BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

November 9, 2014

Have you noticed that human beings find it very easy to stand in the presence of someone far below them in all ramifications and not be afraid, but when we stand in the presence of somebody “higher” than us, we get uncomfortable? Inferiority complex sets in. In school, we tend to keep quiet because we don’t want to say things that would be off-point. People don’t believe in themselves anymore.

Self-limitation is like the order of the day. But I have seen that there may be significant differences between animals and humans, but all human beings have virtually the same inbuilt potentials. When God was going to make humans, He said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” (Gen 1:26) NO DIFFERENCE!

Jesus said in Luke 7:28 that, “For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Don’t you get it? You are not an ordinary being. You are not a nonentity, you have greatness deposited in you greater than the one John displayed. You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light? (1 Pet 2:9)

You carry God in you. As a matter of truth you are a god, because if a lion would only birth a lion, it means the child of God is a god. (Psa 82:6) Don’t’ die like ordinary men, believe the power of God on the inside of you because YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS YOU!

Keep shining!

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THINK AGAIN

November 8, 2014

The most natural thing for anyone to say whenever we are denied something is, “It is because I do not know anyone in that company.” So many kings and queens are dying as slaves because they are busy complaining that there is no one to help them. Many believers have been on the same spot for years because they are waiting for someone to move them from where they are to where they desire to be.

Each time I read the story of that man by the pool of Bethesda in John 5, I feel angry in my spirit. This man was by a pool of water waiting for healing for solid thirty eight years, yet nothing happened. Why couldn’t the man make the water his permanent abode such that whenever the water got troubled, he would be the first to be healed? The worst part of it was when Jesus got there and asked him, “Wilt thou be made whole?” The man said, “Lord, I don’t have anyone to help me.”

Sir, many of us are still waiting for a man to help us and as a result of that we are limiting God. Some are busy crying and complaining they have no one to help them out of the shackles of pain and shame they are in, forgetting that there is a God who rules over the affairs of men, in whose hands is the heart of kings. As a result of this mentality of “I don’t have anyone to help me,” many children of the MOST HIGH are living the lowest life. Let me shock you, Bible says, “Vain is the help of man.” No wonder the man spent 38 years waiting for human help and none showed up.

The king told that woman in 1 Kings 6, “If the LORD does not help thee, whence shall I help thee?” If you think you don’t have anyone to help you, sir/ma, think again, you are looking in the wrong direction.

Remain blessed!

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UNTHINKABLE

November 7, 2014

When something is unthinkable, it means unimaginable, inconceivable and in most cases impossible. For example it is unimaginable to have a pure lion give birth to a chicken. A king doesn’t have to beg for honor. By the virtue of his position and throne, irrespective of his age, you just must respect him even if you are older than him, and in some cases this act of respect includes prostrating for him. As believers, there are some things that are just unthinkable because of our divine nature.

In Acts 28:1-6, Apostle Paul was trying to gather firewood when a viper came out and fastened on his hand. The moment the people around saw him, they started counting down to the time that Paul would swell up and die. But the longer they waited, the healthier the Apostle became. In the end, they changed their minds and called Paul a god. It was unthinkable for Paul to die of snake bite because Psa 91:13 says, “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.”

As a believer, it is unthinkable to be begging for food. Sir, Jesus never begged and can never beg for food, He fed 5000 people using 5 loaves of bread and 2 pieces of fish. Can you imagine Jesus on an interview seat and they tell Him, “sorry, no vacancy!” How? Can you imagine Jesus having a shop and then no one is buying? Can you imagine Jesus looking for someone to introduce Him to someone to help Him? NO! You were created in the image and likeness of God, so whatever couldn’t stop Jesus shouldn’t stop you if only you have the right mindset. You are a royal priesthood and a chosen generation.

Think right. Your mentality matters. You cannot think like a slave and act like a king. Php 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Why? Because, “As a man thinks, so he is.”

Keep shining!

