Adeoye Foluke Pholucare
Age is nt d criteria, knowledge is.
If i spent 7yrs gaining a law certificate & der's stil so much i'm yet to knw, hw much mur a lifetime 'ON THE JOB TRAINING' afta a one day certificate ceremony.
Encouraging examples r getting rare in d 21st century. Watching pple treat a sacred joinder lik a contract or an endurance trek.
It takes mur dan two to tangle, A threefold cord is not quickly broken (Eccl 4:12).
Dream of d glamour of dt wedding day, bt most importantly, gain knowledge abot ds spiritual union. It's simple & it is deep. So help us God.
This was posted by my sister on facebook. I hope you enjoyed reading and have remarkable comments. Please drop your comments on this.
Thank you
Monday 24 December 2012
Monday 17 December 2012
A glance at GRACE...
John 1: 18 is a popular scripture we may know - "and the law came through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ".
Something of note that the law did ( and still does) to everyone who follows it is that it points out every wrong and presents the limitations and incapability of same. It tells the observer "you have missed it again and that makes you a worthless sinner and a debtor". Every attempt to pay back is aborted and increases the indebtedness because the law is a regular reminder of sin.
Grace on the other hand capitalises on the law's strength (which leaves its observers weak) to help whoever embraces it. Grace says "I'm aware you can't do it by yourself but I have it already done for you in Jesus Christ". Where the law condemns, Grace forgives and helps us walk tall. Where the law abandons, Grace embraces us & picks up. Where the law leaves dirty and weak, Grace cleans up and strengthens. Where the law killed, Grace made alive. The antithesis goes on and on. "Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more" Rom 5:20.
People, all that grace came to do for us is to better our lives in every way and it will do us so much good if we do not frustrate or neglect the grace of God upon us. Let's join Paul in saying confidently "I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless"-Gal 2: 21(NLT). The Amplified version is very expressive: "[Therefore, I do not treat God’s gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God". Do have a great time as you give full expression to the life of God we have received through grace.
Something of note that the law did ( and still does) to everyone who follows it is that it points out every wrong and presents the limitations and incapability of same. It tells the observer "you have missed it again and that makes you a worthless sinner and a debtor". Every attempt to pay back is aborted and increases the indebtedness because the law is a regular reminder of sin.
Grace on the other hand capitalises on the law's strength (which leaves its observers weak) to help whoever embraces it. Grace says "I'm aware you can't do it by yourself but I have it already done for you in Jesus Christ". Where the law condemns, Grace forgives and helps us walk tall. Where the law abandons, Grace embraces us & picks up. Where the law leaves dirty and weak, Grace cleans up and strengthens. Where the law killed, Grace made alive. The antithesis goes on and on. "Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more" Rom 5:20.
People, all that grace came to do for us is to better our lives in every way and it will do us so much good if we do not frustrate or neglect the grace of God upon us. Let's join Paul in saying confidently "I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless"-Gal 2: 21(NLT). The Amplified version is very expressive: "[Therefore, I do not treat God’s gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God". Do have a great time as you give full expression to the life of God we have received through grace.
Friday 7 December 2012
Forgiveness Pills
FORGIVENESS!
I took a dose today
What a relief
I have No more pain
No more ache
Free, free, I feel free
I recommend this pill
Full dosage available for every use
All symptoms would defuse
And a doctor you'ld need not
Thank God for this prescription
Though its taken long to realize,
Now I know it's free
Right from the clinic within
The Spirit helps our infirmities
Difficult a task it is to forgive
Draining and hurtful it becomes
Letting go gets harder each passing time
Alas! The Spirit (clinic) within ascertains
You're Forgiven and enabled to Forgive
The Cross of Christ helped our infirmIties
Seun Sobayo & Ayo Adeoye
Its understandable when you don't feel like you should forgive that person who has deliberately offended you. For the sake of your peace you need to learn to forgive people. It must be deliberate. It won't happen by chance neither will it be easy. Forgiveness is a divine position to operate from based on the ability the Holy Spirit has achieved in the believer in Christ. "...be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:32 instructs that we forgive as we have been forgiven by God through Christ. The scriptures deals with forgiveness as an instruction to the believer because he has been forgiven.
The Holy Spirit enables the believer to forgive even when it doesn't make sense. I learn daily to forgive and not hold on to any hurt. This isn't because it's pleasant but because the one who loved me and forgave me all my sins has enabled and instructs me to Forgive. In submission, obedience and a step of faith in God, I obey and choose to forgive every hurt, hate and deceit. This has always brought peace beyond imaginations. Pardon me if you really don't understand what I'm describing but I need you to know that you can forgive and truly Forgiveness begins with Jesus Christ.
I took a dose today
What a relief
I have No more pain
No more ache
Free, free, I feel free
I recommend this pill
Full dosage available for every use
All symptoms would defuse
And a doctor you'ld need not
Thank God for this prescription
Though its taken long to realize,
Now I know it's free
Right from the clinic within
The Spirit helps our infirmities
Difficult a task it is to forgive
Draining and hurtful it becomes
Letting go gets harder each passing time
Alas! The Spirit (clinic) within ascertains
You're Forgiven and enabled to Forgive
The Cross of Christ helped our infirmIties
Seun Sobayo & Ayo Adeoye
Its understandable when you don't feel like you should forgive that person who has deliberately offended you. For the sake of your peace you need to learn to forgive people. It must be deliberate. It won't happen by chance neither will it be easy. Forgiveness is a divine position to operate from based on the ability the Holy Spirit has achieved in the believer in Christ. "...be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:32 instructs that we forgive as we have been forgiven by God through Christ. The scriptures deals with forgiveness as an instruction to the believer because he has been forgiven.
The Holy Spirit enables the believer to forgive even when it doesn't make sense. I learn daily to forgive and not hold on to any hurt. This isn't because it's pleasant but because the one who loved me and forgave me all my sins has enabled and instructs me to Forgive. In submission, obedience and a step of faith in God, I obey and choose to forgive every hurt, hate and deceit. This has always brought peace beyond imaginations. Pardon me if you really don't understand what I'm describing but I need you to know that you can forgive and truly Forgiveness begins with Jesus Christ.
