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.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Pray without ceasing!!!
Pray without ceasing
How do I pray without ceasing?
How do I stay persistent in praying?
I cannot kneel by my bed all day
My strength would fall to the lure of the moon
should I try by night
What other way might I try
My morning prayers appears below standard of not ceasing
My bed time prayers often end up with snores
Do I give up all activities to fulfil this instruction?
Do I assume it’s just an ironical presentation?
I will pray to my God – always
Commune with Him as much as I can
Be open to His friendship to share all my experiences
Make Him my Lord to receive His counsels
Allow His discipline ‘cos He’s my father
Pour into Him as He pours into me
Be spent in prayers at every opportunity that appears
I will share my best moments and intimate Him of the worst and challenging ones
Openness will be my guide to sharing my moments with Him
After all He sees and knows all things...
His praise will not depart from me
Thanks giving I will always bring
I will worship Him without reservations and pour my love on Him
For He deserves more than I can bring
My soul will appreciate His death for me
The gift of life that made me whole
Saved eternally by His love
Free access to approach Him any time, place or situation
I will praise Him every morning
Will talk about my day’s expectations
In the shower I will bless Him
While walking I will thank Him
On my job, we will share minds
At lunch breaks, looking through scriptures will by inspired with prayers
In the gym, I’ll keep my heart stayed on Him ‘cos He is my strength
At dinner time, every bite will be a delight ‘cos He’ll be there to brighten the moment
Among friends, I will let Him in on every gist we share
Every minute must count with a word, phrase or thought to commune with Him
Just before sleep, I will thank Him for sharing the day with me
And being there at those low moments to urge me on
This way I strive to pray without ceasing!!!
How do I pray without ceasing?
How do I stay persistent in praying?
I cannot kneel by my bed all day
My strength would fall to the lure of the moon
should I try by night
What other way might I try
My morning prayers appears below standard of not ceasing
My bed time prayers often end up with snores
Do I give up all activities to fulfil this instruction?
Do I assume it’s just an ironical presentation?
I will pray to my God – always
Commune with Him as much as I can
Be open to His friendship to share all my experiences
Make Him my Lord to receive His counsels
Allow His discipline ‘cos He’s my father
Pour into Him as He pours into me
Be spent in prayers at every opportunity that appears
I will share my best moments and intimate Him of the worst and challenging ones
Openness will be my guide to sharing my moments with Him
After all He sees and knows all things...
His praise will not depart from me
Thanks giving I will always bring
I will worship Him without reservations and pour my love on Him
For He deserves more than I can bring
My soul will appreciate His death for me
The gift of life that made me whole
Saved eternally by His love
Free access to approach Him any time, place or situation
I will praise Him every morning
Will talk about my day’s expectations
In the shower I will bless Him
While walking I will thank Him
On my job, we will share minds
At lunch breaks, looking through scriptures will by inspired with prayers
In the gym, I’ll keep my heart stayed on Him ‘cos He is my strength
At dinner time, every bite will be a delight ‘cos He’ll be there to brighten the moment
Among friends, I will let Him in on every gist we share
Every minute must count with a word, phrase or thought to commune with Him
Just before sleep, I will thank Him for sharing the day with me
And being there at those low moments to urge me on
This way I strive to pray without ceasing!!!
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
A Miracle at a cost!!!
I was with a friend sometime ago and he exclaimed that he is always marvelled about three miracles in the bible which are from the Old Testament books. He was so marvelled and I guess anyone who thinks deeply about these miracles should too (I am). There are also other miracles I think about too and they leave me wondering about the supernatural acts and abilities of God.
His three miracles include the parting/”pathing” of the Red sea for the Israelites to walk through it and its subsequent drowning of the Egyptians. The intriguing part of the story is the distance the Israelites had to cover by foot through the sea by foot (that might have appeared endless) and how the Egyptians came after them in their chariots through the night and still did not catch up. Exo.14.
The second miracle is how three men – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the furnace of fire because they would not bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s god(s). He decreed upon their refusal that they should be thrown into the furnace and their response was “...if the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire ... but even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods...” such courage and trust in the unseen God right? Of course they were thrown into the furnace and those who threw them in even burned and died but they did not burn, not even their clothes were burn. A ‘wow’ miracle! Dan.3.