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HANG ON

November 6, 2014

Have you ever tried making a long distance telephone call or tried calling your satellite TV customer care centre and then the operator tells you to hang on. In some very frustrating cases, the hanging on phase might last for more than five minutes. While hanging on, you start hearing some uninteresting songs or commercials. However, no matter how long it takes the operator before getting someone to talk to you, you keep hanging on, and then finally, someone listens to your complaints and fixes them. Once that is done, irrespective of how long it takes or how much you spend, you become happy.

I understand the economic situation of the nation isn’t anything to write home about but remember when waiting for an operator, most times, the longer the wait has taken, the closer you are to getting through to someone. Your business might not be doing well, your home might be experiencing some challenges, your career might be having issues and you are faced with the option of just giving up. Sir/ma, you can either throw in the towel or use the towel to wipe those tears and sweats away.  Everything will be okay, and I tell you that if it’s not yet okay, it’s not yet the end.

Winston Churchill said, “If you are going through hell, keep going.” Don’t let go of that dream all because it is not coming to pass yet. Don’t give up on your health yet all because healing hasn’t come. Don’t think it is over for you because things seem not to be working out fine. God is still on the line attending to your case, so please don’t hang up yet, keep hanging on, you are next in line for a miracle. Remember He said in His words that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Just don’t give up, God will soon lift you out of that pit and up to the top according to His will in Jesus Name. Amen!

Stay lifted!

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KNOWING GOD’S WILL

November 5, 2014

Many, if not all of us have asked the question of what the will of God for our life is. Many have attended series of seminars, read books, did some magic finger thing, went for counselling and all, but it’s still looking like they haven’t gotten the answer they desire. This now makes us see the will of God as some sort of vague, cloudy thing. Permit me to say that Satan is the one who wants us to be confused, directionless and ineffective because our God is not the author of confusion.

First, you have to make sure you are seeking to obey God’s general will already revealed in the scripture. This is one area where we mostly get it wrong. It doesn’t really work to ignore God’s revealed will but expect God to answer that specific question of what He wants you to do. 99% of what God wants you to do in your life is spelled out in His word. This includes obeying your parents (Matt 15:4), giving thanks to God always (1 Th 5:18), abstaining from fornication (1 Th 4:3), etc.  God’s will for your life starts here. Rick Warren said in the Purpose Driven Life that, “It’s not about you.” Life is about God.

It then means if we are serious about knowing and following God’s will, we have to recognize that it’s not about getting what we want, but doing what God asks. We must trust that He is faithful and good and that whatever He asks us to do is the best for us. We shouldn’t forget that that whatever God’s word instructs us to do are the things God created us to do. We have heard it countless times that God’s word is God’s will, so it is wise to just get busy studying and doing the word knowing that, His word illuminates our paths.

If it contradicts the word of God, it is not the will of God!

Keep shining!

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BE STILL

November 4, 2014

Sometimes when we see the challenges before us, we feel like breaking down and just running away to a place where challenges and problems don’t exist. Unfortunately, I don’t think such a place exists ‘cos Jesus told us in John 16:33b that, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” But it is hard to remain calm and still when these tribulations come. How on earth would you remain calm and still when the landlord is raining down brimstones on you ‘cos you haven’t paid your rent?

When the children of Israel left Egypt and were faced with the red sea, they all became dejected and sad. Because they were sandwiched by the Egyptians and the red sea, they started fidgeting and some were even crying. Some told Moses, “Chairman, what is your stress? Did anyone tell you graves are scarce in Egypt, or why did you decide to come bury us in the red sea? Didn’t we tell you that you should leave us alone in Egypt? Wouldn’t it have been better to keep serving the Egyptians than dying horribly?” Exo 14:10-12

But when you read verse 13, Moses remained calm. He was sure of the power of God that even before God told him what to do, he already told the children of Israel in verses 13 and 14, “Guys, stay calm, God’s got this!” When you know you have a godfather behind you, no matter the trouble you are facing, you remain calm knowing someone is going to have it fixed. The King of kings is your GodFather. His word in Psa 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

He said in Isa 43:2 that, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

No matter what you are going through, be still and just trust God, He will fix it up for you.