Friday 20 July 2012
Having a Great Relationship
"A Great Relationship Happens When Two People Who Truly Understand Each Other and Love Each Other for Who They Are Come Together and Create Something Stronger Than Either of Them Could Ever Be on Their Own" - Anonymous.
Everyone desires a great relationship and in one way or the other they work towards having one. This is weather we are in one relationship or we are anticipating a relationship in the nearest future. The Relationship being spoken of here describes a love relationship between a man and woman with marraige in veiw (which I must say is not so common these days). I will like to say that I am a strong supporter of the school of thought that marraige should be an end in veiw in starting any reasonable relationship which must be prosecuted by mature minds. With this as a background, I will like to present three notable variables needed to have and sustain a great relationship. They are Faith, Patience and, Love.
Faith is a strong persuasion in God and in His ability and counsel. There must be faith in God in submission to His person and rulership over the participants. This gives a basis of guidance and cautioning through any issues in the relationship. Also on faith must be a persuasion in God's opinion and consent of the relationship. Participants must be able to declare confidently that they are persuaded God wanted them to be in the relationship (that is conviction). This happens through having fellowship with God. I do not particularly speak of an extreme or peculiar case where people say they heard or are waiting for a deep voice (which is possible and happens) but because the Christian has a relationship with God then there must be a way communication is done with God which he(the believer) is aware of. Such that s/he is persuaded by God to get into the relationship. The implication is that when issues or challenges arise there is a substance of what is hoped for and an evidence not seen that keeps you going with an assurance that it is by God.
Patience is used as long suffering in some versions of the bible. This is the ability to wait a little longer without giving up on someone, an issue or on God concerning a matter. That is being able to persevere. This must begin with being able to be patient with God concerning various sitiuations and trainings He will be taken you and your partner through. Being able to stay put with God will help any individual build strenght and matirity for any life's situation that confronts him/her. Then the need for patience for one another concerning every issue, fictions or challenges. Being patient gives time to hear one another out and make a head way, it gives chance to believe in each other and see progress in one another's lives. Patience will save a lot of anger, wrath and quarels. It will save a lot of heartbreaks and emotional hurts and health problems. Patience should be considered as first option before reacting to any action. Take a little time to hear him or her out why s/he acted or reacted the way s/he did before you react. Be patient believing that your partner will get beter at that situation you always correct her/him on. Patience saves us from so much unwarranted dangers and misunderstanding.
Love is to prefer others above self. A pastor friend describes love as being able to die for the other. Different places in scripture speaks of love being epitomed in what Jesus did on the cross for humanity. 1John4v10 clearly describes it as " herein is love,..that He loved us and gave Himself for us". He placed himself in arms way for our good because He loves us. Love is giving up your pride, ego, comfort, security, preferences etc for the good of the other. With loads of this in the relationship, so many things will be taken care of. If it is understood and coming from both ends, the common ground would be discovered. Note that, Love is not about a ratio of 50:50 contribution or sacrifice, it is about giving up willing from the heart to see the other person get better even if it puts you in harm's way which may be a a ratio 90:10 contribution or sacrifice. Love never fails and it will surely make any relationship great. It is a significant consideration for a triumphant relationship between two people. The balance in the commitment will be defined as both parties come with the same mind and together they can identify who needs to benefit more at a particular decision time.
I feel people may want to ask where is money, sex, material needs, pride, family, beauty, communication etc appear on my already exhausted list. Well, every other thing will be taken care of in Faith, Patience and Love. Non of the above mentioned should be treated with levity but with sincerity in God every one of them would be dealth with in the three vital points mentioned. Some of these will be discussed in one of our future editions.
Your relationship can be a great one and it will be dependent on how you want it to be.
Do have a great time commiting to that relationship and be aware that it will require a conscious effort and commitment from both parties. You are bound to achieve much more than you can achieve alone when you both commit to work hard together in one accord in your relationship. Make God the foundation it is founded upon, be patient in building together and establish every decision on love then a great relationship with multiple fruits awaits you.
Already published in Living Letters, June, 2012 edition
Everyone desires a great relationship and in one way or the other they work towards having one. This is weather we are in one relationship or we are anticipating a relationship in the nearest future. The Relationship being spoken of here describes a love relationship between a man and woman with marraige in veiw (which I must say is not so common these days). I will like to say that I am a strong supporter of the school of thought that marraige should be an end in veiw in starting any reasonable relationship which must be prosecuted by mature minds. With this as a background, I will like to present three notable variables needed to have and sustain a great relationship. They are Faith, Patience and, Love.
Faith is a strong persuasion in God and in His ability and counsel. There must be faith in God in submission to His person and rulership over the participants. This gives a basis of guidance and cautioning through any issues in the relationship. Also on faith must be a persuasion in God's opinion and consent of the relationship. Participants must be able to declare confidently that they are persuaded God wanted them to be in the relationship (that is conviction). This happens through having fellowship with God. I do not particularly speak of an extreme or peculiar case where people say they heard or are waiting for a deep voice (which is possible and happens) but because the Christian has a relationship with God then there must be a way communication is done with God which he(the believer) is aware of. Such that s/he is persuaded by God to get into the relationship. The implication is that when issues or challenges arise there is a substance of what is hoped for and an evidence not seen that keeps you going with an assurance that it is by God.
