First of all, i have to tender a well-deserved apology on behalf of the whole crew to y'all for the long hiatus.
there's been a lot going on, not the least being our poor internet connection which made blogging such a big deal and the need to sort out a few issues to enhance the experience..
But we r back..
To stay!!
Now to the issue of the day -
The world has always had its share of people who do not believe - in God,by whatever name called. Or are just averse to the Christian God, for various reasons.
Now with communication explosion, these views are in your face and you see and hear them whether you really waant to or not. With the internet and its teeming adherents,young and old alike, the ease with which these people can get their views out there for anybody to access,it is bot surprising that quite a number of people no longer know what to even believe.
Even the most basic issues like 'Does God exist?' can generate such intense intellectual debate
(read: discourse) that it is somehow startling that this was at one time was a given.
I will not be making a long post..
but i will just ask..
what would you do if it all turns out to be true?
that God demands from us morally uprightness, love and compassion to our fellow human is actually for our own good so we can stay in peace and enjoy our various forms of reltionships..
and that we flout His commands does not make Him any less the awesome God that He is..
so again i ask..
What if we die and realise that it is true -
that Heaven and conversely hell exists?
that there's a reward for uprightness
and diligence in the worship of the creator of all beings?
and that yes, we really have to answer for our deeds..
even up to every little word we utter..
will it not be too late then?
The Bible says it will be..
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
TIMES OF REFRESHING
I recall a few years ago when my friends and I embarked on a relaxation tour of South-western Nigeria. We visited some notable tourist attractions. We were at some waterfall- a chilling and thrilling experience it was! We also had a swim in a pool from a warm spring. There we saw one of nature's numerous mysteries- a warm and a cold spring flowing down, meeting at some point but never mixing up! The whole trip was, to say the least, refreshing!
But this is by no means comparable to a refreshing experience that comes directly from God. Acts 3:19 talks about these "TIMES OF REFRESHING". The privilege, chance and ability to enjoy these times are however, hinged on REPENTANCE.
Yes, repentance.
This simply implies a change of heart that brings about a change of life. It entails a turn around from a old sinful life to a new one filled with the spirit of God.
Shunning sin gives us that great opportunity to enjoy the innumerable beautiful blessings from the throne of God. He cannot dwell in a sinful temple. We, therefore, need to cleanse ourselves, expunging all evil, and present ourselves as holy temples before Him.
Indeed, seasons of refreshing await all who choose to forsake evil and resist the devil. This spiritual refreshing cannot be matched by any fleshly or physical satisfaction derived from earthly pleasures.
Accept this offer and you'd be exceedingly glad you did!!!
But this is by no means comparable to a refreshing experience that comes directly from God. Acts 3:19 talks about these "TIMES OF REFRESHING". The privilege, chance and ability to enjoy these times are however, hinged on REPENTANCE.
Yes, repentance.
This simply implies a change of heart that brings about a change of life. It entails a turn around from a old sinful life to a new one filled with the spirit of God.
Shunning sin gives us that great opportunity to enjoy the innumerable beautiful blessings from the throne of God. He cannot dwell in a sinful temple. We, therefore, need to cleanse ourselves, expunging all evil, and present ourselves as holy temples before Him.
Indeed, seasons of refreshing await all who choose to forsake evil and resist the devil. This spiritual refreshing cannot be matched by any fleshly or physical satisfaction derived from earthly pleasures.
Accept this offer and you'd be exceedingly glad you did!!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
FORGIVENESS..how does it work?
so we're here having our first interactive session..and the issue is an important one..
FORGIVENESS.
What should be a christian's approach to forgiveness?
Man-to-man...For instance, when someone has wronged you, do you have to wait until he/she comes to beg for forgiveness before you forgive?
or you should just forgive and move on?
Do you think being easily forgiving lets people take advantage?
God and man - for instance, when we continue in wrongdoing and keep going back to God, do you think there are times He gets fedup with our constant sins and refuses to forgive us, because, afterall, we will go straight back to do that same thing..
another thing: What is the place of retribution? Scenario;if someone stole, after he has repented, does he have to give back all he stole for his forgiveness to take effect?
What about consequences..when God forgives, does He always make us suffer the consequences of our previous sins?
