Ada woke up that morning and made an effort to kneel by her bedside to pray but she lay right back on the bed; Her spirit just wouldn't let her! She was sick and tired of it all- the way the days crawled into weeks, weeks into months and all she did was sit at home doing nothing. She was tired of waking up every morning and working right through the same things again; wake up, do some little chores, watch tv, eat and sleep. How she hated it! As if that wasn't enough, she didn't want to talk to God?
She sighed and looked into space for what seemed like eternity then ,her eyes caught her bible just inches away from her. She reached out to pick it. What was she even going to read? She thought. The idea of using her devotional did not just appeal to her at all. Still she just couldn't sit there and do nothing. She wanted to get out of the mess she had found herself in this morning ,so she prayed, 'God I want to hear you. Speak to me'. Then she waited. And a verse dropped into her heart. Was that God? She felt a tinge of doubt but still opened it- Jer1: 17- 'Therefore, prepare yourself and arise...........
Was this what God was telling her? She felt hope rising within her as she thought about this word. But then despair settled over her again. So what was she supposed to do with this now? A voice asked within her. She didn't feel like rising or doing anything! 'God, what do I do?' She voiced out in frustration. Then she felt as though she was being nudged in her spirit and a quiet voice urging her, Just get up and pray! And she got up and the words began to tumble out of her mouth. At last!
Dear blogees,
Welcome to another uplifting post. Remember this popular opening line,
"When your body wakes up but your mind doesn't "..............
Yep. It's from the Lipton advert if we remember correctly. Well that's where I got my inspiration for today's post title. The full title is actually " When your flesh wakes up but your spirit doesn't". What about it, you may ask? Well, ask Ada (from story above) and she would tell you how dangerous it is for your flesh to wake up while your spirit is still asleep. Your flesh is that part of you that's set on the things of the flesh such as watching tv, reading, talking, eating and so on. Your spirit is the part of you concerned with praying, the word of God, worship and living a holy life.As believers, the flesh and spirit are supposed to work hand in hand for us to live a victorious Christian life. The spirit should have total control over the flesh. It should be the head of your flesh. You can imagine waking up without your head. For instance as the flesh part of you is talking, the spirit part is supposed to help you not to lie, exaggerate or falsify. As the flesh part of you reads, the spirit is to help you to filter what you read so you don't read materials that would jeopardize your Christian living. But this particular morning Ada's flesh woke up and started controlling her thinking. So she began to set her mind on the things of the flesh and she didn't want to do the things of the spirit. How sad!And that seed of despair that had been planted within her was determined to let her spirit remain asleep until God intervened. God is a God of beauty. The moment he steps right in, every ugly situation becomes beautiful and that was what he did with Ada. He roused her spirit from its deep slumber and told it to prepare itself for great restoration. Of course when she read this word, her spirit was still asleep so she couldn't make sense out of it. But God took control because she let him and he awakened her spirit. David let God take control too in 1 Sam. 30:6b, He strengthened himself in The Lord his God and he was able to hear God speak to him. When your flesh wakes up but your spirit doesn't, reach out for God's unfailing word in your heart. Believe his word and wait for him to speak to you. Better believe the word that says in the presence of God, there is fullness of joy because no matter what the situation may be, once you've taken time to commune and fellowship with HIM, you'll feel pure overflowing joy . So tomorrow morning and the next and the next.........I'm going to wake up, read His word, meditate , pray , sing and strengthen myself in The Lord my God. What about you?
Yours Blogfully
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Thursday, 15 August 2013
WAITING TO HEAR FROM GOD
My dear blogees,
Many times, we rush ahead of God expecting him to come and meet us where we are. But often, we discover that where we are is not where HE is and that we have go over to where HE is. By the time we get to where HE is, we are already too late. That's our story. That's my story. It's a mistake we make time and time again without learning.
God is usually our last resort. We don't turn to him until we are in trouble and then we start quoting verses like 'you are an ever present help in time of trouble'. Instead of turning to him in 'time of trouble', why didn't you spare yourself the trouble in the first place? Don't you know that it is those little boxes of time you did not spend waiting to hear from God that have been converted into the all mighty box of trouble? Waiting on God to hear from HIM is very important in our walk with God and it is one of the wiles of the devil -to make us overlook this very important step , trip us up and then send us tumbling down the whole staircase.
From now on, pls do not let us be game for the devil. Imagine him and his cohorts having a real good laugh anytime we fall into that trap of his and then imagine David the psalmist shouting this at you"..........Wait, I say on the Lord"! ( taken from the end part of Psalm 27:14) Determine strongly that from now on, you would wait to hear from God before taking
any step or decision. God help us all.