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BE PATIENT

November 3, 2014

Patience is one very scarce virtue these days because most of us are on the fast lane. To cook beans some years ago, one had to be very patient, if not, you would be eating undone beans, but it is a different story today, with all the pressure pots here and there, it becomes pretty fast to cook it. We all want the good things of life the microwave way. As much as desiring good things of life isn’t bad, the ones desiring must exercise patience.

When I was in the village, one of the lessons I learnt is of patience. Whenever we planted, we would weed almost anytime we see weeds germinating. We would also do scarecrow to send away birds and some other animals from eating the harvest. After much patience, the harvest would be ready and the profit would start rolling in. James 5:7b says, “Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.”

1 Tim 6:11b says, “Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” One of the fruits of the Spirit is patience. Heb 6:12 says, “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Father Abraham obtained the promise of God through patience. We are people of faith, but note that faith isn’t in a hurry because it knows that no matter what, God is going to have it sorted. In most cases, it is fear that brings impatience by making us assume if it doesn’t happen now, it might never happen again.

Sir, faithful and just is the God who promised you favor, honor, promotion, healing, salvation, forgiveness of sins, joy unspeakable, wealth unlimited, fruits of the womb, bone of your bone, protection and all, but you must know that patience is an expression of faith in God’s ability to bring to pass those things He has promised.

Always remember that shortcuts cuts short!

Keep shining!

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ALWAYS AVAILABLE

November 2, 2014

When you have wealthy or highly placed people as friends or relatives, the moment anything springs up that might want to bring shame, the natural thing we do is to quickly place a call to the person or run to his house/office. But from experience, sometimes you get to the person’s house or office and you are told that he/she isn’t available. You try reaching the person through the mobile phone and it’s either he/she isn’t picking the call or the number is not available.

But I know of a God whose level of availability is beyond description. A doctor could tell you he has a certain consulting hour, but the God I am talking about doesn’t have such. His word in Jer 33:3a says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee.” In other words, anytime you call, He will answer. When Moses called on Him in Exo 14 in the middle of the night, He never said He was off duty or sleeping or not available, Bible records it that He answered him speedily and showed him what he needed to do. No wonder the psalmist in Psa 121:4 said, “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”

No matter how powerful your prophet or herbalist might be, he can only attend to one person at a time. But Jehovah is so dynamic that whether you are in Germany or in Kuwait, crying for His help, He is available. Irrespective of the language you are using or the time, He is listening. He created the languages and even has the times in His hands. Psa 55:17 says, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.”

Isa 30:19b says, “He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.” Stop making God your last resort. He is your present help in times of trouble.

Remain blessed!

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STILL STANDING

November 1, 2014

Recently I participated in a football tournament in my office and while we were playing our last match, I fell and hit my head on the ground so loud that our goalkeeper was almost calling for the ambulance. Someone started pouring water on my head and I assume some other people were silently praying for me. After about few minutes, I stood up. There was no bleeding and no headache even after few days.

The following day, I replayed the entire scenario in my head and I wondered what would have happened if there was a stone where I fell or I broke my neck. Friends, our God deserves our praise all the time. Millions that saw October are no more today, but here you are still standing. The scripture says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Th 5:18) Even though you might not have that job yet, sir, you are not begging for food on the street neither are you eating from the refuse bin.

I can understand how it feels wearing same shirt, trouser, skirt, shoes, etc., since the beginning of 2014 without any new addition. But wait a minute, does a mad man ever bother about wearing new clothes? Does it matter what kind of brand a prisoner is wearing? Does a cancer patient on the sick bed worry himself about buying new clothes? Ma, when there is life, there is hope, please celebrate God that you are even alive and free. Many of your mates have gone. Don’t forget that the grave cannot praise God, death cannot celebrate Him: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for His truth (Isa 38:18).

For a moment, please stop bombarding God with your needs and inadequacies, and just praise Him that you are still standing. Praise Him you can talk. Praise Him you can even think right. If the breath of life is in you today, please celebrate God.

Hallelujah!

