy became my best friend. Suddenly, our Chemistry teacher was transferred to another school. I am sure you can conclude the story by yourself and please don’t ask me what I was scoring after then.

Knowing there is road block somewhere would mean that when other road users face traffic jam, you won’t. When you know what others don’t know, you end up struggling less than them. And the thing is that the ministry of making believers know what is in stock for them is the work of the Holy Spirit. Remember the scripture says God daily loads us with benefits (Psa 68:19). In order words, on a daily basis, there are things in stock for you but you will never know them using your physical senses because no man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:11).

Jesus said when the Holy Spirit comes (which He has) that He will show us things to come. That then means that we as believers should never be confused as to what to do or where to go because God is not the author of confusion and Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (1 Cor 2:12). Sir, health, wisdom, wealth, joy, peace, fruitfulness, success, salvation, etc are things that God has freely given to us, but I tell you, we will not know we are entitled to these things without the Revealer – the Holy Spirit.

Selah!

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KEEP AT IT

September 28, 2014

It could be pretty frustrating when one is investing one’s energy and resources into something and no result seem to be forthcoming. In that kind of situation, morale gets dampened and the energy to continue fades away. You can imagine telling someone who has been writing a particular professional exam for years without no headway to keep writing it, if he/she doesn’t curse you, then it probably means he/she is a true believer. A Yoruba adage says whatever God has put in your frying pan, you’d better continue frying it.

Greatness is mostly not a product of hard work alone, ‘cos if it is, then gravediggers and wheel barrow pushers would be named one of the greatest people on earth. Scripturally, greatness is a product of obedience and obedience is doing what you have been asked to do for as long as you have you been asked to do it. Isa 1:19 says, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” When you look at the story of David, he kept going to the bush every day to fend for his father’s flocks even when it was not convenient. I guess God saw some traits of obedience and perseverance in him, which was why He chose him above his other folks.

Sometimes, some very heavy and challenging challenges would arise, but always remember the word of God concerning you that, “He will be to you a father!” And no father forsakes his child. No one ever said it is going to be easy. Even Jesus had it a bit rough but in spite of all, he kept preaching and healing because he knew his reward was in obeying the ultimate command. Do what the clock does, no matter what is going on, the clock keeps going on. Winston Churchill said, “If you are going through hell, keep going.”

Matt 24:13 says, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Remain lifted!

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WALK IN VICTORY

September 27, 2014

If there is one song that is always sweet to sing, it is the song of victory or triumph. The singer sings with all his/her energy. May I tell you that God wants you to live a life of victory which was why He gave that mandate in Gen 1:28? Don’t get me wrong, you will face trials and temptations and challenges of diverse shapes and sizes, but remember the scripture says rejoice because Jesus has overcome on your behalf. The only issue is that due to lack of knowledge, many of us are going about walking in defeat.

The word of God contains records of the victories you as a believer have in Christ. When you spend time studying the Bible, you will discover the power of God’s Word. In the book of Matthew we read the account of Jesus being tempted by the devil. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert where he fasted for forty days and forty nights and he was hungry. He was at his physical and emotional weakest point. That was when the devil came to tempt Him. This goes to tell you that devil will always come to test you during your weakest period.

Rather than argue or debate with the devil, Jesus simply quoted God’s Word because God’s Word is Truth and the devil cannot deny the Truth or overcome it. Three times Jesus replied, “It is written” and then quoted the word of God. In order to walk in total victory, we must embrace the word of God. I tell people that the word on the inside of you would determine the extent to which situations and circumstances in this world will obey you. As a believer, to walk in victory, you must be an addicted student of the word of God. It will help you know your rights and claim them.

Without the word of God on the inside of you, you are an empty vessel.

Load up!

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IT’S NOT OVER YET – 3

September 26, 2014

Sometimes looking at the magnitude of what we are going through, we just want to throw in the towel and say, “I give up!” But I have come to understand that challenges would arise, even the scripture says the righteous falls seven times but he rises up again, so as believers we need to also understand that greater and stronger is the One in us than whatever issue we are facing which is why it can NEVER be over for a believer until he/she sings for joy.

The scripture says after death is judgment but Lazarus’ case received divine exemption because it was not over yet. Everyone thought it was over for Daniel when he was thrown into the lion’s den, but God didn’t say it was. Nebuchadnezzar thought it would be over for Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego, but God said it wasn’t over. Job’s wife thought it was over and encouraged her husband to curse God and die, but the Lord didn’t say it was over. Many would have though Sarah would die barren but God didn’t give up on her. Sir, it isn’t over until God says It’s over!