Patience is used as long suffering in some versions of the bible. This is the ability to wait a little longer without giving up on someone, an issue or on God concerning a matter. That is being able to persevere. This must begin with being able to be patient with God concerning various sitiuations and trainings He will be taken you and your partner through. Being able to stay put with God will help any individual build strenght and matirity for any life's situation that confronts him/her. Then the need for patience for one another concerning every issue, fictions or challenges. Being patient gives time to hear one another out and make a head way, it gives chance to believe in each other and see progress in one another's lives. Patience will save a lot of anger, wrath and quarels. It will save a lot of heartbreaks and emotional hurts and health problems. Patience should be considered as first option before reacting to any action. Take a little time to hear him or her out why s/he acted or reacted the way s/he did before you react. Be patient believing that your partner will get beter at that situation you always correct her/him on. Patience saves us from so much unwarranted dangers and misunderstanding.
Love is to prefer others above self. A pastor friend describes love as being able to die for the other. Different places in scripture speaks of love being epitomed in what Jesus did on the cross for humanity. 1John4v10 clearly describes it as " herein is love,..that He loved us and gave Himself for us". He placed himself in arms way for our good because He loves us. Love is giving up your pride, ego, comfort, security, preferences etc for the good of the other. With loads of this in the relationship, so many things will be taken care of. If it is understood and coming from both ends, the common ground would be discovered. Note that, Love is not about a ratio of 50:50 contribution or sacrifice, it is about giving up willing from the heart to see the other person get better even if it puts you in harm's way which may be a a ratio 90:10 contribution or sacrifice. Love never fails and it will surely make any relationship great. It is a significant consideration for a triumphant relationship between two people. The balance in the commitment will be defined as both parties come with the same mind and together they can identify who needs to benefit more at a particular decision time.
I feel people may want to ask where is money, sex, material needs, pride, family, beauty, communication etc appear on my already exhausted list. Well, every other thing will be taken care of in Faith, Patience and Love. Non of the above mentioned should be treated with levity but with sincerity in God every one of them would be dealth with in the three vital points mentioned. Some of these will be discussed in one of our future editions.
Your relationship can be a great one and it will be dependent on how you want it to be.
Do have a great time commiting to that relationship and be aware that it will require a conscious effort and commitment from both parties. You are bound to achieve much more than you can achieve alone when you both commit to work hard together in one accord in your relationship. Make God the foundation it is founded upon, be patient in building together and establish every decision on love then a great relationship with multiple fruits awaits you.
Already published in Living Letters, June, 2012 edition
Wednesday 18 July 2012
total living with Ayo Adeoye: OAU Sports Complex
total living with Ayo Adeoye: OAU Sports Complex: It is such a beautiful sporting complex with different facilities as a football pitch (the best natural pitch in the zone), lawn tennis cour...
OAU Sports Complex
It is such a beautiful sporting complex with different facilities as a football pitch (the best natural pitch in the zone), lawn tennis courts (clay and tarred), gym, indoor sports hall – handball, basketball, badminton etc, tracks, hockey pitch etc.
You may wonder if all these were/are present in the Obafemi Awolowo University sports complex. Yes! They are present, in fact I did not mention the table tennis hall, the squash hall etc.
Common to majority of these facilities is one use which the beneficiaries should be grateful for in a long time. Personally, I am very grateful and cannot forget in a hurry or a lifetime how much benefits these facilities have been to me and many friends – brothers and sisters.
With millions (maybe billions) of steps that have been taken I would be accountable for some thousands of it, I presume and owing to not just playing football on the pitch but to engaging in some spiritual activities – Prayers (all sorts)
“Sports” as it is/was called is the best facility that O.A.U. could have given any generation. Loads of lives were formed, built-up, transformed on some of those grounds, destinies, purpose and dreams were discovered. Directions and decisions have been made on these facilities (and are still being maximised). These grounds were points of miracles and supernatural happenings in the lives of people within and without the campus environment (no matter how far).
I remember some cold nights alone (never alone cos someone was also praying) and hot afternoons even the early mornings too. They are all filled with different memories of prayer styles, postures and expressions. I remember speaking to a lady at the covered pavilion and she burst out in tears and I realized she got better and better with God from then on. I remember spending time in prayers for my elder brother and he is a transformed man today. I remember teaching/leading people to pray and life has been good with them.
What more can I say but to thank God for the beautiful moment and experiences he had with me at the OAU sports complex. I think everyone who has ever been through the complex at anytime has a memory to preserve and still long for same (some more). Lots of times I have wished for place like the sports complex in the cities I have been to in Nigeria. Every opportunity I have to spend when I visit the great Ife (OAU), I long for some moment at the complex – alone with God.
Oh, lest I forget, it was fun playing football on the pitch too.
You may wonder if all these were/are present in the Obafemi Awolowo University sports complex. Yes! They are present, in fact I did not mention the table tennis hall, the squash hall etc.
Common to majority of these facilities is one use which the beneficiaries should be grateful for in a long time. Personally, I am very grateful and cannot forget in a hurry or a lifetime how much benefits these facilities have been to me and many friends – brothers and sisters.
With millions (maybe billions) of steps that have been taken I would be accountable for some thousands of it, I presume and owing to not just playing football on the pitch but to engaging in some spiritual activities – Prayers (all sorts)
“Sports” as it is/was called is the best facility that O.A.U. could have given any generation. Loads of lives were formed, built-up, transformed on some of those grounds, destinies, purpose and dreams were discovered. Directions and decisions have been made on these facilities (and are still being maximised). These grounds were points of miracles and supernatural happenings in the lives of people within and without the campus environment (no matter how far).
I remember some cold nights alone (never alone cos someone was also praying) and hot afternoons even the early mornings too. They are all filled with different memories of prayer styles, postures and expressions. I remember speaking to a lady at the covered pavilion and she burst out in tears and I realized she got better and better with God from then on. I remember spending time in prayers for my elder brother and he is a transformed man today. I remember teaching/leading people to pray and life has been good with them.
What more can I say but to thank God for the beautiful moment and experiences he had with me at the OAU sports complex. I think everyone who has ever been through the complex at anytime has a memory to preserve and still long for same (some more). Lots of times I have wished for place like the sports complex in the cities I have been to in Nigeria. Every opportunity I have to spend when I visit the great Ife (OAU), I long for some moment at the complex – alone with God.