And lastly, when the Bible says that God will remember our sins no more, Does it really mean that God absolutely obliterates sins and it is eternally forgotten? or do the labels of those sins stil apply.
please, we look forward to a beautiful interactive session with y'all. Let's know the philosophy that guides you on this matter. let others learn from what you have to say..yes, say ur mind even if anonymously.
God bless you!!
FORGIVENESS.
What should be a christian's approach to forgiveness?
Man-to-man...For instance, when someone has wronged you, do you have to wait until he/she comes to beg for forgiveness before you forgive?
or you should just forgive and move on?
Do you think being easily forgiving lets people take advantage?
God and man - for instance, when we continue in wrongdoing and keep going back to God, do you think there are times He gets fedup with our constant sins and refuses to forgive us, because, afterall, we will go straight back to do that same thing..
another thing: What is the place of retribution? Scenario;if someone stole, after he has repented, does he have to give back all he stole for his forgiveness to take effect?
What about consequences..when God forgives, does He always make us suffer the consequences of our previous sins?
And lastly, when the Bible says that God will remember our sins no more, Does it really mean that God absolutely obliterates sins and it is eternally forgotten? or do the labels of those sins stil apply.
please, we look forward to a beautiful interactive session with y'all. Let's know the philosophy that guides you on this matter. let others learn from what you have to say..yes, say ur mind even if anonymously.
God bless you!!
Joy in the Morning ... After the Mourning
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5)."
True, it's easy to believe the principle when we don't need it! But for heart-broken people it can seem that "joy in the morning" is a far way off.
The reality is that disappointment, heartache, grief, and sorrow come to all of us at some time or another. Sooner or later we are all going to lose an opportunity, our job, our investment portfolio, or a loved one.
And, as the poet said:
"When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
And the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and debts are high,
You have to smile but you want to cry."
It takes time to work through and resolve our grief (and we need supporting friends to help us do this). But when we do, we can come out a more understanding and caring person ... and better able to support others who are going through sad times. And, in time, joy in the morning will replace our mourning!
For whatever encouragement it may be, try to remember that no matter how disappointed you are feeling or how much you are hurting right now; know that every heartache and loss has within it the seeds of opportunity. Hidden within each disappointment is a pearl of great price, which, when found, will dwarf your problem. The greatest success stories are written by people who, against seemingly overwhelming and often insurmountable odds, have accepted their trials and turned them into opportunities for personal growth and stepping stones on their pathway to success.
With God's help you and I can do the same. Trust him and choose friends who will empower you to do so.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in every disappointment, heartache, sorrow, and trial I experience, help me to always keep trusting my life to you and, in the process, will you please make something beautiful out of my life. Please do this for your glory, and thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
True, it's easy to believe the principle when we don't need it! But for heart-broken people it can seem that "joy in the morning" is a far way off.
The reality is that disappointment, heartache, grief, and sorrow come to all of us at some time or another. Sooner or later we are all going to lose an opportunity, our job, our investment portfolio, or a loved one.
And, as the poet said:
"When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
And the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and debts are high,
You have to smile but you want to cry."
It takes time to work through and resolve our grief (and we need supporting friends to help us do this). But when we do, we can come out a more understanding and caring person ... and better able to support others who are going through sad times. And, in time, joy in the morning will replace our mourning!
For whatever encouragement it may be, try to remember that no matter how disappointed you are feeling or how much you are hurting right now; know that every heartache and loss has within it the seeds of opportunity. Hidden within each disappointment is a pearl of great price, which, when found, will dwarf your problem. The greatest success stories are written by people who, against seemingly overwhelming and often insurmountable odds, have accepted their trials and turned them into opportunities for personal growth and stepping stones on their pathway to success.
With God's help you and I can do the same. Trust him and choose friends who will empower you to do so.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in every disappointment, heartache, sorrow, and trial I experience, help me to always keep trusting my life to you and, in the process, will you please make something beautiful out of my life. Please do this for your glory, and thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Thursday, August 6, 2009
BE PREPARED
"Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer" (Proverbs 30:25, NIV).
Sometimes the seemingly simple things in life can teach us some of the most important lessons. Take ants for example. Even though their "brain" (central ganglion or nerve) is less than one-tenth the size of a pinhead, ants live in highly organized social colonies. Some collect food, others build the nest and keep it clean, and some look after the queen ants. Nurse ants clean and feed the larvae. Soldier ants guard and protect the food-collecting ants. No wonder the Bible says, "Go to the ant ... consider her ways and be wise (Proverbs 6:6)."