I don’t care how hard you have been knocked down, I have come to tell you today that you are coming back up stronger and better. Your case isn’t closed until resolved. Your matter isn’t abandoned until you matter in this world. There is hope for you. It will never be over until you come out victorious. Keep the faith alive. Don’t give up on yourself. Don’t even dare give up on God. God is not done with you yet. The final whistle isn’t sounding until you win. I don’t know WHAT the future holds...but I state with complete certainty that I know WHO holds the future and because you are alive and reading this, it is not over yet! You are coming out! You are getting back up! You are rising up again!

SHOUT – “IT IS NOT OVER UNTIL I WIN!”

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ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

September 25, 2014

I understand the fact that sometimes, looking at our current circumstances, it might be pretty difficult to accept the fact that all things are possible. In the book of Luke chapter 1, an angel appeared unto a priest (Zacharias) to inform him that his wife was going to bear him a son. This was too much for Zacharias to bear especially going by the fact he was an old man and the wife was way past menopause. Ordinarily, one would have expected that as a priest, he should have stronger belief, but he was a man like you and I and that goes to tell you that the sizes of our issues and challenges sometimes makes us forget the size of our God and what He can do.

In the book of 2Kings7, a prophet issued a decree that “To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.” The then Minister of Finance of Samaria, looked at the man of God and said “Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?” In order words, he was saying that it was impossible. I can understand the man’s concern. It is like someone waking up in the middle of somewhere in Lagos, Nigeria and saying that by this time tomorrow, a bag of rice would sell for N1,000. I am sure even the person’s wife or folks would find it hard to believe. But, that you do not believe it, does not mean it is impossible.

It was impossible for man to walk on waters until Peter did it. It was impossible for a widow to conceive until Mary did. It was impossible to feed 5000 souls with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes until Jesus did. Sir, the devil will tell you it is impossible but with God, all things are possible.

JUST BELIEVE!

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SELFLESSNESS

                                                               September 24, 2014

In most discussions, requests, applications and all sorts, the undertone is always of, “this is what I want.” Someone said success is not measured by how much money you make but how many people you touched with your life. Steve Jobs of blessed memory is still touching the lives of millions all over the world through the Apple brands and in return they are making more money. I have discovered that one secret of getting blessed and rich faster and sustainably in life is through the act of selflessness.

Going through the journey of Jesus Christ on planet earth as recorded in the New Testament, you would realize that most times, Jesus was always asking people, “what do you want?” When He gave the two blind men in Mat 20:29-34 what they wanted (their sights), He never had to preach to them to follow Him. Verse 34 says the moment they received their sight, they followed Him. Ordinarily, when you help people get what they want, 99% of the times, they would be willing to help you get what you also desire.

When the widow in 2 Kings 17:8-15 made that meal for the prophet, scripture records it that throughout the time of famine in that land, she and her home never hungered. I am sure you know that if she had being selfish, she would eat it and die. Selflessness is an act of service unto humanity which in turn rewards you with greatness, prosperity and honor. Being selfless means you are not just going about with the mentality of me, myself and I, but your antennas are always searching for SOS signals so you could be of help.

Do you want to be great? Be selfless! Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness,” and when that is done, the windows of heaven will be opened and all your desires would be met. Remember to get, you have to first give (Luke 6:38).

Be sensitive!

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ENDURANCE

September 23, 2014

One of the traits that a believer should have is endurance – ability to patiently wait. But what we have found out is that it is uncommon among believers of nowadays as with non-believers. We all have a particular timeframe we can endure for, after which we end up giving up forgetting that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Endurance is one of the ingredients of faith because if you cannot patiently wait while trusting God for that which you have asked for, you might end up taking some wrong steps and ending up in the wrong place.

When God said to Abram in Gen 12 that He would bless him and enlarge his coast and all, one thing Abram did was to endure till the fulfillment of those wonderful promises of God concerning him. Heb 6:15 says, “And so, after he (Abram) had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Had he rushed, he would have ended up missing out on the promise. Job was also a perfect example of someone who exhibited endurance. Even when his wife came to him that he should curse God and die, he never did. He endured those times of pain and in the end, the part 2 of his life was more colorful that the part 1.

Rom 8:18 says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” A woman lying on the bed in the delivery room endures the pain till the baby comes out, no matter how painful it is, because she knows that the harvest would outweigh the pain. Jesus endured the cross for the glory sake and now He’s referred to as the Savior of the world (Heb 12:2). Never ever think of giving up now, because the glory that is ahead of you is far greater than the pain and trouble you have gone/going through.

Keep on keeping on!

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THE GUIDE

September 22, 2014

Have you ever seen a genuine blind beggar (Not the ones that would claim they are blind and when you give them torn currency, they would tell you it is not nice to give a beggar torn money)? You would always see someone like a guide with him/her. The guide is the one that dictates to the blind man where they need to go, to make good income and when to go based on the research he would have done. The blind man would follow the guide even if they were entering a well because he trusts that the guide has got his back.