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COMMANDING AUDIENCE – 2

October 31, 2014

Sometimes you wonder why some speakers who charge so much for their events get even more audience than those whose events are free. Like we all say, time is life, but like I do say, time is life, as such, no one is ready to waste his/her time listening to just anyone or anything. It then means that for anyone to really get people’s attention, it not a joke – it is serious business. Asides knowing God and gaining more experience, I’d like to share some other things you can do such that when you say hello, multitudes respond.

Third thing is the relevance of your experience. Fela Durotoye once said, “It is not what you can say that matters, it is what people can do with what you say that matters.” People followed Jesus everywhere because He had the solution to their problems. Years back, forex teachers had their events packed full because forex was trending, everyone wanted to make extra income from it. Don’t just gather experience, gather the right experience. An experienced Nokia 3310 repairer would sure lack customers in this our time.

When Joseph was to be brought out from the prison to go display his expertise before Pharaoh, Bible records it in Gen 41:14 (MSG) that Joseph cut his hair, put on clean clothes, and then appeared before Pharaoh. Sir, that goes to tell you that you cannot dress like a suspect and expect to be treated like a prospect. You cannot command the audience of kings dressing like a slave. Before people hear you talk, they would have seen how you are dressed. Wear clean and smart clothes, iron them properly, take care of your hair, polish your shoes well and wear your colognes moderately. As a believer, you mustn’t dress shabbily because you are Christ’s representative here on earth.

Gather the right experience, package the experience by dressing well such that when you enter any office, with God on your side, you will be royally treated.

Remain lifted!

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COMMANDING AUDIENCE – 1

October 30, 2014

One universal desire of men is to be heard. The motivational speaker wants to be heard. The musician wants to be heard. The marketer needs the attention of prospects. The Radio station is tracking audience traffic. The politician is not happy when his followership isn’t much. Unfortunately, most of us have too many things to listen to on a daily basis, so we sort of screen what and who we want to listen to. However, I have seen that one could command people’s audience effortlessly provided some things are in place.

The first thing is relationships. Who you know determines who wants to get to know you. People listen to us because of who we know, which is why I always tell believers that the man that knows God has the world to himself, because the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. Even when Jesus went by boat to a deserted place, Bible says in Matt 14:13 that multitudes followed Him by foot. They never worried about the distance or the trouble of travelling by foot because they knew that Jesus is the son of the God that they needed.

Secondly, to command audience, you need to show us what you have done. Experience, especially when you have succeeded makes people, irrespective of their status want to listen to you. Donald Trump takes home about $1.5 million dollars each time he is invited to speak at any conference. People pay him this huge sum of money not because he is handsome, but because he has the experience they want to leverage on. Pharaoh demanded to hear Joseph interpret his dream because he had heard that Joseph was an experienced dream interpreter.

Daniel commanded the audience of kings because he knew God and was also experienced in the art of dream interpretation. Focus on your relationship with God and gather more experience in your chosen field and you will command audience without no stress.

Keep shining!

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TOO WISE

Each time I think about how wise humans are, it makes me wonder how wise our God is. I am sure you would agree with me that the wisdom of the creature can never be as much as that of the creator. Even though humans invent several wonderful things, God created the raw materials for humans to use in inventing. But I have seen several cases where humans are telling God through their words and actions that they are wiser, and this is one of the reasons why many believers haven’t gotten their miracles yet.

When Jesus got to Lazarus’ house and He requested that the stone be taken away from the entrance of the tomb, Martha couldn’t understand what Jesus was trying to do, she was so wise that she reasoned it within herself that the body would have started decaying since they buried him four days ago. She had forgotten that she was with the One that can make alive which was why Jesus quickly told her in verse 40 of John 11 that, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”

Many believers are too wise to just believe God for the supernatural. When Prophet Elisha issued the decree in 2 Kings 7 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.” One wise man reasoned it, analyzed the data and when he saw the decree made no sense, he said, “Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?” I don’t blame the man, he was just being human.

Friends, God is set to wonderful things for you but you need to just believe. Don’t bother analyzing or calculating or asking how, just do away with your expertise and wisdom because the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

All things are possible to him that believes.