Oh, lest I forget, it was fun playing football on the pitch too.
Friday 6 July 2012
A walk to remember
I watched a little kid grab the hand of an adult as they both approached the major road but the unfortunate part of it is that there is no overhead bridge within reach. The road is an eight track road i.e. four lanes each sides with a centre curb.
There was a peaceful countenance on the kid’s face as they began to cross the road. He was not too fast or too slow. As they got to the middle curb and the adult carefully observed the road before they both make their next move, some trucks ran across which was followed by a fierce breeze with some sand and dust. This brought fear to the mind of the child and he actually made a move to go back where they were coming from which could have been disastrous if he did (thanks to the strong grip the adult had).
They soon made their next walk together across the remaining half of the road which was successful as the adult led the way and the kid followed step after step. The amazing part of the road crossing was at the end of it. As soon as they got to the other side of the road, the little chap snatched his hands off barely say thank you and ran off to do his own thing. After all, danger has been averted and the work of the adult friend is over.
This is how most of us relate with God, we grab hold of him only when we feel we are in dire need or danger and hope to have him come to the rescue and once it is over we shrug him off and go on to do our own thing leaving him out of it. Sometimes in the heat of our fears we even want to leave him and run back to where we feel is safe which is usually to our detriment.
God wants you to grab hold of his hand while you walk with him. He is ready to walk the journey of life with you and through every situation – good or bad, big or small. He wants to lead you through every step of the way, while you follow his every move.
A walk with God is always one to remember and it will bring comfort to our hearts no matter what the situation is. If you can learn to walk with him when you feel you can do it alone then you will be able walk with him in difficult times. Then you can say – “even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because you are with me.”
Jesus Christ described this walk in Matt11v29-30 as a yoke and he affirmed that his yoke is easy and that the burden is light. The best to be done is to submit to this walk and be guided through a peaceful walk in life.
Walking with God is quite interesting. It starts with accepting Jesus offer to be sacrificed for you. It establishes a relationship with God then you build on it by praying always, studying your bible, meditating on God’s word and living out these realities in scriptures.
Make every step of your walk through life one to remember, because you choose to walk with God.
There was a peaceful countenance on the kid’s face as they began to cross the road. He was not too fast or too slow. As they got to the middle curb and the adult carefully observed the road before they both make their next move, some trucks ran across which was followed by a fierce breeze with some sand and dust. This brought fear to the mind of the child and he actually made a move to go back where they were coming from which could have been disastrous if he did (thanks to the strong grip the adult had).
They soon made their next walk together across the remaining half of the road which was successful as the adult led the way and the kid followed step after step. The amazing part of the road crossing was at the end of it. As soon as they got to the other side of the road, the little chap snatched his hands off barely say thank you and ran off to do his own thing. After all, danger has been averted and the work of the adult friend is over.
This is how most of us relate with God, we grab hold of him only when we feel we are in dire need or danger and hope to have him come to the rescue and once it is over we shrug him off and go on to do our own thing leaving him out of it. Sometimes in the heat of our fears we even want to leave him and run back to where we feel is safe which is usually to our detriment.
God wants you to grab hold of his hand while you walk with him. He is ready to walk the journey of life with you and through every situation – good or bad, big or small. He wants to lead you through every step of the way, while you follow his every move.
A walk with God is always one to remember and it will bring comfort to our hearts no matter what the situation is. If you can learn to walk with him when you feel you can do it alone then you will be able walk with him in difficult times. Then you can say – “even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because you are with me.”
Jesus Christ described this walk in Matt11v29-30 as a yoke and he affirmed that his yoke is easy and that the burden is light. The best to be done is to submit to this walk and be guided through a peaceful walk in life.
Walking with God is quite interesting. It starts with accepting Jesus offer to be sacrificed for you. It establishes a relationship with God then you build on it by praying always, studying your bible, meditating on God’s word and living out these realities in scriptures.
Make every step of your walk through life one to remember, because you choose to walk with God.
Thursday 14 June 2012
Help!!! Please help, I am in a fix!!!
This is the dilema of a young Christian lady who needs your comment and counsel. Please be sincere and honest in your judgement as it could go a long way help make serious decision...
Consider urself in this shoes and tell me ur opinion...u date a guy for about 4 years,he doesn't have any formal certification bcos he fell ill for a year in his penultimate class in uni n was expelled.he is born again(very spirit-filled).loving,caring,can never hurt u,attends to ur need s and never wants u to cry aldo he doesn't v a job buh has experience in his field,yet no capital to establish a private establishment since he doesn't v any certification to get a career job.he is also somewhat unexciting and doesn't seem to av appeal for outgoing activities e.g cinemas,eateries, beach etc. U meet this new exciting guy and u v watched his consistency @ getting to marry u for over a year.he is educated,funloving...highly romantic,outgoing,takes u to d cinema, karaoke,beach,buys u lunch buh appears in ur subconscious to be a cassanova.goes to church buh not as spirit inclined as d other unexciting guy.drinks like 2 bottles of beer in a week.he is sweet and also caring..works in a big establishment,comfortable and has all d potentials of a presentable n honourable elite in d society buh u smell traces of trouble in ur subconscious about him. CONSIDERING the fact that u came from a humble background,although,u aint freaked about money cos u have a well paying job too buh u crave for a financially secured future which he has unlike d other uneducated dude who can't pay ur bills,rather u spend for him buh assures u happiness in d future buh not financial security.who wud u rather marry.
Thank you for your comment and contributions.
Consider urself in this shoes and tell me ur opinion...u date a guy for about 4 years,he doesn't have any formal certification bcos he fell ill for a year in his penultimate class in uni n was expelled.he is born again(very spirit-filled).loving,caring,can never hurt u,attends to ur need s and never wants u to cry aldo he doesn't v a job buh has experience in his field,yet no capital to establish a private establishment since he doesn't v any certification to get a career job.he is also somewhat unexciting and doesn't seem to av appeal for outgoing activities e.g cinemas,eateries, beach etc. U meet this new exciting guy and u v watched his consistency @ getting to marry u for over a year.he is educated,funloving...highly romantic,outgoing,takes u to d cinema, karaoke,beach,buys u lunch buh appears in ur subconscious to be a cassanova.goes to church buh not as spirit inclined as d other unexciting guy.drinks like 2 bottles of beer in a week.he is sweet and also caring..works in a big establishment,comfortable and has all d potentials of a presentable n honourable elite in d society buh u smell traces of trouble in ur subconscious about him. CONSIDERING the fact that u came from a humble background,although,u aint freaked about money cos u have a well paying job too buh u crave for a financially secured future which he has unlike d other uneducated dude who can't pay ur bills,rather u spend for him buh assures u happiness in d future buh not financial security.who wud u rather marry.
Thank you for your comment and contributions.
Saturday 9 June 2012
DANA Plane Crash on 3rd June 2012 - Living is a Privilege
I was at a birthday get together when the news first hit my phone, I disregarded it as one of the numerous postings that end up being pictures with baloon planes upside down. After disregarding with a hiss, another message came in with the same information but different content. Then a friend sent a message asking if I was receiving any messages of a plane crash on my BB. That was when I realised it was true and many lives have probably been lost again.
The details of the crash started coming from different angles and my heart switched from everything around. I started losing interest in everything and automatically my mind started taking a roll call to confirm all my friends and family for any that might have travelled but nobody I knew told me s/he was travelling. Soon after, I began another roll call of people I knew who lived in that neighbourhood- I couldn't think of any. My heart was still unsettled and despaired for the many lives that would have been lost in that crash.
The whole event still appeared distant to me but from past experience of serious mishaps you can't be too sure about that. From that night on, I started hearing of varying people who were saved from the crash. By the next morning, it was the story of the different people involved in the crash that hit a densely populated neighbourhood with residents also killed. The famous, rich, poor, sick, bride, mother, infant, foreigner, cherished, faith-full, shepherd, sheep etc all died in the crash. Please do not forget that the same morning there was a bomb blast in another state killing Christians in church and the suicide bomber. A tragic day you would want to say.
My submission to all these after weighing all that has happened is that Life is a privilege. The living(now) should consider him/herself privileged to be alive. This is not to say that the believer can die anyhow or without God's knowledge, neither is it to put fear in our hearts that our life can be cut short anytime. Not at all.
My point clearly is that we should live our lives as poeple who are privileged to have them. And we ought to make the best of every moment. We should be "redeeming the time because the days are evil...finding out what pleases the Lord.." and committing ourselves to it.
It could have been anyone who flies or has ever flown on a plane. The plane could have crashed in any community within or outside its route. so by all implication it could have been you reading this piece (by extension to other parts of the world-disasters/accidents happen anytime unannounced, it is why they are called that).
In summary, live every moment of your life here as one who is privileged by God to have that time; find out what pleases God that should be done and commit to it; make the best use of every moment and put away all strife, bitterness & anger; reach out to as many as you can around you making the most of every opportunity.
Do remember that life is short and only the purposeful maximises what is to be explored. Do not forget - Jesus has overcome the world. Live a privileged purpose full life.
Ephesians 5v15 - 20
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
I extend my condolence to the family and friend of the departed(in the plane crash and various bomb blasts around the world), weeping with you and Praying for you. I pray that God will comfort you in every way by the Holy Spirit. Only God can comfort you adequately.
Please drop a prayer in the comment box for friends and family. Thank you.
The details of the crash started coming from different angles and my heart switched from everything around. I started losing interest in everything and automatically my mind started taking a roll call to confirm all my friends and family for any that might have travelled but nobody I knew told me s/he was travelling. Soon after, I began another roll call of people I knew who lived in that neighbourhood- I couldn't think of any. My heart was still unsettled and despaired for the many lives that would have been lost in that crash.
The whole event still appeared distant to me but from past experience of serious mishaps you can't be too sure about that. From that night on, I started hearing of varying people who were saved from the crash. By the next morning, it was the story of the different people involved in the crash that hit a densely populated neighbourhood with residents also killed. The famous, rich, poor, sick, bride, mother, infant, foreigner, cherished, faith-full, shepherd, sheep etc all died in the crash. Please do not forget that the same morning there was a bomb blast in another state killing Christians in church and the suicide bomber. A tragic day you would want to say.
My submission to all these after weighing all that has happened is that Life is a privilege. The living(now) should consider him/herself privileged to be alive. This is not to say that the believer can die anyhow or without God's knowledge, neither is it to put fear in our hearts that our life can be cut short anytime. Not at all.
My point clearly is that we should live our lives as poeple who are privileged to have them. And we ought to make the best of every moment. We should be "redeeming the time because the days are evil...finding out what pleases the Lord.." and committing ourselves to it.
It could have been anyone who flies or has ever flown on a plane. The plane could have crashed in any community within or outside its route. so by all implication it could have been you reading this piece (by extension to other parts of the world-disasters/accidents happen anytime unannounced, it is why they are called that).
In summary, live every moment of your life here as one who is privileged by God to have that time; find out what pleases God that should be done and commit to it; make the best use of every moment and put away all strife, bitterness & anger; reach out to as many as you can around you making the most of every opportunity.
Do remember that life is short and only the purposeful maximises what is to be explored. Do not forget - Jesus has overcome the world. Live a privileged purpose full life.
Ephesians 5v15 - 20
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
I extend my condolence to the family and friend of the departed(in the plane crash and various bomb blasts around the world), weeping with you and Praying for you. I pray that God will comfort you in every way by the Holy Spirit. Only God can comfort you adequately.
Please drop a prayer in the comment box for friends and family. Thank you.