Among other lessons, the ants "who store up their food in the summer" teach us the importance of being prepared ahead of time for whatever might come our way. The Chinese proverb, "Dig your well before you're thirsty" makes the same point. Children and teenagers need to be prepared for life, for entering the work force, and for taking care of themselves. Those who are planning to be married should be prepared ahead for it; unfortunately too many aren't. And among taking care of various responsibilities, adults need to be prepared ahead for retirement and old age.
And most important of all, we need to be prepared for life after death when we will meet our Maker face to face. As God's Word says, "Prepare to meet your God (Amos 4:12)," and as Jesus taught about his return to earth, "Be ready; for when you least expect it, I will come (Matthew 24:44)." How tragic beyond all measure for those who aren't prepared for life after death. Whatever you do, don't let this happen to you.
Sometimes the seemingly simple things in life can teach us some of the most important lessons. Take ants for example. Even though their "brain" (central ganglion or nerve) is less than one-tenth the size of a pinhead, ants live in highly organized social colonies. Some collect food, others build the nest and keep it clean, and some look after the queen ants. Nurse ants clean and feed the larvae. Soldier ants guard and protect the food-collecting ants. No wonder the Bible says, "Go to the ant ... consider her ways and be wise (Proverbs 6:6)."
Among other lessons, the ants "who store up their food in the summer" teach us the importance of being prepared ahead of time for whatever might come our way. The Chinese proverb, "Dig your well before you're thirsty" makes the same point. Children and teenagers need to be prepared for life, for entering the work force, and for taking care of themselves. Those who are planning to be married should be prepared ahead for it; unfortunately too many aren't. And among taking care of various responsibilities, adults need to be prepared ahead for retirement and old age.
And most important of all, we need to be prepared for life after death when we will meet our Maker face to face. As God's Word says, "Prepare to meet your God (Amos 4:12)," and as Jesus taught about his return to earth, "Be ready; for when you least expect it, I will come (Matthew 24:44)." How tragic beyond all measure for those who aren't prepared for life after death. Whatever you do, don't let this happen to you.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Are Our Days on Earth Numbered?
Life is fleeting and our days on earth are limited, so we need to do the best we can with the one life we have been given.
King David prayed to God: "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life." (Psalm 39:4) Furthermore, God said to Solomon in a dream, "If you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." (1 Kings 3:14) This indicates that if we live in harmony with God's Word, will, and ways (which includes healthy living habits), under normal circumstances we can lengthen our life. Also the fifth of the Ten Commandments says, "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12)
On the other hand, there is no doubt that we can shorten our life by not living in harmony with God's ways, through an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, nursing grudges, an unforgiving spirit, unresolved super-charged repressed negative emotions, impaired relational conflicts, too much stress and anxiety, addictive behaviours and/or substances, and any of a score or more of other unhealthy habits and ways of living.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to so live in harmony with your will and the principles for healthy living as found in your Word, that my life on earth will be healthy, long, and fruitful for the glory of your Name. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
King David prayed to God: "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life." (Psalm 39:4) Furthermore, God said to Solomon in a dream, "If you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." (1 Kings 3:14) This indicates that if we live in harmony with God's Word, will, and ways (which includes healthy living habits), under normal circumstances we can lengthen our life. Also the fifth of the Ten Commandments says, "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12)
On the other hand, there is no doubt that we can shorten our life by not living in harmony with God's ways, through an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, nursing grudges, an unforgiving spirit, unresolved super-charged repressed negative emotions, impaired relational conflicts, too much stress and anxiety, addictive behaviours and/or substances, and any of a score or more of other unhealthy habits and ways of living.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to so live in harmony with your will and the principles for healthy living as found in your Word, that my life on earth will be healthy, long, and fruitful for the glory of your Name. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Seeing Beyond The Now
Look around! The lush green vegetations bathed regularly by the soothing rains; the whistling noise of cars and sirens; the houses, castles, mansions of varying sizes and shapes; the unending human traffic along the streets and market places; and the various forms of development that westernization has brought.
These are all evanescent and transient.
As we enjoy these earthly blessings, we should remember that there's more to come after this life...
Col. 3:2 says we should set our minds on things above where God's throne exists. He beckons on us to lead holy lives in the midst of a wicked and tumultous world. Standing out, shining as bright as ever, should be our aim and watchword.
Jesus is our ever perfect example. Read Hebrews 12:2. Even when He was tempted by the devil, He did not see the glories of the world as anything to hold on to.
Therefore, be strong and determined not to lose sight of what lies ahead... a shining crown on your brow as a token for a job well done and a life well lived!
Looking forward to seeing you on the other side of town! God bless you...
These are all evanescent and transient.
As we enjoy these earthly blessings, we should remember that there's more to come after this life...
Col. 3:2 says we should set our minds on things above where God's throne exists. He beckons on us to lead holy lives in the midst of a wicked and tumultous world. Standing out, shining as bright as ever, should be our aim and watchword.
Jesus is our ever perfect example. Read Hebrews 12:2. Even when He was tempted by the devil, He did not see the glories of the world as anything to hold on to.
Therefore, be strong and determined not to lose sight of what lies ahead... a shining crown on your brow as a token for a job well done and a life well lived!
Looking forward to seeing you on the other side of town! God bless you...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Waiting Upon The Lord
There are times in our lives when our God demands that we wait...to receive that perfect gift, to see His Salvation, to behold His will made manifest in our lives.
When wait, we learn perseverance, patience and faith.
Waiting is not easy..Sometimes, it gets us thinking if our God has abandoned us.Does He not see what we are going through? How the unrighteous are prospering and getting their hearts' desires? while we who claim to wait on Him are but stagnant, unable to achieve, to clinch that job, that promotion, that contract..or perhaps all around us our mates are marrying, having babies, building homes, everyone but us is achieving their heart's desires...
THE LORD SAYS WAIT:
'Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!' - Isaiah 30:1
He further assures us:
As i go through my lesson in waiting, sometimes i feel frustrated, overwhelmed, burned out, but i pray for His grace so i will have the strength still to say...
"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."- Psalm 130:5-6
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Fighting Temptations
A dictionary defines to tempt as to "entice someone to do something against their better judgement".
We all face temptations in our daily lives. Scripture tells us that all that shall live godly in Christ must suffer persecution. It's important we understand that God, whose nature is holy and perfect, does not tempt us although He may allow us to face these temptations (see James 1:13). Furthermore, He always provides an escape route from all of them ( 1 Corinthians 10:13).
The writer of the book of 1 John in the 16th verse of its 2nd chapter, stated that all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life- is not of the Father. The evil one appears to tempt us through these means.
First case study- EVE. Read Genesis 3: 1-6. In the 6th verse, Eve was stated to have beheld the fruit as good for food (lust of the flesh), pleasing to the eyes (lust of the eyes) and desired to make one wise (pride of life). Sadly, she fell for it!
Second case study- JESUS. Read Matthew 4:3- 11. Satan employed the same tactics against The Chosen One, by asking him to turn stones to bread ( lust of the flesh), by showing him the glories of the mundane kingdoms (lust of the eyes) and by daring him to jump down from the summit of a temple (pride of life). Hallelujah!!! Our Lord Jesus resisted him firmly.
My beloved, whose report would u, therefore, believe? I am persuaded and convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that Jesus is the Way. We are well armoured and equipped to fight temptations and resist the evil one (James 4:7).
Let's remain strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
We all face temptations in our daily lives. Scripture tells us that all that shall live godly in Christ must suffer persecution. It's important we understand that God, whose nature is holy and perfect, does not tempt us although He may allow us to face these temptations (see James 1:13). Furthermore, He always provides an escape route from all of them ( 1 Corinthians 10:13).
The writer of the book of 1 John in the 16th verse of its 2nd chapter, stated that all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life- is not of the Father. The evil one appears to tempt us through these means.
First case study- EVE. Read Genesis 3: 1-6. In the 6th verse, Eve was stated to have beheld the fruit as good for food (lust of the flesh), pleasing to the eyes (lust of the eyes) and desired to make one wise (pride of life). Sadly, she fell for it!