The third miracle is that of Daniel and the lions. The king was compelled to decree that no one should pray to any other apart from himself and his god(s) for a period of set time. This was planned by some men to set Daniel up and eliminate him from his office. Because Daniel was faithful in prayers to God, he was caught and the decree held that he be thrown into the lions’ den for food. The king felt bad because of his love for Daniel and respect for his God. He told him “may your God, whom you serve continually rescue you”. The king had a long night and the first thing he did in the morning was to go check Daniel up and yeah, he was still alive with the lions. His response to the king was that “they haven’t hurt me”. Of course the lions were hungry because once Daniel was out and the culprits to his set up were thrown into the same den, the lions devoured them before they got to the ground. Dan.6.
There are so many other miracles that amazes me like the raising of Lazarus from death after four (whole) days; feeding 5,000 people with a boy’s meal; healings occurring through shadows and handkerchiefs etc. They all beat imagination or human comprehension.
The marvelling thing is that all these miracles did not cost God or His son-Jesus anything to accomplish them. It was either at a command or a move. This leads me to my main point which is, all these miracles we are usually left in awe over when we think about was at no cost at all but the conversion if a sinner to saint which makes him partake of God’s inheritance and make him a child came at a cost. See (imagine) how the bible describes the believer in Christ Jesus –
Eph 2:1 And He has made you alive, who were once dead in trespasses and sins,
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us
Eph 2:5 (even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),
Eph 2:6 and has raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus,
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
Col 2:14 blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.
1Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for possession, so that you might speak of the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1Pe 2:10 you who then were not a people, but now the people of God, those not pitied then, but now pitied.
He offered Jesus as a pleasing sacrifice for you on the cross (with spiritual implications) to be the payment for your sins and a consequent transformation to become His own peculiar creation. You, my dear are precious to God and He won’t leave, forsake or let you go. You have been bought with a price and a master piece of God hand-work. If you are saved (Believed in and trusted Jesus Christ alone for your salvation) then people should look at you and marvel that you are a master piece that cost God a price so precious to Him. Woooow!!!!
He has paid for your life too if you have not realized that yet or embraced his love for you. It is the truth, a fact you need to agree with. You do not have to live here on earth or die as one who is worthless when your price tag will read invaluable by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus for your life. His death on the cross was for the sin of the whole world including yours.
Take the honour and privilege of a priceless cost to have you and submit and commit to His love for you as you celebrate a miracle.
You are a miracle!!!
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard," nor has it entered into the heart of man, "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." ...
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ;
Eph 1:4 according as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
Eph 1:5 having predestined us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has regenerated us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in Heaven for you
1Pe 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the living Word of God, and abiding forever.
His three miracles include the parting/”pathing” of the Red sea for the Israelites to walk through it and its subsequent drowning of the Egyptians. The intriguing part of the story is the distance the Israelites had to cover by foot through the sea by foot (that might have appeared endless) and how the Egyptians came after them in their chariots through the night and still did not catch up. Exo.14.
The second miracle is how three men – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the furnace of fire because they would not bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s god(s). He decreed upon their refusal that they should be thrown into the furnace and their response was “...if the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire ... but even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods...” such courage and trust in the unseen God right? Of course they were thrown into the furnace and those who threw them in even burned and died but they did not burn, not even their clothes were burn. A ‘wow’ miracle! Dan.3.
The third miracle is that of Daniel and the lions. The king was compelled to decree that no one should pray to any other apart from himself and his god(s) for a period of set time. This was planned by some men to set Daniel up and eliminate him from his office. Because Daniel was faithful in prayers to God, he was caught and the decree held that he be thrown into the lions’ den for food. The king felt bad because of his love for Daniel and respect for his God. He told him “may your God, whom you serve continually rescue you”. The king had a long night and the first thing he did in the morning was to go check Daniel up and yeah, he was still alive with the lions. His response to the king was that “they haven’t hurt me”. Of course the lions were hungry because once Daniel was out and the culprits to his set up were thrown into the same den, the lions devoured them before they got to the ground. Dan.6.