Thursday 31 May 2012
RELATIONSHIPS and You
Often times when we mention the word relationship, the expectation is a love relationship between a lady and a guy. While this column might pay some attention to that kind of relationship because of the many issues that spring from it, we will be looking at it from a broad perspective in this edition. Everyone in a relationship usually has certain attributes or qualities they are looking for. A relationship could be in different forms as parent-child, friendship (age peers, older to younger), siblings, co-workers, employer-employee etc. Whatever form it is, it is usually defined by different events and circumstances which maybe natural, contractual or chance.
Everyone in a relationship has some expectation from the relationship considering an input he or she also brings into and this is irrespective of the form, type or circumstance. We have tried to make an acronym out of the word RELATIONSHIP. Each letter presents something people clamour for in a relationship. Below spells out what people usually want in a relationship.
Real- everyone wants a relationship that is real and not built on false ideas and values. One that is clear on the terms of relating. You know what you are bringing in and taking from it. A relationship that is without false hopes and lies lurking around and bringing deceits. The best thing you can do for yourself and a friend at anytime is to be real, it makes you free.
Expression- we all want to be able to express ourselves at different times and we also want to be in a relationship that the parties are expressive and do not buckle up issues which lead to unpleasant reactions. Whatever the kind of relationship be expressive (not to a fault) because it will keep it actively working. In expressing yourself always make sure you choose the right words, actions and time to do it so that you are not misunderstood.
Love- this is the bedrock of any relationship and it is the most misunderstood concept. We all need to love and be loved. We all react to love in one way or the other and have a strong desire for it. Love is beyond what you express to the opposite (or same) sex for intimacy. Love is an expression that is free of selfishness. Love prefers other above self and wants nothing in return. The best expression of love ever displayed is the offering of Jesus as a sacrifice for you and I. 1Jhn 4v10 is clear on it and by it we know that we can love appropriately when we have embraced that love.
Accountable- every relationship demands that we are accountable to one another. Most times we want to be accountable to people we can trust will give us the best advice and vice-versa. Even though the human is wired to want freedom, he also wants to be accountable. This is why we seek mentors, close friends and lovers.
Timeless- nobody wants anything good to end. An employer would want that extra-ordinary employee to be with him for as long forever even when the employee has grown bigger than the organisation. We all want relationships that will stand the test of time, lasting forever but it is not usually guaranteed. There are moments when we wish momentary experiences of a relationship we are having should last forever especially when we are enjoying the success of being together. The only security for a life together after death is to be on the same side. Heaven or Hell?
Interesting- it is natural that interesting people attract others to themselves. Invariably we want to have interesting people surrounding us. Interest may vary depending on personalities that may be involved. What might be interesting to one might not be to another so we need to be careful not to assume that loud and funny is the same as interesting.
Ownership- often times ladies want to prove or show that they are the one aboard in a relationship. They want ownership of their man and find it difficult to let the guy out of their sight. This is always choking and can be considered to be insecurity. If something belongs to you then its all yours, anybody using time with it is borrowing time. Ownership in a relationship should not make anybody uncomfortable but should bring assurance and security.
Needs- relationships helps to meet our needs and because of that people actually look for relationships that will meet every of their need and down play on one that does not seem to be beneficial to them. The basis of relationships should not be to meet just our own needs. Every relationship should mutually benefit everyone in it.
Sound Judgment- making decisions is part of our everyday life. Good decisions will always likely take us to positions of honour. This is why being in relationships with people who can help make sound judgments and decisions on varying issues of life is important to people. It is always a wise decision to keep a company of people who will be there to give us godly counsels. It will keep us from falling.
Hardworking- even the laziest of men wants a hardworking man as a friend. A criterion for friendship is usually how hardworking the other person is. A hardworking man / woman will likely find favour in the sight of men. It should be note that there is a thin line between being busy and being in business. So be careful to know when a hard worker is just busy or actively in business.
Intimacy- building intimate relationships over a period of time is what is desired but it sometimes elude us. The mistake that people usually make is to assume that it must be there from the beginning. The best way to build intimacy in any relationship is to let it grow. Growth will require some cultivating, weeding, transplanting and harvesting. It is a process that requires diligence and patience.
Presence- much more than presents, we need the presence of people we love in our lives. Presence goes a long way. It is a great gift one can be blessed with at any time. The demise of a loved one will expose us to the reality of what it is to have someone present with us. God blessed us with His presence through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
As interesting and thoughtful as the acronym appears, we should bear in mind that we may never find all of it at a particular time in a relationship. It is also important to know that God is interested in every relationship that we have with other people. There are instructions and cautions in the Bible that calls attention to our conduct in any relationship. The most commonly remembered is “ love your neighbour as thy self” (Mar 12:31). This implies that God wants us to have good and respectable relationships with one another.
Often times we forget the first of the Ten Commandments that says “Mar 12:30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment.”. It means we should love God with everything we have and can ever be. It shows God deserves to be loved. “ if you can love God whom you do not see, then you will love your neighbour.
An important point to note then is that our conduct and influence in any relationship we enter into or have found ourselves should be defined by God’s love. God’s love can constrain anybody to that point of living right and making the best decisions in any kind of relationship. This is why scriptures talk about- imitating Christ as dear children; if God so loved us then we ought to love one another (1Jhn4:10-11).” the point to start for any good relationship is to be submitted to God, appreciating His love for you and me through Jesus Christ. If He could offer His only son as a sacrifice on the cross so that you will have the opportunity to be a member of His family then you also should count it a priviledge to express the same love to others. If you are forgiven you must forgive, if you have been blessed you must bless, if you have been delivered from your burdens then do not lay burdens on others, if He has honoured you then honour others, if He has trusted you then trust others, if you have been loved then you must love. You may end up being hurt sometimes when people abuse your obedience to God but remember you have also made mistakes with him also. His strength is perfect in all of this. Be a love child and make sure you love that neighbour as God as loved you.
Already published in Living Letters, March 2012 editin.
Everyone in a relationship has some expectation from the relationship considering an input he or she also brings into and this is irrespective of the form, type or circumstance. We have tried to make an acronym out of the word RELATIONSHIP. Each letter presents something people clamour for in a relationship. Below spells out what people usually want in a relationship.