Second case study- JESUS. Read Matthew 4:3- 11. Satan employed the same tactics against The Chosen One, by asking him to turn stones to bread ( lust of the flesh), by showing him the glories of the mundane kingdoms (lust of the eyes) and by daring him to jump down from the summit of a temple (pride of life). Hallelujah!!! Our Lord Jesus resisted him firmly.
My beloved, whose report would u, therefore, believe? I am persuaded and convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that Jesus is the Way. We are well armoured and equipped to fight temptations and resist the evil one (James 4:7).
Let's remain strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Wonderful or Wonder-empty
"Behold, You [God] desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom (Psalm 51:6).
Some people you meet are very warm, genuine and connected. Others seem to be cold and distant. Their life seems rather flat line, dull, and even boring. I'm not talking about times of sickness, sadness or sorrow but this is how they are pretty much most of the time. Why are some people like the latter group? One of a number of reasons is because they are repressed in their emotional life. Chances are that they grew up with a sense that emotions—especially negative emotions—were not acceptable, so they learned early in life to bury and deny them. Or they may have been hurt deeply as a child and found that they had to stuff their emotions in order to survive. It may sound crude but it is a fact of life that the stuff we stuff stuffs up our lives. This can cause all sorts of emotional, physical, relational and/or spiritual problems.Emotions are God-given and are a vital part of a healthy, mature life. We are not talking about emotionalism which is a cover of true emotions. We are talking about being connected to our inner self and being in touch with all of our God-given emotions. If my emotions are buried and I am disconnected from them and my inner self, I cannot be truly connected to anyone else or to God at any kind of intimate level. At best, my relationships will be very shallow. Furthermore, when emotions are repressed, instead of life being wonder-full, it may be wonder-empty. As such I will characteristically be bored with life.
If one's life is wonder-empty, how do we overcome? How do we get connected to our inner self? Go to God. If we commit and trust our life to God and ask him to confront us with our reality so that we become fully connected to our inner self, we may go through some very painful experiences (that are often needed to break through our defenses) but, in time, our pain will pass but the beauty of our life will last forever.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in keeping with your desire please help me to be connected to my inner self and always be honest with myself and with you and thus grow up into the fullness of my salvation. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Some people you meet are very warm, genuine and connected. Others seem to be cold and distant. Their life seems rather flat line, dull, and even boring. I'm not talking about times of sickness, sadness or sorrow but this is how they are pretty much most of the time. Why are some people like the latter group? One of a number of reasons is because they are repressed in their emotional life. Chances are that they grew up with a sense that emotions—especially negative emotions—were not acceptable, so they learned early in life to bury and deny them. Or they may have been hurt deeply as a child and found that they had to stuff their emotions in order to survive. It may sound crude but it is a fact of life that the stuff we stuff stuffs up our lives. This can cause all sorts of emotional, physical, relational and/or spiritual problems.Emotions are God-given and are a vital part of a healthy, mature life. We are not talking about emotionalism which is a cover of true emotions. We are talking about being connected to our inner self and being in touch with all of our God-given emotions. If my emotions are buried and I am disconnected from them and my inner self, I cannot be truly connected to anyone else or to God at any kind of intimate level. At best, my relationships will be very shallow. Furthermore, when emotions are repressed, instead of life being wonder-full, it may be wonder-empty. As such I will characteristically be bored with life.
If one's life is wonder-empty, how do we overcome? How do we get connected to our inner self? Go to God. If we commit and trust our life to God and ask him to confront us with our reality so that we become fully connected to our inner self, we may go through some very painful experiences (that are often needed to break through our defenses) but, in time, our pain will pass but the beauty of our life will last forever.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in keeping with your desire please help me to be connected to my inner self and always be honest with myself and with you and thus grow up into the fullness of my salvation. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Friday, July 24, 2009
Show Me—Don't Tell Me
"And then he [Jesus] told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.' (Mark 16:15)
I have often felt that much of my education taught me how to make a living but not how to live. That I have had to learn the hard way … and am still learning how to do that. Still, I did learn many valuable lessons. One that I have never forgotten was from my Bible teacher. Time and again he would say to me, "Show me. Don't tell me!" He meant it to apply to my daily life, which, of course, was the way that Jesus often taught. ("He spoke to them in parables and the common people heard him gladly.") I like to apply the "show me—don't tell me" teaching to my life, to my teaching, and especially to my family life and to my witnessing for Christ. In other words, one of the greatest ways we can teach and witness for Christ is to model true Christianity and what we are seeking to teach others. Until we do this, our words won't carry much weight.