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NO MORE CONDEMNATION – 2

October 28, 2014

It amazes me how a lawyer would know beyond reasonable doubt that an accused did truly commit the crime/offence for which he/she was charged to court for, yet the lawyer would stand in the court and defend the accused. The lawyer would speak on behalf of the accused before the judge and in some cases, the lawyer would be able to win the case and then the crime record against the accused would be discarded.

In John 8, a certain woman was brought to Jesus said to be caught in the middle of adultery. The people who brought her were well versed in the laws of Moses. They said to Jesus in verse 5, “Moses commanded us that when a woman is caught in the middle of adultery, she should be stoned. So what is your own take on this issue?” They were correct. As a matter of fact, the scripture says that the wages of sin is death. However, if they had not taken the woman to Jesus, they would have won the case, but they forgot that Jesus had already said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” So the woman was one of the people Jesus wanted to offer the free product of rest.

Despite their genuine accusation, Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” After the accusers have all left, He told the woman, I am not condemning you, but please go and sin no more. Sir/ma, there is no condemnation in Christ because God is love! When the accuser takes your confessed sin to God, Jesus steps in to defend you. 1 John 2:10 says we shouldn’t sin, but if we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, in the person of Jesus Christ pleading your case and mine before the Judge of the world.

Most importantly, depart from iniquity! IF you fall into sin, confess and repent!

Remain blessed!

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NO MORE CONDEMNATION!

October 27, 2014

Once upon a time, there were two brothers from the same family. One fateful day, the younger brother caught the elder stealing meat from the pot without their mother’s consent. The younger brother was rushing to go tell their mother when the elder brother begged him not to tell her. He went ahead and promised to do whatever the younger brother wanted. From that day henceforth, each time the mother asked the younger brother to either do the dishes or the laundry or go to the market, the elder one ended up doing it.

After few weeks of suffering and humiliation, the elder brother summoned courage and went to confess to his mother. Unknown to the little terrorist that the accused had confessed, when the mother asked him to go wash the toilet, he said the elder brother would handle it. When the elder brother objected, he threatened to reveal the hidden secret to their mother. The elder brother smiled and said, “I have told her myself, so please go get the toilet washed now!”

Many of us are going about being haunted by our past sins because the devil is always telling us we are unworthy or God is angry, and as a result we become as kings walking barefooted. God says in Isa 43:25 that, “I, even I (the Lord), am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Sir, when you sin and you say, “Lord, I am sorry,” GOD FORGIVES AND FORGETS!

Rom 10:10 says, “With the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” If you would like to give your life to Christ, pray with me, “Lord Jesus, I confess I am a sinner, please forgive me. I know You came to save me, I hereby invite you as my personal Lord and Savior. Amen!”

Congratulations, you are forgiven.

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DON’T QUIT - 2

October 26, 2014

A whole lot of time as humans, we are tempted to want to quit especially when the going gets tough or when our dreams aren’t happening as at when expected. Luke 9:62 says “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God”.

For anyone that wants to achieve any meaningful thing on earth, the person must learn how not to give up easily. Had Thomas Edison, Wright brothers, Henry Ford and Abraham Lincoln quit, would anyone know them? No! Quitters don’t get known which is why winners don’t quit. I understand it could be very tough holding on or pressing on, but I want you to understand that it is a phase. A woman about to give birth keeps pushing until the baby comes out because she knows it’s a phase. After that phase she sighs heavily and starts rejoicing.

The same holds for your dreams, keep pushing, keep pressing on, and don’t give up on your dreams, the world will soon rejoice with you. Have you thrashed some of your dreams in the waste bin of your mind? Is there a particular business plan that you once tried to launch but wasn’t coming out good and you thrashed it? Have you tried furthering your education and all odds seem to be against you? This is not the time to give up. NO! Press on. Don’t give up on your marriage.