Real- everyone wants a relationship that is real and not built on false ideas and values. One that is clear on the terms of relating. You know what you are bringing in and taking from it. A relationship that is without false hopes and lies lurking around and bringing deceits. The best thing you can do for yourself and a friend at anytime is to be real, it makes you free.
Expression- we all want to be able to express ourselves at different times and we also want to be in a relationship that the parties are expressive and do not buckle up issues which lead to unpleasant reactions. Whatever the kind of relationship be expressive (not to a fault) because it will keep it actively working. In expressing yourself always make sure you choose the right words, actions and time to do it so that you are not misunderstood.
Love- this is the bedrock of any relationship and it is the most misunderstood concept. We all need to love and be loved. We all react to love in one way or the other and have a strong desire for it. Love is beyond what you express to the opposite (or same) sex for intimacy. Love is an expression that is free of selfishness. Love prefers other above self and wants nothing in return. The best expression of love ever displayed is the offering of Jesus as a sacrifice for you and I. 1Jhn 4v10 is clear on it and by it we know that we can love appropriately when we have embraced that love.
Accountable- every relationship demands that we are accountable to one another. Most times we want to be accountable to people we can trust will give us the best advice and vice-versa. Even though the human is wired to want freedom, he also wants to be accountable. This is why we seek mentors, close friends and lovers.
Timeless- nobody wants anything good to end. An employer would want that extra-ordinary employee to be with him for as long forever even when the employee has grown bigger than the organisation. We all want relationships that will stand the test of time, lasting forever but it is not usually guaranteed. There are moments when we wish momentary experiences of a relationship we are having should last forever especially when we are enjoying the success of being together. The only security for a life together after death is to be on the same side. Heaven or Hell?
Interesting- it is natural that interesting people attract others to themselves. Invariably we want to have interesting people surrounding us. Interest may vary depending on personalities that may be involved. What might be interesting to one might not be to another so we need to be careful not to assume that loud and funny is the same as interesting.
Ownership- often times ladies want to prove or show that they are the one aboard in a relationship. They want ownership of their man and find it difficult to let the guy out of their sight. This is always choking and can be considered to be insecurity. If something belongs to you then its all yours, anybody using time with it is borrowing time. Ownership in a relationship should not make anybody uncomfortable but should bring assurance and security.
Needs- relationships helps to meet our needs and because of that people actually look for relationships that will meet every of their need and down play on one that does not seem to be beneficial to them. The basis of relationships should not be to meet just our own needs. Every relationship should mutually benefit everyone in it.
Sound Judgment- making decisions is part of our everyday life. Good decisions will always likely take us to positions of honour. This is why being in relationships with people who can help make sound judgments and decisions on varying issues of life is important to people. It is always a wise decision to keep a company of people who will be there to give us godly counsels. It will keep us from falling.
Hardworking- even the laziest of men wants a hardworking man as a friend. A criterion for friendship is usually how hardworking the other person is. A hardworking man / woman will likely find favour in the sight of men. It should be note that there is a thin line between being busy and being in business. So be careful to know when a hard worker is just busy or actively in business.
Intimacy- building intimate relationships over a period of time is what is desired but it sometimes elude us. The mistake that people usually make is to assume that it must be there from the beginning. The best way to build intimacy in any relationship is to let it grow. Growth will require some cultivating, weeding, transplanting and harvesting. It is a process that requires diligence and patience.
Presence- much more than presents, we need the presence of people we love in our lives. Presence goes a long way. It is a great gift one can be blessed with at any time. The demise of a loved one will expose us to the reality of what it is to have someone present with us. God blessed us with His presence through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
As interesting and thoughtful as the acronym appears, we should bear in mind that we may never find all of it at a particular time in a relationship. It is also important to know that God is interested in every relationship that we have with other people. There are instructions and cautions in the Bible that calls attention to our conduct in any relationship. The most commonly remembered is “ love your neighbour as thy self” (Mar 12:31). This implies that God wants us to have good and respectable relationships with one another.
Often times we forget the first of the Ten Commandments that says “Mar 12:30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment.”. It means we should love God with everything we have and can ever be. It shows God deserves to be loved. “ if you can love God whom you do not see, then you will love your neighbour.
An important point to note then is that our conduct and influence in any relationship we enter into or have found ourselves should be defined by God’s love. God’s love can constrain anybody to that point of living right and making the best decisions in any kind of relationship. This is why scriptures talk about- imitating Christ as dear children; if God so loved us then we ought to love one another (1Jhn4:10-11).” the point to start for any good relationship is to be submitted to God, appreciating His love for you and me through Jesus Christ. If He could offer His only son as a sacrifice on the cross so that you will have the opportunity to be a member of His family then you also should count it a priviledge to express the same love to others. If you are forgiven you must forgive, if you have been blessed you must bless, if you have been delivered from your burdens then do not lay burdens on others, if He has honoured you then honour others, if He has trusted you then trust others, if you have been loved then you must love. You may end up being hurt sometimes when people abuse your obedience to God but remember you have also made mistakes with him also. His strength is perfect in all of this. Be a love child and make sure you love that neighbour as God as loved you.
Already published in Living Letters, March 2012 editin.
Sunday 20 May 2012
What would you do if...?
This is a piece that requires your honest and sincere opinion and response. It might just help keep someone in the right perspective. Thank you.
A wife asked her husband to drop her at her friend's house, where a wedding was taking place. He said he would be too busy in the office and gave her some money for taxi. He left for office. Later at the wedding place, she met a fine girl and they got talking to each other. Soon they became friends. In the evening when everyone was leaving, the girl asked the woman how she was going home. She replied dat her husband was too busy in d office, so he can't come to pick her and she was going in a taxi. Then the girl said,
'My boyfriend who brought me here is coming to pick me up. I just spoke with him on phone and he's on his way to pick me. Why don't you join me in his car and we drop you at your house?' The woman agreed. A few minutes later, her husband's car arrived. The girl entered the front passenger's seat of the car and asked the woman to sit at the back, which she did. The girl introduced her new friend to the boyfriend. When he turned round to greet the woman, he discovered it was his wife but could do nothing but play along. They dropped the wife at home and left. She said "THANK YOU" with a big grin on her face and waving good night to both of them
If you were the wife, what would you do when your husband returns... If you were the husband what will you say to your wife when you return?...!!!!