There are so many other miracles that amazes me like the raising of Lazarus from death after four (whole) days; feeding 5,000 people with a boy’s meal; healings occurring through shadows and handkerchiefs etc. They all beat imagination or human comprehension.
The marvelling thing is that all these miracles did not cost God or His son-Jesus anything to accomplish them. It was either at a command or a move. This leads me to my main point which is, all these miracles we are usually left in awe over when we think about was at no cost at all but the conversion if a sinner to saint which makes him partake of God’s inheritance and make him a child came at a cost. See (imagine) how the bible describes the believer in Christ Jesus –
Eph 2:1 And He has made you alive, who were once dead in trespasses and sins,
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us
Eph 2:5 (even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),
Eph 2:6 and has raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus,
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
Col 2:14 blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.
1Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for possession, so that you might speak of the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1Pe 2:10 you who then were not a people, but now the people of God, those not pitied then, but now pitied.
He offered Jesus as a pleasing sacrifice for you on the cross (with spiritual implications) to be the payment for your sins and a consequent transformation to become His own peculiar creation. You, my dear are precious to God and He won’t leave, forsake or let you go. You have been bought with a price and a master piece of God hand-work. If you are saved (Believed in and trusted Jesus Christ alone for your salvation) then people should look at you and marvel that you are a master piece that cost God a price so precious to Him. Woooow!!!!
He has paid for your life too if you have not realized that yet or embraced his love for you. It is the truth, a fact you need to agree with. You do not have to live here on earth or die as one who is worthless when your price tag will read invaluable by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus for your life. His death on the cross was for the sin of the whole world including yours.
Take the honour and privilege of a priceless cost to have you and submit and commit to His love for you as you celebrate a miracle.
You are a miracle!!!
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard," nor has it entered into the heart of man, "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." ...
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ;
Eph 1:4 according as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
Eph 1:5 having predestined us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has regenerated us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in Heaven for you
1Pe 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the living Word of God, and abiding forever.
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Breast Flaunt!!!
I guess you must have heard the phrase “if you’ve got it, flaunt it” implying that if have got an asset worthy of praise then reveal it for all to see. On that note, it might be rewritten as “if you’ve got it, bare it”. This is the case in the fashion world where ladies have to bare (expose) significant parts of their body. Most significant are ladies with large upper case – breast (pardon my plainness), have to bare a significant amount of it for the world to see (“admire”). I presume it is a fashion rule as I hear and see on fashion programmes and make-overs that you must show some part of your body area that are assets while you hide/ cover up the uninteresting ones (cleavages, tummy, legs, back etc). The most irritating to me is the show of the bum line when ladies wear pants designed to reach half of their bum instead of the waist. The most accepted is the exposure of the cleavages which is done irrespective of the size of the breasts.
It seems the show has been taken to another level, one that becomes an open challenge to find out whose breasts are bigger. Some time ago, the challenge was between Cossy Ojiakor and Gloria Doyle as it became a regular gist among the Nigeria’s print media pages. Another challenger has just arrived on the block according to a publication in Saturday Sun newspaper –
Breast war
For years, Actress Cossy Ojiakor has been showing off her intimidating breasts, which she said are her “assets.” But it seems her reign is about ending. Now, she has a challenger in Sharon Promise Edobor| Read Story
My little way to resolve this is that they bear it all on a TV show and make all the men and women be the judge through sms and phone calls – not from little exposures and words of mouth.
I wonder what the war and all these exposures are supposed to achieve if not silly cheap popularity, a lure of sexual attraction, intimidation, fornication, undue pressure that could spark off from either end, evil reactions from rape to riot, and the likes. I believe all these are just shows of shame and insecurity in personal development and intelligence that looks for ways to patronise people (especially men) with their feminine endowments as a means to an end. Some ladies have told me their intention is far from this when they pick such clothes, they just pick the clothes for other reasons like texture, fitting, colour etc. They totally have no intention to expose. While, I might agree to that I have a problem with it because as important as those other reasons are to picking the clothing should the reason of exposure be considered. A reality every lady must know is that while you were not planning to have something “indecent” worn, the designer of the clothe had your figure in mind and how it will attract and lure any beholder to be energised towards you – for “good or bad”.
The breasts are natural gifts from God which is given for two major purposes which are for the benefit of the child - Psa22v9, and for the husband to enjoy - Pro5v19. They should be cherished, protected and preserved to meet these two major purposes and not to be flaunted for all to see. Every woman should carry and present herself as a cherished possession. One who was carefully packaged and endowed from God. The same way you do not treat a diamond pearl or a gold necklace or chain as common then the woman and all are cherished assets (including the breasts) should be cherished and reserved for the purpose it should serve.
I have not said that you should not dress smart, incoherent or uncoordinated but dress descent, smart, tact and attractive. Your dressing should attract people and command respect. An attraction that says you are thick, smart, priceless and purposeful not an attraction that says you are available at a cost, “you can have a piece of me” or try me o! Just be descent and comfortable too. I will like to end along the lines of scriptures below-
1Pe 3:3 Of whom let not be the adorning of garments, or outward braiding of hair and wearing of gold, or of putting on clothing,
1Pe 3:4 but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, the meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God.
Col 3:17 And everything, whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
Be good and pay attention more on the inner beauty which is a very costly price before God and be thankful to God as you do all you do (including your dressing up/down) in the name of God. Just before you step out while checking the mirror, do be sincere with your decency in dressing also.
It seems the show has been taken to another level, one that becomes an open challenge to find out whose breasts are bigger. Some time ago, the challenge was between Cossy Ojiakor and Gloria Doyle as it became a regular gist among the Nigeria’s print media pages. Another challenger has just arrived on the block according to a publication in Saturday Sun newspaper –
Breast war
For years, Actress Cossy Ojiakor has been showing off her intimidating breasts, which she said are her “assets.” But it seems her reign is about ending. Now, she has a challenger in Sharon Promise Edobor| Read Story
My little way to resolve this is that they bear it all on a TV show and make all the men and women be the judge through sms and phone calls – not from little exposures and words of mouth.
I wonder what the war and all these exposures are supposed to achieve if not silly cheap popularity, a lure of sexual attraction, intimidation, fornication, undue pressure that could spark off from either end, evil reactions from rape to riot, and the likes. I believe all these are just shows of shame and insecurity in personal development and intelligence that looks for ways to patronise people (especially men) with their feminine endowments as a means to an end. Some ladies have told me their intention is far from this when they pick such clothes, they just pick the clothes for other reasons like texture, fitting, colour etc. They totally have no intention to expose. While, I might agree to that I have a problem with it because as important as those other reasons are to picking the clothing should the reason of exposure be considered. A reality every lady must know is that while you were not planning to have something “indecent” worn, the designer of the clothe had your figure in mind and how it will attract and lure any beholder to be energised towards you – for “good or bad”.
The breasts are natural gifts from God which is given for two major purposes which are for the benefit of the child - Psa22v9, and for the husband to enjoy - Pro5v19. They should be cherished, protected and preserved to meet these two major purposes and not to be flaunted for all to see. Every woman should carry and present herself as a cherished possession. One who was carefully packaged and endowed from God. The same way you do not treat a diamond pearl or a gold necklace or chain as common then the woman and all are cherished assets (including the breasts) should be cherished and reserved for the purpose it should serve.
I have not said that you should not dress smart, incoherent or uncoordinated but dress descent, smart, tact and attractive. Your dressing should attract people and command respect. An attraction that says you are thick, smart, priceless and purposeful not an attraction that says you are available at a cost, “you can have a piece of me” or try me o! Just be descent and comfortable too. I will like to end along the lines of scriptures below-
1Pe 3:3 Of whom let not be the adorning of garments, or outward braiding of hair and wearing of gold, or of putting on clothing,
1Pe 3:4 but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, the meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God.
Col 3:17 And everything, whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
Be good and pay attention more on the inner beauty which is a very costly price before God and be thankful to God as you do all you do (including your dressing up/down) in the name of God. Just before you step out while checking the mirror, do be sincere with your decency in dressing also.
Sex Craze!!!
I attended a wedding ceremony in one of the states of the south – west of Nigeria. The experience or reality I discovered was embarrassing to me as a youth and challenging as a Christian. We arrived there a day before the wedding day so that we could start early the next day and get it all done with in no time.
On arrival to where some guys lodged (an hotel) was the flow of drinks (alcohol) and cigarettes. I refused the offer to take something alcoholic but stuck to the choice of a malt drink. It was bottle after bottle as it may not be considered strange – “boys life” right? To me it was out of place but it was not a shock in any way.
The shocker of the night was when young girls from the campus within the town were organised to be around for selection by the guys at an arranged/agreed price for the night. Notable and painful to me were two girls that really appeared naive. So many questions ran through my mind as I waited in observation of the fusion of this discovery to me (but the guys confidently spoke like it was common practice everywhere- this was to be confirmed via a phone call to another girl who can be arranged from the next campus town). The girls escaped being prey that night or may be a loss of business because of some misunderstanding. Guys felt bitter and disappointed in a night that had been pre-arranged in their thoughts. I felt a relief though but I was still uncomfortable with the environment/atmosphere.
Just before I left the environment, I was opportune to hear of a bargain between another young girl that was hanging around for a prospective “dealer” and a man. The young lady (girl) was asking was demanding for N5,000 while the man offered N2,000 only for the night. An agreement to this meant an overnight arrangement and she would have to invite other girls for the remaining guys at the agreed price. I’m wondering how many guys she would have slept with before she gets married?!?!
No matter how we look at this case, it is a sorry situation for our youths and the future of our generation. It is a drop in the moral standard of our generation in which sex is just a – fling, game, fun or exchange! Can you imagine the risk of STIs (especially HIV) that tends to spread? The excuse is that you can protect yourself- condoms. Does this imply that condoms aid immorality? It’s a pathetic situation and my wonder has been how this can be stopped or reduced. What do you really think? How are these young girls exposed or introduced to such immoralities? Can parents do anything to curb this situation that they are probably unaware of? Maybe it was a case of underage sex by one “uncle” that triggered the animal side of these girls or a true lack of funds from home? Do we organise a crusade to keep everywhere clean or ask university authorities to monitor undergraduates like secondary school students?
I know you can be of help from this point with more thoughtful questions and lines of solution which may include situations and people to blame about this. I think everyone should choose to go the responsible way and make the choices that will present us as honourable women and men (ladies and gentlemen). Actions that needs no defence or cover in future, such that will keep our heads held high and not with deflated minds.
Difficult as it may appear for someone who has an excuse to engage in these things or another that sees no moral wrong in it, there appears to be a common phase in the process – it is done in secret! This makes it wrong. Then why is it done anyway? Whatever the cause is, we can stop it. How? It begins with you. My suggestions are as follows:
Firstly, if you are not involved in such a practice (casual sex, flings, fornication etc), do not get into it. Stay clear from it in every way possible. The way to do it is to RUN from every appearance of evil. Once you start it, you don’t want to stop. It is addictive. Make up your mind to abstain till you are married. IT IS POSSIBLE!!!
Secondly, if you know or suspect someone who is actively or passively involved in it, then you need to try to help the person. You could start by praying for such a person (prayer will go a long way), then have a talk with him/her about the risks involved (s/he might be aware of them already but adopting a caring and not castigating approach might be the way in). Then offer whatever sincere help you can offer while you remain discrete about your discussions.
Thirdly, if you are the person in question and you want to stop but you honestly do not know how, you would have to talk with someone respectable about it. Such a person must be willing to help and counsel you through a process to break out of this mess. A truth you must remember is that you can if you decide to. It will not stop by wishing it away but it will require a conscious commitment with support. Go ahead.
On arrival to where some guys lodged (an hotel) was the flow of drinks (alcohol) and cigarettes. I refused the offer to take something alcoholic but stuck to the choice of a malt drink. It was bottle after bottle as it may not be considered strange – “boys life” right? To me it was out of place but it was not a shock in any way.
The shocker of the night was when young girls from the campus within the town were organised to be around for selection by the guys at an arranged/agreed price for the night. Notable and painful to me were two girls that really appeared naive. So many questions ran through my mind as I waited in observation of the fusion of this discovery to me (but the guys confidently spoke like it was common practice everywhere- this was to be confirmed via a phone call to another girl who can be arranged from the next campus town). The girls escaped being prey that night or may be a loss of business because of some misunderstanding. Guys felt bitter and disappointed in a night that had been pre-arranged in their thoughts. I felt a relief though but I was still uncomfortable with the environment/atmosphere.
Just before I left the environment, I was opportune to hear of a bargain between another young girl that was hanging around for a prospective “dealer” and a man. The young lady (girl) was asking was demanding for N5,000 while the man offered N2,000 only for the night. An agreement to this meant an overnight arrangement and she would have to invite other girls for the remaining guys at the agreed price. I’m wondering how many guys she would have slept with before she gets married?!?!
No matter how we look at this case, it is a sorry situation for our youths and the future of our generation. It is a drop in the moral standard of our generation in which sex is just a – fling, game, fun or exchange! Can you imagine the risk of STIs (especially HIV) that tends to spread? The excuse is that you can protect yourself- condoms. Does this imply that condoms aid immorality? It’s a pathetic situation and my wonder has been how this can be stopped or reduced. What do you really think? How are these young girls exposed or introduced to such immoralities? Can parents do anything to curb this situation that they are probably unaware of? Maybe it was a case of underage sex by one “uncle” that triggered the animal side of these girls or a true lack of funds from home? Do we organise a crusade to keep everywhere clean or ask university authorities to monitor undergraduates like secondary school students?
I know you can be of help from this point with more thoughtful questions and lines of solution which may include situations and people to blame about this. I think everyone should choose to go the responsible way and make the choices that will present us as honourable women and men (ladies and gentlemen). Actions that needs no defence or cover in future, such that will keep our heads held high and not with deflated minds.
Difficult as it may appear for someone who has an excuse to engage in these things or another that sees no moral wrong in it, there appears to be a common phase in the process – it is done in secret! This makes it wrong. Then why is it done anyway? Whatever the cause is, we can stop it. How? It begins with you. My suggestions are as follows:
Firstly, if you are not involved in such a practice (casual sex, flings, fornication etc), do not get into it. Stay clear from it in every way possible. The way to do it is to RUN from every appearance of evil. Once you start it, you don’t want to stop. It is addictive. Make up your mind to abstain till you are married. IT IS POSSIBLE!!!
Secondly, if you know or suspect someone who is actively or passively involved in it, then you need to try to help the person. You could start by praying for such a person (prayer will go a long way), then have a talk with him/her about the risks involved (s/he might be aware of them already but adopting a caring and not castigating approach might be the way in). Then offer whatever sincere help you can offer while you remain discrete about your discussions.
Thirdly, if you are the person in question and you want to stop but you honestly do not know how, you would have to talk with someone respectable about it. Such a person must be willing to help and counsel you through a process to break out of this mess. A truth you must remember is that you can if you decide to. It will not stop by wishing it away but it will require a conscious commitment with support. Go ahead.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Isn’t He in your boat?! Relax!!
In order to have a clear perspective of this short piece of write up, you will have to grab a bible (or open up a bible on the internet now) to read a passage or two from it.
Often times we get through various trials, difficulties, challenges and unrest that can be likened to a storm. They toss us to and fro and bring fear into our hearts like the weight of the world is on our shoulders and we just want to give up. Sometimes, as “committed” Christians we say “why is God allowing this to happen” while for those of us who are not “committed” or not Christians, with inadequacies in our ways, we feel “it’s because of my unfaithfulness that these things are happening”.
The first thing you should note is that God is not man to act like one. Despite your unfaithfulness, He remains faithful. He is able to do whatever He has promised and won’t be influenced by your actions (though He rewards faithfulness).
Second thing is that the storms also obey Him. He never promised that there will be no storms. His promise is “peace not as the world gives it”. That is peace in spite of war, despite this; He calms the storm at will.
Let us read Matt14v22-33...
This account always blows my mind and I am sure some things must have got your attention too which I think you should not push aside but take time out to reminisce over at a later time. For now, I want you to focus on how He (Jesus) stepped into the boat without saying a word, the storm ceased. If Jesus is not in your boat, you should invite Him in (accept Him) as He is willing to come and will bring calm to the situations that tosses you to and fro.
A second scripture to read which is like the first Matt8v23-27...
It has a different perspective we should see things from. In this case the storm started while Jesus was in the boat. The disciples must have wondered how strange he was as He slept even with the heavy storm (Peace in spite of war). This means the Christian is not excluded from facing storms in life.