As believers, we have a Guide that is unmatchable in power, wisdom and knowledge. That is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can help the single person make the right choice of a life partner. The Holy Spirit can help the housewife cook the meal that the husband has been dreaming of all through the day. The Holy Spirit can help the businessman know which office to enter with what proposal that will change his life forever. Isa 30:21 says, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Open your ears to Him!

One of my mentors once said that if the Holy Spirit says go this way, and it is clear it is a wall without any door, he would not hesitate because it means there is going to be a way there. As long as you rely on your own wisdom, you will be limited, but when you completely depend on your Guide – the Holy Spirit, you will be unlimited and unstoppable because He knows the end from the beginning.

One sure way to be guided is by reading the word of God. God’s word guides us into what God has prepared for us. You can mishear but you can never misread.

Enjoy divine guidance this week!

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HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT IT?

September 21, 2014

Many of us want some things as long as it comes cheap which is why if it is taking too long a time and too much of our strength, we easily just give up and start looking for another option. Many times I have heard people say to me, “I want this thing like yesterday,” but their attitude would be saying, “I don’t mind having this thing in like five years’ time.” I am sure you would agree with me that everyone would know if truly you want something as much as you want it.

In Mark 10:46-52, there is a story of a blind man named Bartimaeus who also happened to be a beggar (I guess that’s why most blind people beg for alms). This man’s desire was to receive his sight and the moment he heard that Jesus was in town, scripture says he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” At a point, the crowd around asked him to keep quiet and stop disturbing the peace of the community, but the more they asked him to stop, the more he shouted because he wanted it so much. Finally, Jesus heard his cry and he received his sight. If he had shut up, maybe he would have died a blind beggar. Your cry for help will attract the attention of heaven this day in Jesus Name. Amen!

Let me ask you this, that sole important desire of yours, how much do you want it? Do you want it as much as you need air to breathe? Do you want it as much as you need your two eyes? I am sure you have heard that where there is a will, there is a way. If you truly want that desire, then keep pushing the buttons, keep pressing forward, keep asking, keep waiting, keep knocking, keep seeking and keep persevering.

Sincerely, I tell you that, you are too close to the finish line to give up.

Remain blessed!

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START SMALL

September 20, 2014

This is an age where everyone wants to make it big. The undergraduate wants to drive a Range Rover Sport; the newly employed guy wants to climb the corporate ladder as fast as possible; the guy learning how to drive wants to start doing stunts with the car immediately. We are so much in a hurry to become big that we hardly want to start small. Sometimes, we see starting small as a mediocrity which in actual sense is not.  I am sure you have at one time or the other heard the saying that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

It is not a crime to want to make it big, I also want desire greatness, but what I’m starting to notice more and more, is that great things almost always start small. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “God changes us from one degree of glory to another,” i.e. one step at a time, allowing us to only deal with what we can currently handle while the potential to grow never stops. Zech 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (NLT)

Don’t feel bad starting small, as a matter of truth, feel good about it because the scripture says in Job 8:7 that, “Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.” Our Lord and Savior Jesus was not scared of starting small. He started with just twelve disciples, from there they became seventy, then five hundred, then three thousand, then five thousand and now we are innumerable. If Jesus had decided to wait for a time when there would be millions to start with, maybe the number of believers on earth today won’t be this much.

May I tell you that small is now the new big and not that anything is wrong with big, but big has to start somewhere. So THINK BIG, but don’t be afraid to START SMALL.

Enjoy your weekend!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

ONE MORE SHOT!

September 19, 2014

One thing that easily frustrates is when trying to do something and results seem not to be coming as expected. I can imagine someone who has been trying to secure an admission into a university for more than three to four years without no headway, that person would easily want to just forget about what he wants and go for what is available, so that he could stop wasting his own time.

But when you look at the game of basketball, you would see that when a player loses a shot, he goes for a rebound as many times as possible. Even when a team is losing, they never walk out of the court, they all keep shooting and going for rebound with the HOPE that some, if not all of those shots would produce the result they need. In life, we have all heard it that quitters don’t win and winners don’t quit, in order words, if you want to ever be successful, as much as it seems not to be working, give it one more shot!

After Peter had gone through a time of fruitless toiling for more than eight hours (the scripture says all through the night). He must have cast the net for more than a hundred times, but then Jesus told him, cast your net again. Peter did accordingly even though he had some reservations, but the scripture records it that the harvest of that day was so much that his net started tearing apart. (Luke 5:5-7)

The woman with the issue of blood had given it countless number of shots (she has visited physicians, magicians etc) and she could have decided to just die with the sickness but she instead gave it one more shot by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment which was the shot that set her free. Friends, give that exam one more shot, give that marriage one more shot, give that business one more shot, because I believe that the next shot would score you a goal.

Keep shooting!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong