Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Born Again? What does it mean?

 “What does it mean?


So there is a growing number of people who do not understand what it means to be born again. Some assume it is a bad thing and always despise people who claim to be. Another group even say they are and cannot even explain clearly what it means to be one. The question then will be, can you be what or who you do not know how to describe?

If you say you are something, it doesn’t make you the thing. If you act like you are something, it still does not make you that thing. If I were to say I am a medical doctor and even go ahead to dress like one, it does not qualify me to become a medical doctor. If I were to do some medical diagnosis and treatment based on my experience with being around a doctor and caring for the sick around me, it does not qualify me to be a doctor. A medical doctor is someone trained and licensed to diagnose and prescribe medications for the sick.

To be born again means that one is born of the Spirit. In John 3 verses 5-6,

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Jesus clearly presents a distinction between spiritual and physical (fleshly) birth to make it clear that being born again is a spiritual birth. To be born again is to be born spiritually and this is absolutely different and has nothing to do with your physical birth. It is a birth and it must be seen and acknowledged as that.”


Excerpts from the book “Born Again?”


Available on Amazon.. see Link below 


Born Again?: A simple guide on the new birth Jesus Christ talked about: Making plain the realities of what being born again is all about. See it as it is and be sure of what you believe .


Sunday, 19 May 2024

Fan to Flames

Fan to Flames.


It is true we need to actively fan a combustible to flames, and it is easy to be happy when we see the flames come up. I think it is more important that we keep the flames alive. 


For fire to burn, it requires a few component. Heat, fuel and energy that is heat; wood, paper or PMS (basically anything that can burn) and air. 


As Christians, our call to fan to flames means we ought to throw in the components to fan to flames and keep the fire burning. The components required are prayers, bible reading, meditation on the word of God, preaching the gospel and doing the word.

As Paul told Timothy, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”- 2Timothy 1:6-7(NIV) , 


Accept this as a reminder that you need to be on fire for Jesus Christ so that you can reach your world through His abundant gift in you. 


Also be reminded that you have the Holy Spirit to help you do it. 


Fan to flames!

Monday, 13 May 2024

Parkrun - 32:15:64 Life lessons from my first Marathon

 Parkrun - 32:15:64

Life lessons from my first Marathon 



Running a marathon is not so popular where I come from (Nigeria), so I participated in my first Marathon race organised by parkrun in July, 2023. I signed up because it looked exciting when I saw contestants run the previous week and I believed I’ll just breeze through it - “a run through the park” right?!?.


Parkrun is an initiative to get people to run, walk or jog weekly in their different communities. It is a free 5k race and encourages everyone to participate just as you are. You can walk, jog, run or volunteer(or a combination of any of these), everyone is a winner. It is inclusive, positive and welcoming with no time limits (Parkrun.org.uk).


I entered for it confidently and arrived on time with a strategy in my head to finish well and strong.

On the day of the event which was cloudy and windy at the Thames Path parkrun, Woolwich, as we gathered, instructions were given, milestones celebrated and the course described to newbies like myself. It was a straight run on sandcrete floor then continued on ground path and further through a park and unto the “curly-wurly” hill where participants make a return back the same way from the top of the hill along the same route down to the finish line.

I confirmed what I had seen the week before the race but this time in the race. There were different people, from old to young, big to small, diverse colour, different groups, some with dogs, trollies with kids in it and even a pregnant woman. Status was not clear and obvious as intentions and achievements of participants was unrecognisable.


As the race began after the call “GO, I began to realise some  lessons from this marathon race. I will be sharing seven of these lessons that I consider useful for our life race that God has set before us. Hebrews 12:2 says we should run with perseverance the race set before us. Everyone is in a race, how you run it goes a long way. Below are the lessons.