Jesus reaction to the storm is what you should allow influence your approach to storms (challenges) that come your way. He simply lay; sleeping soundly (because He knew he was safe in God) then rebuked the storm by calming it. He is also Lord over the storms, you know!
Do note that with Him in your boat (life and affairs), you can go to sleep as He did and trust Him to calm every storm that comes your way.
His promise is that He will not leave or forsake anyone who believes in Him and He is faithful to His promise. Do invite Him (Jesus) into your boat and have continuous fellowship with Him who is also Lord over every storm as He brings calm to your heart.
Enjoy a peaceful life ahead.
Often times we get through various trials, difficulties, challenges and unrest that can be likened to a storm. They toss us to and fro and bring fear into our hearts like the weight of the world is on our shoulders and we just want to give up. Sometimes, as “committed” Christians we say “why is God allowing this to happen” while for those of us who are not “committed” or not Christians, with inadequacies in our ways, we feel “it’s because of my unfaithfulness that these things are happening”.
The first thing you should note is that God is not man to act like one. Despite your unfaithfulness, He remains faithful. He is able to do whatever He has promised and won’t be influenced by your actions (though He rewards faithfulness).
Second thing is that the storms also obey Him. He never promised that there will be no storms. His promise is “peace not as the world gives it”. That is peace in spite of war, despite this; He calms the storm at will.
Let us read Matt14v22-33...
This account always blows my mind and I am sure some things must have got your attention too which I think you should not push aside but take time out to reminisce over at a later time. For now, I want you to focus on how He (Jesus) stepped into the boat without saying a word, the storm ceased. If Jesus is not in your boat, you should invite Him in (accept Him) as He is willing to come and will bring calm to the situations that tosses you to and fro.
A second scripture to read which is like the first Matt8v23-27...
It has a different perspective we should see things from. In this case the storm started while Jesus was in the boat. The disciples must have wondered how strange he was as He slept even with the heavy storm (Peace in spite of war). This means the Christian is not excluded from facing storms in life.
Jesus reaction to the storm is what you should allow influence your approach to storms (challenges) that come your way. He simply lay; sleeping soundly (because He knew he was safe in God) then rebuked the storm by calming it. He is also Lord over the storms, you know!
Do note that with Him in your boat (life and affairs), you can go to sleep as He did and trust Him to calm every storm that comes your way.
His promise is that He will not leave or forsake anyone who believes in Him and He is faithful to His promise. Do invite Him (Jesus) into your boat and have continuous fellowship with Him who is also Lord over every storm as He brings calm to your heart.
Enjoy a peaceful life ahead.
Monday, 4 July 2011
A Beautiful Garden??? - tend it!!!
I once kept a garden through which I learnt a good number of lessons. Some of the lessons include patience, giving attention to the work, weeding etc. Putting all these together is an attitude to imbibe in our Christian walk. It is very important to pay attention to yourself (1Tim4v16) i.e. watching yourself closely should be done daily.
Part of what I did on the garden was replanting some plants from a position to another; trying to identify what was growing on the garden that was not planted; weeding of such plants that were not wanted (even if it was a common fruit-I remember pulling out pawpaw seedlings) and; having to accommodate some vegetables from my mom which was not part of the plan. Time has passed and the garden has evolved not exactly the way I planned it to but it’s now more crowded with vegetables and the flowers are so inconsequential and the grass, not so encouraging.
I owe this largely to a few things as:
• Inconsistency- I skipped watering the garden regularly
• lack of commitment- my commitment to the garden dropped owing to some other affairs
• Ignorance- I did not have nor find basic knowledge about growing a garden
• No strict selection- I was not strict with the choice of plant to go in so I lost my design and control
• Non encouragement- I was getting little or no encouragement either from people or from the plants. It all looked like there was no success
You know, these and more are the challenges we face even with our own lives especially with the heart. Remember Pro4v23 admonishes that we should keep (guard) the heart with total diligence (hard work) because the core issues of life flow from there. So you should be watchful of what you allow to grow on it.
You should consciously weed out unwanted information, transplant the right ones at the right time and be careful not to make it a dumping ground for any and every information.