Don’t give up on that big dream. Remember it’s always darkest before dawn. Whenever life grows difficult and the pressure is turned on and the idea of giving up seems the best, that’s a sign that your time is near. This year is still loaded with great opportunities. If you won’t give up, God won’t give up. I am so sure that marriage will work, that business will boom, that dream will become reality, but you have to play your part – DON’T DARE QUIT!

Have a blessed Sunday!

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WHAT DO YOU HAVE?

October 23, 2014

Have you ever gone to anyone for loan and the first thing you hear is, “So, how much do you have already?” In order words, most times when we are requesting for help, part of the resources needed has been made available to us, but many of us have been programmed to see what we do not have instead of seeing and using that which is at our disposal presently. Whether you agree with me or not, you have something in your hands that could start you up in life.

When Prophet Elijah told the widow of Zarephath to go prepare the last meal for him, I wonder what the woman must have been thinking. The woman was correct to have said she just wanted to prepare the last meal for her household and then die, but she must have realized that whatever one has in his hands that cannot meet your need is a seed. From that story, we realize that as believers, the resources needed for our transformation have already been placed in our hands. The issue is if we would be willing and obedient enough to heed instructions, knowing full well that only the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land (Isa 1:19).

Because the woman obeyed, Bible says in 1 Kings 17:16 that, “The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.” She had excess. As read yesterday, God is only compelled to prosper that which is in your hands, which is why I pity lazy people and folks who are always complaining of having nothing in life. The disciples thought there was nothing until five loaves of bread and two fishes became sufficient to feed five thousand people.

If you feel you have nothing, as long as you are alive and you have God, you have much ‘cos one with God is majority.

Keep winning!

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WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

October 22, 2014

If there is a set of people who just want to go to bed poor and wake up wealthy without doing anything, it is this generation. Irrespective of our background, religious affiliation, gender, age, color or marital status, we all want to overnight drive a Range Rover, build a duplex, travel the world and have millions in our account. Is it a bad thing to desire all the good things of life? Absolutely not. As a matter of truth, the scripture says God delights in your prosperity (Psa 35:27), which is why He is the only One that can give you power to make wealth (Deut 8:18).

But you need to clearly understand that desire alone cannot get you what you want, because if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Also, you need to know that being a believer or a born again Christian isn’t an automatic ticket to the land of wealth. If it was, all believers on planet earth would be walking billionaires. We have forgotten that God is not a magician who does abracadabra, but a Father who has a process in place for everything. We desire these good things but we refuse to work.

In Psalm 1:1-3 Bible says that the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, but delights in the law of the LORD; meditates therein day and night, shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and WHATSOEVER HE DOETH SHALL PROSPER.” Prov 28:19 says, “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons (fantasies, wishes and mere desires) shall have poverty enough.”

I agree the word of God says the poor will never cease in the land (Deut 15:11), but must that be you? Whatsoever your hand finds to do, sir/ma, do it very well.

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HE KNOWS

October 21, 2014

Every father knows that the moment another school term is about to commence, tuition should be getting ready, textbooks money should be budgeted for, school bus fee should be planned and lunch fee as well. Even when the tuition isn’t paid as at when due, the child goes to the father, “Daddy, our teacher said that anyone that doesn’t pay his tuition will not be allowed to attend classes from next week.” In order words, I have come to remind you in case you have forgotten, of which he hasn’t.

One thing about God is that He is all-knowing. Remember what God told Jeremiah in Jer 1:5 that, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Most times when we go to God in the place of prayer, we think that we are telling God something new and in most of those cases, we use vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking (Matt 6:7), however, Matt 6:8 says, “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

God knows all the things you need, He knows what is best for you and He is saving it until the right time comes. It is like boarding an airplane, God is the pilot and you are the passenger, just trust that He will take you to the right destination. So, if God knows everything, why then do I still need to pray? Prayer is an act of showing dependency on God that you know He knows what He is doing. The child is asking the father for tuition not because the father doesn’t know but just to make him understand that, “Daddy, you are my only source.”

God knows your future, start trusting Him.

Remain blessed!