  • It starts with a step: as the announcer said go, it became paramount that it only takes a step to start and another one then another to continue till you finish. The end line is the goal but you only need a step at a time to cover many grounds. It’s the same thing in life, you cannot do it or be it all at once. Go through the process and enjoy the moments one after the other.
  • It is a race against time: as the race commenced, it became obvious that the race is not against the many people in it. It is a race against myself and at best my time. Running against people was not worthwhile as some moved ahead and some dropped behind who couldn’t keep up.  Living your life based on other people’s opinions and achievements will either leave you distressed or short-changed as you will be messed up either ways. Let your eyes be on the focus, not on others.
  • Pace your race: just after five minutes into the race I was already panting and couldn’t continue at the pace I started with. I immediately started pacing myself so that I could keep up through the race. Some times I walked so I can catch my breath and run better, at other times I dropped my speed so I could increase it later. One thing I didn’t do is stop moving or give up.  Learn to take rests and breaks in life as the pressures come. It helps you gain strength to press forward subsequently.
  • Travel with the necessities: it’s easier to say travel light because that is the key to running fast but I carefully observed that it may not work for everyone as I learnt. I observed people travel with different things as inhaler, phones, trolley with their kid in it, bottle water, dog (yes! a dog) etc. Traveling light would have meant leaving behind something important that would keep them stable during the race or keep the mind together. Imagine the man with the kid in that trolley spending time with the child as he ran. In life, you should know how to identify what is necessary per time and run with them. Run without being hindered by what you have or do not have.
  • Cheers are good: as we jogged, ran or walked along, we gave and received cheers from one another and from non participants. The cheers did spur me on when I got tired and really felt like giving up. You should have people who cheer you on as you also do same to other as you go through life. We need to celebrate one another so that we are all charged up to go on. 
  • Take advice and run with it: As I burnt out on my way back an older man jogged past me and said “take off your head gear, you’re burning up”. I had covered my hair up because I couldn’t comb it before setting out. I hesitated for this simple reason but decided to remove it as advised while he jogged on and left me behind. As soon as I removed it, I felt the breeze blow over my head and I soon felt refreshed and better. I finished the race without the head covering. There are people who have gone ahead of you in life and gained the relevant knowledge of the course you are chatting. Take a moment to listen and learn from their experience. You do not have to learn the hard way, just enjoy the benefit of having people around you to offer guidance as necessary.
  • Finish: as I crossed the finish line, receiving the cheers of the organisers, it felt good, really good and then relief. I secured my time( 32:15) and went on to scan my barcode. The lesson here is in two folds, which are that everyone who commits to continuing will finish and the time you finish is personal to you. For me, the time was the first, it felt okay and the standard to beat the next time I try. On the flip side, I saw a dad pushing his child in a trolley who was tired and had about six meter to the finish line suddenly rushed up as he was encouraged he could still beat the 44 minutes mark. Everyone will finish but how will you finish?


We all have a race set before us and we must do well to run it with every diligence. Everyone one will give an account of how well it has been run.


Have you been part of any race before? What do you think about the points raised and which one caught your attention and why?

Please share your thoughts and register for the next Parkrun event through the link below.


https://www.parkrun.org.uk/



Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Let's Stop Rape campaign. Day 15

Day 15

Thank you.

The “Let’s Stop Rape” campaign is a project that kicked off with an intentional to bring more awareness to the issue of Rape. In the past 15 days we have touched on a few things which inludes:

The definition of Rape
The position of the law
Anybody can be a victim: No one is full proof
Every one is a possible suspect: Be alert and aware.
What to do as a victim
Your responsibility to the work and much more..

The work is for everyone to do and the way to start is with people around you by creating the necessary awareness to stop it. We must consciously raise our young  boys and girls to respect people and train them to be responsible for their actions and the good of everyone.

I appreciate everyone that was part of this campaign in one way or the other either by sharing or liking the contents daily. I’m sure your contribution goes a long way.
Thank you.

I will be launching out by doing more of this via other social media platforms. This will be very influential in achieving the desire. By the grace of God I hope we can have short videos/skits, a song, a documentary and possibly a movie. Invitation to schools will be a consideration. I hope this campaign can be taken to schools or places where youths are present.

You can lend your support in different ways. Plug into the idea to stop rape and find out how or where you can fit in. Prayers and words of comfort will go a long way so you don’t have to wait till you are fully set to participate.

You can contact me via WhatsApp(only) 234 8159911801 or send an inbox message via adeoyegabriela@yahoo.com .

I encourage you to continue this drive and let’s stop rape. Thank you again and watch out for more in the year ahead. Enjoy and have a great  year 2018 ahead.

Thanks.

Ayo Adeoye

Tuesday, 27 February 2018

Let's Stop Rape campaign. Day 14

Hello friends.
We are at the last stage of the campaign "Let's Stop Rape". Today we call for commitment from all stake holders. Your commitment is required. Read and share . Like and comment. Thank you.

Day 14

The commitment

This is a call to commitment to everyone because we all have a part to play. Parents need to commit to teach and train their children in the way of the Lord that they may not depart from it. Adults need to make a commitment to protect the young girls and boys from being victims of rape. Young boys at this stage and time make a firm commitment to stand against rape. Your commitment ought to be to God and not just a mere verbal utterance without proper follow up. We must all stand in defence of the vice that secretly creeps into our homes like a terror and take the joy  of a loved one. Stand against it. Let’s stop Rape.

A man or woman who rapes or sexually assaults another is malfunctioning and ought to be fixed. The right one to fix a malfunction is the creator/designer - God. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ. believe in Jesus Christ and He will make you a new creation.

Make a commitment to God now. Make a commitment to God that you will not rape or be an accomplice to rape.

Thank you.

#stopRAPE #LetsStopRAPE #notoRAPE

Monday, 26 February 2018

Let's Stop Rape campaign. Day 13

It's day 13 of the "Let's Stop Rape" campaign. It's not too late to be a part of it. Today we look at what is a seeming lasting solution. Please read, share, like and tweet.

Day 13

Just a word: solution in male responsibility.

The Male gender is key: there has been more reports of rape or sexual assault committed by men than women. This means the man/male child should be responsible for himself never to rape someone. As ready made suspect, they should be trained to perceive rape as evil. He should be taught to have self confidence and respect for other people. Teach him to be a man.

Who is a man?
 A man is designed by God with strength(more physical strength): every man is designed to have physical and mental strength. the strength is innate and must be properly channelled. when idle and not properly channelled, it is used for all kinds of vices which may include rape.
The male strength is given for these three main reasons:

To Create- God has given man the strength to create and not destroy. He uses his strength to chat new paths for victory. He uses his strength to build others up for achievements. It is why kids see their dad as their first hero. A real man creates.

To Lead- he has the strength to lead people to their potential. created in an image of a head, he is to lead himself and his family to fulfil their purpose. It is natural with man to lead. He leads to safety, to abundance, to restoration etc. He has a natural disposition to lead and leaders take responsibility for whatever is within their reach or influence. A real man leads in the right direction.

To Protect- every man uses his strenght to protect from danger. He wants to protect and defend the people he loves from evil. He does not want anything to happen to whatever is his. He is strong so he can protect. A real man protects from evil.
2
Strength is never for destruction: it is a perversion and abnormal when you see men who destroy.  Men who destroy are actually living against their God design. This perversion usually occurs when a child is not trained in the way of the Lord. While the strength seeks to be free to try out everything (good and evil) there is a responsibility the parent has which is to help him focus on the good. If it is learned by discipline early and he’s used to it he will not leave it. A real man does not destroy. Rape is destruction. A real man does not rape.

Parents have a responsibility to train up young boys to become men. They should be thought to live responsibly and fulfil the position of responsibility they have. A parent should not leave out the discipline and training of a male child no matter how precious he is perceived to be. He is to be taught and it must be done consciously. This training is to include how to think constructively to be a builder of walls and not a breaker. You must train your male children so that they will not engage in such a vice as rape. As we do this early and teach them to respect others, we stop rape in our community. Train your child.

As a male child who is growing to be a man, you must equally be 3responsible for all  decisions. Every decision has consequences and the consequences are not determined by an offender.  Before you act, think carefully through it and weight the consequences against the immediate benefits. No matter what training you lack as a kid, you must be responsible for yourself now. Your life is in your hands and should not be left to someone else’s mistake. Pi3355ck yourself up and be determine you will be a godly man. One who loves, creates, leads right and protects but never destroys. Be a man.

Please share, comment, like and tweet. Let's Stop Rape.

Thank you.

#stopRAPE #LetsStopRAPE #notoRAPE


Sunday, 25 February 2018

Let's Stop Rape campaign. Day 12

This is the 12th day of the "Let's Stop Rape" campaign.  We conclude on what should be done in case there is a rape (You may need to see day 11 for previous points) as We deal with the internal effects. It is serious and requires personal commitment.
Read, share, comment and tweet. You can also be part of the ongoing survey. The link is below.

Day 12
A Rape victim is always plunged into another state of life that is entirely  different from her normal usual self. The play back of The event mixed with the pain and helplessness makes it difficult to move on and it fills the heart with hate, grief, fear and unforgivness. Today, we look at how to get away from that strange place you suddenly find yourself and that strange person you have become.

-Take it to Jesus Christ: Jesus said “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”- Matt 11:28 (NKJV). Those words are real and they are true. There is rest for every soul that comes to Jesus. Rest is that place of tranquillity, a place where you find peace inspite of so much that life is throwing at you. Only a walk with Jesus Christ can offer the peace that brings healing, clarity and direction. It is better experienced than described as words fail to express the reality of it.

You have to take it all to Jesus. He will meet at your very point of need. He will fill the vacuum and emptiness you feel within you. He will pull you out of the miry clay and slimy pit and wash away every shame you feel and set you on solid rock and give you a new song to sing. Take it that this ought to be a walk and not just a one time contact. You should have a close walk with Him through every momemt and phase of healing. The devil will always try to remind you of that past as you are being healed but as you walk closely with Jesus, He will comfort you and give you a new and beautiful experience always. He will replace the shame with joy and glory. Take it to Jesus.

-Forgive: I agree that forgiveness is a difficult pill to swallow at this stage but it is a necessary for complete healing to happen. when you forgive, you take away the weight and burden of wrath you feel. The burden of not forgiving the rapist limits you from giving full expression in worship to God which includes your livelihood. To forgive is to cancel every wrong you hold against someone. Its like picking an arrow and shooting far away into the sea where you cannot find it anymore. It is not as easy as stated but through faith in God, you can find strength to forgive as you have been forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. If you have been forgiven much then you have to forgive. You will not forget but the power that forgiveness will give you will supersede the bitterness that remembering ought to bring.

Forgiveness is first personal and with the Lord so you don’t need to see the person before you forgive. You can forgive without ever meeting the person again. Whenever and wherever you forgive, it is a chance for you to get your victory, freedom and strength back from the person. You deserve to be joyful and you will find it as you forgive.
Chose the path of victory and forgive the rapist. You can.

Please take a moment to share, comment, like and tweet.
Thank you.

#stopRAPE #LetsStopRAPE #notoRAPE

Thank you.