Yours Blogfully,
Blogger.
Many times, we rush ahead of God expecting him to come and meet us where we are. But often, we discover that where we are is not where HE is and that we have go over to where HE is. By the time we get to where HE is, we are already too late. That's our story. That's my story. It's a mistake we make time and time again without learning.
God is usually our last resort. We don't turn to him until we are in trouble and then we start quoting verses like 'you are an ever present help in time of trouble'. Instead of turning to him in 'time of trouble', why didn't you spare yourself the trouble in the first place? Don't you know that it is those little boxes of time you did not spend waiting to hear from God that have been converted into the all mighty box of trouble? Waiting on God to hear from HIM is very important in our walk with God and it is one of the wiles of the devil -to make us overlook this very important step , trip us up and then send us tumbling down the whole staircase.
From now on, pls do not let us be game for the devil. Imagine him and his cohorts having a real good laugh anytime we fall into that trap of his and then imagine David the psalmist shouting this at you"..........Wait, I say on the Lord"! ( taken from the end part of Psalm 27:14) Determine strongly that from now on, you would wait to hear from God before taking
any step or decision. God help us all.
Yours Blogfully,
Blogger.
Friday, 21 June 2013
THE PEACE SERIES 2: LIKE JESUS OR LIKE THE DISCIPLES?
The beautiful story about Jesus and the storm in Mark 4:36-39 is my focus in this post. Its truly a beautiful story. Jesus and his disciples were crossing over to the other side and while they were sailing across, a storm arose; the winds raged and the waves slapped against the sides of the boat threatening to drown them all.Jesus was fast asleep and the disciples became so panicky and fearful that they had to wake him up to save them; 'Peace be still', Jesus commanded and the raging storm immediately ceased then great calm returned to the sea.
In the last piece, according to Phil4:7 we were made to understand that the peace of the Lord is that which surpasses all understanding. And from this story, we see that indeed, so it is or how do we explain that in the midst of a raging storm, Jesus could still be in deep sleep. This is what amazes me most about this story. If we relate this to life, we find that when there's so much trouble going on in a person's life- a child falls ill, a loved one dies, the debts are rising, a marriage is cruimbling; that is when peace is absent in the person's life. We can liken all these to the raging storm in the story yet in this raging storm, Jesus could still sleep so peacefully. The disciples must have thought silently, is he crazy?! Definitely not! That was simply the peace of God in action! The peace of the Lord is unconnected to troubles, chaos, wars or challenges, it is that inner quietude in our souls; it is that deep seated assurance that no matter what, God is with me. The peace of the Lord is not affected by what is going on around us. In life, as we cross over to bigger responsibilities, higher callings,higher posts, we are bound to face challenges and the storms will rage; as Christians (people like Christ;not churchgoers), would we let the peace of the Lord guard our hearts and go off to sleep? or would we let fear rule our hearts and and doubt that God is there for us? Like Jesus or like the disciples?
Stay blessed and posted!
The beautiful story about Jesus and the storm in Mark 4:36-39 is my focus in this post. Its truly a beautiful story. Jesus and his disciples were crossing over to the other side and while they were sailing across, a storm arose; the winds raged and the waves slapped against the sides of the boat threatening to drown them all.Jesus was fast asleep and the disciples became so panicky and fearful that they had to wake him up to save them; 'Peace be still', Jesus commanded and the raging storm immediately ceased then great calm returned to the sea.
In the last piece, according to Phil4:7 we were made to understand that the peace of the Lord is that which surpasses all understanding. And from this story, we see that indeed, so it is or how do we explain that in the midst of a raging storm, Jesus could still be in deep sleep. This is what amazes me most about this story. If we relate this to life, we find that when there's so much trouble going on in a person's life- a child falls ill, a loved one dies, the debts are rising, a marriage is cruimbling; that is when peace is absent in the person's life. We can liken all these to the raging storm in the story yet in this raging storm, Jesus could still sleep so peacefully. The disciples must have thought silently, is he crazy?! Definitely not! That was simply the peace of God in action! The peace of the Lord is unconnected to troubles, chaos, wars or challenges, it is that inner quietude in our souls; it is that deep seated assurance that no matter what, God is with me. The peace of the Lord is not affected by what is going on around us. In life, as we cross over to bigger responsibilities, higher callings,higher posts, we are bound to face challenges and the storms will rage; as Christians (people like Christ;not churchgoers), would we let the peace of the Lord guard our hearts and go off to sleep? or would we let fear rule our hearts and and doubt that God is there for us? Like Jesus or like the disciples?
Stay blessed and posted!