A wife asked her husband to drop her at her friend's house, where a wedding was taking place. He said he would be too busy in the office and gave her some money for taxi. He left for office. Later at the wedding place, she met a fine girl and they got talking to each other. Soon they became friends. In the evening when everyone was leaving, the girl asked the woman how she was going home. She replied dat her husband was too busy in d office, so he can't come to pick her and she was going in a taxi. Then the girl said,
'My boyfriend who brought me here is coming to pick me up. I just spoke with him on phone and he's on his way to pick me. Why don't you join me in his car and we drop you at your house?' The woman agreed. A few minutes later, her husband's car arrived. The girl entered the front passenger's seat of the car and asked the woman to sit at the back, which she did. The girl introduced her new friend to the boyfriend. When he turned round to greet the woman, he discovered it was his wife but could do nothing but play along. They dropped the wife at home and left. She said "THANK YOU" with a big grin on her face and waving good night to both of them
If you were the wife, what would you do when your husband returns... If you were the husband what will you say to your wife when you return?...!!!!
Monday 7 May 2012
The Gift of presence.
God is ever faithful.. He's always constant, remains the same no matter how far we drift away, become unaware of His presence, person and power available to us.. He proves this each moment we realize the power of His presence HE (the mighty God) has blessed us with.
His promise is that "He will never leave nor forsake you". It means He never left you...No, not for a moment but we just always get submerged in the activities and cares of this world till we become numb to the presence of our Lord in our lives.
The time of fellowship and communion with our Lord, Maker, King, Lover, Creator, Healer, Provider, Redeemer....is very important to our effectiveness and fulfilment of purpose. He rejuveniates us every moment we spend with Him and makes us blosom in our expressions of the life He has richly blessed us with.
See then that you do not neglect the gift of His presence that He blessed you with. It cost the sheding of the blood of the lamb but it was pleasing to God that you be brought nearer so that you can enjoy the beauty of being in His presence without fear,timidity or any feeling of shyness.
He has brought us near and made us His people, we who were far away and were not a people. He did these through the blood of JESUS.
You are saved to enjoy His ever abiding presence that makes power available for you to shine and reign in victory in this dark world. Enjoy the beauty of being in God's presence.
HALLELUYA!!!!!!!
His promise is that "He will never leave nor forsake you". It means He never left you...No, not for a moment but we just always get submerged in the activities and cares of this world till we become numb to the presence of our Lord in our lives.
The time of fellowship and communion with our Lord, Maker, King, Lover, Creator, Healer, Provider, Redeemer....is very important to our effectiveness and fulfilment of purpose. He rejuveniates us every moment we spend with Him and makes us blosom in our expressions of the life He has richly blessed us with.
See then that you do not neglect the gift of His presence that He blessed you with. It cost the sheding of the blood of the lamb but it was pleasing to God that you be brought nearer so that you can enjoy the beauty of being in His presence without fear,timidity or any feeling of shyness.
He has brought us near and made us His people, we who were far away and were not a people. He did these through the blood of JESUS.
You are saved to enjoy His ever abiding presence that makes power available for you to shine and reign in victory in this dark world. Enjoy the beauty of being in God's presence.
HALLELUYA!!!!!!!
Monday 23 April 2012
The cost of ignorance
I opened my wallet this morning to keep a business card I had collected from a new contact, neatly folded in it was a N1000 note. It made me realize one more time how ignorance or being unaware of something could cost so much.
The previous day, I had to beg unfamiliar faces for money because I believed I had no money on me after a disappointing trip to receive money for a job I had done. The different reactions I got from people amounted only to insults. I have not been humiliated like that before. After a bucket full of humiliations without success, I decided to take a very long stroll home from my unfruitful journey. It was a long and stressful work under the scorching sun that baked every inch of my skin. During my unplanned adventure (walk), a nasty impatient driver ran into a pool of water that was splashed on my body. It felt so irritating and degrading. The thought that ran through my mind was “how did I find myself in this situation” and “just N50 would have saved me from all these humiliations”. I was battered and felt crushed. I got home and transferred all the aggression on loved ones. It was so pathetic.
Most of us go through various crushing humiliations like this because we are ignorant of the things God has freely given us. This is the position that a lot of Christians have found themselves in life. It is a situation where we suffer humiliations, trauma and defeats because of our ignorance to God’s blessings in Christ. Such blessings that have been freely given to us which we often do not realize and live in are found in these scriptures: John1V12 & 13; Ephesians 1V 3; Colosians1v 13; Hebrews7v25; Romans3v 23 & 24 etc.
The believer has been crowned with loads of privileges which he often times does not benefit from because of ignorance to them. You will likely fall prey to sin until you realize that you are dead to sin in Christ Jesus. You will feel powerless and empty of authority if you are not aware that you received “power” after you received the Holy Spirit. In simple terms, the Holy Spirit came with power since the day of Pentecost.
Ignorance will cost you a lot and being aware and knowledgeable will always keep you a step ahead of your game. It brings confidence in all you do.
Since that incident, I make sure I check my wallet and pockets every morning before I step out of the house so that I am aware of my financial strength for the day. In the same way we should keep ourselves reminded of the things that Christ has freely given unto us every day of our lives by studying and meditating on scriptures daily. The bible describes the person who does this as someone who will be “fruitful in all he does” psalm 1; “perfect not lacking anything”; “blessed in all his deed” James 1v25.
It is a choice we all have to make, whether to live in ignorance or knowledge. Make up your mind how you want to live.
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