Like St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel always. If necessary, use words."And as another said: "The living truth I long to see,I cannot live on what used to be,so close your Bible and show me howthe Christ you talk about is living now."
Remember too that, "To win some we need to be winsome."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to live the Christian life so that others, seeing you in me and what you have done for me, will want you for themselves. Let my life be a reflection of your love and a living testimony for you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
I have often felt that much of my education taught me how to make a living but not how to live. That I have had to learn the hard way … and am still learning how to do that. Still, I did learn many valuable lessons. One that I have never forgotten was from my Bible teacher. Time and again he would say to me, "Show me. Don't tell me!" He meant it to apply to my daily life, which, of course, was the way that Jesus often taught. ("He spoke to them in parables and the common people heard him gladly.") I like to apply the "show me—don't tell me" teaching to my life, to my teaching, and especially to my family life and to my witnessing for Christ. In other words, one of the greatest ways we can teach and witness for Christ is to model true Christianity and what we are seeking to teach others. Until we do this, our words won't carry much weight.
Like St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel always. If necessary, use words."And as another said: "The living truth I long to see,I cannot live on what used to be,so close your Bible and show me howthe Christ you talk about is living now."
Remember too that, "To win some we need to be winsome."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to live the Christian life so that others, seeing you in me and what you have done for me, will want you for themselves. Let my life be a reflection of your love and a living testimony for you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
A day to be born!
The wise one did say, and very truly so, that there is a time for everything... including a time to be born. Eccl 3: 2
Food for thought: do you ever ruminate over the events that surrounded your birth?
The enigma of your formation and maturation in utero surely transcends human's understanding! More intriguingly, our variation in every ramification at birth is indeed of epic proportions.
Psalm 139: 14 says God is is to be praised because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Reading through to the 16th verse of that chapter further justifies why He must be exulted and celebrated.
In cognizance, therefore, of the fact that our life is only a special favor from the Great One, we should look inwards, making amends in our lives where necessary. Besides, there is also a time to die!
Are you prepared? Heb 9:27.
God Loves You.
Food for thought: do you ever ruminate over the events that surrounded your birth?
The enigma of your formation and maturation in utero surely transcends human's understanding! More intriguingly, our variation in every ramification at birth is indeed of epic proportions.
Psalm 139: 14 says God is is to be praised because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Reading through to the 16th verse of that chapter further justifies why He must be exulted and celebrated.
In cognizance, therefore, of the fact that our life is only a special favor from the Great One, we should look inwards, making amends in our lives where necessary. Besides, there is also a time to die!
Are you prepared? Heb 9:27.
God Loves You.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Seek Ye First....
Text: But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and its Righteousness
and all other things shall be given unto you.. Matt 6 : 33
Reading: Matt6 : 19 - 34
To 'Seek' is to look for, to try to obtain or achieve something, to make an effort to find that which is in existence. Our God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
'First' is God's place in the affairs of those who are His. It should be in the affairs of all He created.
***In His Law to Israel, the very first called for a unique honour for Him, a positioned incomparable to that we give anybody or thing.
In sacrifices and offerings, it was the firstborn and firstfruit that was dedicated to Him.
No other position fits God in the affairs of men. When He occupies this position in ourhearts and lives, every other thing falls into place.
A kingdom is a domain or territory under the rulership of a king. The citizens are subjects of a king.It is a monarchy. That the Kingdom is of God means that God is its King.
To seek that kingdom is to yield one's will to Him who is Supreme.
**Would Abraham have sacrificed Isaac if God was not first in His scale of preference?
Would Joseph have missed the pleasure of Mrs Potiphar if God was shifted to second place?
Would Moses not have been stupid to deny himself of his princely status in Pharoah's house?
How about Daniel and his three friends in Babylon who defied lions and furnace of fire?
When God takes His place, life becomes for us as it should be...beautiful and satisfying..