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
SEEKING GOD
Job 8:5 says 'If you would earnestly seek God; And make your supplication to the Almighty. Then v.6 goes on to say, 'If you were pure and upright, Surely now He would awake for you, And prosper your rightful dwelling place.
For many years, Amaka had prayed to God for a husband. She was leaning towards 33 years of age yet there was no suitor. Her mind was always in turmoil; questions often flooded her thoughts and denied her of peace. She had been called names and even her family was not left out- the reason why she hardly contacted her parents. 'Amaka, you are a shame! At your age, no husband, no children!' her mother shouted at her one day over the phone. From vigils to prayer meetings to conventions to marriage seminars and conferences; no suitor. She had become a prayer point everywhere ; invested her money in books on marriage, fasted to no end yet her Mr. Right was not in sight. As she drove home from the bank that evening, the tears that cascaded down her pretty face blurred her vision , her hands were threatening to lose their hold on the steering so she veered off into a small street off the busy road and with what was left of her strength brought her car to a halt in front of one of the houses on the street. Then she bowed her head on the steering and began to weep. 'God, why?' She asked. 'Do you hate me this much? Where have I gone wrong?' Her whole body trembled as she sobbed uncontrollably. How long she sobbed there, she didn't know. She suddenly woke up with a start when it was dark. Where was she? She rubbed her eyes and looked around for a while wondering what on earth she was doing here. She started the car, still puzzled. When she finally found her way out to the road; everything had begun falling into place as she remembered what brought her here. Her heart didn't feel heavy as it did anymore; it felt light and happy and free. The peace that draped the core of her being was a deep-seated one. When was the last time she felt like this?As light and free as a bird with no worries weighing her down. She turned on the music in her car and the ambient sound of worship filled the car while she sang along. And as she sang, she was smiling. So God had been there for her all along and all she could do was worry about a man when HE had loved her all along. She was busy agitating about a husband when she already had God? She shook her head; she was now rounding the bend that marked off Randle avenue where she lived. As she turned into her street, she remembered HIS words from the dream that caused this transformation.'I don't hate you; I have loved you, I love you and will always love you'. These words were beautiful words that made her head spin like that of a sixteen year old. She hopped out of the car like a kid after she had parked outside the gate of her house. She was never going to worry about a husband again because God had already answered her prayers long long ago!
I once listened to a woman who talked about marriage and she said something about her life as a single woman. She said she discovered that she had been seeking a man all along and not God. And that was when she accepted God's will for her whether in marriage or singleness. Job8:5 talks about seeking God earnestly. Are we seeking God or seeking that job or marriage? Why are we serving God? These are questions that define our relationship with the Most High. Matt 6:33 enjoins us to seek first the kingdom of God and other things will be added to us. When we joy in the simple pleasure of relating with God and communing with Him, pleasing Him in all we do, laying all the burdens of our heart before him and still enjoying the peace that comes with trusting in Him instead of agitating, then God cannot sit and watch us this is why Job says that He will awake for us and whatever is rightfully ours; that job, husband, child, admission, first class degree will be given to us. You, just seek HIM first.
For many years, Amaka had prayed to God for a husband. She was leaning towards 33 years of age yet there was no suitor. Her mind was always in turmoil; questions often flooded her thoughts and denied her of peace. She had been called names and even her family was not left out- the reason why she hardly contacted her parents. 'Amaka, you are a shame! At your age, no husband, no children!' her mother shouted at her one day over the phone. From vigils to prayer meetings to conventions to marriage seminars and conferences; no suitor. She had become a prayer point everywhere ; invested her money in books on marriage, fasted to no end yet her Mr. Right was not in sight. As she drove home from the bank that evening, the tears that cascaded down her pretty face blurred her vision , her hands were threatening to lose their hold on the steering so she veered off into a small street off the busy road and with what was left of her strength brought her car to a halt in front of one of the houses on the street. Then she bowed her head on the steering and began to weep. 'God, why?' She asked. 'Do you hate me this much? Where have I gone wrong?' Her whole body trembled as she sobbed uncontrollably. How long she sobbed there, she didn't know. She suddenly woke up with a start when it was dark. Where was she? She rubbed her eyes and looked around for a while wondering what on earth she was doing here. She started the car, still puzzled. When she finally found her way out to the road; everything had begun falling into place as she remembered what brought her here. Her heart didn't feel heavy as it did anymore; it felt light and happy and free. The peace that draped the core of her being was a deep-seated one. When was the last time she felt like this?As light and free as a bird with no worries weighing her down. She turned on the music in her car and the ambient sound of worship filled the car while she sang along. And as she sang, she was smiling. So God had been there for her all along and all she could do was worry about a man when HE had loved her all along. She was busy agitating about a husband when she already had God? She shook her head; she was now rounding the bend that marked off Randle avenue where she lived. As she turned into her street, she remembered HIS words from the dream that caused this transformation.'I don't hate you; I have loved you, I love you and will always love you'. These words were beautiful words that made her head spin like that of a sixteen year old. She hopped out of the car like a kid after she had parked outside the gate of her house. She was never going to worry about a husband again because God had already answered her prayers long long ago!