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MIND YOUR ASSOCIATION – 2

October 20, 2014

It is impossible to live a life that is unaffected by other people. One way or the other, the attitudes and opinions of our friends somehow blow into our lives, shaping our perspective and influencing our decisions. Some few years ago, one of my friends told me that smoking marijuana would make me smarter, sharper and bolder. As much as I didn’t want to fall for it, I realized most of my friends were doing it, so it became irresistible for me. Thank God for mercy.

It is very wise to mind one’s association because if your friend disrespects her husband, you will most likely do same; if your friend fornicates, it will take extra grace for you not to; if your friend changes figure to make extra money, you will end up learning and doing same. I guess that is why Brother Paul said in 1 Cor 5:11 that, “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”

So, am I to dis-friend my bestie because he/she makes me do some terrible stuffs? Well, I think the first thing to do is to limit your exposure to such friend(s). But this person is a good influence in some other areas you might say. Well, you are correct, but you need to establish some parameters. Maybe you need to avoid going for a drink together after work. In some cases, you might need to distance yourself and in terrible cases, you need to flee. Had Joseph not fled from the advances of Potiphar’s wife, he might never have attained that height.

Always remember that if you roll with a thief, the odds are that you will steal as well, because a sheep that is a friend to a local dog will end up eating feces.

Beware!

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THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

October 19, 2014

Faith is having confidence that no matter what might be happening around, all will be well. Many unconsciously practice this wonderful principle of living by faith but when it is time to consciously live by it, fear sets in. If I may ask, have you ever bothered to check the four legs of the chair you always sit on in church if it is always complete? Maybe not, ‘cos in most cases, we believe that the ushers would have done the check.

However, the scripture has made it clear to us that one of the characteristics of a just person is living by faith. In Mark 10, when blind Bartimaeus was asked by Jesus to come after persistent cries, and Jesus asked what he wanted. The blind man said he wanted his sight restored. The disciples could still remember how Jesus restored the sight of another blind man in Mark 8 and would have been expecting something similar but Jesus told Bartimaeus, “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” Immediately the blind man went his way, he received his sight.

When Jesus told one of his people to go to the sea and that there would be money in the mouth of the first fish that is caught for them to pay tax, if the guy had decided to reason it out, he might not have gone because come to think of it, there was nothing that said it was a fish that would first come up (it could be a crocodile or a snake), and even if it was a fish, how would money get it into the mouth of that fish without the fish dying? But the guy knew that the person saying go, has the whole world in His hands and could do anything, so He went and so it happened.

Sir, living by faith most times makes you look foolish and insane, but listen to me, the reward and testimony generated turns you to a celebrity.

Remain blessed.

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IS GOD SLOW?

October 18, 2014

This era is a fast paced era; fast food; fast cash; fast cars; fast track services, fast relief from headache or backache and so on. It is a world where everything is fast and instant. As a result of this we have come to expect fast and instant responses to every desire and need all the time, we always have a time tracker for everything – this must happen so so day, and whenever this doesn’t happen, we christen Messiah a slow God.

But guess what, God doesn’t operate that way. He is never in a hurry and He is never slow. He is always right on time. Before Lazarus died in John 11, the sisters quickly sent an instant message to Jesus informing him on the state of Lazarus. Jesus loved Lazarus, as such, Mary and Martha expected instant response as many of us would. However, Jesus did not show up until after another two days, in the course of which Lazarus had died and has been buried.

By the time Jesus got to Lazarus’ place, the sisters were angry and one of them said, “Lord, you are late. Your timing is just so wrong, ‘cos if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” In her mind, she felt Jesus shouldn’t have delayed in coming but when Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead, she realized Jesus was not late after all. He arrived at the precious moment necessary to fulfill the purpose of God.

Jesus is never late. His timetable for action is simply different from ours. When wine ran out in Cana, his mother rushed to him expecting instant miracle, but Jesus responded by saying, “Madam, relax, there is a time and season for everything and my hour is not yet come.” God’s timing is perfect.  He intervenes at just the right moment for our ultimate good. Instead of giving you the bread you need now, He waits for the perfect time to give you a bakery.

Be patient when dealing with God.

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