***excerpts of a Bible study by Bro. Young Nkwocha at the Church of christ, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
and all other things shall be given unto you.. Matt 6 : 33
Reading: Matt6 : 19 - 34
To 'Seek' is to look for, to try to obtain or achieve something, to make an effort to find that which is in existence. Our God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
'First' is God's place in the affairs of those who are His. It should be in the affairs of all He created.
***In His Law to Israel, the very first called for a unique honour for Him, a positioned incomparable to that we give anybody or thing.
In sacrifices and offerings, it was the firstborn and firstfruit that was dedicated to Him.
No other position fits God in the affairs of men. When He occupies this position in ourhearts and lives, every other thing falls into place.
A kingdom is a domain or territory under the rulership of a king. The citizens are subjects of a king.It is a monarchy. That the Kingdom is of God means that God is its King.
To seek that kingdom is to yield one's will to Him who is Supreme.
**Would Abraham have sacrificed Isaac if God was not first in His scale of preference?
Would Joseph have missed the pleasure of Mrs Potiphar if God was shifted to second place?
Would Moses not have been stupid to deny himself of his princely status in Pharoah's house?
How about Daniel and his three friends in Babylon who defied lions and furnace of fire?
When God takes His place, life becomes for us as it should be...beautiful and satisfying..
***excerpts of a Bible study by Bro. Young Nkwocha at the Church of christ, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Insurance that everyone needs
This life is real and living is a risk. Therefore, as humans we try to make life as pleasant as we can. We try to get protection for the risks that living brings. Insurance offers us a way to cover these risks and make life more comfortable for ourselves and our dependents. It is a means of guaranteeing safety or protection. So we take property (house, business, car etc), liability, health, disability and life insurance.
We take these steps to protect and ensure we live relatively safe and happy lives here on earth.this is a very sensible step. sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but the fact that we take these steps show that we love ourselves and want the best.
The good news is, there is a more secure form of Insurance. It never fails. It value cannot be estimated. It serves us in all aspects of our lives; in this life and when all is done, in the life to come. It is that insurance that will come to our aid when this life is over. It is good to know that we acquire this insurance from this life,our actions in this life determines if our claim will be true when the time comes.
Remember, "...rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust can consume and thieves cannot break in and steal.For where your treasure is, so is your heart". -- Matthew 6: 21
When we obtain accurate knowledge of God and apply it in our lives, we store up a good record with Him. When we do his word and keep to them, we are paying premium on our insurance. When we do good to others, are kind and considerate,we are storing up treasures.
Indeed, serving God, placing our confidence in Him is the best insurance of all.
We take these steps to protect and ensure we live relatively safe and happy lives here on earth.this is a very sensible step. sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but the fact that we take these steps show that we love ourselves and want the best.
The good news is, there is a more secure form of Insurance. It never fails. It value cannot be estimated. It serves us in all aspects of our lives; in this life and when all is done, in the life to come. It is that insurance that will come to our aid when this life is over. It is good to know that we acquire this insurance from this life,our actions in this life determines if our claim will be true when the time comes.
Remember, "...rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust can consume and thieves cannot break in and steal.For where your treasure is, so is your heart". -- Matthew 6: 21
When we obtain accurate knowledge of God and apply it in our lives, we store up a good record with Him. When we do his word and keep to them, we are paying premium on our insurance. When we do good to others, are kind and considerate,we are storing up treasures.
Indeed, serving God, placing our confidence in Him is the best insurance of all.
Monday, July 20, 2009
welcome..
Welcome!! We're thrilled that we are finally doing this. it's been on our minds a while.
This is a team blog with the sole purpose of encouraging us to explore day by day the love of the God who has saved us and whose plan it is that every man should not only acknowledge Him but love and submit to Him.
We are young people, vibrant in loving and serving the creator of all.
WE are members of The Church of Christ...here, you will find diversity, fun, love, unity and the simplicity of the Christ.
We know it will be a worthwhile journey and we look forward to having you with us all the way and when all is done, up there with Him!!
This is a team blog with the sole purpose of encouraging us to explore day by day the love of the God who has saved us and whose plan it is that every man should not only acknowledge Him but love and submit to Him.
We are young people, vibrant in loving and serving the creator of all.
WE are members of The Church of Christ...here, you will find diversity, fun, love, unity and the simplicity of the Christ.
We know it will be a worthwhile journey and we look forward to having you with us all the way and when all is done, up there with Him!!
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