I once listened to a woman who talked about marriage and she said something about her life as a single woman. She said she discovered that she had been seeking a man all along and not God. And that was when she accepted God's will for her whether in marriage or singleness. Job8:5 talks about seeking God earnestly. Are we seeking God or seeking that job or marriage? Why are we serving God? These are questions that define our relationship with the Most High. Matt 6:33 enjoins us to seek first the kingdom of God and other things will be added to us. When we joy in the simple pleasure of relating with God and communing with Him, pleasing Him in all we do, laying all the burdens of our heart before him and still enjoying the peace that comes with trusting in Him instead of agitating, then God cannot sit and watch us this is why Job says that He will awake for us and whatever is rightfully ours; that job, husband, child, admission, first class degree will be given to us. You, just seek HIM first.
THE PEACE SERIES: THE PEACE OF THE LORD
In John Mohmoh's appreciation speech for the award he recently received, he said the peace of the Lord which surpasses all understanding has contributed to his success. This got me thinking......."What is peace?" Is there a difference between peace and the peace of the Lord? Why is it so important and almost indispensable? I recall being at a service one morning; we were told to ask our neighbours what they wanted and commit that thing into prayers so I asked my neigbour, "What do you want?" and "Peace", came the simple reply from this gaily dressed neighbour of mine. And I thought to myself, why would she ask just that? Was there a raging storm under that cool beautiful exterior she was putting on?
So back to these questions. We would first take a look at this verse to define the peace of God:
`'and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Phillipians 4:7 (NKJV)
This is the simple but powerful meaning of peace that the Holy Spirit led Paul to understand and he in turn has made us to understand this simple truth. Note the simplicity and yet the depth of this; the peace of God is a peace which surpasses all understanding!
By God's grace, my subsequent posts would help us to gain insight on what the peace of God really is.
Keep it a date!
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
MY VALENTINE'S STORY
Around the world, Valentine's day is known as the day of love but do you know that this day is synonymous with illicit affairs which usually culminate in unwanted pregnancies, broken hearts, disappointments, broken marriages and homes, seperations, divorce, STDs, STIs and other ugly stuff ? Valentine's day is now more of an avenue to celebrate lust instead of true and pure love the way God created it to be. And if we are to really celebrate love ,then 14th of February is not enough to do that. Everyday should be a day to love God, love ourselves and our families. God gave us a love so pure by sending HIS only Son to die for us. Who else can give a love so pure? Those cuddly teddy bears, romantic dinners, flowers or boxes of chocolate cannot in anyway compare to the gift of salvation God gave us. So in the Christian world, we should see this day as a day to celebrate God's love, the gift of salvation, fellowship with HIM and dine with our Christian brothers and sisters. I have a Valentine story of how GOD called me out of darkness into his marvelous light in 2012. That week began my wonderful adventure and beautiful walk with God. It means a lot to me because I can stand, beat my chest and declare that God loves me very much. He could have allowed me to continue in that life. But it was like he said 'Stop right there, child!' And now, 14th of February is not just Valentine's day to me; It's the light that shone out of the darkness! That's my beautiful Valentine's story, what's yours?
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
WELCOME TO THE MONTH OF LURV!!!
It's February, the world acclaimed month of LURV! And Yours Blogfully officially welcomes you to the month of love. As we get caught up in the Valentine celebrations this month, it's time to reflect on that one person who really ,truly loves us for who we are and not who we pretend to be. He might not take you out to dinner or buy you an extra cuddly teddy bear, he might not give you a rose flower or buy you a box of chocolates but Guess what? He gives much more than that! or why do you think Ps.40:4 says, 'Many are your wonderful works......................................................They are more than can be numbered'. You can count those chocolates or that teddy bear but Hey! You cannot count the works of God.So, if you are searching for your 'valentine', search no further because God is the perfect val! Girls in da house, if you are crushing on 'that guy' in your class trusting and hoping for some miracle to make you his'val', there's One that even though you are not crushing on HIM, he's there 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month and 12 months a year, He's there loving you and longing for you. Yeah! He doesn't even wait for 'Valentine' to declare his love for you or give you gifts; they are there all year round. And you say HE's not the perfect val? Better stop wasting your time on 'that boy'!
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