For this to happen you need to find out what is healthy for you (Eph5v15-17), it will help you be better focused and diligent.
You also need to be consistent in keeping your heart because this will train your heart on what to be inclined to. This does not guaranty a life time inclination in that direction and that is why you need to be committed to the course.
Your commitment will define your character and personality over time – it will stand you out!
The most difficult to do at times is keeping a strict selection of what comes in. You do not have total power over this because sometimes it is not planned or it is interestingly irresistible. This owes majorly to the lust of the flesh and the eyes and sometimes influenced by peer pressure, technology, freedom of expression etc. Despite these challenges you can consciously keep in check what you want to store in the core templates of your heart.
The truth is that you are likely not going to be encouraged by people who surround you to keep guarding your heart (maybe in church) and a lot of times you really do not feel the effect of keeping your heart. You have to learn to encourage yourself to do so because of its importance. You will only discover one day after so many days, weeks or years that you have saved yourself from destruction.
Tending the garden of your heart is an important activity you must prioritize on your to-do consciously list because it will define your personality over time and will attract or be attracted to its kind. If you leave it unattended to, trust me “orisirisi”- all sorts of things will emanate from there which will be good, bad and ugly. When you least expect, as a smoke cannot be hidden you become repulsive to people (sometimes important people) around you. If you make it a beautiful garden to behold then you will be beautiful in the eyes of many and attractive to all around you. There will be an admiration for you without knowing or understanding why but it is only because you have diligently tended the garden of your heart. So go ahead and invest into this noble project- tend your garden!
Part of what I did on the garden was replanting some plants from a position to another; trying to identify what was growing on the garden that was not planted; weeding of such plants that were not wanted (even if it was a common fruit-I remember pulling out pawpaw seedlings) and; having to accommodate some vegetables from my mom which was not part of the plan. Time has passed and the garden has evolved not exactly the way I planned it to but it’s now more crowded with vegetables and the flowers are so inconsequential and the grass, not so encouraging.
I owe this largely to a few things as:
• Inconsistency- I skipped watering the garden regularly
• lack of commitment- my commitment to the garden dropped owing to some other affairs
• Ignorance- I did not have nor find basic knowledge about growing a garden
• No strict selection- I was not strict with the choice of plant to go in so I lost my design and control
• Non encouragement- I was getting little or no encouragement either from people or from the plants. It all looked like there was no success
You know, these and more are the challenges we face even with our own lives especially with the heart. Remember Pro4v23 admonishes that we should keep (guard) the heart with total diligence (hard work) because the core issues of life flow from there. So you should be watchful of what you allow to grow on it.
You should consciously weed out unwanted information, transplant the right ones at the right time and be careful not to make it a dumping ground for any and every information.
For this to happen you need to find out what is healthy for you (Eph5v15-17), it will help you be better focused and diligent.
You also need to be consistent in keeping your heart because this will train your heart on what to be inclined to. This does not guaranty a life time inclination in that direction and that is why you need to be committed to the course.
Your commitment will define your character and personality over time – it will stand you out!
The most difficult to do at times is keeping a strict selection of what comes in. You do not have total power over this because sometimes it is not planned or it is interestingly irresistible. This owes majorly to the lust of the flesh and the eyes and sometimes influenced by peer pressure, technology, freedom of expression etc. Despite these challenges you can consciously keep in check what you want to store in the core templates of your heart.
The truth is that you are likely not going to be encouraged by people who surround you to keep guarding your heart (maybe in church) and a lot of times you really do not feel the effect of keeping your heart. You have to learn to encourage yourself to do so because of its importance. You will only discover one day after so many days, weeks or years that you have saved yourself from destruction.
Tending the garden of your heart is an important activity you must prioritize on your to-do consciously list because it will define your personality over time and will attract or be attracted to its kind. If you leave it unattended to, trust me “orisirisi”- all sorts of things will emanate from there which will be good, bad and ugly. When you least expect, as a smoke cannot be hidden you become repulsive to people (sometimes important people) around you. If you make it a beautiful garden to behold then you will be beautiful in the eyes of many and attractive to all around you. There will be an admiration for you without knowing or understanding why but it is only because you have diligently tended the garden of your heart. So go ahead and invest into this noble project- tend your garden!
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